Author
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Selling, Gordon |
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Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 1/15/2009 Publication Date: 3/26/2009 Citation: Selling, G.W. 2009. Electrospun zein fibers using glyoxal or formaldehyde as the cross-linking reagent. Meeting Abstract. xx. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Glyoxal or formaldehyde was used as a cross-linking reagent for zein (corn protein) to provide electrospun fibers with improved physical properties and solvent resistance. These reagents were used between 2 and 6%. The cross-linking reaction was carried out in acetic acid for various lengths of time at temperatures between room temperature and 60 degrees C. Fiber morphology was defined by SEM for the various compositions and spinning conditions. Formaldehyde fibers were found to be more resistant to dissolution in acetic acid than glyoxal. The resistance of both fibers was improved by a brief thermal treatment of the spun fiber matte. The time and temperature needed to deliver insolubility was dependent on the amount of cross-linking reagent used, with lower amounts requiring longer times and/or higher temperatures. The tensile strength of the cross-linked fibrous mattes was significantly improved relative to control. The fibers were found to be birefringent and had higher amounts of alpha-helix relative to starting material. |
