Preparation of gelatin fiber by gel spinning and its mechanical properties

Abstract

A gel-spinning process was used in an attempt to prepare a gelatin fiber with a high level of drawability. A gel fiber prepared by extrusion of 15 wt % gelatin in dimethyl sulfoxide into methanol at -20°C was drawn to sixteen times the original length. After extraction of the dispersion medium, the mechanical strength of the fiber increased markedly with the draw ratio, and the fiber exhibited a tensile strength, of 146 MPa and a Young's modulus of 2.3 GPa when drawn to the maximum. A gelatin fiber with greater mechanical strength was obtained when ethylene glycol was used as the spinning solvent. The X-ray diffraction profile indicated the formation of triple-helical structures and their lateral association, which is responsible for the mechanical strength of the fiber. Heat-treatment improved the water-resistance of the prepared fiber. y-Irradiation and treatment with glutaraldehyde improved the mechanical strength of the fiber. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.