Experimental Investigation on Mechanical Behavior of Bio-Composite Material

Abstract: Polylactic acid (PLA) and hydroxyapatite (HAp) are both used in bone healing materials in different ways. Magnesium (Mg)-based biomaterials are being studied extensively for implant applications that are biodegradable. One of the approaches used to enhance bioactivity and minimize Mg degradation rate is to develop Mg-based composites. In this study, new bio-composite material was developed using Hydroxyapatite (HAp) which has been derived from fishbone waste and Magnesium (Mg) reinforced Polylactic acid (PLA) composites. This Bio-composite was prepared through a compression moulding method with different wt.%, such as PLA/HAp/Mg (84%, 15%, 1%), (82%, 15%, 3%), and (80%, 15%, 5%) respectively. The mechanical behaviour of HAp/Mg reinforced PLA was investigated through universal tensile testing. The tensile strength of PLA has been improved by incorporating the HAp/Mg. The ultimate tensile strengths of virgin PLA and PLA/HAp/Mg composites (84%, 15%, 1%), (82%, 15%, 3%), and (80%, 15%, 5%) were 37.9, 40.5, 56.7, and 70.9 MPa respectively. The ultimate tensile strength of the PLA/HA/Mg-(80%,15%,5%) composite was approximately two times greater than virgin PLA. Based on the project outcomes of mechanical strength, the fabricated HAp/Mg with PLA composite is the promising material for high-strength bone replacement applications.

Keywords: Polylactic acid (PLA), hydroxyapatite (HAp), Magnesium (Mg)