Nano-composite of poly(L-lactide) and halloysite nanotubes surface-grafted with L-lactide oligomer under microwave irradiation.

In order to improve the bonding between halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and poly(L-lactide) (PLLA), and hence to increase the mechanical properties of HNTs/PLLA nano-composite, HNTs were surface-grafted with PLLA under microwave irradiation and then blended with PLLA matrix. The optimal conditions for grafting polymerization are: irradiation time of 30 min, microwave power of 30 W and reaction temperature of 130 degrees C. The structure and properties of the surface-grafted HNTs (g-HNTs) were characterized by Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and dynamic light scattering (DLS).

Improving the cell affinity of a poly(D,L-lactide) film modified by grafting collagen via a plasma technique.

Poly(D,L-lactide) films were surface-modified by grafting collagen via NH(3) plasma to improve cell affinity. The modified films were characterized by IR analysis, contact angle measurement, SEM analysis and collagen quantity determination. It was demonstrated that -NH(2) and collagen were incorporated into the surface of PDLLA films.