Performance Evaluation of Bone Plates Consisted of BGF/PLA Composite Material according to Body Fluid Exposure Conditions

Abstract

ABSTRACT:The aim of this study is to fabricate composite bone plates consisted of unidirectional biodegradable glass fibers (BGF) and polylactic acid (PLA) and evaluate the performance of the composite bone plates according to the temperature (50.0°C) of PBS (Phosphate Buffer Saline) solution and exposure time (0~3 weeks). Mechanical characteristics, such as bending stiffness, flexural strength, water uptake and mass loss, were investigated and the results showed that mechanical properties of the plates decreased as soaking duration increased due to loss of composite material.