Perpustakaan Digital ITB

The global market for orthopedic implants is predicted to be worth USD 48 billion in 2022, rising to USD 72.08 billion by 2032. Despite the effectiveness of current supplies and technology, implant materials have substantial limitations in terms of physical and biochemical compatibility with surrounding bone. Polymer/bioceramic composites, particularly degradable polylactide and hydroxyapatite (PLA/HA) composites, have lately emerged as a promising option that closely mimics real bone. It has been established that adding HA to the PLA matrix enhances the physical and mechanical properties of the composite material. The research aims to develop an efficient processing route for PLA/HA to achieve desired shape and mechanical properties, aiming to replace current bone implant materials with a more biocompatible, stable, and effective alternative. This is achieved using the solvent and solvent-free techniques. Mechanical characterization of the composite is determined through compressive strength test and bending strength test. The study confirms that dichloromethane is the best solvent for dissolving PLA/HA mixtures. Three solvent-free methods were attempted: filament extrusion, injection molding, and oven melting. Mechanical testing showed that bending strength increases with higher HA content, but there were significant deviations due to differences in sample thickness and DCM quantity. The average bending strength of the 10% and 30%-HA samples are 31.29 MPa and 75.91 MPa respectively. The average compressive strength of the 10% and 30%-HA samples are 2.03 MPa and 1.41 MPa respectively. The study indicates that uniform sample structures produced through compacting manufacturing methods like injection molding, uniaxial pressing, and FDM 3D printing and filament extrusion enhance bending and compressive strengths.