Synthesis and Characterization of Sisal Fiber Reinforced PLA Biodegradable Composites

Biodegradable polymers and biomaterials are of significant interest for tissue engineering and orthopedic applications, such as bone and joint replacement. One possible advantage of these systems is that biodegradable implants can be engineered to provide temporary support for bone fractures, and because they can degrade at a rate matching new tissue formation, their use can eliminate the need for a second surgery . PLA products have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for direct contact with biological fluids. Four of its most attractive advantages are renewability, biocompatibility, processability, and energy saving. PLA is very brittle, with less than 10% elongation at break. Optimization of the natural fiber-reinforced PLA composites, in terms of mechanical and other properties, is critical to minimize their cost, tailor their biodegradability, and broaden their areas of application. Inorganic fillers can also contribute to property modification In this journal PLA is reinforced with treated chopped sisal fiber. In this study PLA is also mixed with 10% starch. and its mechanical properties are determined