Poly(3- hydroxybutyrate)/Bioglass(®) composite films containing carbon nanotubes

Poly(3hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB))/Bioglass(®) composites incorporating multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been successfully prepared by the solvent casting technique. The microstructure, electrical properties and bioactivity of the composites were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and current-voltage measurements. Different concentrations of MWCNTs were used to determine their effect on the electrical properties of the composites. MWCNTs and Bioglass(®) particles were found to be homogeneously dispersed throughout the P(3HB) matrix. The electrical resistance of the composite samples decreased on increasing the MWCNT concentration, as expected. An in vitro degradation study in simulated body fluid (SBF) was carried out on composite samples. The formation of hydroxyapatite on the surfaces of P(3HB)/Bioglass(®)/MWCNT composite films was confirmed after two months of immersion in SBF. This hydroxyapatite layer was not formed on the neat polymeric films and on composites containing MWCNTs only (without Bioglass(®)). It was found that the presence of MWCNTs did not hinder the bioactivity of the Bioglass(®) particles, as confirmed by SEM and XRD studies on composite samples.