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Cytocompatible 2D Graphitic Carbon Nitride-Modified Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate/Polylactic Acid Hybrid
Utsab Ayan1, Madara Mohoppu1, John Adams Sebastian2
1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677, United States.
ACS Applied Bio Materials
|March 25, 2025
Summary
Graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) nanosheets in polymer nanobiocomposites (PNCs) influence mechanical properties and thermal stability. The study details three distinct microstructures affecting crack propagation and material behavior, while maintaining biocompatibility.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Polymer nanobiocomposites (PNCs) offer tunable properties for advanced applications.
- Graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) nanosheets are promising nanofillers due to their unique structure and properties.
- Developing effective processing methods for incorporating nanofillers into polymer blends is crucial for optimizing composite performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) nanosheets on the microstructure and properties of polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT)/polylactic acid (PLA) bioblends.
- To explore a three-step processing technique for preparing GCN-based PNCs.
- To correlate the resulting microstructures with mechanical behavior, thermal stability, and biocompatibility.
Main Methods:
- A three-step processing technique involving GCN exfoliation, masterbatching in PBAT, and melt-compounding with PLA.
- Characterization of PNC microstructure using microscopy to identify distinct morphologies (Type 1, Type 2, Type 3).
- Evaluation of mechanical properties, thermal stability (thermogravimetric analysis), crystallinity (differential scanning calorimetry), and biocompatibility (cytocompatibility assays).
Main Results:
- Three distinct microstructures were observed, influencing crack propagation and plastic deformation behavior.
- Type 1 morphology enhanced crack propagation energy, while Type 2 and Type 3 morphologies led to stress concentration.
- GCN addition improved thermal stability and initially increased crystallinity, but higher GCN content caused agglomeration and reduced crystallinity.
- GCN did not negatively impact the biocompatibility of the PBAT/PLA bioblends.
Conclusions:
- The processing method yields distinct GCN distributions in PBAT/PLA blends, significantly affecting mechanical responses.
- GCN's role shifts from stress dissipation to stress concentration depending on its localization within the composite microstructure.
- The prepared polymer nanobiocomposites exhibit enhanced thermal stability and maintain good biocompatibility, making them suitable for various applications.
