Tensile properties of laminated composite prosthetic socket reinforced by different fibers

The prosthetic socket base material must have exhibited good mechanical properties. An experimental investigation about the behavior of different fibers reinforced laminated composite materials were done. This work has been done on seven laminated composites which were prepared by the Vacuum bagging technique from Polyester resin as a bonding matrix and reinforced with (Jute, Glass, Carbon, Perlon) fibers. Laminated specimens were characterized by mechanical tensile tests such as (Tensile Strength, Young’s Modulus, Elongation Percentage) and physical test (density) to measure specific strength and specific modulus. SEM test also had been studied for different laminated composite. The results of experimental work showed that the mechanical properties were changed with the type and number of reinforcing layers. So, the results showed that the best laminated composite specimens have three layers of Jute with four layers of Carbon fiber. Where tensile strength and modulus of elasticity reach (162 MPa. and 3.60 GPa.) respectively. And specific strength and specific modulus reach to (134 MPa.cm3/gm–2.544 GPa.cm3/gm). The smoothness of the fractured surface will increase, indicating a brittle to semi-ductile transformation, according to SEM results.