Elasticity, thermal stability and bioactivity of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes reinforced chitosan-based microfibres.

A wet-spinning approach was used to extrude ribbon-like micrometer-thick fibres comprising chitosan with 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9% (w/w) polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS). ANOVA reveals significant variations in the maximum stress (σ), stiffness (E), elastic energy storage (u') and fracture toughness (u) of the microfibres with respect to POSS concentration: σ, u' and u peak at 7% (w/w) but POSS concentration has no effect on E. Scanning electron microscopy of the ruptured microfibres reveals fracture and detachment of POSS precipitates from the chitosan matrix. Bioactivity test using simulated body fluids reveals a net gain in mass (by day 4) and grossly distorted morphology caused by apatite deposition on the microfibre surface. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy reveals that chitin is partially deacetylated into chitosan and it further shows the presence of POSS in the microfibres. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that the microfibres are thermally stable up to 240°C in a nitrogen atmosphere.