Dually self-reinforced Poly(ε-caprolactone) composites based on unidirectionally arranged fibers

Dually self-reinforced Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) composites were prepared to broaden its load-bearing applications as tissue engineering scaffolds. The composites were prepared from bi-component PCL yarns composed of self-nucleated PCL drawn fibers and PCL matrix by a combined process of yarns winding and hot pressing. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) results showed that incorporating of self-nucleating agents can improve the melting points of the fibers, creating a process temperature window for hot pressing. The orientation parameters of the fibers were accurately measured by Confocal Raman microscopy (CRM) and the results showed that the orientation parameter of the fibers could be up to 0.9 after drawn. Tensile tests showed that the self-nucleated drawn fibers had stronger mechanical properties than the control fibers with the same draw ratios. The hot pressing parameters (temperature and pressure) were also optimized during hot-pressing. The Young's modulus and break strength of the dually self-reinforced composites in longitudinal direction could be up to 118% and 400% higher than that of pristine PCL although their elongation at break decreased. Decline of mechanical properties of the composites in transverse direction was not observed, indicating good adhesion between the fibers and the matrix, which was confirmed by scanning electron microscope analysis.