Structural performance of poultry eggshell derived hydroxyapatite based high density polyethylene bio-composites

Abstract

In this research, hydroxyapatite (HAp) was synthesized from chicken eggshell waste by hydrothermal method for the development of bio-composite material suitable for biomedical implant. However, since environmental influences on natural materials are unique for different geographical locations in the world, the use of agro wastes from these locations need to be investigated. This work provides the detail results of the potentials of eggshell as HAp source. High-density polyethylene (HDPE)/HAp composites were developed by random dispersion of Hap (10, 20, 30 and 40 wt.%) in HDPE matrix, and were designated as HAC10, HAC20, HAC30, and HAC40. The HAp-filled HDPE composites were developed by a hot compression moulding process. The samples were subjected to tensile, flexural, impact, fracture toughness and wear tests according to ASTM standards in order to establish their structural performance as an implant material. Furthermore, the samples were also tested for hydrophilicity using tap water and simulated body fluid (SBF). X-ray diffraction analysis showed strong peaks of hydroxyapatite phase which established that the influence of the selected processing conditions on the poultry eggshell as a natural source for the biomedical application was suitable for the synthesis of high-quality hydroxyapatite. The mechanical properties of the developed composites were enhanced to the level of the required properties expected of an implant material compared to the control sample except for impact strength. Water absorption characteristics of the developed composite samples also displayed expected behaviour in SBF solution than in tap water thereby promoting the material as a good implant material. From the results, the sample with 40 wt.% HAp possess the highest values in the mechanical properties examined while sample from 20 wt.% had the best fracture toughness. The results revealed that these waste eggshells could be successfully converted into useful biocompatible HAp particles needed for the enhancement of the mechanical properties of polymer composites to meet the structural challenges of bio-composites.

Polymer-Based Composites: An Indispensable Material for Present and Future Applications

“…Both natural and synthetic degradable polymer composites are extensively used as scaffolds for bone repair due to their excellent mechanical and biological properties [42]. Having established the use of these materials as biomedical materials, sustainability and environmental impact were also considered, and hence, environmentally sustainable processes for the synthesis of HA have been developed and used for the production of hydroxyapatite powders (HAp) [49,50]. Currently, HAps are being synthesized from both plants and animals using all the existing manufacturing processes [51].…”

Physical and mechanical properties of Entada mannii particulates reinforced composites

“…Sustainable natural filler and fibers derivatives obtained from corn husk fiber, wheat husk, rice husk, hemp fiber and sisal fiber have been effectively used in development of advanced polymeric composites [1,2]. These fillers are introduced into the polymer composites to improve their rigidity, stiffness, mechanical, thermal and electrical properties.…”

Characterization of Wear and Physical Properties of Pawpaw–Glass Fiber Hybrid Reinforced Epoxy Composites for Structural Application

“…At the end of each abrasion process, the final weights of the samples were measured on the electronic weighing machine and recorded. Three samples were tested for each composition and their mean values were used to ensure the accuracy and reliability according to [17]. The experiment was carried out at an ambient temperature of 24 ± 2 • C and the wear resistance was calculated using Equation (1):…”

“…Composite structures consisting of more than one type of reinforcement are considered hybrid composites. Various methods of mixing these reinforcements have been reported, which comprises of stacking layers, mixing to create an interplaying hybrid, intermingling, selective placement and placing each reinforcements according to specific orientations [17].…”