n-Hydroxyapatite/PCL-Pluronic-PCL Nanocomposites for Tissue Engineering. Part 2: Thermal and Tensile Study

J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2011;22(1-3):239-51. doi: 10.1163/092050609X12597621921347.

Abstract

In this work a series of nano-hydroxyapatite/poly(ε-caprolactone)-Pluronic-poly(ε-caprolactone) (n-HA/PCFC) nanocomposites has been prepared. Thermal properties of the nanocomposites are studied by thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The TGA/DTG results reveal that thermal stability of n-HA/PCFC nanocomposites is improved by incorporation of n-HA into polymer matrix, and the thermo-degradation temperature increased slightly with increasing HA loading. DSC results show that the glass transition temperature (T g) changed by the addition of n-HA. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites are investigated by tensile testing. The morphology for tensile-fractured surfaces of nanocomposites is observed by scanning electron microscopy. The effect of n-HA contents of nanocomposites on tensile strength and morphology is also discussed.

Keywords: MORPHOLOGY; N-HYDROXYAPATITE; NANOCOMPOSITES; PCFC; TENSILE PROPERTY; THERMAL PROPERTY.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Calorimetry, Differential Scanning
  • Durapatite / chemistry*
  • Elastic Modulus
  • Materials Testing
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Nanocomposites / chemistry*
  • Nanocomposites / ultrastructure
  • Poloxamer / chemistry*
  • Polyesters / chemistry*
  • Temperature
  • Tensile Strength
  • Thermogravimetry
  • Tissue Engineering

Substances

  • Polyesters
  • Poloxamer
  • polycaprolactone
  • Durapatite