Paracetamol-loaded poly(epsilon-caprolactone) layered silicate nanocomposites prepared using hot-melt extrusion

Composites of paracetamol loaded poly(epsilon-caprolactone) with layered silicates (nanoclays) were prepared using hot-melt extrusion. The paracetamol crystals and layered silicates formed both intercalated and partially exfoliated nanocomposite morphologies depending on composition. The dissolution and initial burst effect were retarded slightly by the nanoclay. T(m) and T(c) of poly(caprolactone) (PCL) were unaffected by the presence of nanoclay, but the crystalline content decreased. The highly dispersed nanoplatelets hindered the mobility of PCL chains and alter the crystallization behavior of PCL. The T(g) of PCL increased by up to 15 degrees C on addition of a synthetic fluromica, as the nanoclay constrained chain motion and tethered PCL chains through hydrogen bonding to hydroxyl groups on the edges of the clay platelets. The tensile mechanical properties of PCL were unaffected when a naturally derived clay (montmorillonite) and paracetamol were blended. In contrast, the modulus of PCL increased by 500% and the stress and elongation at break decreased by 30% for composites prepared with a partially synthetic fluoromica. The study has therefore demonstrated that nanocomposite formation is a potentially highly useful means of manipulating the mechanical properties of melt extrusion systems.