Poly(epsilon-caprolactone-co-D,L-lactide) /silk fibroin composite materials: preparation and characterization

Poly(epsilon-caprolactone-co-D,L-lactide) copolymers with 10, 30, and 50% by weight of silk particles (size range: 5-250 microm) derived from Bombyx mori were blended in acetone solution. After evaporation of the solvent, the morphology, thermal behavior, and mechanical properties of the composites were examined. The composites were transparent and the silk fibroin particles were homogeneously distributed within the composite structure. The particles appeared as bright reflected images under the optical microscope, suggesting that they were in a crystalline state. DSC thermograms of the composites revealed that the glass transition of the matrix was at ca. -18 degrees C. Degradation of the silk fibroin occurred beyond 270 degrees C. The decomposition temperatures and degradation rate decreased with increasing silk fibroin content as revealed by TGA analysis. FTIR spectra of the composites showed absorption bands at 1730 and 1088 cm(-1) for the copolymer and at 3273 and 1617 cm(-1) for the silk fibroin. Although the characteristic lines of poly(epsilon-caprolactone-co-D,L-lactide) were independent of filler concentration. the absorption bands of the beta-sheet form of the silk fibroin increased slightly due to the interaction of silk fibroin with the copolymer.