Development of bio-based polymer membranes for a possible recovery of bioactive materials

ABSTRACT In the present investigation, PLA and its blends have been fabricated as bio-based polymeric membranes, which can be possibly utilised for the fractionation of bioactive materials. Moreover, very limited research had been cited on the improvement of toughening properties of biomembranes suited for bioactive recovery. Hence, we made an attempt to synthesise and formulate PLA with its appropriate blends as membranes with increased toughness. In the current study, we have fabricated four different membranes, namely, neat PLA, PLA-CNSL (Cashew nutshell liquid), PLA-PCL (Polycaprolactone) and PLA-PEG (Polyethylene glycol), and a systematic characterisation was performed for all the above-said membranes. From the results obtained, it is understood that the blend of PLA with CNSL showed a reduced contact angle of 3.8° making it extremely hydrophilic. In addition, the same blend also showed tensile stress of 44.53 MPa and elongation of 39.84%. The SEM images clearly revealed a uniform porosity of 41.32% for PLA with CNSL membrane, which is proved to be an appropriate blend with improved toughness and reproducible hydrophilic nature ideally suitable for the membrane filtration process. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT