Characterization of hydroxyapatite from eggshell waste and polycaprolactone (PCL) composite for scaffold material

Hydroxyapatite was successfully synthesized from eggshell waste. In addition, 10, 20, and 30 wt% hydroxyapatite/polycaprolactone (PCL) composites were prepared. The composites were prepared by dispersing hydroxyapatite particles in PCL. The structural properties of the composites were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results confirmed the presence of hydroxyapatite in the samples. The FTIR spectra showed P-O stretching peaks; the XRD patterns revealed the formation of the hydroxyapatite crystalline phase. Moreover, the thermal stabilities of the hydroxyapatite/PCL composites were higher that of pristine PCL, as revealed by thermogravimetric analysis. The higher thermal stabilities of the composites were attributed to the presence of hydroxyapatite; the composites were stable up to 300 degrees C. The melting temperatures of the composites were slightly higher than that of pristine PCL. In addition, scanning electron microscopy and elemental mapping were performed to investigate the morphological properties of the composites and the presence of hydroxyapatite in them. The results revealed that hydroxyapatite was present on the surface of PCL. Moreover, compared to pristine PCL, the composite samples exhibited superior swelling behaviors and lower degradation percentages. Preliminary experiment of cell cytotoxicity was observed. It presented the excellent properties to Saos-2 cell.