Amputations among Malaysia citizens is increasing by 46% annually. This people are in need of lower leg prostheses but are unable to afford the high costs of current prosthetic components. In this study, bamboo will be used to replace the...
moreAmputations among Malaysia citizens is increasing by 46% annually. This people are in need of lower leg prostheses but are unable to afford the high costs of current prosthetic components. In this study, bamboo will be used to replace the conventional pylon material in below knee prosthesis component. Bamboo is a natural fiber-reinforced composite material possesses good mechanical properties to warrant its use as a structural material. Literature in bamboo composites is rare. In this paper, the flexural, compressive and tensile properties of bamboo are evaluated. Further, the properties of bamboo at different culms are examined. The results show that the specific strength and specific modulus of bamboo are adequate, the former being stronger than Aluminum and other composite pylon material. The thickness and shape of the composite can be monitored during manufacture to meet specific requirements of transtibial pylon application. Although, the lifespan of this natural composite probably will be questioned, but the fatigue property will be improved throughout this study by using the chemical substances and heat treatment. © 2008 Springer-Verlag.
http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-540-69139-6_103
