PREPARATION OF A 3-D PRINTABLE RADIOPAQUE COMPOSITE USING ZIRCONIUM OXIDE COMPOSITE

Joint dislocations are sustained frequently in the sports world, especially in contact sports. Athletic trainers and students in training must use joint simulation models to retain the skills to treat joint dislocations effectively. However, commercially available joint simulation models for athletic training are rare and often costly. The three-dimensional (3D)-printed patient-specific models with anatomical fidelity enable learners to practice before further medical intervention. However, one major limitation is that the polymers (such as PLA and ABS) are not visible under X-ray imaging, the most common non-invasive clinical diagnosis and assessment method for joint dislocation injuries. In this study, a 3D printable radiopaque polymer composite was prepared by blending radiopaque zirconia particles with fine polylactic acid (PLA) particles under different weight ratios. The polymer composites were extruded to prepare filament through a filament extruder under various extruding conditions. The mechanical properties of the filaments were evaluated through tensile testing, using an MTI-10K machine. The results showed that the PLA mixed with up to 2.5% zirconia filament can improve the mechanical strength up to 1.2-fold. However, as more zirconia was added the material became more brittle. It is anticipated that the current PLA-Zr composite could provide an affordable and convenient solution for fabricating medical training models.