Preparation of Shape Memory Polyurethane/Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposite Scaffolds by Electrospinning Method and Investigation of Their Microstructure and Physical-Mechanical Properties

A facile method was used for fabricating in-situ-polymerized shape memory polyurethane (PU) hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocomposite scaffolds through electrospinning. The chemical structure and hydrogen bonding index (HBI) content were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The crystalline morphology was analyzed by X-ray diffraction patterns. Differential scanning calorimetry was conducted to determine the glass transition temperature (Tg) and degree of crystallinity. The results revealed that HA nanoparticles provide significant reinforcement of PU. Furthermore, incorporation of HA nanoparticles improved the shape memory properties of nanocomposites. The effect of HA nanoparticles on PU/HA electrospun fiber diameter, porosity, mechanical, and shape memory properties were examined.