Processing and Characterization of Cuttlebone Reinforced Polymer Composites for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Utilization of sea coral in the development of biocomposites, especially for application as implants has been well documented. In this study, different cuttlebone derived bio-fillers were used as reinforcement in epoxy composites along with carbon fiber to improve mechanical and biocompatibility properties for low and high load bearing implant applications. Raw cuttlebone, heat treated cuttlebone particles (calcined at 400°C) and cuttlebone derived bio ceramics (calcium oxide, hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate) obtained through either calcination at 800°C or mechnochemical method followed by calcination at higher temperature were derived. X-ray diffractrometer and Fourier Transform-Infra Red spectroscopy was used to confirm the phase confirmation of different cuttlebone derived particles. Epoxy composites were prepared by hand layup method using different cuttlebone derived particles as reinforcement phase. Material properties like mechanical, physical, thermal, thermo-mechanical and biocompatibility of these composites were studied. Among the different composites studied, raw cuttlebone and hydroxyapatite reinforced epoxy composites showed a superior mechanical, physical, thermal and biocompatibility properties than the other composites even at a lower filler loading level (≤9 wt%). Material properties observed for these two composites establish them as a potential candidate for low load bearing orthopedic implant applications. Similarly, raw cuttlebone, heat treated cuttlebone, hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate was used along with carbon fiber as reinforcement in epoxy composites. These hybrid composites were prepared by hand layup followed by hydraulic press method; their mechanical, physical, thermal and thermo-mechanical properties were found to be improvised than carbon fiber/epoxy composites. Among the hybrid composites examined, raw cuttlebone/carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composite demonstrates favorable biocompatible properties that substantiate them for high load bearing bone plate applications.