Polymeric Prosthesis as Acoustic, Pressure, Temperature, and Light Sensor Fabricated by Three-Dimensional Printing

Abstract

There have been new developments in prosthetic technology over the past 30 years, and the union of bionics and prosthetics has improved mobility and aesthetics, however, a person who lacks a limb will have to continue without a valuable sense, touch. As a result of stimulation of the receptors under the skin and subcutaneous tissue, touch is sensitive to mechanical stimuli and stimuli that produce heat, cold, and pain. In this chapter, the results presented include the stages of design, construction, and characterization of an ear prosthesis manufactured with a 3D printer in polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), which is a biocompatible and ferroelectric smart material (exhibits piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties). Thus, the behavior of the prosthesis in response to external stimuli such as pressure, heat, cold, acoustic waves, and light is presented, thereby, extending the purpose of a prosthesis to the area of sensory perception.