LAUSR

Abstract In this study, rice husk ash (RHA) silanized with 3-glycidyloxypropyl trimethoxysilane was used as support material to immobilize Candida antarctica lipase B. The developed biocatalyst was then utilized in the ring opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-caprolactone and in situ development of PCL/Silica nanohybrid. The silanization degree of RHA was determined as 4 % (w) by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Structural investigations and calculation of molecular weights of nanohybrids were realized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR). Crystallinity was determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used for morphological observations. Accordingly, the PCL composition in the nanohybrid was determined as 4 %, approximately. Short chained amorphous PCL was synthesized with a number average molecular weight of 4400 g/mol and crystallinity degree of 23 %. In regards to these properties, synthesized PCL/RHA composite can find use biomedical applications.