Bagasse reinforced epoxy-based green composite for orthotic callipers: A tribological study

Introduction to composite materials has led to development of materials which are lighter in weight, high strength to weight ratio, higher tensile strength, higher stiffness and lesser in cost. Composite materials can also be known as green composite or bio based composite when it is mixed with natural fibers and natural resins to produces light and strong material that are biodegradable and sustainable too. Taking into consideration the ecological concerns, depletion of natural resources and petroleum products, the present work proposes fabrication of green composite by using bagasse filler reinforced with epoxy for the application of orthotic callipers. Orthotic callipers are an appliance used by patients suffering from disabled and weak joints. After the fabrication of composite by hand layup technique, tribological properties of the composite material was investigated. Results showed improvement in mechanical properties such as tensile strength and flexural strength. Tribological test was done with the help of block on roller multi tribotester to check the service condition and economic aspects of the products which revealed that specific wear rate and coefficient of friction is reduced. © 2021