On Novel 3D-Printed Polylactic Acid Composite Matrix for Condition Monitoring of Comminuted Fractures

In the past three decades, numerous studies have been reported on polylactic acid (PLA) composite-based implants. However, little has been reported on the novel 3D-printed PLA composite matrix with sensing capabilities. This study highlights the development of a novel 3D-printed PLA composite matrix with fused filament fabrication (FFF) for online condition monitoring of comminuted fractures in canines. The PLA composite matrix was prepared in filament form for the 3D printing of smart cerclage strips by reinforcing hydroxyapatite (HAP), chitosan (CS), and BaTiO3 in varying wt.% based on the melt flow index (MFI) per ASTM D 1238. The PLA-HAP-CS (99.5%)-BaTiO3 (0.5%) composite has been selected for 3D printing, and a comparison of mechanical, dielectric properties of virgin PLA and PLA-HAP-CS (98%)-BaTiO3 (2%) has been presented. The observed mechanical properties of PLA-HAP-CS (99.5%)-BaTiO3 (0.5%) have Young's modulus (E) 2983.93 +/- 150 MPa, and peak stress 71.34 +/- 3.56 MPa indicates its acceptable stiffness, flexibility, and strength for the intended application. The predicted dielectric constant (epsilon r) 2.63 with a minimal loss of 1.31 shows better efficiency for online monitoring of comminuted fractures in canines. Further, the results are supported by attenuated total reflection- Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).