Prosthetic limb sockets from plant-based composite materials.
BACKGROUND
There is a considerable demand for lower limb prostheses globally due to vascular disease, war, conflict, land mines and natural disasters. Conventional composite materials used for prosthetic limb sockets include acrylic resins, glass and carbon fibres, which produce harmful gasses and dust in their manufacture.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the feasibility of using a renewable plant oil-based polycarbonate-polyurethane copolymer resin and plant fibre composite, instead of conventional materials, to improve safety and accessibility of prosthetic limb manufacture.


METHODS
Experimental, bench research.


METHODS
Test pieces of the resin with a range of plant fibres (10.0% by volume) were prepared and tensile strengths were tested. Test sockets of both conventional composite materials and plant resin with plant fibres were constructed and tested to destruction.


RESULTS
Combinations of plant resin and either banana or ramie fibres gave high tensile strengths. The conventional composite material socket and plant resin with ramie composite socket failed at a similar loading, exceeding the ISO 10328 standard. Both wall thickness and fibre-matrix adhesion played a significant role in socket strength.


CONCLUSIONS
From this limited study we conclude that the plant resin and ramie fibre composite socket has the potential to replace the standard layup. Further mechanical and biocompatibility testing as well as a full economic analysis is required.


CONCLUSIONS
Using readily sourced and renewable natural fibres and a low-volatile bio-resin has potential to reduce harm to those involved in the manufacture of artificial limb sockets, without compromising socket strength and benefitting clinicians working in poorer countries where safety equipment is scarce. Such composite materials will reduce environmental impact.
National Centre for Prosthetics and Orthotics, The University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK. a.i.campbell@swansea.ac.uk
Andrew I
AI
Campbell
Sandra
S
Sexton
Carl J
CJ
Schaschke
Harry
H
Kinsman
Brian
B
McLaughlin
Martin
M
Boyle
D001186:Artificial Limbs / Q000592:standards*; D032402:Boehmeria; D003188:Composite Resins; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000379:methods*; D028521:Musa; D018547:Plant Stems; D011076:Polycarboxylate Cement; D011140:Polyurethanes
D003188:Composite Resins; D011076:Polycarboxylate Cement; D011140:Polyurethanes; C005506:polycarbonate