Mechanical Behaviour of Cissus Quadrangularis/Basalt Fibre Reinforced Hybrid Biocomposite for Bone Implantations

Basalt fiber reinforced PLA/CQ hybrid biocomposite is developed by the injection molding technique. Mechanical properties of Basalt fiber reinforced PLA/CQ composites at different weight fractions are investigated. In addition, to analyze the morphological characteristics as well as the fractured and worn-out surface of the raw materials, a Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) study is carried out. Poly lactic acid (PLA) is a popular synthetic polymer considered for tissue applications, hence this polymer is proven to support the occurrence of metabolic processes in the human body. PLA parts reinforced with treated basalt fiber seem to be a good selection. Cissus quadrangularis fiber has many medical curing abilities, is first time introduced as a medical filler in short fibers in this hybrid bio-medical composites. The study shows that significant improvement in tensile, flexural, and impact strength of the hybrid composites was observed as the weight percentage of BF and CQ increases. Also, water absorption tests and scanned electron microscopic studies were conducted to further explore the capability of this biocomposite. This composite gives an efficient result as that of bone instead of considering metal as a replacement. This is a novel and innovative finding of new hybrid composites of PLA/BF/CQ biocomposites in the applications of biomedical engineering.