Fabrication of Orthotic Calipers With Epoxy-Based Green Composite

Abstract

The concern towards environmental issues and the need for more polymer-based composites has extended its collection towards polymer composites strengthened with natural fillers. The main aim of the chapter is to make the side metallic sticks (called braces, where aluminum alloys are being used) of orthotic calipers with epoxy-based composite reinforced with coir dust as filler. Its mechanical behavior together with density, tensile and three-point bending are observed and compared with the existing aluminum-based calipers components after validating the experimental as well as virtual results. Virtual testing is done using 3D software CREO and analysis is done with the help of ANSYS workbench. It is seen that the strength and stiffness of epoxy-based composite with natural fillers is more than that of presently used aluminum alloy. The microstructure of the composites is considered to summarize the general filler distribution in the matrix using scanning electron microscope.