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

Abstract

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·nH2O particles were obtained (1–10% wt/wt.) and characterized aiming the production of scaffolds by FDM process. ZrO2·nH2O 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·nH2O particles altered the behavior of the PHBV matrix: increased the number of ZrO2·nH2O 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.