Fracture, Fatigue and Aging Behavior of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastics

Abstract

During the last ten years fibre reinforced materials have been increasingly investigated with respect to possible biomédical applications and in several cases even employed for different implants. The main reason for taking such materials into consideration is the assumption that biomechanically optimum devices may be developed, i.e. that the mechanical properties of the artificial component may be matched to the bony structure in such a way that the load is transferred to bone in a physiologically acceptable manner. These materials were mostly based on well-known compositions which had already been successful in various technical applications. However, modifications introduced during the preparation, cleaning and processing necessary to impart higher levels of biocompatibility, frequently resulted in changes to the basic properties. The strict biological and strength requirements that must be met, greatly reduce the number of composite materials that can be used in biomédical applications. At present, the selection is limited to carbon-fibre reinforced plastics, primarily because of the high degree of biocompatibil ity and strength of carbon fibres. Since the properties of the reinforcing fibres dominate the behavior of the composite, the selection of matrix material is less critical. Thus, various carbon-filled plastics, as well as carbon, are currently being investigated to determine their suitability as implant materials.