Shape memory polymer composite for adaptive components for orthosis and lower limb fracture fixators

Shape memory polymer composite for adaptive components for orthosis and lower limb fracture fixators

Rapidly increasing engineering innovations have contributed invaluable new technologies to the biomedical field since the mid-20th century. This thesis is devoted to another vital development in the biomedical field with the invention of shape memory polymer (SMP) orthosis and lower limb fracture fixators. SMP is a smart material that can deform temporarily and recover its permanent shapes upon an external stimulus. This innovative product is an alternative to plaster of Paris casting which has been dominant in orthopaedic external fracture treatments. Bisphenol A base SMP was synthesised, and glass transition temperature was tailored to suit non-invasive biomedical applications. The manufacturing parameters of the product were optimised for the needs of orthopaedic bone immobilisation, using grey relational combined Taguchi analysis. The novel material is denoted as Ortho+, and it contains one layer of E-glass fibre with 0.4 wt% of TiO2 . The concept was successfully proved with, a lower limb leg cylindrical cast using Ortho+ on a mannequin in less than 10 mins. The Ortho+ SP is lightweight, has less setting time, allows multiple alterations and optimal air circulation. Ortho+ can be reused after disinfection; thus, it is ideal for first aid treatment where the required medical facilities are not freely available. This research has successfully established ground-breaking knowledge in the material development framework and opened up a new window to replace traditional orthopaedic materials with Ortho+ to manufacture next-generation orthosis and fracture fixators.

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