Optimization of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) concentration in polycaprolactone bio-composites for bio-plotting: A robust interpretation of the reinforcement mechanisms
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Abstract Bioabsorbable and biodegradable composites have experienced rapid growth, owing to their high demand in the biomedical sector. Polymer-cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) compounds were developed using a medical-grade poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) matrix to improve the stiffness and load-bearing capacity of pure PCL. Five PCL/CNCs filament grades were melt-extruded, pelletized, and fed into an industrial bioplotter to fabricate specimens. To assess the effects of CNCs on pure PCL, 14 tests were conducted, including rheological, thermomechanical, and in situ micro-mechanical testing, among others. The porosity and dimensional accuracy of the samples were also documented using micro-computed tomography while scanning electron microscopy was employed for morphological characterization. Overall, the 4.0 wt % CNCs loading accomplished the optimum mechanical response, with an increase in its tensile (19.1%) and flexural strength (12.6%) compared to pure PCL. Concurrently, this grade exhibited the highest MFR, minimum porosity, and highest nominal-to-actual geometric accuracy, thereby convincingly interpreting the reinforcement mechanisms.
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4 wt.% NC was reported as optimal in PCL.
“however, another study reported an optimal NC content of 4 wt.% in PCL [5].”
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“For example, in one study, 3 wt.% NC was found to be optimal for dispersion and overall properties in PLA [98]; however, another study reported an optimal NC content of 4 wt.% in PCL [5].”
- Authors
- Vidakis, N., Petousis, M., Michailidis, N., David, C., Mountakis, N., Papadakis, V., Sfakiotakis, E., Sagris, D., & Argyros, A.
- Affiliations
- Hellenic Mediterranean University (GR)
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (GR)
- International Hellenic University (GR)
- University of West Attica (GR)
- Corresponding author
- Vidakis, Nectarios
- ORCID
- Venue
- Cellulose
- Published
- 2024-03-29
- Volume
- 31
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 3657-3680
- ISSN
- 0969-0239 (ISSN-L)
- 1572-882X
- OpenAlex
- W4393310952
- Cited by
- 23
- References
- 80
- Citations by year
- 2026: 8 · 2025: 8 · 2024: 7
- FWCI
- 2.17
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- hybrid
- doi.org
- Locations
- Cellulose (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- Funders
- Hellenic Mediterranean University
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Materials Science › Biomaterials › Advanced Cellulose Research Studies
- Physical Sciences › Materials Science › Biomaterials › biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › 3D Printing in Biomedical Research
- Keywords
- cellulose nanocrystals, polycaprolactone, biocomposites, reinforcement mechanism, tensile strength, flexural strength, porosity, dimensional accuracy, melt extrusion, biodegradable polymers, additive manufacturing
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