Effect of Sterilization Processes on the Fiber/Matrix Interphase Properties of CF/PDMS Composite to be Used in Orthopaedics

In this study we present the investigation of the influence of multiple sterilization processes on micromechanical properties carried out on a composite based on carbon fibers (CF) and polymer matrix composite polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The effect of widely-used steam sterilization process on fibers/matrix interphase region properties was studied by nanoindentation.