Characterization of hydroxyapatite/polypyrrole/poly (caprolactone) based solvent cast thin films

Abstract

This study addressed the fabrication of thin films composed of Polypyrrole (PPy), hydroxyapatite (HA) and poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) via solvent casting method. The polymer and composite films were subsequently characterized in terms of morphology, wettability and water uptake properties using different techniques. The characterization of the thin films were determined using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), water contact angle and water uptake. The addition of HA and PPy reduced the hydrophobic properties of PCL in the thin films. An energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) analysis supported the existence of HA in composite thin films. Water uptake of PCL thin film was lower than HA/PCL and HA/PPy/PCL composite thin films. © 2006-2016 Asian Research Publishing Network (ARPN).