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On the characterization of functionally graded biomaterial primed through a novel plaster mold casting process
Chander Prakash1, Sunpreet Singh2
1School of Mechanical Engineering, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India.
Summary
A novel plaster mold casting process creates biodegradable orthopedic implants. This method optimizes material composition for enhanced mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and superior cell activity, paving the way for advanced orthopedic solutions.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Orthopedic Materials Science
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Development of advanced biodegradable materials is crucial for orthopedic applications.
- Current fabrication methods often face limitations in achieving tailored material properties.
- Functionally Graded Biodegradable Materials (FGBMs) offer potential for improved biocompatibility and mechanical integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel plaster mold casting (PMC) process for fabricating FGBMs.
- To investigate the influence of material composition (Plaster of Paris/hydroxyapatite ratio) on FGBM performance.
- To evaluate the mechanical, corrosion, and cytocompatibility properties of the developed FGBMs for orthopedic use.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of plaster molds using a hybrid mixture of Plaster of Paris (PoP) and hydroxyapatite (HAP).
- Casting of molten magnesium (Mg) alloy into the prepared molds.
- Taguchi-based design of experiments to systematically study process parameters (PoP/HAP proportion, mixing time, baking times).
Main Results:
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed uniform hydroxyapatite (HAP) particle distribution.
- Optimal surface hardness and impact strength achieved with 90% PoP and 10% HAP.
- Superior corrosion resistance demonstrated by samples with 70% PoP and 30% HAP.
- All developed FGBMs exhibited significant bioactivity, promoting cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation, with the 70% PoP/30% HAP composition being superior.
Conclusions:
- The novel PMC process is effective for fabricating FGBMs with tunable properties.
- Optimized FGBM compositions show promising mechanical, corrosion, and cytocompatibility profiles for orthopedic applications.
- The developed PMC route represents a viable and potential method for orthopedic implant fabrication.
