Enhancing thermal and mechanical properties of polycaprolactone nanofibers with graphene and graphene oxide reinforcement for biomedical applications

Abstract

This study aimed to enhance the mechanical, thermal, and biocompatibility properties of polycaprolactone (PCL) nanocomposite nanofibers by incorporating graphene and graphene oxide (GO) using the electrospinning technique. PCL nanocomposite nanofibers were synthesized with varying concentrations of graphene (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) and GO (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%). Mechanical properties were evaluated through tensile strength tests, showing significant enhancements. Graphene increased tensile strength by 10%, 20%, and 30%, while GO improved it by 15%, 25%, and 35% for respective concentrations. Thermal stability was assessed via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), revealing that the onset degradation temperature increased by 5%, 10%, and 15% for graphene and by 7%, 12%, and 18% for GO. The maximum weight loss temperature improved by up to 20% for GO-reinforced nanocomposites. Results indicated that graphene enhanced cell viability by 8%, 12%, and 15%, and GO by 10%, 15%, and 20%. The thermal stability and biocompatibility improvements were attributed to the better dispersion and stronger interfacial bonding of GO within the PCL matrix. GO-reinforced nanocomposites showed a 20% improvement in cell viability, suggesting their suitability for biomedical applications. These findings indicate that incorporating graphene and GO significantly enhances the properties of PCL nanocomposites, making them suitable for demanding biomedical applications.