Hardness optimization of epoxy filled PTFE with/without TiO2 filler

Abstract

Abstract Osteoporosis is one of the bone diseases that have the highest number of patients. Throughout the years, there are multiple choices of material that has been used for bone implant such as metals or plastics. The uses of these materials in medical implant are not permanent and they needed to be changed because of its low hardness that would cause pain. In this paper, a new micro bearing concept system by using polymer composite was introduced where epoxy was used as the matrix to improve hardness of micro filler and this composite later can be used in medical implant. PTFE powder filler was used and incorporated at 1%, 3%, 5%, 7% and 10% in the epoxy system respectively. Acetone was used as diluents in the epoxy to improve filler dispersion. Another set of epoxy filled PTFE at 1%, 3%, 5%, 7% and 10% was added with 2% of titanium oxide (TiO2) and results were compared in terms of hardness and density. Result showed composite with TiO2 incorporation obtained highest values which were 5% increase at 3%PTFE loading and 1% increase at 10%PTFE loading for hardness and density respectively compared to the composite without TiO2.