Novel poly(xylitol sebacate)/hydroxyapatite bio-nanocomposites via one-step synthesis

Novel poly(xylitol sebacate) elastomer/nano-hydroxyapatite (PXS/n-HA) bio-nanocomposites have been fabricated by melt polycondensation of xylitol and sebacic acid in the presence of n-HA. The mechanical properties of the PXS, e.g. tensile strength and elongation at break, were significantly increased by the in situ addition of n-HA. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results revealed that the glass-transition temperatures of PXS were decreased by introduction of n-HA while the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated an improved thermal stability of the PXS/n-HA bio-nanocomposites in comparison with PXS. SEM and TEM images showed good dispersion and distribution of n-HA in the PXS matrix. In addition, the introduction of n-HA improved the hydrophilicity and decreased the in vitro degradation rate of the PXS.