Mechanical Behavior of Poly Lactic Acid (PLA)-Based Composites Reinforced with Alloy Wires

In the pursuit of biodegradable implant materials for bone fracture fixation, this study focuses on the synthesis and evaluation of a composite made of poly lactic acid (PLA) reinforced with unidirectional high-strength mechanical alloy wires. A comprehensive assessment of its mechanical properties was conducted, encompassing tensile testing and hardness measurements. Four specimens were formulated: two samples of pure PLA and two reinforced with different metal alloy wires—stainless steel and aluminum. Tensile testing results showcased that the aluminum-reinforced PLA composite (reinforced PLA-4) displayed the highest peak load, break load, and tensile strength at peak load, making it the strongest among all tested samples. Notably, this composite also manifested a high degree of ductility, evident from its elongation measurements, which is pivotal for bone implant materials. On the other hand, the hardness tests revealed a slight reduction in hardness upon reinforcement, with the reinforced PLA-4 specimen exhibiting a value of 81.33 HA, lower than the pure PLA samples but still substantial. The amalgamation of elevated tensile strength and a hardness profile that could potentially mirror the natural bone makes the aluminum-reinforced PLA composite a promising candidate for bone fracture fixation devices. The utilization of unidirectional high-strength mechanical alloy wires not only augments the tensile strength but also offers the potential for controlled biodegradation rates. However, further in-depth in vivo studies and biocompatibility assessments are imperative to ensure its efficacy and safety for clinical applications.