Abstract

This study focuses on fabrication and mechanical characterisations of biocompatible composite to be as a promising material for biomedical applications. Polylactic Acid (PLA) was reinforced with HA of average particle size 200 nm to enhance its mechanical performance by varying the HA loadings of 0 wt.%,0.25 wt.%, 0.5 wt.%, 1wt.%, and 2 wt.%. The composites were fabricated by blending the PLA pellets and nHA powder in their dry states, followed by compression molding to be ready for mechanical characterisation (compression, tensile, and flexural) according to ASTM D695, ASTM638, and ASTM D790 standards, respectively. Notably, the experimental results indicated that the addition of nHA to PLA matrix affected the mechanical behavior of the overall composites. The composite with 1 wt. % HA content achieved the optimal performance among all loading, with 7.8% improvement in tensile strength as well as a significant improvement in both compressive and flexural properties. Conversely, the strength declined at higher HA contents owing to the agglomeration, interfacial bonding within the matrix, and voids formation that acts as stress concentration points leading to the specimen fracture.