Randomized trial assesses mechanical performance and bioactivity of polylactide composites, indicating optimal HA loading.
Key Points
The study aims to evaluate the mechanical performance and in vitro bioactivity of PLA/HA composites for use as bone-graft substitutes.
PLA composites with 2.5, 5, and 10 wt% HA were produced by twin-screw extrusion and injection molding.
Composites were characterized using multiple analyses, including mechanical testing and thermal evaluation.
In vitro bioactivity was assessed through immersion in simulated body fluid, monitoring surface changes over 42 days.
HA addition significantly reduced melt viscosity by up to 21-fold at 300 s⁻¹ for 10 wt% HA.
Mechanical properties showed that tensile strength and impact resistance decrease markedly above 2.5 wt% HA, indicating a ductile-to-brittle transition.
The formation of a bone-like apatite layer occurred on composites with ≥ 5wt% HA within 21 days, indicating enhanced bioactivity.