Fabrication and characterization of multiwalled carbon nanotube–loaded interconnected porous nanocomposite scaffolds

Abstract

Novel nanocomposite porous scaffolds based on poly(ϵ-caprolactone) (PCL) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were manufactured by a compression-molding/polymer-leaching approach utilizing cryomilling for homogeneous dispersion of nanotubes and blending of polymers. Addition of MWCNTs to PCL and PCL/polyglycolide (PGA) blends resulted in significant changes to scaffold morphology compared to control samples despite persistent interconnected porosity. Several structures exhibiting rough and nanotextured surfaces were observed. Mean pore sizes were in the range of ∼3–5 µm. The nanocomposites presented good mechanical and water uptake properties. The results of this research provide significant insight into a strategy for producing nanocomposite scaffolds with interconnected porosity.