Development, Physiochemical characterization, Mechanical and Finite element analysis of 3D printed Polylactide-β-TCP/α-Al₂O₃ composite.

Abstract

Herein, material extrusion (MEX) technique is utilized to develop 3D printed models based on reinforcing β-Ca₃(PO₄)₂/α-Al₂O₃ composite in polylactide (PLA) matrix. β-Ca₃(PO₄)₂/α-Al₂O₃ composite has been synthesized through co-precipitation method and the phase content of β-Ca₃(PO₄)₂ and α-Al₂O₃ components are respectively determined as 64 and 36 wt%. The resultant β-Ca₃(PO₄)₂/α-Al₂O₃ composite mixed with PLA at various weight ratios were extruded as filaments and subsequently 3D printed into definite shapes for the physiochemical, morphological and mechanical evaluation. 3D printed bodies that comprise 5 wt % β-Ca₃(PO₄)₂/α-Al₂O₃ composite yielded an increasing tensile, compressive and flexural strength in the corresponding order of ∼15, ∼15 and 22% than 3D printed pure PLA. Further, the Representative volume element (RVE) unit cells developed based on the various investigated compositions of PLA-β-Ca₃(PO₄)₂/α-Al₂O₃ were subjected to mechanical evaluation through Finite element analysis (FEA) under both static and dynamic loading conditions on ASTM standard specimens. The results from experimental and FEA analysis demonstrated good uniformity that confirmed the reinforcement of 5 wt % β-Ca₃(PO₄)₂/α-Al₂O₃ in PLA matrix as an optimum combination to yield better mechanical strength.