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

A three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) analysis of the stress concent ration factor (SCF) in biocomposite model cell has been performed. The mode l composite consisted of a hydroxyapatite hard particle (HAp) embedded in p oly-L-lactide soft matrix (PLLA). Two cases were considered, namely the sha pe of the particle was held constant while the volume fraction of HAp was v aried and the particle shape was changed whilst the volume fraction was con stant. For block shaped embedded particles, it was found that the SCF decre ases with an increase of the HAp particle volume fraction. It was also foun d that the shape of reinforcing particles had little effect on the mechanic al behaviour of material. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserve d.