Natalie Krug

Ms. Natalie Krug

Institut für Werkstofftechnik, Kunststofftechnik, University of Kassel, Kassel, Hesse, Germany
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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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18 August 2023 in Polymers
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Journal Article
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NKNatalie Krug
Natalie Krug
JZJan-Christoph Zarges
Jan-Christoph Zarges
HHHans-Peter Heim
Hans-Peter Heim
In order to encourage the substitution of petrochemical polymers in medical technology with sustainable, bio-based materials, there is an urgent need for further investigations, especially data regarding their sterility performance. Within the scope of the investigations, selected material properties of poly-L-lactic-acid (PLLA), a specific type of poly(lactic-acid) (PLA), were analyzed before and after sterilization (using ethylene oxide or gamma irradiation) in order to investigate deviations in its chemical structure, wettability, optical, and mechanical properties. In particular, parameters such as molecular weight, complex viscosity, tensile strength, water contact angle, and color were discussed. Sterilization temperatures close to the glass transition of PLA, high humidity, and interactions with the ethylene oxide molecules have resulted in an increase in crystallinity, a decrease in elongation at break, and in some cases, a variation in wettability. As a consequence of exposure to high-energy radiation, the material’s toughness is reduced due to chain scission, which is manifested through a decrease in molecular weight, an increase in crystallinity, and a partial change in surface energy. For the selected PLLA-materials (Luminy® L130, NP HT 202, and NP HT 203), ethylene oxide sterilization resulted in a comparatively minor variation in the characteristics behavior, and was chosen as the preferred method.


6 June 2025 in Polymer Testing
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
NKNatalie Krug
Natalie Krug
CCChaimae Chettouh
Chaimae Chettouh
JZJan-Christoph Zarges
Jan-Christoph Zarges
HHHans-Peter Heim
Hans-Peter Heim