Optimization of Hot Press Compression Molding and Fabrication of Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) Luffa Biocomposites for Biomedical Applications

Biopolymer composites for tensile testing were fabricated according to the American Society for Testing Materials, ASTM D638-10, using poly lactic acid (PLA) as the matrix material and varying volume percentage of heat treated and untreated luffa fiber as the reinforcement material. To achieve the composite materials with the highest tensile strength, optimization of the use of hot press machine for fabrication of composite specimens was given high importance. While optimizing the use of hot press machine, various parameters were considered. These parameters included processing temperature, processing time and cooling time. Combinations of varying magnitudes of these parameters were used to find the optimum processing method. The optimized method was then used to produce PLA-luffa composites. The fiber-matrix interface adhesion was studied using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that composites made with heat treated fibers have higher tensile strength and better interfacial adhesion when compared with the tensile strength of composites made with untreated fiber. Heat treated fibers showed a remarkable improvement in the tensile strength of the biocomposites, which may be used for a variety of applications in the orthopedic field.