Polylactic acid as a biocompatible polymer for three-dimensional printing of interim prosthesis: Mechanical characterization

Abstract

Mechanical properties of polylactic acid (PLA), which is a biopolymer obtained via 3D-printing, were compared with conventional resins for the realization of interim prosthesis. A PLA built by fused deposition modeling and traditional interim resins (Unifast®, Integrity®, Temporary CB®) were divided into 4 groups (n=10). Each group was investigated for Young modulus, flexural strength, microhardness and analysis of the fractured surface. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and ANOVA (α=0.05). The porosity of the PLA was calculated from the crystallinity degree and density. PLA-group showed an elastic modulus and flexural strength in the same range than Integrity®-group, better than Unifast®-group and inferior to Temporary CB®-group (p<0.05). PLA-group microhardness was equivalent to Unifast®-group and inferior to Integrity® and Temporary CB® groups (p<0.05). Due to mechanical properties similar to conventional resins and the low porosity rate, this biocompatible 3D-printed polymer may be an interesting alternative to conventional polymer to build temporary prosthesis.