Preparation and characterization of magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotubes–poly(l-lactide) composite

The composites based on poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) and two kinds of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (Fe3O4/MWCNTs and MWCNTs) were prepared by solution casting. The molecular level interactions, thermal, magnetic, mechanical properties and dispersion of MWCNTs in polymer matrix were investigated by Raman spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), magnetic property measure system (MPMS), tensile test and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results of Raman spectra revealed the doping-type molecular interaction between filler and polymer matrix. Compared to the pure PLLA, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of MWCNTs/PLLA and Fe3O4/MWCNTs/PLLA composites increased from 50 to 51 °C and from 50 to 58 °C, respectively. The Fe3O4/MWCNTs/PLLA composite was supermagnetic at room temperature. The Young's modulus, elongation rate at break and tensile strength of Fe3O4/MWCNTs/PLLA composite were improved compared to the neat PLLA and MWCNTs/PLLA composite. Fe3O4/MWCNTs were finely dispersed in the PLLA matrix. The results present potential applications for the biodegradable Fe3O4/MWCNTs/PLLA composite in tissue engineer, biomedicine and bone fixation.