Micro-scale analysis of HA-PLLA bio-composites: Effect of the interpenetration of voids on mechanical properties

Abstract Reinforcement of hydroxyapatite (HA) particles into poly- l -lactic acid (PLLA) enhances the mechanical properties of PLLA and further makes it favorable to use in biomedical applications. A micro-scale computational model for predicting the effective elastic properties of HA-PLLA composites through 3D representative volume element was studied in the presented work. The influence of volume fraction of HA particles, the orientation of HA and voids, and interpenetration of voids were discussed in detail. With perfect bonding conditions, the fracture strength increased with an increase in the volume fraction of the HA particles. The computed longitudinal modulus was in good agreement with the experimental results. This work might help in determining the optimal configuration of the HA-PLLA composites for biomedical applications.