ESR 11

Project Title: Development of magnesium fibre-reinforced polymer composite with optimised mechanical and degradation properties for orthopaedic implant applications

 

Project Description: This project will utilise contemporary production techniques to produce a range of magnesium-based filament and fibre reinforcement for orthopaedic devices. During the project laminate-based coupons of magnesium fibre-reinforced polymer composite material will be produced with composite moulding processes. Numerical models of polymer- and metal-based degradation will be used to inform composition and optimise performance of material coupons for both mechanical/degradation behaviour in orthopaedic applications. Physical, mechanical and biocompatibility performance of the coupon specimens will be characterised. The project will investigate the development and design of a magnesium fibre-reinforced polymer composite orthopaedic fixation plate, with optimised mechanical and degradation behaviour that maximise load-bearing potential during tissue healing. The project will culminate in the manufacture and complete functional testing of a prototype.

 

Host Academic: Madrid Institute of Advanced Studies (IMDEA), Madrid, Spain

Host Industry: Meotec GmbH, Aachen, Germany

 

Lead Supervisors: Prof Javier Llorca (IMDEA), Alex Kopp (Meotec).

 

For further details about this project please contact bioimplant@nuigalway.ie