Mechanical properties of carbon-fibre reinforced silicate matrix composites

A basic ceramic system has been developed by mixing wollastonite ceramic, sodium silicate and aluminium phosphate. In some cases, polyethylene powder and carbon fibres were added to the basic formulation to increase the mechanical properties. The name of SS–W (sodium silicate–wollastonite) bioceramics and biocomposites has been proposed for the materials produced. The mechanical properties of the basic matrix formulation and the composites have been evaluated by using four-point bending and double torsion tests. The effect of aluminium phosphate level, polyethylene and carbon fibre contents, as well as the effect of carbon fibre length, were analysed. As porosity was observed, it was evaluated and the pores were found to be of the size previously reported as encouraging bone ingrowth. The SS–W bioceramics and biocomposites have mechanical properties of the order of human cortical bone and thus the potential for use in bone replacement or augmentation.