Development of Bio-Compatible, Bio-Degradable Polymers for 3D Printed Orthopedic Implants

Abstract

The demand for biodegradable materials has exponentially increased in several biomedical applications due to the emphasis on environmental sustainability. 3D printing, specifically using the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technique, holds significant potential to address this demand. Traditionally, bone fractures were treated with titanium implants which have been proven to be too. However, the literature has yet to explore implants made from PLA blended with PBAT-Bio-PBS. This study aims to fill this gap by focusing on the mechanical properties of these materials, specifically their strength, percentage elongation at break, and Young's modulus. The investigation employs the Taguchi L9 design of experiment and Grey Relation Analysis (GRA) to optimize these properties. According to the GRA, the optimal parameters yielding the highest Grey Relational Grade (GRC) included a raster angle of 0˚, a layer height of 0.16 𝑚𝑚, and a nozzle temperature of 190℃. Utilizing these optimized parameters, implants printing was carried out. The results of this study provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential application of biodegradable and biocompatible PLA/PBAT/Bio-PBS blends in medical implants, contributing to both biomedical advancements and environmental sustainability.