Investigation of tensile and compressive properties of laminated composite materials for below-knee prosthetic socket

The primary objective of this study is to enhance and develop the socket composite material’s mechanical properties by using natural and synthetic fibers. The vacuum method was used to manufacture seven laminated composites using the matrix (lamination80:20) and reinforcement fibers (hemp, perlon, Kevlar, glass, and carbon). Mechanical tests are conducted to determine the tensile properties (tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, elongation percentage at break), compressive strength, and hardness. The mechanical characteristics of laminated composites were influenced by the amount and type of reinforcing layers used in the research. The results indicated that the optimal specimens of laminated composites consist of four bits of hemp and two carbon layers. Where the tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and percent of elongation are 153 MPa, 3.22 GPa, and 4.91, respectively. The compressive strength was 97 MPa. Additionally, the hardness measured by using shore (D) was 87.