Date of Award
Spring 1997
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Biomedical Engineering
Abstract
This topic initiated as a desire to increase the strength properties of an orthopedic splinting material known as Synergy. Synergy is a thermoplastic polycaprolactone based material used in the medical field to form splints and their accessories. The advantages of Synergy are its resistance to stretch and its rigidity while forming splints on uncooperative patients. However, the strength of Synergy is not as high as that of other current splinting materials, and, in some cases, this has led to material fractures as a result of usage on patients. The overall aim of this project is to increase the strength properties of Synergy while maintaining its desirable working properties. The properties of concern are the tensile and fatigue strengths. These properties will be examined using ASTM standard test procedures as described in the test description sections. It is believed that by increasing these properties the end product will be stronger. However, also of concern is how the material will stand up over time. A splint may be worn for up to six months. It is important to be able to relate the test data obtained to the end product the material is being used for. Fatigue test results will be used to examine these characteristics.
Recommended Citation
Wood, Christopher J., "The Effects of Fillers and Electron Beam Crosslinking on the Mechanical Properties of Polycaprolactone Based Compounds" (1997). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 4342.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/4342