Reinforcement of polylactic acid with bioceramics (alumina and <scp>YSZ</scp> composites) and their thermomechanical and physical properties for biomedical application
Neha Choudhary, Varun Sharma, Pradeep Kumar
Abstract
Abstract Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is one of the most popular Additive Manufacturing (AM) techniques widely used in different fields, including the medical sector. FDM uses different thermoplastic polymers to fabricate the desired shapes. However, there is a need to enhance the mechanical properties of neat biopolymers with the help of reinforcements that can be used in medical applications. This work investigates the thermomechanical, physical, and biological properties of PLA‐based composites fabricated using FDM. PLA‐based bio‐ceramics (Al 2 O 3 and Yttria Stabilized Zirconia [YSZ]) filaments have been used to prepare tensile, compression, and flexural specimens. Scanning electron microscopy has been performed to reveal the fracture characteristics of the composite specimens. Besides this, the feasibility of the polymer composite for biomaterial applications has also been analyzed. The results show that PLA/Al 2 O 3 has 30.44, 55.2, and 83.73 MPa tensile, compressive, and flexural strength, respectively. The present study also shows that the reinforcement of PLA with bioceramics also led to a reduction in wear and Coefficient Of Friction (COF) at varying loads.