Preparation of Biodegradable Gradient Polymer by Microwave
A biodegradable gradient polymeric membrane based on chitosan (CS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) has been prepared by microwave technique. The composition and morphology variation along the thickness direction in membrane were measured by elemental analysis and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The tensile properties of CS/PVA gradient membrane were tested. Results showed that the content of either polymer shows a gradient variation along the thickness direction. SEM photographs exhibit that morphology also evolves gradually with the varying percentage ratio of two polymers. As a result of such variations in composition and structure, the mechanical properties on both sides exhibit a significant difference. Compared with conventional isotropic membrane, gradient membrane has improved mechanical properties.