The Influence of Pineapple Leaf Fiber Orientation and Volume Fraction on Methyl Methacrylate-Based Polymer Matrix for Prosthetic Socket Application

Abstract

This work reports on the use of low-cost pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) as an alternative reinforcing material to the established, commonly used material for prosthetic socket fabrication which is carbon-fiber-reinforced composite (CFRC) due to the high strength and stiffness of carbon fiber. However, the low range of loads exerted on a typical prosthetic socket (PS) in practice suggests that the use of CFRC may not be appropriate because of the high material stiffness which can be detrimental to socket-limb load transfer. Additionally, the high cost of carbon fiber avails opportunities to look for an alternative material as a reinforcement for composite PS development. PALF/Methyl Methacrylate-based (MMA) composites with 0°, 45° and 90° fiber orientations were made with 5–50 v/v fiber volume fractions. The PALF/MMA composites were subjected to a three-point flexural test to determine the effect of fiber volume fraction and fiber orientation on the flexural properties of the composite. The results showed that 40% v/v PALF/MMA composite with 0° fiber orientation recorded the highest flexural strength (50 MPa) and stiffness (1692 MPa). Considering the average load range exerted on PS, the flexural performance of the novel composite characterized in this work could be suitable for socket-limb load transfer for PS fabrication.

Effect of fiber orientation and fiber volume fraction on the mechanical properties of all‐polyamide composites

“…To the knowledge of the authors, there are no investigations described in the literature about the effect of fiber orientation and fiber volume fraction on the mechanical properties of all‐polyamide composites. Nevertheless, there are reports of composites with other materials, which show that such a modeling is satisfactorily possible 43,47–50 …”

“…Nevertheless, there are reports of composites with other materials, which show that such a modeling is satisfactorily possible. 43,[47][48][49][50] Fiber reinforced composites are high performance lightweight materials and are therefore often used as construction material for automotive, aviation and shipping applications. For example, during accidents the material can undergo strong impulsive and dynamic loadings.…”

A Systematic Review of Natural Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites in Prosthetic Socket Fabrication

“…Furthermore, natural fibers (plant, animal, and agro fibers) have the potential to substitute synthetic fibers for prosthetic socket applications [8]. Additionally, the influence of pineapple leaf fiber orientation and volume fraction on a methyl methacrylate-based polymer matrix for prosthetic socket application has been studied, indicating the potential for natural fibers as an alternative reinforcing material to commonly used materials [9]. The use of natural fiberreinforced polymers in prosthetic socket fabrication addresses certain drawbacks of synthetic composites, such as high moisture uptake and low thermal stability [10].…”

Strength Assessment of PET Composite Prosthetic Sockets

“…Numerous studies have been conducted searching for suitable composite materials for socket fabrication. These studies aim to identify the optimal combination of matrix and fibre reinforcement and fibre orientation or producing laminated prosthetic sockets [ 10 , 11 , 12 ]. For example, Phillips and Craelius examined 24 different laminate combinations for prosthetic applications [ 10 ], while Odusote et al investigated the material properties of pineapple fibre reinforced with polyester and epoxy resin.…”