Synthetic Fibers and Their Composites for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Composite materials are customizable materials on a macroscopic scale formed by the combination of two or more individual insoluble materials with different physical, morphological, and chemical properties in various compositions. Synthetic fibers are mostly derived from petroleum-based sources and are considered the most common reinforcements in polymer composites owing to their high strength, stiffness, and compatibility with the polymer matrix. Synthetic fiber composites and other classes of polymer composites find their applications in various commercial applications, including biomedical applications for heart valves, stents, ligament repair, bone and cartilage support, artificial skin, tendon repair, teeth, wound dressing, and oral tissues. This is mainly due to the presence of an extracellular matrix available in the synthetic fibers and their versatility and suitability in various applications. Manufacturing methods of synthetic fiber-reinforced polymer composites are diverse enough to produce a large spectrum of composites for these applications. Owing to their tremendous mechanical support and biocompatibility, their suitability for biomedical applications is highly commendable. In recent times, with advanced research and medical facilities, trials have been made to construct artificial human organs from synthetic fiber-based polymer composites and other biocomposite materials. Accordingly, this chapter deals with the classification of various synthetic fibers, the fabrication of synthetic fiber-based composites, their biocompatible and mechanical properties, and some prominent applications of synthetic fibers and their composites in the field of biomedical engineering. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights are reserved including those for text and data mining AI training and similar technologies.