Thesis Type: Postgraduate
Institution Of The Thesis: Gazi Üniversitesi, Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü, Turkey
Approval Date: 2016
Student: GÜLCE ÇAKMAN
Supervisor: NURSEL DİLSİZ
Abstract:In recent years, lots of studies are made in order to develop new materials in the field of biodegradable and biocompatible materials. The biodegradable properties of the material make a solution for environmental problems; the biocompatible properties can also provide the materials act without any harm to human body. Polycaprolactone, which is involved in these polymers, come into prominence in studies thanks to other features. In this study, the modified halloysite (HNT) with 3-aminopropyl-trimethoxysilane (APS) and 3- glycidoxypropyl-trimethoxysilane (GPS) and non-modified HNT were added to the polycaprolactone (PCL) matrices to prepare HNT/PCL and m-HNT/PCL nanocomposites via solvent casting method. The physical and thermal properties of synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by using FTIR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), contact angle measurements, atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). FT-IR results show that the surface of HNT was successfully modified. The results showed that the thermal stability of nanocomposite films could be improved due to a good interfacial interaction between the modified HNT and PCL matrix. Also, addition of 1% HNT did not change the surface structure, but it was observed that the plates are intertwined in addition of 5% HNT.