Evaluation of dynamic compressive properties of PLA polymer blends using split Hopkinson pressure bar

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) has been used as a biomaterial for bone fixation devices in oral and orthopedic surgery because of good biocompatibility and bioabsorbability. Because Poly(e-Caprolactone) (PCL) is a ductile, bioabsorbable and biodegradable polymer, many types of PLA/ PCL polymer blends have been developed to improve its material strength and impact resistance. The stress-strain curves of PLA and PLA/PCL polymer blends were measured using a split Hopkinson pressure bar (Kolsky bar) method and a universal testing machine. The effect of PCL content on Young's modulus and yield stress was examined. The values of constants in Cowper-Symonds equation with respect to yield stress were determined for PLA and PLA/PCL polymer blend specimens. PLA/PCL specimens were observed using a scanning electron microscope.Godkänd; 2009; 20090912 (parj)