Controlling the Ductile/Fragile Behavior of a 3D-Printed PLA-BaTiO3 Biocomposite by PBS Addition

The demand for patient-specific medicine is steadily increasing, particularly with the need for innovative materials capable not only of supporting tissue regeneration but also accelerating it. The aim of this study was to develop a new printable composite material exhibiting ductile behavior, in contrast to brittle failure, in order to support cell growth even under structural compromise. PBS was selected as a blending component with PLA due to its enhanced biocompatibility for bone tissue regeneration. Both neat PLA and the PLA/PBS blend were subsequently combined with BaTiO3, processed into filaments, 3D printed, and subjected to mechanical testing. PLA-based composites demonstrated higher stiffness under compression, with up to a 6.5% increase in Young’s modulus compared to the blended samples. However, the incorporation of PBS resulted in a more ductile response, as evidenced by three-point bending tests, even at BaTiO3 concentrations of 10 wt%. This improved ductility is expected to provide safer conditions for cell growth and enable elastic recovery following mechanical loading.