Abstract
In this study, β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), particles reinforced bioresorbable plastics poly-L lactide (PLLA) composites containing three different β-TCP contents were prepared by injection molding. In order to clarify effects of the PLLA crystallinity, the specimens were heat treated. The results of differential scanning calorimetry indicated that the PLLA crystallinity increased with increasing heat treatment temperature. Tensile tests were conducted on the specimens. The results show that the tensile moduli increased with increasing β-TCP contents and crystallinity. On the other hand, the tensile strength decreased with increasing β-TCP contents. In order to predict the stress-strain behavior, analyses based on micromechanics and damage mechanics were conducted. Analytical predictions were in good agreement with the experimental results and the effectiveness of the present analysis was confirmed.
