| Abstract [eng] |
In this final project properties of novel nonwoven materials from keratin and comfrey, formed by electrospinning, are examined. Keratin is a natural protein that is biocompatible, biodegradable, and renewable. Comfrey has medicinal properties: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, also promotes wound healing. Keratin, keratin and comfrey solutions were prepared for electrospinning: 1. mixture of keratin solution and aqueous solution of comfrey with comfrey content of 3,6%, with a concentration of C = 5 %; and a mixture of keratin solution and aqueous solution of comfrey with comfrey content of 7,2 %, with concentration of C = 5 %. 2. Also, a mixture of keratin solution and aqueous solution of comfrey, containing 3,6 % of comfrey, with concentration of C = 7,5 % was prepared, as well as a mixture of keratin solution and aqueous solution of comfrey, containing 7,2 % of comfrey, and with a concentration of C = 7,5 %. Analysis of electrical conductivity of polymer solutions was conducted. It was found that the solution electrical conductivity depends on the amount of comfrey aqueous solution added. Possibly the electrical conductivity is affected by the electrically conductive groups in comfrey. Also, the viscosity analysis of polymer solutions was performed, during which it was found that the viscosity depends on the amount of comfrey added. Most likely viscosity depends on the phenolic compounds present in comfrey and on the decreasing concentration of keratin when the aqueous solution of comfrey is mixed in. With reference to the SEM photographs of the samples, the structure analysis of nano-microfibers was executed. The nano-microfibers spun from keratin and comfrey, when the amount of comfrey was 3,6% and the concentration was C = 7,5 %, had few defects, were uniform. Furthermore, nanomicrofibers of similar structure were spun from keratin solution at a voltage of 65 kV. After plotting the histograms of diameter distribution and analyzing the diameter of the nanomicrofibers, it was established, that the diameter of the nano-microfibers doesn’t significantly depend on the amount of comfrey in the solution, on spinning voltage (55 kV and 65 kV) and spinning time (5 and 20 minutes). The diameter of spun nano-microfibers depended on solution preparation time. |
