Self-Reinforced Composite Materials: Frictional Analysis and Its Implications for Prosthetic Socket Design

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dc.contributor.authorNagarajan, Yogeshvaran R.
dc.contributor.authorHewavidana, Yasasween
dc.contributor.authorDemirci, Emrah
dc.contributor.authorSun, Yong
dc.contributor.authorFarukh, Farukh
dc.contributor.authorKandan, Karthikeyan
dc.date.acceptance2024-11-13
dc.date.accessioned2024-11-20T15:44:03Z
dc.date.available2024-11-20T15:44:03Z
dc.date.issued2024-11-18
dc.descriptionopen access article
dc.description.abstractFriction and wear characteristics play a critical role in the functionality and durability of prosthetic sockets, which are essential components in lower-limb prostheses. Traditionally, these sockets are manufactured from bulk polymers or composite materials reinforced with advanced carbon, glass, and Kevlar fibres. However, issues of accessibility, affordability, and sustainability remain, particularly in less-resourced regions. This study investigates the potential of self-reinforced polymer composites (SRPCs), including poly-lactic acid (PLA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), glass fibre (GF), and carbon fibre (CF), as sustainable alternatives for socket manufacturing. The tribological behaviour of these self-reinforced polymers (SrPs) was evaluated through experimental friction tests, comparing their performance to commonly used materials like high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP). Under varying loads and rotational speeds, HDPE and PP exhibited lower coefficients of friction (COF) compared to SrPLA, SrPET, SrGF, and SrCF. SrPLA recorded the highest average COF of 0.45 at 5 N and 240 rpm, while SrPET demonstrated the lowest COF of 0.15 under the same conditions. Microscopic analysis revealed significant variations in wear depth, with SrPLA showing the most profound wear, followed by SrCF, SrGF, and SrPET. In all cases, debris from the reinforcement adhered to the steel ball surface, influencing the COF. While these findings are based on friction tests against steel, they provide valuable insights into the durability and wear resistance of SRPCs, a crucial consideration for socket applications. This study highlights the importance of tribological analysis for optimising prosthetic socket design, contributing to enhanced functionality and comfort for amputees. Further research, including friction testing with skin-contact scenarios, is necessary to fully understand the implications of these materials in real-world prosthetic applications.
dc.funderOther external funder (please detail below)
dc.funder.otherRoyal Academy of Engineering and Academy of Medical Sciences
dc.identifier.citationNagarajan, Y.R., Hewavidana, Y., Demirci, E., Sun, Y., Farukh, F., Kandan, K. (2024) Self-Reinforced Composite Materials: Frictional Analysis and Its Implications for Prosthetic Socket Design. Materials, 17 (22), 5629
dc.identifier.doihttps://doi.org/10.3390/ma17225629
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/2086/24559
dc.language.isoen
dc.peerreviewedYes
dc.projectidGCRFNG\100125 and FF\1920\1\30
dc.publisherMDPI
dc.researchinstitute.instituteInstitute of Sustainable Futures
dc.rightsAttribution 4.0 Internationalen
dc.rights.urihttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
dc.titleSelf-Reinforced Composite Materials: Frictional Analysis and Its Implications for Prosthetic Socket Design
dc.typeArticle

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