Composite filaments OF PHBV reinforced with ZrO2•nH2O particles for 3D printing

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) has been a widely applied technology as one of the most practical tools of additive manufacturing in terms of industry 4.0. Biopolymer filaments obtained by extrusion can be a promising material for scaffold manufacturing by FDM 3D printers. In this work, composite filaments of polyhydroxybutyrate-cohydroxyvalerate (PHBV) reinforced with ZrO2 center dot nH(2)O particles were obtained (1-10% wt/wt.) and characterized aiming the production of scaffolds by FDM process. ZrO2 center dot nH(2)O particles were prepared and mixed to the PHBV in a mini-extruder. The pristine PHBV and composite filaments (PHBV/ZrO2) were characterized by stereomicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (particle analysis), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA and DSC), X-ray diffractometry, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy , Vickers microhardness test (HV), and relative density. The addition of ZrO2 center dot nH(2)O particles altered the behavior of the PHBV matrix: increased the number of ZrO2 center dot nH(2)O particles in the composite filament surface, enhanced the amorphous phase and the relative density. The PHBV/7.5%ZrO2 sample presented higher microhardness. It was possible to print the filaments by FDM and the appearance of the scaffolds obtained was a cylindrical structure with rounded inner pores, contributing to the future application in regenerative medicine.

Automated summary

This study successfully altered the behavior of the PHBV matrix by adding ZrO2 center dot nH(2)O particles, increasing the number of particles on the surface of the composite filament, enhancing the amorphous phase and relative density. The PHBV/7.5%ZrO2 sample showed higher microhardness and the ability to print filaments by FDM to obtain cylindrical structures with rounded inner pores for future applications in regenerative medicine.