Investigation of Biodegradability of Coconut Fiber Reinforced with Polymer for Potential Suture Application

Abstract

This study investigates the biodegradability of coconut fiber coated with Polylactic acid (PLA) and Polyglycolic acid (PGA) for potential suture applications. This research aims to address the restraints of coconut fibers, which have exhibited poor degradability properties. The mechanical properties and biodegradability rate of the coconut fibers coated with PLA, PGA, and PLA/PGA blends were determined by conducting tensile testing. It is observed that after the eight weeks of biodegradability of the uncoated coconut fiber and coated coconut fibers, Coconut fiber coated with PLA (CPLA) has the highest tensile properties, recording yield tensile strength of 38.9 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 350.2 MPa, Young’s modulus of 6.0 GPa and elongation of 11.6%. The outcome signifies that CPLA displays the highest tensile strength and elongation, and its biodegradation property is controlled. The results of this work add to the increasing amount of research in biomedical engineering intended to create eco-friendly and efficient medical devices.