Hybrid Composites of Phosphate Glass Fibre/Nano-Hydroxyapatite/Polylactide: Effects of Nano-Hydroxyapatite on Mechanical Properties and Degradation Behaviour

Hydroxyapatite/polylactide (HA/PLA) composites have been intensively investigated for their potential as biodegradable fixation devices to heal bone fractures. However, most of these composites failed to achieve a bone-mimicking level of mechanical properties, which is an essential demand of the targeted application. In this study, the nano-hydroxyapatite/polylactide composites were used as the matrix and continuous phosphate glass fibres (PGF) served as the major reinforcement to obtain the nano-HA/PGF/PLA hybrid composites. While the PGF volume fraction remained constant (25%), the nano-HA content (in weight) varied from 0% to 20%. As nano-HA loading increased, the flexural modulus of the composites increased from 8.70 ± 0.35 GPa to 14.97 ± 1.30 GPa, and the flexural strengths were enhanced from 236.31 ± 10.83 MPa to 310.55 ± 22.88 MPa. However, it is found that the degradation rates are higher with more nano-HA loaded. Enhanced water absorption ability, as well as increased voids in the composites is possible reasons for the accelerated degradation of composites with higher nano-HA loading. The hybrid composites possess mechanical properties that are superior to most of the HA/PLA composites in previous research while maintaining the biodegradability. With a proper loading of nano-HA in composites of 10 weight percent, the composites are also found with improved mechanical properties without catastrophic degradation. The composites developed in this study have great potential as biodegradable bone fixation device with enhanced load-bearing ability as confirmed and superior bioactivity as anticipated.

Preparation and characterization of chitosan/nano-hydroxyapatite composite used as bone substitute materials

Chitosan/nano-hydroxyapatite composites with different weight ratios were prepared through a co-precipitation method using Ca（OH）2, H3PO4 and chitosan as starting materials. The properties of these composites were characterized by means of TEM, IR, XRD, TGA, burn-out tests and universal matertial testing machine. The results showed that the HA synthesized here was poorly crystalline carbonated nanometer crystals and dispersed uniformly in chitosan phase and there was no phase-separation between the two phases. The addition of n-HA resulted in a decrease of decomposing temperature of chitosan. Because of the interactions between chitosan and n-HA, the mechanical properties of these composites were improved, and the maximum value of the compressive strength was measured to be about 120MPa corresponding to the chitosan/n-HA composite with a weight ratio of 30/70.

Toddy Palm (Borassus Flabellifer) Fruit Fibre Bundles as Reinforcement in Polylactide (PLA) Composites: An Overview About Fibre and Composite Characteristics

Toddy palm fruit have an apparent density below 0.8 g/cm³and offer an interesting lightweight construction potential in polylactide(PLA)composites reinforced with 37 mass-%fibres.Single fibre bundles show similar mechanical properties compared with coir:tensile strength of 240 MPa,Young´s modulus of 3.8 GPa and an elongation at break of 31%.However,density and diameter(~50μm)of fruit fibre bundles are significantly lower.The compression moulded composites have a density of 0.9 g/cm³and achieved an unnotched Charpy impact strength of 12 kJ/m^(2),a tensile strength of 25 MPa,Young’s modulus of 1.9 GPa and an elongation at break of 9%.Due to the high porosity of the composites and the different stress-strain behaviour of fibre and matrix the fibre-reinforcement potential could not be fully used.Maximum stress of the composite was reached at the elongation at break of the PLA-matrix(~2%)while the fibre achieved its maximum stress at an elongation of~31%.After reaching the maximum stress of the composite,the fibres were pulled out from the matrix with low energy absorption,resulting in a decrease in stress and a limited reinforcement potential.Additionally,the study investigates whether an insect attack by the Asian fruit fly on the mesocarp has a significant influence on the mechanical fibre characteristics.The results have shown that only the rough surface of the fibre bundles is smoothed by insect infestation.The mechanical properties were not significantly affected.For this reason insect-infested fruits of the toddy palm,which are no longer suitable for food production,can be used for the production of sustainable composite materials.

Effects of friction stir processing and nano-hydroxyapatite on the microstructure,hardness,degradation rate and in-vitro bioactivity of WE43 alloy for biomedical applications

Nowadays,magnesium alloys are emerging in biomedical implants for their similar properties to natural bones.However,the rapid degradation of magnesium alloys in biological media hinders successful implantation.Refinement of microstructure,as well as reinforcement particles can significantly improve the degradation rate.In this work,multi-pass friction stir processing(FSP)was proposed to synthesize WE43/nano-hydroxyapatite(n HA)surface composite,the microstructure,reinforced particle distribution,micro-hardness,corrosion behavior and in-vitro bioactivity were studied.The subsequent FSP passes of WE43 alloy and WE43/n HA composite refined the grain size which was reduced by 94.29%and 95.92%(2.63 and 1.88μm,respectively)compared to base metal after three passes.This resulted in increasing the microhardness by 120%(90.86 HV0.1)and 135%(105.59 HV0.1)for the WE43 and WE43-n HA,respectively.It is found that increasing FSP passes improved the uniform distribution of n HA particles within the composite matrix which led to improved corrosion resistance and less degradation rate.The corrosion rate of the FSPed WE43/n HA composite after three passes was reduced by 38.2%(4.13 mm/year)and the degradation rate was reduced by 69.7%(2.87 mm/y).This is attributed to secondary phase(Mg24Y5and Mg41Nd5)particle fragmentation and redistribution,as well as a homogeneous distribution of n HA.Additionally,the growing Ca-P and Mg(OH)2layer formed on the surface represented a protective layer that reduced the degradation rate.The wettability test revealed a relatively hydrophilic surface with water contact angle of 49.1±2.2°compared to 71.2±2.1°for base metal.Also,biomineralization test showed that apatite layer grew after immersion 7d in simulated body fluid with atomic ratio of Ca/P 1.60 approaching the stoichiometric ratio(1.67)indicating superior bioactivity of FSPed WE43/n HA composite after three passes.These results raise that the grain refinement by FSP and introduction of n HA particles significantly improved the degradation rate and in-vitro bioactivity of WE43 alloy for biomedical applications.

Magnesium/Nano-hydroxyapatite Composite for Bone Reconstruction: The Effect of Processing Method

Nano-ceramic particles can serve as reinforcing agents for metallic materials to improve their mechanical properties.However,it is important to ensure chemical compatibility between the matrix and particles.In the present study,magnesium composites with and without nano-hydroxyapatite(nHA)particles were fabricated for bone reconstruction applications.Two different techniques were used,Conventional Sintering(CS)of powder compacts and Spark Plasma Sintering(SPS)of pre-compacted powder.Results showed that a 10 wt%addition of nHA particles to magnesium,followed by SPS improved the compression strength by 27%.CS did not lead to any significant improvement compared to SPS processing.X-ray diffraction data after CS revealed the formation of unfavorable phases due to chemical reactions between nHA particles and the magnesium matrix,while these phases were absent after SPS processing.The mechanical properties of the specimens fabricated by CS were much inferior to those processed using SPS.The shorter processing time associated with SPS leaded to reduced interaction between nHA particles and the Mg-matrix,compared to CS.

Flexible Polydimethylsiloxane Composite with Multi-Scale Conductive Network for Ultra-Strong Electromagnetic Interference Protection

Highly conductive polymer composites(CPCs) with excellent mechanical flexibility are ideal materials for designing excellent electromagnetic interference(EMI) shielding materials,which can be used for the electromagnetic interference protection of flexible electronic devices.It is extremely urgent to fabricate ultra-strong EMI shielding CPCs with efficient conductive networks.In this paper,a novel silver-plated polylactide short fiber(Ag@PL ASF,AAF) was fabricated and was integrated with carbon nanotubes(CNT) to construct a multi-scale conductive network in polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS) matrix.The multi-scale conductive network endowed the flexible PDMS/AAF/CNT composite with excellent electrical conductivity of 440 S m-1and ultra-strong EMI shielding effectiveness(EMI SE) of up to 113 dB,containing only 5.0 vol% of AAF and 3.0 vol% of CNT(11.1wt% conductive filler content).Due to its excellent flexibility,the composite still showed 94% and 90% retention rates of EMI SE even after subjected to a simulated aging strategy(60℃ for 7 days) and 10,000 bending-releasing cycles.This strategy provides an important guidance for designing excellent EMI shielding materials to protect the workspace,environment and sensitive circuits against radiation for flexible electronic devices.

Preparation and characterization of composite microspheres of nano zinc ferrite/poly(D,L-lactide-co-alanine)

Magnetic nano zinc ferrite fliuds were synthesized using an improved liquid phase chemical method, which would be used to replace tradditional iron oxides magnetic material. A novel copolymer （PLAA） with D, L-lactide （D, L-LA） and alanine was synthesized using stannous octoate as initiator. Magnetic polymer microspheres were fabricated with nano zinc ferrite fluid coated with alanine modified poly lactide. These as-prepared zinc ferrite fluids, modified poly lactide and magnetic composites, were characterized with X-ray diffraction diffractometer, FT-IR spectrometer, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, vibrating sample magnetometer, and thermogravimetric analyzer. The results demonstrate that the as-prepared zinc ferrite is spinel type of ZnFe2O4 nano crystals with particle size of 20-45 nm and magnetization of 32×10^-3 A.m2. Alanine is copolymerized with lactide, and the prepared composite magnetic microsphere is coated with the modified polylactide, with mass fraction of 45.5% of PLA, particle size ranging from 80-300 nm, and magnetization of 10.6×10^-3 A·m^2, which suggests ZnFe2O4 enjoys a stable magnetization after being coated by polymer.

Preparation of Hydroxyapatite/Polylactide Bicomposites by Absorption Process in Liquid Phase

The hydroxyapatite/polylactide biocomposites were prepared by absorption process in liquid phase. The method avoided many disadvantages, such as inaterfusion of chemical impurity substances, nonuniformity dispersal of HA in PLA, low molecular weight of PLA . HA particles were uniformly dispersed in PLA matrix, and showed well ndhesion with PLA matrix. The biocomposites have the higher mechanical properties and suitable decomposable capability.

High Impact Polylactide Based on Organosilicon Nucleation Agent

Various sectors of the industry are searching for new materials with specific requirements,providing improved properties.The study presents novel composite materials based on polylactide that have been modified with the organosilicon compound,(3-thiopropyl)polysilsesquioxane(SSQ-SH).The SSQ-SH compound is a mixture of cage structures and not fully condensed random structures.The composite materials were obtained through injection moulding.The study includes a comprehensive characterization of the new materials that analyze their functional properties,such as rheology(MFR),mechanical strength(tensile strength,Charpy impact strength),and thermal properties.SEM microscopic photos were also taken to analyze the microstructure of the samples.The addition of a 5%by-weight organosilicon compound to polylactide resulted in a significant increase in MFR by 73.8%compared to the neat polymer.The greatest improvement in impact strength was achieved for the 5%SSQ-SH/PLA composite,increasing it by 32.0 kJ/m^(2)compared to PLA,which represents an increase of up to 187%.The conducted research confirms the possibility of modifying the properties of the polymer by employing organosilicon compounds.

Cell responses and hemocompatibility of g-HA/PLA composites

The objective of this study was to investigate the hemocompatibility and cell responses to some novel poly（L-lactide） （PLA） composites containing surface modified hydroxyapatite particles for potential applications as a bone substitute material. The surface of hydroxyapatite （HA） particles was first grafted with L-lactic acid oligomers to form grafted HA （g-HA） particles. The g-HA particles were further blended with PLA to prepare g-HA/PLA composites. Our previous study has shown signifi- cant improvement in tensile properties of these materials due to the enhanced interracial adhesion between the polymer matrix and HA particles. To further investigate the potential applications of these composites in bone repair and other orthopedic sur- geries, a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to examine the cell responses and hemocompatibility of the materials. In vitro experiments showed that the g-HA/PLA composites were well tolerated by the L-929 cells. Hemolysis of the composites was lower than that of pure PLA. Subcutaneous implantation demonstrated that the g-HA/PLA composites were more favorable than the control materials for soft tissue responses. The results suggested that the g-HA/PLA composites are promising and safe materials with potential applications in tissue engineering.

Effect of a Hybrid Zinc Stearate-Silver System on the Properties of Polylactide and Its Abiotic and the Biotic Degradation and Antimicrobial Activity Thereof

This work investigates the degradation and properties of a thermoplastically prepared composite comprising a polylactide/ hybrid zinc stearate-silver system. The influence of the zinc stearate-silver system on the properties of the composite is investigated by electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and tensile tests. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activities of the systems are examined. The degradation behaviour of the composites is studied in both abiotic and biotic （composting） environments at an elevated temperature of 58 ℃. The results reveal good dispersion of the additive in the PLA matrix, a stabilizing effect exerted by the same on the polylactide matrix during processing, and slight reduction in glass transition temperature. The zinc stearate-silver component also reduces brittleness and extends elongation of the composite. Abiotic hydrolysis is not significantly affected, which is in contrast with pure PLA, although mineralization during the early stage of biodegradation increases noticeably. The composite exhibits antimicrobial activity, even at the lowest dosage of the zinc stearate/silver component （1 wt%）. Moreover, Ag and Zn contents were found to be present in the composite during abiotic hydrolysis, which was demonstrated by minimal diffusion of Ag ions from the matrix and very extensive washing of compounds that contained Zn.

Study on the Properties of Esterified Corn Starch/Polylactide Biodegradable Blends

Fully bio-based and biodegradable starch/polylactic acid blends have received increasing attentions for their biodegradability and potential to offset the use of unsustainable fossil resources,specifically,their application in packaging.Herein,corn starch was first esterified with maleic anhydride and then compounded with polylactide(PLA)to prepare esterified corn starch/polylactic acid blends with starch content up to 35 wt%.The structures,morphologies,thermal and mechanical properties of starch or blends were investigated.The results showed that corn starch was successfully grafted with maleic anhydride,which showed increased crystallinity and particle size than native starch.Esterified corn starch/polylactic acid blends showed good surficial compatibility and good thermal stability with main decomposition temperature in the range of 300℃to 400℃.Additionally,incorporation of corn starch increased the hydrophilicity and water uptake of composites.However,the tensile and flexural strengths of blends decreased with increasing esterified starch amount.

绿色制造背景下聚乳酸及其复合材料的研究进展

聚乳酸经天然产物淀粉发酵后合成,正逐步发展成为大宗基础性原材料。聚乳酸具有可降解、低能耗、机械性能优良、温和条件下耐久性较好等特点,可用于长寿命工程构件如车辆、机械、电气(器)和建筑装饰的制造,迎合绿色制造理念。本文总结了近年来聚乳酸及其复合材料的环境友好性、服役性、加工性及其高值化应用方面的研究进展,旨在为聚乳酸在长寿命工程构件制造中的应用研究提供理论依据和参考。

炭纤维增强羟基磷灰石/聚乳酸复合生物材料的力学性能和体外降解性能

采用溶液共混法制备了炭纤维(CF)增强羟基磷灰石(HA)/聚乳酸(PLA)三元复合生物材料。研究了该复合材料的力学性能和体外降解性能。CF/HA/PLA复合材料具有优异的力学性能,弯曲强度和弯曲模量均随着HA含量的增加先升高后降低,存在一个峰值,可分别达到430 MPa和26 GPa。在PBS模拟体液中降解3个月,弯曲强度和弯曲模量分别下降到初始值的30%和36%。SEM照片显示,降解是从复合材料的界面开始的,降解3个月后,界面结合处出现缝隙,吸水率增加到5%,质量损失只有1.6%。PBS模拟体液的pH值下降在0.1之内,有利于骨折部位的愈合。实验结果表明,该复合材料的机械性能满足骨折内固定材料技术指标的要求。

聚乳酸/纳米二氧化硅原位复合材料的制备和性能

以丙交酯和改性后的纳米二氧化硅为原料,在辛酸亚锡催化作用下,制备了聚乳酸纳米二氧化硅复合材料。分别用红外光谱(FT-IR),热失重分析(TG),扫描电镜(SEM)等对其化学结构和性能进行了分析和表征。FT-IR和SEM分析表明,纳米二氧化硅与聚乳酸发生了化学结合,并且均匀的分散于聚乳酸基体中。TG结果表明,随着纳米二氧化硅含量的增加,聚乳酸纳米二氧化硅复合材料的热稳定性提高。通过力学性能分析可以看出无机纳米粒子的加入提高了材料的拉伸强度。

聚乳酸及其复合材料在骨组织工程方面的研究进展

聚乳酸 (PL A)是具有良好的生物相容性和生物降解特性的聚合物 ,是 FDA认可的一类可植入体内的生物材料。本文综述了 PL A、羟基磷灰石 (HA) / PL A复合材料及生物活性有机成分 / PL

聚乳酸/植物纤维复合材料的增容改性研究进展

根据现阶段植物纤维增强聚乳酸的研究状况,围绕PLA与植物纤维相容性差的问题,展开详细讨论,着重综述了不同的纤维表面改性方法和PLA基体改性方法,以提高两者的相容性。并指明了植物纤维增强PLA复合材料的发展方向和应用前景。

稀土成核剂对聚乳酸结晶行为和热性能的影响

实验以原位聚合法制备了稀土成核剂/聚乳酸(PLA)复合材料。经光学解偏振法、X射线衍射、温度-形变曲线及热失重表征了复合材料的结晶行为和热性能。实验结果表明,稀土成核剂/PLA复合材料相比纯PLA,结晶速率和结晶度大幅度提高,当稀土成核剂质量分数为2%时,结晶速率为纯PLA的2.15倍,结晶度为53.74%,玻璃化温度为123.3℃。适量的稀土成核剂能显著提高复合材料的结晶速率、结晶度及热稳定性。

碳纤维表面处理对C/PLA复合材料界面粘结强度的影响(Ⅱ)

对硝酸表面处理前后碳纤维增强聚乳酸 ( C/ PL A)复合材料的界面状态进行了研究。重点研究了碳纤维的硝酸表面处理对 C/ PL A复合材料界面粘结强度的影响以及粘结机理。研究表明 ,硝酸表面处理可使复合材料的界面粘结强度大幅度增加 ,复合材料的冲击强度、弯曲强度、弯曲模量和剪切强度亦有不同程度的提高。 XPS研究发现 ,碳纤维与 PL A基体间有化学反应发生。界面化学反应程度的增加是复合材料界面粘结强度提高的主要原因 ;此外 。

聚乳酸/羟基磷灰石复合材料的制备及其性能研究

采用溶液共混、超声振荡的方法制备了聚乳酸/羟基磷灰石（PLA/HA）复合材料,采用扫描电镜、红外光谱对PLA/HA复合材料进行了表征,研究了PLA/HA复合材料的力学性能、亲水性能、热稳定性以及降解性能。结果表明,HA颗粒均匀分散在PLA基体中,没有团聚现象发生;与纯PLA比较,PLA/HA复合材料的弯曲强度提高了7.9 MPa,拉伸强度下降不明显;由于HA的加入,提高了PLA/HA复合材料热稳定性,亲水性能也有所改善;降解过程中,PLA/HA复合材料中的HA颗粒能够中和PLA部分酸性代谢产物,降低了材料自催化效应及产生速度,减缓了材料重量损失速度,前6周的重量损失小于1%,在第12周的最终重量损失为5.8%,降解后期的重量损失比纯PLA材料低3%~4%。