Statistical and Experimental Analysis of the Mechanical Properties of Jute Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composite for the Transfemoral Prosthesis Biocomposite Socket Applications

ABSTRACT

This research aims to design and fabricate biocompatible sockets for transfemoral amputee patients using innovative composite materials. An innovative material is developed using nature-based fibers along with a polymer matrix for the application of socket fabrication. Natural fibers prevent allergic reactions in the skin that occur because of prolonged contact of the skin with the socket. Since natural-based fibers exhibit advantages like low cost, low density, biodegradable, and eco-friendly, they have the high potential to be an alternative material for socket preparation. In this research, jute fiber is used as a reinforcement material due to its good mechanical and thermal properties. The matrix used is an epoxy belonging to the polymer family that is well moisture-resistant and has low shrinkage properties. The socket castings are fabricated using a simple hand lay-up method. Lamination of the jute fiber reinforced epoxy composite (JFREC) has 53 MPa of Ultimate tensile strength (UTS) had higher UTS than the fibers of perlon or nyglass, spectralon, nylon, and cotton, and 18.30 GPa of stiffness range had higher than the fibers of perlon or nyglass, spectralon, nylon, cotton, and glass. The prepared composite samples compressive strength and impact strength tests are studied, which posses an excellent improvement of 82% in strength. In addition, they are subjected to moisture resistance studies, which show good resistance to both normal water and sea water. The fabricated prototype socket possesses some good characteristics and will be implemented for the prosthetics.

摘要

本研究旨在使用创新复合材料为经股截肢患者设计和制造生物相容性插座. 这种创新材料是使用天然纤维和聚合物基质开发的, 用于插座制造. 天然纤维可防止皮肤因长期接触眼窝而发生过敏反应. 由于天然纤维具有低成本、低密度、可生物降解和环保等优点, 因此它们很有可能成为制备插座的替代材料. 在本研究中, 黄麻纤维由于其良好的机械和热性能而被用作增强材料. 使用的基质是环氧树脂, 属于聚合物系列, 具有良好的防潮性和低收缩性能. 承窝铸件采用简单的手工叠层法制造。黄麻纤维增强环氧复合材料(JFREC)的层压具有53 MPa的极限抗拉强度(UTS), UTS高于perlon或nyglass、spectralon、尼龙和棉花的纤维, 刚度范围为18.30 GPa, 高于perlon或Nylass、spectralon, 尼龙、棉花和玻璃的纤维. 研究了制备的复合材料样品的抗压强度和冲击强度试验, 其强度显著提高82%. 此外, 还对其进行了抗湿性研究, 研究表明其对正常水和海水都具有良好的抗湿性. 制作的原型插座具有一些良好的特性, 将用于修复.

KEYWORDS:

• Natural fibers
• jute fiber
• epoxy resin
• biocomposite socket
• mechanical testing

关键词:

• 天然纤维
• 黄麻纤维
• 环氧树脂
• 生物复合插座
• 机械测试

Highlights

• A biocomposite socket was prepared using jute fiber-reinforced composite with epoxy resin and hardener.

• The influence of mechanical characteristics and the mechanical performance of biocomposites have been investigated.

• A multistep mechanical testing (tensile, flexural, and impact) was carried out on the biocomposite samples to check the performance of the developed biocomposites.

• Higher tensile strength and stiffness range findings show that the jute fiber-based composite can be used for the preparation of sockets.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency.