Novel biodegradable hybrid composite of polylactic acid (PLA) matrix reinforced by bioactive glass (BG) fibres and magnesium (Mg) wires for orthopaedic application

Abstract

We fabricate biodegradable hybrid composites of unidirectional magnesium alloy wires and bioactive glass (BG) fibres inserted as reinforcements inside a polylactic (PLA) matrix by utilising lamina stacking process. The degree of mechanical reinforcement that can be achieved through this hybridisation is determined by examining various composite combinations by volume, i.e. the use of 20% Mg and 30% Mg wires with the BG fibre content varying from 0% to 30%. BG fibre addition up to ~10% by volume affords high tensile strength, which remain nearly constant upon subsequent fibre addition. Hybrids with 30% Mg content exhibit tensile strengths comparable with that of the cortical bone; thus, we perform a seven-day tensile degradation study of the composites in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) to determine their behaviour under wet conditions as function of immersion time at 37 °C. The least amount of BG fibres (10%) exhibits greater retention strength in PBS than other combinations.