H.J.M. (Hassan) Sawalha: “Poylactide microcapsules and films: preparation and properties”

This thesis aims at preparation of hollow polylactide (PLA) microcapsules for use as ultrasound contrast agents with controlled size, structure and mechanical and thermal properties. The microcapsules were prepared with multistage premix membrane emulsification. The mechanical and thermal properties of the microcapsules, and of films that were prepared under similar conditions, were highly dependent on the non-solvent and the liquid used as a template for the hollow core of the microcapsule. The size and size distribution of the microcapsules could, amongst others, be controlled through the process conditions that were applied during preparation. The main conclusion of this thesis was that the nonsolvent properties and the template liquid, highly affect the solidification process of the polymer; and through these parameters, the properties of PLA microcapsules and films can be effectively fine-tuned for various applications.