The Effect of CaCO3 Nanoparticles and Chitosan on the Properties of PLA Based Biomaterials for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

In this article, the effects of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanoparticles (NPs) and chitosan (CS) content on the properties of PLA/CS/CaCO3 composites were reported. Additional factors affecting on the properties of composites were also reported. PLA/CS/CaCO3 composites biomaterials were prepared through a solution casting method. Solution casting method has been focused for the preparation of PLA/CS/CaCO3 composites biomaterials. The morphological properties of PLA/CS and PLA/CS/CaCO3 composites were investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and found to be extensively transformed with CS and CaCO3 content. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that CaCO3 interacted between PLA and CS in the composites. The mechanical properties of both composites in terms of tensile strength and tensile modulus were significantly improved by the addition of CaCO3 into the matrix. Moreover, both tensile strengths and tensile modulus of the composites showed an increasing trend with increasing CS and CaCO3 content. However, whilst the CS content was increased to 15 wt%, the tensile strength and tensile modulus reduced slightly. The fracture surfaces of blend composites were also recorded using SEM and it was indicated smooth and homogeneous texture throughout the surface of composites. Thermal stability of PLA/CS composites was decreased when CaCO3 NPs was added.