Investigation of mechanical behaviour of fibre-reinforced materials for endoprothetic devices

Seven carbon and glass fibre reinforced plastics are investigated. Their quasistatic material properties are characterized by Young's and bending moduli and by tensile and flexural strengths. The time dependent properties are studied in creep and fatigue tests under normal laboratory as well as simulated physiological conditions. In addition the water absorption is also determined. With regard to structural differences, the suitability of these composites for the femoral stem component is discussed.