3D printing of high-strength, degradable and antibacterial PLA/TPU/PMF composites
摘要
This study investigates a 3D printing strategy for fabricating polylactic acid/polyurethane elastomer/phosphorus-magnesium fiber (PLA/TPU/PMF) composites with enhanced biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and antibacterial properties. The magnesium phosphate whisker PMF significantly improves the composite's antibacterial performance while demonstrating excellent environmental oxidation stability, maintaining its integrity after 24 h immersion in 20% H2O2 at 37 °C. Compared to hot-pressed counterparts, the 3D printed composites exhibit superior mechanical properties, including a higher Young's modulus (400 MPa) and tensile strength (7 MPa), along with reduced stress relaxation. The compatibility of 3D printing technology with these composites enables the fabrication of complex geometric configurations, such as curved nails, annular rings, and even intricate structures like Christmas trees. Furthermore, synergistic interactions between PLA, TPU, and PMF accelerate degradation rates, achieving complete degradation within 15 days when immersed in 20% H2O2 at 37 °C. For treating wounds at various locations or irregular defects (e.g., nail avulsions), digitally modeled, 3D printed dressings or tissue engineering materials can achieve millimeter-level wound matching, offering new possibilities for biomedical applications.