Abstract
Silicon nitride (Si3N4) is a well-known bio-ceramic that is widely used for medical and healthcare purposes, due to its biocompatibility and superior chemical, physical and mechanical properties, which make it suitable for implants. Due to its unique features, examining its efficiency as a cost-effective reinforcement agent for thermoplastics in material extrusion (MEX) Additive Manufacturing (AM) seems promising for the development of composites for biomedical applications. The mainstream thermoplastic in MEX AM is the biodegradable and biocompatible Polylactic Acid (PLA). Herein, a biomedical grade PLA was used as a matrix for Si3N4 nanopowder in various filler loadings. Filaments were prepared with melt extrusion, whereas MEX 3D printing was engaged to prepare specimens for mechanical evaluation, according to standardized tests. The effect of the Si3N4 nanoparticles loading and its optimization was carried out by means of fifteen (15) different tests. The nanocomposites were fully characterized with Raman, Thermogravimetric Analysis, and Scanning Electron Microscopy, among others. Aspects of the process, such as rheology and processability, were also assessed and quantified. A more than 40% increase in both flexural and tensile strength of the samples was found, proving the hypothesis for the effectiveness of Si3N4 nanoparticles as a compelling alternative reinforcement agent in MEX AM of biomedical PLA-based parts.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.