Evaluating the Performance of 3D-Printed PLA Reinforced with Date Pit Particles for Its Suitability as an Acetabular Liner in Artificial Hip Joints

Abstract

Off-the-shelf hip joints are considered essential parts in rehabilitation medicine that can help the disabled. However, the failure of the materials used in such joints can cause individual discomfort. In support of the various motor conditions of the influenced individuals, the aim of the current research is to develop a new composite that can be used as an acetabular liner inside the hip joint. Polylactic acid (PLA) can provide the advantage of design flexibility owing to its well-known applicability as a 3D printed material. However, using PLA as an acetabular liner is subject to limitations concerning mechanical properties. We developed a complete production process of a natural filler, i.e., date pits. Then, the PLA and date pit particles were extruded for homogenous mixing, producing a composite filament that can be used in 3D printing. Date pit particles with loading fractions of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 wt.% are dispersed in the PLA. The thermal, physical, and mechanical properties of the PLA–date pit composites were estimated experimentally. The incorporation of date pit particles into PLA enhanced the compressive strength and stiffness but resulted in a reduction in the elongation and toughness. A finite element model (FEM) for hip joints was constructed, and the contact stresses on the surface of the acetabular liner were evaluated. The FEM results showed an enhancement in the composite load carrying capacity, in agreement with the experimental results.

Evaluating the Mechanical and Tribological Properties of 3D Printed Polylactic-Acid (PLA) Green-Composite for Artificial Implant: Hip Joint Case Study

“…The Young’s modulus and ultimate compressive strength of PLA-CC10 were 1590 MPa and 53.5 MPa, respectively, with an enhancement of 6% and 12% with respect to pure PLA. The enhancement in the composite stiffness could interpret as the enhancement in the composite harness [ 18 ]. The noticed improvement in the PLA-CC strength may occur because of the uniform distribution of corn cob particles inside the PLA, which facilitates dissipation and absorption of applied compression load.…”

“…More than 90% of failures in many applications occurred because of the polymeric material strength and the tribological loading situation [ 17 ]. Fouly et al [ 18 ] evaluated the mechanical characteristics of 3D printed PLA reinforced with micro date pits powder with different weight fractions to be used to fabricate artificial hip joints. Results showed an enhancement in the overall mechanical properties.…”

Polycrystalline Diamond as a Potential Material for the Hard-on-Hard Bearing of Total Hip Prosthesis: Von Mises Stress Analysis

“…However, there are several serious problems found in the use of these three materials from a clinical standpoint. For example, polymer produces polymeric wear debris, which trigger osteolysis [ 6 ]; metal can release metal ions that enter the body tissues, causing metallosis [ 7 ]; ceramic has a disadvantage of fracture failure [ 8 ].…”

Effect of Synthesized Titanium Dioxide Nanofibers Weight Fraction on the Tribological Characteristics of Magnesium Nanocomposites Used in Biomedical Applications

“…A compatible artificial implant replaces the damaged femur head or bone in such surgeries. The artificial implant could be fabricated of ceramics, polymers, and metals and sometimes a combination of the three materials can be utilized [ 4 ]. The artificial hip-joint components are usually in direct contact with human blood, tissues, bones, and other fluids of the body; consequently, the utilized hip joint materials should be biocompatible.…”