Design, fabrication, mechanical, and in vitro evaluation of 3D printed ZrO2 reinforced polylactide scaffolds through fused deposition modeling

Abstract

The design and fabrication of 3D-printed polylactide/ZrO₂ composites through fused deposition modelling (FDM) based approach is illustrated in the present study. ZrO₂ synthesized through the sol–gel technique and the commercially procured polylactide (PLA) were used as the source for the extrusion of composite filaments, followed by their 3D printing through FDM methodology. The results from the investigation ensured a maximum of 20 wt% ZrO₂ loading in PLA matrix for a facile and smooth extrusion of filaments and their subsequent defect-free 3D printing of desired shape and geometry. The structural analysis of the 3D printed specimens revealed the phase stability of PLA and ZrO₂ in composites and the morphological studies ensured the uniform dispersion of ZrO₂ particles throughout the PLA matrix. Moreover, the pattern of infill thickness in the 3D-printed specimen is determined as 400 μm, which implied better consistency with the 0.4 mm dimension sized printer nozzle utilized for printing. A gradual reduction in the mechanical strength of PLA/ZrO₂ composite as a function of enhanced ZrO₂ content is deliberated. The results from in vitro tests revealed the negligible cytotoxicity displayed by the 3D-printed PLA/ZrO₂ composite specimens.