Quasi-static puncture shear resistance behaviour of silica nanoparticle-reinforced carbon fiber–polypropylene splint–epoxy hybrid laminates for biomedical implants
Megavannan Mani
Abstract
The study investigates the design and optimization of advanced to polymer composite laminates for biomedical implant applications, with the goal of achieving an optimal balance between low weight and high mechanical strength. The composite was fabricated by combining carbon fiber and medical-grade polypropylene sheet reinforcements within and epoxy resin matrix. To further enhance performance, silica nanoparticles (SNPs) were incorporated in varying proportions. A quasi-static stacking sequence (0°2C/0°2PP/0°2C/0°2PP/0°2C), was employed to improve the laminates structural integrity and promote uniform stress distribution under load. This design consideration was essential to ensure that the composite withstand the complex and variable forces encountered in biomedical environments. Comprehensive mechanical testing was conducted to evaluate tensile strength, flexural strength, puncture resistance, interlaminar shear strength, and impact resistance. Among all tested configurations, the laminate containing 4.5 wt.% SNPs showed the most favourable performance. The formulation achieved a puncher load of 2058.96 N, tensile strength of 138.75 MPa, flexural strength of 232.9 MPa, interlaminar shear strength of 35.42 MPa, and an impact strength of122.4 J/m. These results highlight the enhanced energy absorption capacity and mechanical robustness provided interaction between by the synergetic the selected materials and the optimised laminate design.