Preparing and characterization of Poly(glycerol-sebacic acid-urethane) (PGSU) nanocomposites: clearing role of unmodified and modified clay nanoparticles

In the last few years, Poly (glycerol sebacate urethane) (PGSU), a novel elastomeric polyester, has been noticeably investigated in tissue engineering as it is known as a modified version of Poly (glycerol sebacate) (PGS) wherein hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) act as a crosslinker. In the present study, a series of PGSU-based nanocomposites were synthesized and characterized to achieve desirable elastomeric materials as a promising candidate for soft tissue engineering as well as controllable delivery of drugs. For this purpose, two kinds of nanoclay in the commercial name of Cloisite Na+ and Cloisite 10 A were selected to prepare PGSU nanocomposites. XRD and FTIR analysis proved the successful preparation of nanocomposites with intercalated structures. DMTA results indicated that both nanoclays enhanced storage modulus. It was also found that while Cloisite Na+ increased the glass transition temperature of PGSU, Cloisite 10 A reduced it. According to the TGA data, the thermal stability of PGSU was increased by adding Cloisite Na+. Finally, regarding the difference in the hydrophilic nature of Cloisite Na+ and Cloisite 10 A, the contact angle measurement and hydrolytic degradation revealed that each kind of the nanoclays had a different impression on the hydrophilicity and hydrolytic mass loss of the PGSU matrix.

Automated summary

This study synthesized and characterized a series of PGSU-based nanocomposites, demonstrating the influence of nanoclays on material properties. Cloisite Na+ and Cloisite 10 A had different effects on the glass transition temperature and thermal stability of PGSU, as well as the hydrophilicity and hydrolytic mass loss of the material.