Hybrid composite material of bombyx silk fiber for Ankle Foot Orthoses: Morphology, physical, and mechanical properties

Abstract

Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFOs) are designed for neuromuskuloskeletal disorders. This study evaluated morphology and mechanical properties; tensile strength and hardness. Such properties of the ankle foot orthoses materials were used as a guideline for othoses fabrication. Ankle foot orthoses were produced into fiber polymer composite by lamination technique. Definitive laminated ankle foot orthoses silk fiber with resin had a higher specific tensile strength than carbon and glass fiber polymer composite. Hardness and elongation at break of is comparable to carbon and glass fiber polymer composite. Furthermore, the morphology of silk fiber composite showed that silk fibers adhere with resin better than carbon fibers and glass fibers. Significantly, as physical and mechanical properties and morphology, silk fiber composite promises to be an alternative material for Ankle Foot Orthoses.