Quartz and graphite filament reinforced polymer composites for orthopedic surgical application
✍ Scribed by Musikant, S.
- Publisher
- John Wiley and Sons
- Year
- 1971
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 403 KB
- Volume
- 5
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 0021-9304
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✦ Synopsis
Abstract
Materials conventionally used for orthopedic surgical implants are primarily metallic alloys such as stainless steel 316L, Cr‐Co‐Mo alloys and recently titanium and Ti‐6A1‐4V alloy. Modulus of elasticity of these (E = 15 to 30 × 10^6^ psi) is an order of magnitude higher than that of bone (approximately 3 × 10^6^ psi). Quartz filament reinforced composites were formulated with E = 6 × 10^6^ psi and flexural stress at rupture (modulus of rupture) of approximately 200,000 psi. Similarly graphite filament reinforced epoxy composites were formulated with E = 16 × 10^6^ psi and flexural stress at rupture (modulus of rupture) of approximately 200,000 psi. Specimens of these materials were implanted in white rats subcutaneously. At sacrifice 90 days after implantation there was no evidence of any inflammatory process, although the implants were completely encapsulated. (Similar in vivo compatibility tests in rabbit muscle tissue are currently in progress.) No significant changes in mechanical properties could be measured in the implants after the 90‐day period of implantation. By adjusting the volume fraction of fibers in a given composite, the modulus of elasticity can be adjusted (with concomittant variations in strength) to meet the biomechanical and dynamic requirements of the appliance. A continuing program to investigate other biocompatible resins and other reinforcement is planned.