Abstract:

Mats of core-shell fibres of semi-crystalline poly(L-lactic acid) (core) and amorphous poly(D,L-lactic acid) (shell) produced through coaxial electrospinning were used to prepare fibre reinforced single polymer composite yarns and films. The internal molecular arrangement (fine structure) within the fibres and the potential to enhance the crystallinity of the core and heat-bond neighbouring fibres within the thermal operating window, between where the shell components fused and the melting point of the core components, were investigated. Thermal treatments were shown to increase the crystallinity and mechanical strength of the composite yarns.