Mechanical properties of laminated kenaf woven fabric composites for below-knee prosthesis socket application

Prosthesis is a process of creating artificial human body part. The primary function of below-knee prosthesis is controlling the leg during static and dynamic conditions. The aim of this study is to develop a prosthetic socket made from kenaf-glass fiber composite. The development of prosthetic socket with kenaf-glass fiber was carried out as an attempt to substitute prosthetic socket made from fiberglass polyester composites. Lamination method was adopted to fabricate the prosthetic socket. The laminates contain woven kenaf, glass silk knitted fabric and nylon knitted fabric. The effect of kenaf fabric layering sequence on the volumetric and mechanical properties were evaluated. The flexural and impact strength of 2 layers of kenaf fiber-based laminates are 7.11 MPa and 16.7 kJ/m² respectively which is higher than the single layer kenaf fabric-based composites. From the results woven kenaf fabric composites has the potential to replace the existing glass fabric-based polymer composites. It is a great initiative to fabricate a prosthetic socket which biodegradable, environmental friendly, locally available, lightweight, comfortable and psychosocially acceptable.