Evaluation of Machining Performance and Parametric Optimization During Drilling of Bio-nanocomposite

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) bone cement becomes a leading biomaterial in orthopedic applications due to its excellent biocompatibility and mechanical characteristics. While developing PMMA bone cement nanocomposite for enhanced performance in implant applications, machining property must be required. The drilling process is the most prevalent, particularly in the production of biomaterials and artificial implants. When utilizing PMMA bone cement to install bolts for safety and fixation, drilling on the prosthetic device(s) is usually considered necessary. Drilling on bone cement-based prosthetics has been the most utilized machining process during bone implants. Therefore, preference selection index (PSI) theory is employed in this article to investigate the effect of process factors on the drilling performance of hydroxyapatite (HA) modified PMMA bone cement bio-nanocomposites. The objective is to achieve the desired value of circularity error (Cer) and surface roughness (Sr) generated during the drilling process. Reinforcement (HA) weight percentage (Wt.%), speed of spindle (SPEED), and drill bit material (TOOL) such as TiAlN, carbide, and HSS are taken as varying parameters. Henceforth, the best setting was obtained using the PSI method as Wt.% = 10%, SPEED = 1428 rpm with the HSS drill bit tool. Predicted results have been verified by a confirmatory test that shows an improvement in responses using PSI results. With the help of the interaction plot, it was also found that at 10 wt. % value, both Sr and Cer show the optimum value, limiting the reinforcement of HA in PMMA bone cement for optimum machining performance.