EVALUATING THE TRIBOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE OF FIBER-REINFORCED COMPOSITES FOR ORTHOPEDIC FIXATION SYSTEMS

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Department of Production Engineering and Mechanical Design, Faculty of Engineering, Minia University, El-Minia, EGYPT.

Abstract

This study investigates the tribological performance of epoxy-based polymer composites reinforced with flax, carbon fiber (CF), Kevlar, and hybrid Kevlar-Carbon fibers to assess their suitability for orthopedic implant applications. The research focuses on two key parameters: the coefficient of friction (COF) and surface roughness, both of which are crucial for implant durability and functionality. A reciprocating wear test was conducted under varying normal loads (2 N, 4 N, 6 N and 8 N) and fiber volume fractions (8 %, 16 % and 24 %) to evaluate frictional behavior. The results indicate a significant reduction in COF with increasing fiber content across all reinforcement types, demonstrating the beneficial effects of fiber incorporation. Among the tested composites, CF exhibited the lowest COF due to its self-lubricating properties and smoother surface, whereas flax fiber composites consistently showed the highest COF, attributed to their rougher texture and higher adhesion with stainless steel. Hybrid Kevlar-Carbon composites demonstrated intermediate COF values, balancing Kevlar’s toughness with CF’s friction-reducing characteristics. Additionally, surface roughness was measured using a Mitutoyo Surftest SJ-210 after tribological testing to analyse the effect of wear on the composite surfaces. The findings revealed an increase in surface roughness with higher fiber volume fractions, particularly in flax and Kevlar composites. These results highlight the importance of optimizing fiber selection and volume fraction to achieve favorable tribological properties, ensuring reduced friction while maintaining adequate wear resistance. The study provides valuable insights into the potential application of fiber-reinforced epoxy composites in biomedical implants, emphasizing their ability to enhance durability, minimize wear-related complications, and improve implant longevity.

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