Physico-chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of PLA-nHA nanocomposites: Effect of glass fiber reinforcement

Yitao Zheng, Gu Fu, Bin Wang, Chengheng Pang, Philip Hall, Nusrat Sharmin

Research output: Journal PublicationArticlepeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this study, tri-layered composites were prepared by reinforcing poly-lactic acid (PLA) nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) (1 and 5 wt%) and 20 mol% continuous phosphate glass fibers (PGF). Initially, the effect of addition of 1 and 5% n-HA on the structural, thermal, mechanical, and thermo-mechanical properties of 100% PLA was investigated. With 5 wt% n-HA addition the tensile modulus (TM), flexural modulus (FM), tensile strength (TS), and flexural strength (FS) of 100% PLA was improve by 14.9, 47.4, 6, and 32.9%, respectively. Whereas, the un-notched impact strength of the nanocomposites suffer 2% deterioration. However, Tg decreased by 0.3°C and Tc increased by 10°C as 5 wt% n-HA was added to 100% PLA. Afterwards, the 5% n-HA/PLA composite were reinforced with 20 mol% continuous PGF and the TM, FM, TS, and FS of the tri-layered composites were 162.6, 412.5, 28.4, and 157.4% higher as compared to 100%PLA. Furthermore, the storage modulus of the 1% n-HA-filled composites was 500 MPa lower than 100%PLA, while 5 wt% n-HA-filled composites showed similar storage modulus as 100% PLA. 5 wt% n-HA-filled composite showed the highest peak of loss modulus which may be attribute to the chain segment of PLA matrix after the incorporation of HA. Thus, n-HA and PGF reinforcement resulted in improved mechanical properties of the composites and have great potential as biodegradable bone fixation device with enhanced load-bearing ability.

Original languageEnglish
Article number49286
JournalJournal of Applied Polymer Science
Volume137
Issue number42
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 Nov 2020

Keywords

  • hydroxyapatite
  • nano-composites
  • phosphate glass fibres
  • resorbable polymer

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

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