Abstract
Retaining a robust fibre-matrix interface in an aqueous environment has been an enduring challenge for fibre-reinforced biocomposites. This study addresses the issue by applying a polydopamine coating as a coupling agent to annealed and non-annealed phosphate-based glass fibres. The presence of the polydopamine coating was confirmed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman techniques. The thickness of the coating increased with treatment time, forming a bimodal structure, and showed good correlation with the percentage of surface nitrogen observed via XPS. A 6 h coating period was selected to balance fibre strength improvements against degradation caused by the aqueous coating solution. In-situ polymerised polycaprolactone composites were produced using the fibres, resulting in improved retention of strength and modulus when the fibres were both annealed and coated. This is the first example of long-term retention of wet strength properties for phosphate-based glass fibre composites, falling within the target range for bone healing (6–12 weeks).
Highlights
IntroductionThe development of effective absorbable composites is an important step in developing new materials for both high value, low production volumes (e.g. medical device products) and for commodity, high pro duction volumes (e.g. automotive components and packaging)
The development of effective absorbable composites is an important step in developing new materials for both high value, low production volumes and for commodity, high pro duction volumes
The fibres were removed from the dopamine solution and washed carefully with distilled water to remove any unreacted dopamine on the fibre surface
Summary
The development of effective absorbable composites is an important step in developing new materials for both high value, low production volumes (e.g. medical device products) and for commodity, high pro duction volumes (e.g. automotive components and packaging). In both cases the initial mechanical properties must achieve target in-situ re quirements, followed subsequently by a controlled loss of properties. Phosphate-based glasses have been developed as reinforcing fibres for absorbable composites [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10]. While there have been studies that show great promise for the dry properties of phosphate glass composites, main taining properties during degradation is challenging
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