Evaluation of MgO-ZnO-Crab Shell Biofillers as Reinforcement for Biodegradable Polylactic Acid (PLA) Composite

Abstract

Biodegradable polyester obtained from renewable, eco-friendly materials, and natural additives made from debris of production of  seafood to create biocomposites is nowadays a possibility. This paper evaluates the physical, morphological, and chemical properties and  the degradation stability of polylactic acid/biofillers (magnesium oxide/zinc oxide/crab shell particles) composite as a viable  biocomposite material in bone engineering applications. The biofiller showed hygroscopic characteristics. Surface morphology of the  composite showed fractured surfaces with interconnected pores suitable for bone cells’ implantation enhancement and propagation.  Biofillers effect accelerates the precipitation of calcium apatite formation after 28 days of immersion. The XRD spectra confirmed high  composite crystallinity structure of 93.4% due to the nucleation effects of the biofillers. The beneficial role of reinforcing polylactic acid  polymer with biofiller showed average pH value of 7.36 and apparent porosity of 40%. Findings from this paper have revealed that the  use of crab shell debris such as crab shell can become a resource in biocomposite fabrication. The addition of biofillers provided an  effective reinforcement in polylactic acid polymer matrix and hence contributed towards sustainable developments of natural resource  materials and biodegradable and bioresorbable material without polluting the environment.