Evaluation of PLA and PETG filaments for the addition of hydroxyapatite in 3D-printed dental models
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17488/RMIB.47.2.1618Keywords:
filaments, hydroxyapatite, 3D printing, PLA, PETGAbstract
Additive manufacturing has established itself as a key technology in dentistry, enabling the manufacture of customized devices with precision and in reduced times. Among the most widely used filaments are polylactic acid (PLA) and glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), both with different properties that influence clinical performance. This study presents a comparative evaluation of PLA and PETG filaments in the generation of hydroxyapatite on 3D-printed pieces through hydrothermal treatment in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution. Dental models were printed with PLA and PETG filaments under controlled conditions and immersed in SBF for 7, 14, and 21 days. Modified pieces were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR-TF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate surface modifications and mineral formation. The results showed that PLA, due to its greater porosity and roughness, favored early hydroxyapatite nucleation, presenting a stable layer at 21 days. PETG showed slow nucleation, but at 21 days it showed characteristic hydroxyapatite agglomerates. Cytotoxicity tests with 3T3 fibroblasts confirmed that both materials maintained cell viability above 70%.
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