Viscoelastic Polyurethane Foams for Use as Auxiliary Materials in Orthopedics

Abstract

One of the essential factors in prostheses is their fitting. To assemble a prosthesis with the residual limb, so-called liners are used. Liners used currently are criticized by users for their lack of comfort, causing excessive sweating and skin irritation. The objective of the work was to develop viscoelastic polyurethane foams for use in limb prostheses. As part of the work, foams were produced with different isocyanate indexes (0.6–0.9) and water content (1, 2 and 3 php). The produced foams were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, computer microtomography, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. Measurements also included apparent density, recovery time, rebound elasticity, permanent deformation, compressive stress value and sweat absorption. The results were discussed in the context of modifying the foam recipe. The performance properties of the foams, such as recovery time, hardness, resilience and sweat absorption, indicate that foams that will be suitable for prosthetic applications are foams with a water content of 2 php produced with an isocyanate index of 0.8 and 0.9.

Effect of Different Amine Catalysts on the Thermomechanical and Cytotoxic Properties of ‘Visco’-Type Polyurethane Foam for Biomedical Applications

“…Differences in sweat absorbency may be due to differences in reaction and the different surface tensions of the liquid, investigated in our previous paper [ 42 ]. Alkaline sweat has a higher surface tension, so it adheres better to the pore walls.…”

Recent Progress of Non-Isocyanate Polyurethane Foam and Their Challenges

“…Cyclocarbonates have a significant advantage over several other types of reagents due to their high solubility and boiling temperature [ 39 ]. Various types of diamines or polyamines are used in this method, either aliphatic or aromatic amines, which give us a wide choice of NIPUs with different structural, mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties [ 23 , 40 , 41 ]. Another advantage of this method is the possibility of obtaining bio-based CC monomers by using natural monomers such as vanillyl alcohol or bio-based oils in the CO 2 fixation reaction.…”

Polyurethane foam materials and their industrial applications

“…So, they are preferred to use in furniture, automobile and shoe sectors. Viscoelastic PU foams are called shape memory foam 69 . The consumption of PU foams is presented in Fig.…”

“…Viscoelastic PU foams are called shape memory foam. 69 The consumption of PU foams is presented in Fig. 1.…”