Comparative analysis of mechanical properties between carbon matrix composites and human bone

Three kinds of carbon matrix composites (chemical vapor deposition (CVD) prepared C/C composites, CVD/impregnation prepared C/C composites and CVD/molten silicon infiltration (MSI) prepared C/C-SiC composites, respectively) were chosen to study their potential application as new internal fixation materials. The microstructure and mechanical properties of three kinds of carbon matrix composites and human bone were analyzed.The results show that three kinds of carbon matrix composites and human bone have fiber reinforced porous matrix microstructure. As for mechanical property, the elastic modulus of three kinds of carbon matrix composites and human bone are highly similar. C/C-SiC composites is expected to be used as an ideal bone plate material since it has the closest mechanical property compared to human bone, for bending strength of 213.0 MPa, shear strength of 19.3 MPa and compressive strength of 228.1 MPa. Bending strength of C/C composites prepared by CVD and CVD/impregnation is 161.8 MPa and 174.6 MPa, respectively, which are lower than that of human bone. Mechanical properties of C/C composites can be improved by optimization of the preform structure and preparation process in the future.