Composition optimization of PLA/PPC/HNT nanocomposites for mandibular fixation plate using single-factor experimental design

• Published in: Journal of the mechanical behavior of biomedical materials 2022-11, Vol.135, p.105423, Article 105423
• Main Authors: Haneef, Intan Najwa Humaira Mohamed, Buys, Yose Fachmi, Shaffiar, Norhashimah Mohd, Abdul Hamid, Abdul Malek, Shaharuddin, Sharifah Imihezri Syed, Fitriani
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cellulose; Clay; Nanocomposites; Polyesters; Polypropylenes; Research Design
• ISSN: 1751-6161; 1878-0180
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2022.105423

The need to overcome the secondary surgery to remove implanted metal fixation plate leads to the idea of replacing the material with degradable bionanocomposite. In this research, polylactic acid/polypropylene (PLA/PPC) blends incorporated with halloysite nanotubes (HNT) (0-6 wt %) were considered as the candidate material for mandibular fixation plate. A single-factor design using Design Expert software was used to determine 20 different compositions of PLA/PPC/HNT nanocomposites and their mechanical properties were then measured. The optimization of the PLA/PPC/HNT nanocomposite composition was performed based on the nanocomposite's response to Young's modulus, tensile strength, and elongation at break. Further analysis suggested an optimum composition of 92.5/7.5 PLA/PPC with 6 wt % of HNT. The statistical results predicted that there was a 71.7% possibility that the proposed nanocomposite would have the following mechanical properties: Young's modulus of 2.18 GPa, a tensile strength of 64.16 MPa, and an elongation at break of 106.53%.