Nonmetallic textile composite bone plate with desired mechanical properties

Abstract

Braided textile composites can be proper candidates for orthopedic applications due to their high structural load capacity. In a previous study, we used the 3D finite element method (FEM) to model a braided textile composite made up of poly l-lactic acid/bioactive glass (PLLA/BG). Micromechanical analysis showed that, in a volume fraction of reinforcement (Vf) of 45% ± 1% (Mean ± SD), the elastic modulus and tensile strength of the composite were similar to those of the cortical bone. In the present study, PLLA/BG braided textile composite samples were fabricated with a Vf of 45%. The bonding between matrix and reinforcement improved as a result of using aminopropyl silane. The prepared samples were subjected to tension and bending tests. Results showed a good agreement between FEM and experimental results. Bending modulus and bending strength yielded acceptable values similar to those of the cortical bone. It may be concluded that the PLLA/BG braided composite is a good candidate for load-bearing orthopedic applications.