PHBV-based nanostructured scaffolds produced by thermally induced self-agglomeration

• Grant number: 19/25200-9
• Support type: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Effective date (Start): February 01, 2021
• Effective date (End): July 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
• Principal researcher: Gilmar Patrocínio Thim
• Grantee: Thaís Larissa do Amaral Montanheiro
• Supervisor abroad: Maria Helena Figueira Vaz Fernandes
• Home Institution: Divisão de Ciências Fundamentais (IEF). Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica (ITA). Ministério da Defesa (Brasil). São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil
• Research place: Universidade de Aveiro (UA), Portugal
• Associated to the scholarship: 17/24873-4 - PHBV and hydroxybutyrate functionalized CNT nanocomposite: kinetic study of crystallization and correlation with mechanical properties, BP.PD

Abstract

Nowadays, tissue engineering focuses on associating cells with scaffolds that are capable of leading to new tissue formation. Therefore, efforts have been made in an attempt to find the ideal morphology using numerous production techniques. Several types of materials are available, each with its own advantages and limitations. Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), PHBV, is a highly biocompatible, naturally occurring thermoplastic polyester, but has poor mechanical properties and low hydrophilicity. To overcome these limitations, several components in various morphologies have been added to the base matrix, such as cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and carbon nanotubes (CNT). Hybrid composites, consisting of the combination of two kinds of nanofillers, can increase the diversity of material applications. Therefore, the objective of this work is to develop a methodology for producing PHBV scaffolds using the thermally induced self-agglomeration (TISA) technique, and subsequently to produce CNC-reinforced PHBV scaffolds and CNC+CNT-reinforced PHBV hybrids. (AU)