Preparation and Characterization of Composite Blends Based on Polylactic Acid/Polycaprolactone and Silk

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.8b01254
• Publication Date: 2018-10-24T04:07:26Z
• Authors: Shiva Balali; Seyed Mohammad Da...; Razi Sahraeian; Behzad Shiroud He...; Javad Seyfi; Iman Hejazi
• Keywords: Polylactic Acid; Polycaprolactone; Characterization

Silk-reinforced polylactic acid/poly ε-caprolactone composites containing 1-7 wt % of silk fibers were fabricated through the melt-mixing method. The then characterized by implementing Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and rheometry to investigate functional groups, thermal properties, rheological intrinsic viscosities each composite. crystallinity was found decrease upon addition silk, while, both storage modulus ( G') loss G″) increased which is an indication interface bonding between polymer silk. composite 5% fiber (PLACLS5) showed optimum results. composites' morphological analysis conducted electron micrograph coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) mapping assess dispersion in matrix. contact angle measurements vitro degradation performed evaluate hydrophilicity, free surface energy, hydrolytic composites. results implied that higher contents could reduce duration composites, due high hydrophilicity fiber, uniform within matrix, porous structure, consequently, hydrophilic behavior These can be great alternatives for soft hard tissue engineering applications.