Preparation and characterization of reinforced poly (ε‐caprolactone) nanocomposites by cellulose nanowhiskers

Abstract

In the present work, cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs) were extracted from cellulose microfibers powder (CMP) and employed as reinforcement in poly-(ε-caprolactone) (PCL). The biocompatible and biodegradable PCL/CNW nanocomposites reinforced by CNWs in various weight percentages of 0, 0.1, 0.5, and 1 wt% were prepared via solvent casting. The morphology of cellulose microfibers and CNWs were evaluated via the optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of PCL/CNWs film nanocomposites were then investigated. The biodegradability and hydrophilicity of PCL/CNWs were improved by increasing the CNWs content. By adding higher loadings of CNWs, the nanocomposite samples showed higher tensile moduli because of the reinforcing effect of CNWs. The linear viscoelastic properties of PCL was not significantly changed with different loadings of CNWs. K E Y W O R D Scellulose microfibers powder (CMP), cellulose nanowhisker (CNWs), film nanocomposite, poly (ε-caprolactone), viscoelastic measurements

Osteogenesis enhancement using poly (l-lactide-co-d, l-lactide)/poly (vinyl alcohol) nanofibrous scaffolds reinforced by phospho-calcified cellulose nanowhiskers

“…In other words, this reduction could due to agglomeration of PCCNWs at higher concentrations and making weak positions in the nanofibrous mats, which could act as stress concentration points. This trend was also presented in some earlier published works [3,20,22]. Moreover, the maximum and minimum tensile strain for PLDLLA/PVA-0 and PLDLLA/PVA-1 are 40±2.1% and 25±1.2%, respectively.…”

“…Further to the alteration at wavenumbers, the intensity of peaks was decreased, which is due to the formation of hydrogen bonds between PCCNWs and PVA [19]. Related to these observations, some similar works have been reported in the literature [3,20].…”

Proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells on three-dimensional scaffolds made by thermal sintering method

“…The scaffolds' porosity was calculated using a specific gravity bottle according to Archimedes' Principle (Yang, Shi et al 2002, Shahrousvand, Tabar et al 2017) by placing the scaffolds (5 replicates per scaffold) into ethanol of 96 % for 45 min within a desiccator connected a vacuum pump (V-600, Buchi Italia srl, Cornaredo, Italy) using formula (1). Jafari, Shahrousvand et al 2020). A crosshead speed of 5 mm/min was used, and the cross area was (3.8 × 0.06) mm 2 .…”

“…Compositing PLA and PCL (PCL/PLA blend) has been widely investigated to fabricate biomaterials composites due to the maintenance of both polymers' merits and improving PLA mechanical properties, crystallization rate, and degradation rate Downes 2009, Vieira, Vieira et al 2011). Several techniques such as solvent casting, leaching methods, and gas foaming have been carried out to develop three-dimensional (3D) PCL-based scaffolds (Jafari, Shahrousvand et al 2018, Jafari, Shahrousvand et al 2020, Nahanmoghadam, Asemani et al 2021). However, poor mechanical stability and large scale-up limitations hindered applying these methods to design porous scaffolds (Luciani, Coccoli et al 2008).…”

Preparation and characterization of RDX based composite energetic materials with a cellulose matrix

“…Cellulose, a natural high‐performance material, can form composites with a variety of materials 36–38 . In addition, NC, cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate butyrate and other cellulose additives can effectively improve the mechanical properties of RDX 39–41 . More importantly, cellulose aerogels (CAs) have been widely used as excellent carriers for various materials, such as Ag loading, drug delivery, and magnetic materials loading 42–47 .…”