Intermolecular ordering as the precursor for stereocomplex formation in the electrospun polylactide fibers

Cold crystallization of electrospun fibers from poly (L-lactide)/poly (D-lactide) = 5/5 blends results in profuse stereocomplex crystals with little trace of homocrystals. In contrast, homocrystals prevail in the solution cast and melt-quenched films with same composition upon cold crystallization. With aid of FTIR technique it is confirmed that intermolecular ordering between poly (L-lactide) and poly (D-lactide) chains is induced in the electrospun blend fibers because of the interactions from the methyl and carbonyl groups. The intermolecular ordering acts as the precursor to trigger profuse stereocomplex formation in the electrospun blend fibers above glass transition temperature. Moreover, stereocomplex formation in the electrospun blend fibers follows one dimensional growth, as a result of confinement effects in an individual fiber. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.