Effect of Bamboo Fiber Length on Mechanical Properties, Crystallization Behavior, and in Vitro Degradation of Bamboo Fiber/Nanohydroxyapatite/Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) Composite

Nanohydroxyapatite/poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (n-HA/PLGA) composite was reinforced by bamboo fiber (BF), and the effects of BF of different lengths (≤1, 4–5, and 9–10 mm) on the mechanical properties, crystallization behavior, and in vitro degradation of the composite were investigated by an electromechanical universal tester, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, polarized optical microscopy, and soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37 °C for 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, compared with the n-HA/PLGA composite. The results showed that BF (4–5 mm) had excellent comprehensive reinforce performance based on the best interface bonding and the best promotion crystallization effect. However, the in vitro degradation experiment revealed that the BF (≤1 mm) had the slightest tensile strength reduction percent, because the shortest size has difficulty escaping from the n-HA/PLGA matrix. The present work would provide important guidance significant for selecting the appropriate bamboo fib...