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The research aimed to evaluate the mechanical behaviour, hybridisation and osteoblast activities of novel baghdadite/PCL-graphene nanocomposite scaffold. The mechanical behaviour was examined via measuring the compressive strength and Young's module, the hybridisation was evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and Brunauer Emmet Teller, and the osteoblast activities were assessed via MG-63 osteoblast cells. The results rendered PCL as a significant factor to enhance the mechanical strength of ceramic scaffolds. Due to the existence of σ and π covalent bonds in its structure, hydrophilicity and biocompatibility, graphene could be applied in scaffolds' chemical compound to greatly enhance their mechanical and biological behaviours. This scaffold indicated compressive strength and Young's module higher than 2 MPa and 0.05 GPa. Regarding cell behaviours, MG-63 osteoblast cells spread and attached well on the scaffolds confirming the viability, cytotoxicity, excellent cell attachment and proliferation. The results indicated that this scaffold possesses outstanding potential as a temporary substrate for bone tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present research was to find out the in vitro biological behaviour by evaluating the bioactivity of scaffolds for bone tissue engineering and to examine the mechanism of baghdadite and apatite formation. For this purpose, baghdadite scaffolds with polycaprolactone and graphene nanocomposite coatings were fabricated using polymeric sponge and dip-coating methods. Results showed that regarding baghdadite formation mechanism, gittinsite phase can be converted into baghdadite phase by enhancing temperature up to 1350°C and helping Zr4+ and Ca2+. The deposit of Ca–P coatings on the surface and in the pores of the scaffolds verified the improvement of the bioactivity. Graphene in scaffold composition can affect apatite deposit formation and promise bioactivity due to its high hydrophilicity, existence of nanoparticles and great π bonds in its structure. In brief, baghdadite scaffolds with polycaprolactone and graphene nanocomposite coatings can be promising outstanding candidates for bone tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conductive materials are required for sensing and actuation purposes in microfluidic devices. Electrical and mechanical properties of aligned CNTs/PDMS nanocomposites fabricated in AC and quasi-AC electric fields were measured. Field emission scanning electron microscope and elemental mapping were used to evaluate the microstructural properties of fabricated specimens. Results showed that nanocomposite properties were dependent on CNT concentration. A homogenized and nonagglomerated composite was obtained using a quasi-AC electric field with the voltage of 1075 V zero to peak at a frequency of 100 Hz and current of 35 milliamps when applied to suspension for 2 hours at 80 °C. The aligned nanocomposite with 1 wt% of CNT exhibited an electrical conductivity, Young's modulus, and tensile strength of 10-6 S/cm, 7.23 MPa, and 1.02 MPa, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]