Work

Thermomechanical behaviour of PLA 3D850 biocomposites reinforced with rice husk and titanium dioxide nanoparticles for sustainable orthopaedic insole applications

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The mechanical performance of soft polylactic acid (SPLA) biocomposites, reinforced with rice husk (RH), TiO₂ nanoparticles, and their hybrids, was evaluated for orthopedic insole applications. Samples included virgin SPLA, RH-reinforced (R-series: R1–R3), TiO₂-reinforced (T-series: T1–T3), and hybrid RH/TiO₂ (H-series: H1–H3) variants. Assessments covered tensile strength, elastic modulus, elongation at break, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) for viscoelastic properties. TiO₂ nanoparticles significantly improved tensile strength in the T-series, peaking at 25.20 MPa (T3) due to efficient stress transfer from well-dispersed fillers, surpassing the R-series maximum of 21.62 MPa (R2). The hybrid H2 achieved the highest overall at 28.62 MPa, elastic modulus was maximal in T3 (293.71 MPa) and minimal in R3 (197.53 MPa). Elongation at break ranged from 16.05% (H1, highest) to 9.14% (R2, lowest). DMA revealed H1's superior storage modulus (900 MPa) and loss modulus (142 MPa), with onset temperature of 104.0°C, indicating excellent toughness and energy absorption. Glass transition temperature (Tg) peaked at 123.8°C in H3, attributed to RH/TiO₂ synergy enhancing intermolecular forces; T1 showed the lowest (88.5°C) due to plasticizer-induced matrix weakening. The highest tan δ (0.272) occurred in T2 at Tg, reflecting enhanced damping for insoles, while HI reduced it to 0.093, increasing stiffness and lowering energy dissipation. Superior filler-matrix adhesion in hybrids minimized voids and stress concentrations, optimizing rigidity and ductility for load-bearing applications. This study develops cost-effective, ecofriendly, biodegradable orthopedic materials with optimized mechanical and viscoelastic properties through strategic natural and nanoscale filler incorporation, contributing sustainable solutions to biomedical and industrial fields.

Source: Discover Materials

DOI: 10.1007/s43939-026-00776-3

Authors: Uchechukwu Nwangwu, Osita Obineche Obiukwu, Rasaq Olawale Medupin, Remy Uche

Institutions: Federal University of Technology Owerri, Federal University Lokoja

Language: English

Topic: Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites

Subfield: Polymers and Plastics

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,590