Modification of hydrophobic polypeptide-based film by blending with hydrophilic poly(acrylic acid)

Abstract

In this study, a series of poly(γ-benzyl L-glutamate)/poly(acrylic acid) (PBLG/PAA) polymer blend films were prepared by casting the polymer blend solution in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). The structure and morphology of the polymer blend film were investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Thermal, mechanical, and chemical properties of PBLG/PAA polymer blend films were studied by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric (TG) Analysis, Tensile Tests, and measurements of Surface Contact Angles. The results revealed that the introduction of PAA could exert great effects on the structure and properties of the polypeptide films.