Characterisation of the effects of a titanium micro particle filler on a polyether-block-amide host matrix

The body of work described in this research article outlines the use of titanium microparticles as fillers in the production of a polyether-block-amide (Pebax 5533) based composite for medical applications. Virgin polyether-block-amide was compared with titanium filled composites with loadings of 40 and 60% by weight prepared using twin screw extrusion and compression moulding. The materials were characterised using a range of mechanical, thermal, toxicological and surface analysis techniques. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that no chemical interaction occurred between the filler particles and the host polymer matrix. Thermal analysis of the composites indicated that as the blend composition varied, so too did the melting behaviour. The inclusion of the titanium microparticles was observed to increase the flow viscosity, tensile strength, hardness and Young's modulus of the composites whilst also resulting in a rougher surface with lower surface energy.