Effect of strain rate and temperature on elastic properties of PCL/starch

Abstract

Biomaterials for tissue engineering scaffolds are subjected to loading at various strain rates at body temperature. Polymeric based biomaterials used for this purpose often have low melting temperature, potentially compromises their mechanical properties during use. In this study, blend of polycaprolactone and 10 wt% starch was prepared. Tensile tests at various strain rates and temperatures were performed, focusing on its properties within small strain of elastic region. Strain rate and temperature were found to readily give significant effects to the blend's strength and stiffness. © 2012 by Asian-Australian Association for Composite Materials (AACM).