Development of hydroxyapatite coated silk reinforced polycaprolactone biocomposites for bone applications

Abstract

In the present thesis work, the silk fabric reinforced polycaprolactone biocomposites, silk yarn reinforced polycaprolactone biocomposites, hydroxyapatite coated silk fabric reinforced polycaprolactone biocomposites and hydroxyapatite coated silk yarn reinforced polycaprolactone biocomposites were developed and processed by compression moulding process for orthopaedic based applications. The stacking of different layers (10, 12, 14 and 16) of the silk fabric and polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix were used for the preparation of silk fabric reinforced PCL biocomposites using compression moulding process. The mechanical and biodegradation properties of the silk fabric reinforced PCL biocomposites were assessed and reported. The 14 layers of the silk fabric reinforced PCL composites possessed higher values of tensile strength, compressive strength and interlaminar shear strength properties when compared to those of the other layered composites. Analysis of the fractured surface and interfacial bonding between the silk fabric and PCL matrix composites was made using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The in-vitro biodegradation study indicated an increase in the percentage of water uptake initially with an increase in the number of silk fabric layers in the silk fabric reinforced PCL composites. newline