Preparation and characterization of poly(ε-caprolactone)/calcium carbonate nanocomposites and nanocomposite foams

Abstract

Biodegradable poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanocomposites were prepared and characterized. Effect of CaCO3 on thermal and mechanical properties of PCL matrix was studied. Results showed that CaCO3 acts as a crystallization nucleating agent and introduction of CaCO3 leads to improved mechanical properties of the PCL matrix. PCL/CaCO3 nanocomposite foams were prepared using chemical foaming method. Cellular parameters such as mean cell size, cell wall thickness, and cell density were collected. The cellular structure of nanocomposite foams changes with different CaCO3 loading. Mean cell size achieved the minimum value at 5 wt% CaCO3 loading, and cell wall thickness increased with CaCO3 content. The changes in cellular structure and improvement of mechanical properties also enhanced the mechanical properties of PCL/CaCO3 nanocomposite foams. Compressive moduli of PCL/CaCO3 nanocomposite foams with similar density increased with increasing CaCO3 loading. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:1653–1661, 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers