Synthesis and Characterization of Polypropylene/Ramie Fiber with Hemp Fiber and Coir Fiber Natural Biopolymer Composite for Biomedical Application

Abstract

In the current scenario, many natural fibers available in the world can be used in various applications in the day-to-day life of biomedical products, automobile parts, industrial products, etc. Biocomposites can replace or serve as a framework allowing the regeneration of traumatized, degenerated tissues, and organs, thus, improving the patients’ quality of life. This research work is aimed at fabricating and investigating the natural biopolymer composites for biomedical applications. There are two sets of fiber composites fabricated in this research work. Ramie fiber considers a common base fiber for both composites. Hemp fibers and coir fibers were considered as filler in this research work. Biodegradable and bioresorbable polypropylene resins are used to fabricate the biocomposite using the compression moulding technique. Different proportion specimen mechanical properties were compared for bone fixtures and joint applications. The contour plots and bar charts were plotted to identify the variations in the volume percentage. The individual fiber specimens also have significant properties when compared with the composite fibers. Then, the individual superior property-based combinations such as hemp and coir fiber mixed with biodegradable and bioresorbable polypropylene/ramie fiber were recommended to produce joints and bone fixtures to alleviate pain for patients.