Degradation behaviors of PLA-matrix composite with 20 vol% magnesium alloy wires under static loading conditions

Influence of static compression loading on the degradation behaviors of polylactic acid-based composite reinforced with 20 vol% magnesium alloy wires (MAWs) is investigated. The external stress would enhance the degradation of the composite. As the applied stress is increased from 1 to 3 MPa, the overall degradation rate goes up. After immersion for 30 days, the degradation rate of PLA matrix in the composite at the stress level of 3 MPa is about 1.46 and 2.4 times those at 1 and 0 MPa (unloading condition) while the bending strength retention is 0.73 and 0.63 times those of the latter ones. The relationship between the degradation rate of PLA matrix in the composite and the external compression stress is further elucidated. The external stress deteriorates the strength retention of the composite but a high MAWs content could mitigate the deterioration.