Effect of silica content on the bioactivity and mechanical properties of poly(ε-caprolactone)/silica hybrid containing calcium salt

The effect of silica content on the bioactivity and mechanical properties of a PCL/silica hybrid containing calcium salt was investigated. The hybrid was prepared through a sol-gel method with triethoxysilane end-capped PCL and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). The TEOS content in the hybrid was varied from 20 to 60 wt.% and their bioactivities and mechanical properties were evaluated using simulated body fluid (SBF) and tensile test, respectively. The results showed that the higher the TEOS content in the hybrid, the higher the formation rate of apatite but the lower the mechanical properties. It means appropriate silica content is required to design a PCL/silica hybrid for the application as a bioactive bone substitute.