The effect of radiation on the thermal properties of chitosan/mimosa tenuiflora and chitosan/mimosa tenuiflora/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) composites for bone tissue engineering

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of gamma radiation and UV radiation on the microstructure, chemical structure and thermal stability of Chitosan/Mimosa Tenuiflora and Chitosan/Mimosa Tenuiflora/MWCNT composites scaffolds produced by thermally induced phase separation. The composites were irradiated and observed to undergo radiation-induced degradation through chain scission. Morphology, thermal properties and effects on chemical and semi-crystalline structures were obtained by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), FT-IR analysis and X-ray Diffraction. A relationship between radiation type and the thermal stability of the composites, were also established. This relationship allows a more accurate and precise control of the life span of Chitosan/Mimosa Tenuiflora and Chitosan/Mimosa Tenuiflora/MWCNT composites through the use of radiation in materials for use in tissue engineering.