title: Piezoresistive nanocomposite as an embedded stress sensor in instrumented knee prosthesis.
abstract: We characterize the electrical properties of a biocompatible nanocomposite which will be used as a stress sensing material in an instrumented knee implant. The composite is fabricated from multi-walled carbon nanotubes and ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. Experimental cyclic compression loading shows that the composite's resistance exponentially decreases with increasing compression stress, proving its potential for application as a piezoresistive stress sensing material. An analytical model is built to estimate the optimal depth from the tibio-femoral contact surface at which an embedded stress sensor could achieve the highest stress resolution and lowest distortion energy inside the tibial insert.
authors.lastname: Quyen Do
authors.forename: Sean
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: O'Byrne
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Perriman
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; D005269:Femur; D007720:Knee Prosthesis; D053761:Nanocomposites; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon
chemical_list: D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon