Investigation of Some Properties for Laminated Composite Used for Prosthetic Socket

Abstract

 Laminated composite specimens of the prosthetic sockets were made by vacuum molding technique.  Types and No. of layers are most significant on the properties.  Using natural fibers represent an alternative material to synthetic fibers in the composite prosthetic socket.  The compression strength increased and the density decreased by using natural fibers. Polyester has been used as a prosthetic socket base. It is well documented that the raw material of the socket base should have exhibited good mechanical properties. Prosthetic socket is a device that connects an artificial limb with the amputee part. In this work, seven laminated composites were prepared using vacuum technique from polyester resin and reinforced with Jute, Carbon, Glass, and Perlon fibers. The objective of this study is to manufacture prosthetic sockets from different laminated composite materials (fibers reinforced polymer) to make high-strength and durable prosthetic socket design. The results showed that the best laminated composite specimens have three jute fiber layers with four carbon layers whose compression strength and hardness reach (67) MPa and (86) ShoreD , respectively. Also, the water absorption of the composite specimen of jute with carbon fibers is higher than that of the composite specimen of jute with glass fiber.