Composite materials offer functional, aesthetically pleasing structures of optimum performance not previously possible with more traditional materials.

Prosthetic components gain some special features, when we use composite materials;

• High specific stiffness and strength
• Low weight
• Fibre orientation with the direction of principle stresses
• Excellent environmental and corrosion resistance
• Very low coefficient of thermal expansion
• Improved vibration damping properties
• Good fatigue resistance
• Relatively simple repair of damaged structures
• Ease of  manufacture of complex shapes
• Low cost tooling options for one-offs, etc.        

You can compare mechanical properties of some reinforcement materials by using the chart below.