Characterization and Finite Element Analysis of Hybrid Glass–Maize Stalk Fibers–Epoxy Composite for Bone Plate Application

Abstract

Femur bone fractures often result from high-energy trauma, such as traffic accidents and falls from heights. The use of conventional bone fixation plates poses challenges due to a stiffness mismatch with human cortical bone, leading to the stress shielding effect. To address this, a hybrid glass–maize stalk fiber reinforced polymer composite with mechanical properties closest to human bone is being investigated. The hand layup technique, followed by light compression loading, is employed to fabricate composite specimens with a fiber length of 3 mm and a fiber-to-matrix weight ratio of 30 wt% and 70 wt%, respectively. Various mechanical and physical tests are carried out on the composite specimens in accordance with ASTM standards to assess their performance. A specimen with a composition of 25 wt% glass fiber and 5wt% maize stalk fiber reinforced epoxy demonstrates promising mechanical and physical properties, including a tensile strength of 166.64 MPa, a compressive strength of 265.08 MPa, and water absorption of 1.93%. Finite element analysis is conducted using the commercial software ANSYS 2021 R2, and the results show that the hybrid composite specimen has a reducing effect on the stress shielding effect, making it a potential alternative material to metallic plates for femur bone fractures. Additionally, the use of maize stalk fiber as a reinforcing material contributes to environmental sustainability.