Biodegradable Polyester / Crystalline Nanocellulose Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications: Preparation and Characterization

Abstract

The use of biodegradable polymers in biomedicine is rising and polymer matrices loaded with reinforcements can be good candidates for temporary implants and tissue engineering scaffolds. In this work poly (ethylene brassylate) (PEB) was reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), in order to achieve a biocompatible material with superior mechanical properties than the neat polymer. PEB/CNC composites were characterized through calorimetry, thermogravimetry and tensile tests in order to determine the effect CNC reinforcement in the thermal and mechanical properties. The Young´s modulus was found to increase about 20 % with just an addition of 2.5 wt% CNC; higher contents of reinforcement resulted in a decrease of ductility of the composites. The thermal analyses suggest lack of interaction between PEB and CNC at their interphase.