https://doi.org/10.1140/epjs/s11734-026-02236-8
Regular Article
A novel dual nano-filler reinforcement system (graphene oxide-hydroxyapatite/cellulose nano-whiskers) of PLA/PCL bio-nanocomposites for enhanced biomechanical properties
1
Department of Chemical Engineering, Government Engineering College (Affiliated to A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technological University, CET Campus, Thiruvananthapuram, 695016 Kerala, India), 680009, Thrissur, India
2
Department of Chemical Engineering, Government Engineering College (Affiliated to A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technological University, CET Campus, Thiruvananthapuram, 695016 Kerala, India), 673005, Kozhikode, India
3
Department of Mechanical Engineering, RIT Kottayam (Affiliated to A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technological University, CET Campus, Thiruvananthapuram, 695016 Kerala, India), 686501, Kottayam, India
a
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Received:
30
October
2025
Accepted:
23
February
2026
Published online:
10
March
2026
Abstract
In this study, novel poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-based bio-nanocomposites were developed via solvent casting, reinforced with hydroxyapatite (HA) integrated graphene oxide (GO) through in situ synthesis, alongside cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs) as supplementary nanofillers. The hybrid nanofillers were designed to synergistically enhance both mechanical and biological performance. Mechanical characterization demonstrated substantial improvements in tensile strength, compressive strength, Young’s modulus, and elongation at break, indicating effective reinforcement by the dual nano-filler system. Biological assessments revealed favorable biodegradability, controlled swelling behavior, and optimal porosity, highlighting the composites’ suitability for biomedical applications. Structural and morphological analyses, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confirmed homogeneous filler dispersion and strong interfacial interactions within the polymer matrix. These findings demonstrate the potential of the developed bio-nanocomposites as mechanically robust, bioactive, and biodegradable scaffolds for a wide range of biomedical applications.
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© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to EDP Sciences, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2026
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
