Stress analysis in hydroxyapatite/poly-l-lactide composite biomaterials

A three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) analysis of the stress concentration factor (SCF) in biocomposite model cell has been performed. The model composite consisted of a hydroxyapatite hard particle (HAp) embedded in poly-l-lactide soft matrix (PLLA). Two cases were considered, namely the shape of the particle was held constant while the volume fraction of HAp was varied and the particle shape was changed whilst the volume fraction was constant. For block shaped embedded particles, it was found that the SCF decreases with an increase of the HAp particle volume fraction. It was also found that the shape of reinforcing particles had little effect on the mechanical behaviour of material.