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

Abstract

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

Influence of the Degradation Medium on Water Uptake, Morphology, and Chemical Structure of Poly(Lactic Acid)-Sisal Bio-Composites

“…Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate changes in the morphology of the PLA and PLA-sisal composite materials after treatment in potential degradation conditions. Spectroscopies, namely infrared spectroscopy, were applied to characterize the polymer structure and to investigate interactions at the molecular level among the biodegradable polymer matrix and additives and compatibilizers having different chemical nature [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. Finally, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was also used to evidence of possible chemical degradation at polymer surfaces after thermal or thermomechanical treatments [ 24 , 25 ].…”

Development and characterization of probiotic mucilage based edible films for the preservation of fruits and vegetables

“…The Quince shows the highest angle, while the Flax shows the lowest values which corroborates the water solubility result which indicated more hydrophilicity in flax-based films. Contact angle changes are function of surface heterogeneity, crystallinity of the polymer, surface energy, and the chemical nature and roughness of the polymer surfaces 63 , 64 . Upon addition of probiotics, the contact angle values increased which could be due to the increase in roughness of the surface caused by the presence of LGG.…”

Fabrication and Application of a 3D-Printed Poly-ε-Caprolactone Cage Scaffold for Bone Tissue Engineering

“…Water-in-air contact angle reflects the hydrophilic/hydrophobic characteristics of a material's surface [12]. Figures 2(b) and 2(c) reveal a contact angle of 87.8°± 1.40°f or untreated PCL scaffolds, and a significant reduction after NaOH treatment (50.5°± 2.60°).…”