Characterization and Optimization of Real-Time Photoresponsive Gelatin for Direct Laser Writing

There is an abundance of plastic materials used in the widest range of applications, such as packaging, machine parts, biomedical devices and components, etc. However, most materials used today are non-decomposable in the environment, producing a huge burden on ecosystems. The search for better, saf...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Polymers 2022-06, Vol.14 (12), p.2350
Main Authors: Murić, Branka D., Pantelić, Dejan V., Radmilović, Mihajlo D., Savić-Šević, Svetlana N., Vasović, Vesna O.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anemia
Biocompatibility
Biomedical materials
Bioplastics
Chemical composition
Direct laser writing
Gelatin
Homogeneity
Laboratories
Lasers
Material properties
Mechanical properties
Optical properties
Optics
Optimization
Polymers
Renewable resources
Spectrum analysis
Surface properties
Tensile strength
Thermodynamic properties
Writing
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Summary:There is an abundance of plastic materials used in the widest range of applications, such as packaging, machine parts, biomedical devices and components, etc. However, most materials used today are non-decomposable in the environment, producing a huge burden on ecosystems. The search for better, safer alternatives is still on. Here we present a detailed analysis of a simple, cheap, non-toxic, even edible, eco-friendly material, which can be easily manufactured, laser patterned and used for the fabrication of complex structures. The base substance is gelatin which is made photoresponsive by adding plasticizers and sensitizers. The resulting films were analyzed with respect to their optical, thermal and mechanical properties, which can be modified by a slight variation of chemical composition. The material is optimized for rapid laser-manufacturing of elastic microstructures (lenses, gratings, cantilevers, etc.) without any waste or residues. Overall, the material properties were tailored to increase photothermal responsivity, improve the surface quality and achieve material homogeneity, transparency and long-term stability (as verified using electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry).
ISSN:2073-4360
2073-4360
DOI:10.3390/polym14122350