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Elastomeric nanocomposites with bioactive and nanocrystalline TiO2

Agnieszka Pilaszkiewicz 1Miroslawa El Fray 1Aldo R. Boccaccini 2

1. Technical University of Szczecin, Polymer Institute, Pulaskiego 10, Szczecin 70-322, Poland
2. Imperial College London, Department of Materials, London, United Kingdom

Abstract

Nanocomposites consisting of polymer matrix and ceramic nanofiller are a wide group of materials with modulated properties, which depend on filler concentration and chemical structure of the polymer matrix. New trends in biomedical applications include composites where the nanofiller improves mechanical properties and additionally enhances the biocompatibility of polymer matrix. It is possible to produce various nanocomposites based on thermoplastic polymer matrices. Poly(L-lactic acid) or poly(caprolactone) are commonly used, but they are stiff materials of limited elongation and thus not suitable for several applications. Therefore thermoplastic elastomers, as materials of high flexibility with a wide range of possibilities to tailor their structure and properties, represent attractive materials, especially for soft tissue applications. In this work we will be present an original method of bioactive nanocomposites preparation using in-situ polycondensation. We used ultrasound processing to prepare dispersion of nano-TiO2 particles in one of the monomer, which is dilinoleic acid. With this original process elaborated in our laboratory, well dispersed nanoparticles within the thermoplastic elastomer matrix can be prepared. The nanocomposite effect has been gained as demonstrated by enhanced mechanical properties. At a concentration of 0.2 wt% TiO2 the bioactivity of nanocomposites was confirmed by SEM-EDX, where calcium phosphate crystals were observed on the nanocomposite surfaces.

Acknowledgements. This work was financially supported by Polish Ministry of Education and Sciences grant nr 3T08E03268.

 

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Related papers

Presentation: Poster at E-MRS Fall Meeting 2006, Symposium D, by Agnieszka Pilaszkiewicz
See On-line Journal of E-MRS Fall Meeting 2006

Submitted: 2006-05-14 11:58
Revised:   2009-06-07 00:44