Influence of Composition on the Thermal Stability of 3D-Printed P3HB/PLA-Based Biocomposites Using a Design of Experiments Approach

Influence of Composition on the Thermal Stability of 3D-Printed P3HB/PLA-Based Biocomposites Using a Design of Experiments Approach

Abstract

Biocomposites based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) and polylactic acid (PLA), given their biocompatibility [1,2] and biodegradability [1,2], represent a promising basis for materials used in regenerative medicine. When combined with ceramic fillers such as hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate, both of which are biocompatible [3,4] and osteoconductive [3,4], they yield a promising material for bone tissue replacement. With appropriate additive modification, this type of biocomposite can be processed using 3D printing technology to create structures with controlled morphology, which is crucial for scaffold fabrication.Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was utilized as a primary method to assess the thermal stability of the polymer matrix, a critical parameter in 3D printing where processing temperatures must not lead to material degradation. For this investigation, biocomposites composed of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB), polylactic acid (PLA), and ceramic fillers (hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate), modified with a plasticizer, were prepared and analysed. A structured Design of Experiments (DoE) methodology was employed to evaluate how variations in the polymer matrix, filler, and plasticizer ratios influence thermal stability. This approach identifies key interactions between the components and provides insights into how specific compositional changes influence the onset temperature and the temperature at which the polymer matrix exhibits its maximum rate of thermal degradation

Biocomposites based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) and polylactic acid (PLA), given their biocompatibility [1,2] and biodegradability [1,2], represent a promising basis for materials used in regenerative medicine. When combined with ceramic fillers such as hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate, both of which are biocompatible [3,4] and osteoconductive [3,4], they yield a promising material for bone tissue replacement. With appropriate additive modification, this type of biocomposite can be processed using 3D printing technology to create structures with controlled morphology, which is crucial for scaffold fabrication.Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was utilized as a primary method to assess the thermal stability of the polymer matrix, a critical parameter in 3D printing where processing temperatures must not lead to material degradation. For this investigation, biocomposites composed of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB), polylactic acid (PLA), and ceramic fillers (hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate), modified with a plasticizer, were prepared and analysed. A structured Design of Experiments (DoE) methodology was employed to evaluate how variations in the polymer matrix, filler, and plasticizer ratios influence thermal stability. This approach identifies key interactions between the components and provides insights into how specific compositional changes influence the onset temperature and the temperature at which the polymer matrix exhibits its maximum rate of thermal degradation

P3HB; PLA; biocomposite; thermal stability

P3HB; PLA; biocomposite; thermal stability

LAVRINČÍKOVÁ, V.; KAMENÍKOVÁ, E.; MENČÍK, P.; ŠINDELÁŘ, J.; ALEXY, P.; PŘIKRYL, R.

16.09.2025

SITECH, Romania

Mostar. Bosna a Hercegovina

Book of abstracts of the 8th Central and Eastern European Conference on Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry (CEEC-TAC8).

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