Mechanical Characteristics of Rattan Reinforced Fiberglass and Epoxy Composites for Shank Prosthesis Application

摘要

This research aims to develop a rattan laminated fiberglass epoxy resin materials (RLFERM) to increase of mechanical strength especially in tensile, compressive, impact and flexural strength. The RLFERM will be used as an alternative material for shank prosthesis endoskeletal type and another use in engineering design. This research is related to the utilization of the natural potential of Indonesia especially of rattan. The method used to produce the endoskeletal material by using laminated process of rattan with fiberglass and epoxy resin. The test conducted involves the tensile, compressive, impact and flexural strength. The result showed that there was an increase in strength of RLFERM compared with rattan without lamination (Natural Rattan, NR). Tensile strength of RLFERM (80.2 MPa) and E = 8.6 GPa increased by 67.8% when compared to the tensile strength of NR (47.8 MPa) and E = 6.4 GPa. Compressive strength of RLFERM increased 47.2%, from 31.8 MPa to 46.8 MPa, impact strength of RLFERM increased 64%, from 39 kJ/m2 to 64 kJ/m2, and flexural strength of RLFERM increased on average by 53% from 54.1 MPa to 82.3 MPa. Increasing strength of RLFERM is obtained from good interface between surface of rattan with fiberglass and epoxy resin as laminate. The first prototype of lower limb prosthesis with a shank prosthesis endoskeletal type of RLFERM, have been made with good results and tested for use by patient. The test results indicate that the lower limb prosthesis with a shank prosthesis components made from RLFERM can be used by patients to walk properly and has good strength. This result will be a reference for further research in the development of a shank prosthesis made from rattan and another use in engineering design..