PLA-PEKK-HAp-CS composite scaffold joining with friction stir spot welding

This article reports joining feasibility of polylactic acid-polyether ketone ketone-hydroxyapatite-chitosan composite scaffold with consumable tool in friction stir spot welding (FSSW) as a novel process. Also, investigations have been made for mechanical, thermal, and morphological characteristics of the joints prepared. The results for joint strength are supported with axial/transverse force and interface temperature measurement for bone scaffolds. The FSSW process parameters, namely rotational speed, pin depth, and stirred time, have been varied to correlate the changes in force and temperature with mechanical and morphological properties. The results of the study highlighted that ultimate tensile strength (6.57 MPa) and flexural strength (139.2 MPa) were obtained best at 800 r/min rotational speed and 20 s stirring time with 2.5-mm pin depth.

Automated summary

This study investigated the feasibility of joining polylactic acid-polyether ketone ketone-hydroxyapatite-chitosan composite scaffold using friction stir spot welding (FSSW), with a focus on mechanical, thermal, and morphological characteristics of the joints. The results showed that the ultimate tensile strength and flexural strength were best achieved at specific FSSW process parameters.