Bio-Inspired FGPCs for Biomedical and Structural Applications

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This is an unedited manuscript accepted for publication and provided as an Article in Press for early access at the author’s request. The article will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and galley proof review before final publication. Please be aware that errors may be identified during production that could affect the content. All legal disclaimers of the journal apply.

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 02 | Page :
    By

    Pagolu Sai Vamsi,

  • G. Diwakar,

  1. M.Tech Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koneru Laksmaiah Education Foundation, Vaddeswaram, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh,
  2. Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koneru Laksmaiah Education Foundation, Vaddeswaram, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Bio-inspired functionally graded polymer composites (FGPCs) represent a new class of smart materials that use gradient material distributions to enhance mechanical and biological properties, mimicking natural systems like bones, shells, and plant stems. FGPCs exhibit smooth gradient distribution across interfaces, which improves biocompatibility and reduces the risk of failure under complex loading and environmental conditions. In this study, bio-inspired FGPCs were designed, fabricated, and validated using a combined experimental and computational approach. Polymer matrices reinforced with synthetic and natural fillers were arranged using linear, exponential, and bio-inspired gradation profiles. Mechanical testing (tensile and flexural) and biodegradation studies were conducted in accordance with ASTM standards, and the experimental results were evaluated using finite element simulations. The results demonstrate that exponential and bio-inspired gradation profiles outperform linear gradation in terms of toughness, biodegradation resistance, and stress-transfer efficiency. Compared with conventional composites, tensile strength increased by up to 20%, while residual stresses were reduced by approximately 15%. Numerical predictions showed good agreement with experimental findings, with deviations of less than 5%. Stress distribution and biocompatibility were considered when evaluating the biomedical potential of dental implants and bone scaffolds, while enhanced fatigue resistance was demonstrated in structural applications, including lightweight panels and vibration-damping components. Overall, the combined experimental–computational framework presented in this work provides an effective strategy for optimizing FGPC design for biomedical and structural applications. Future research may focus on additive manufacturing techniques and machine-learning-guided design approaches to develop bio-inspired, customizable FGPCs.

Keywords: Bio-inspired composites, Functionally Graded Polymer Composites (FGPCs), Biomedical applications, Computational validation, Stress transfer efficiency.

How to cite this article:
Pagolu Sai Vamsi, G. Diwakar. Bio-Inspired FGPCs for Biomedical and Structural Applications. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(02):-.
How to cite this URL:
Pagolu Sai Vamsi, G. Diwakar. Bio-Inspired FGPCs for Biomedical and Structural Applications. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(02):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=239802


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Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
02
Received 30/10/2025
Accepted 28/01/2026
Published 07/04/2026
Publication Time 159 Days
29

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