Fabrication and bioactivity studies of wollastonite/polycaprolactone composites

Abstract

Current work investigates the influence of wollastonite on mechanical stability and biomineralisation ability of wollastonite/ polycaprolactone (PCL) composites (WP composites). The solvent casting particulate leaching method was used to prepare these composites. FT-IR spectra indicated the presence of functional groups associated with PCL and wollastonite. Scanning electron microscopy showed aggregated morphology and wollastonite particles were embedded in the PCL matrix. The incorporation of wollastonite leads to a more than three-fold increase in the compressive strength of the composites. Moreover, the composites containing 50% wollastonite exhibited better compressive strength than 80%. This observation suggested that if the concentration of a filler is exceeded beyond its critical concentration then the mechanical stability of the composite will be compromised. The composites revealed good apatite deposition ability. Thus, the biomineralisation ability and compressive strength of PCL can be improved by preparing its composites with bioceramics.