Thermogravimetric analysis of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)/nano-Calcium phosphate (nCaP)/chitosan biocomposite for heat-related manufacturing process

Nowadays, the adaptability of biodegradable Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) polymer has been thoroughly assessed to its full potential including shape, mechanical characteristics, thermal properties and biocompatibility. Additionally, PHA has been produced as biomaterials with potential applications in bone regeneration. Similar to the mineral apatite found in human bones, nano calcium phosphates (nCaP) are minerals that are necessary for tissue development and cell adhesion, which have an impact on newly formed apatite. This study aims to investigate the influence of additives on thermal stability of biocomposite via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) machine. PHA pellets were mixed with nCaP as filler ranging from 3-15wt% and 10wt% of chitosan binder via conventional melt compounding. Thermal analysis showed that the addition of bio-filler improves thermal stability of PHA with highest onset temperature recorded at 208.1°C. Morphological analysis showed that the addition of nCaP and chitosan alters the flow characteristics of the composite resulting in surface roughness. Subsequently, in order to prevent the biocomposite from decomposing, all heat-related activities particularly those involving machining, it is recommended to perform at temperatures that do not exceed the onset temperature.