Karla Čech Barabaszová

About the Verification of External Fixators Applied in Traumatology and Orthopaedics

In this paper, the authors draw attention to biomechanics connected with the possibilities of treatment of complicated bone fractures. They present information about their own design, laboratory tests and numerical solutions (i.e. strength analyses and reliability assessments) of the various types of external fixators applied in traumatology and orthopaedics (i.e. intended for fractures of limbs and pelvis and its acetabulum). The new design of external fixators is based on the development of Ilizarov and other techniques and satisfies new demands of science.

Friction Modifiers Optimization of the Ceramic Composites for Automotive Applications

We decided to focus on ceramic-type of friction composites, in which the effect of selected components on the friction performance was investigated. To find the options for one component to play dual role in friction performance, interest was put to the clay minerals, in our case phyllosilicate — vermiculite. Vermiculite was used as original or as modified material and added to the composition in several volume fractions to observe the gradual friction performance changes. The modification of the vermiculite. comprised of chemical, physical and mechanical methods, aimed at multifunctional properties in composite. Vermiculite was jet milled alone and with polymeric powder, thermally treated, which gave an option to observe, whether such modification is useful for friction performance improvement. Friction surface changes versus friction performance were evaluated.

Effect of Particles Size and Morphology of Selected Compounds of Friction Composite on Friction Performance

Friction materials are multicomponent composites, where is very important to maintain homogeneity of material, which can be assured using an adequate components with optimal particle size. Friction components can be produced using techniques which not always prioritize to achieve the homogeneity of final friction composite. For that reason we used special preparation technique to produce the particles with nearly identical shape - the jet milling technique. This technique is a simple method for preparation of particles with defined size and reactive surface. The effect of the size and shape of composite components on the homogeneity and stability of mixtures before and after friction process was evaluated.