Abstract
This study is aimed to investigate the characteristics of the composite containing blended poly (ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL), hydroxyapatite (HA) and thermoplastic zein (TZ). Thermoplastic zein was developed by mixing zein with glycerol (GLY) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). The thermal characterization of mixed TZ and bio composite was characterized in order to investigate the characterization of PCL/TZ/HA composites. The bio composited was then moulded and produce porous structure via solid state supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) foaming process. The specimen was saturated with CO2 for 6 hours at 50˚C and saturation pressure of 20MPa at high depressurization rate. The morphology of porous specimen produced were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that after polymer saturation with CO2, high depressurization causes the formation of nucleated gas cells that give rise to pores within the foamed specimens. The blended bio composite with composition of PCL60/TZ20/HAp20 exhibit well interconnected porous structure compared to other bio composite prepared. The foaming effect produce foams with heterogeneous morphologies on bio composite material at relatively low temperature.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
