Composite materials for biomedical applications.

The concepts of composite mechanics have been used to design two materials for potential prosthesis of biomedical interest. They attain specific physical properties and use polymers which show a high degree of biocompatibility. The materials used were a poly (2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate) as matrix and polyesther resin as reinforcing fibers. The mechanical performance of a uniaxially oriented composite has been adjusted to match the behaviour of a human tendon. A laminate composite has been modelled for use in plastic surgery.