Activity 3.10 - Synthesis of bio-fibres

Learning Aims:

Students familiarize themselves with the biodegradable fibres and discussed the possibility for their uses in textiles.
Materials:

Experiments:

  • Synthesis of calcium alginate threads
  • Synthesis of polylactic acid threads
Suggestions for use:

    for the Synthesis of calcium alginate threads):

    • make sure the process for preparing the syringe is followed closely, otherwise the needle will clog up with a calcium alginate plug
    • a simpler setup can be obtained by pressing the sol into a beaker filled with calcium chloride solution
    • calcium alginate threads are used for wound dressing

    for the Synthesis of polylactic acid threads):

    • polylactic acid is used as suture material, and will be broken down after a certain time by the body
      Sources of experiments:

      Marburger, A. (2002). Alginate in der Medizin: Anwendung in Wundauflagen, Dentalabdruckmassen und Medikamenten gegen Sodbrennen. Praxis der Naturwissenschaften - Chemie in der Schule, 51(5), 27-35.

      Huntemann, H., Parchmann, I. (2000). Biologisch abbaubare Kunststoffe: Einordnung in ein neues Konzept für den Chemieunterricht. CHEMKON, 7(1), 15-21.