title: Feasibility study of polyurethane shape-memory polymer actuators for pressure bandage application.
abstract: The feasibility of laboratory-synthesized polyurethane-based shape-memory polymer (SMPU) actuators has been investigated for possible application in medical pressure bandages where gradient pressure is required between the ankle and the knee for treatment of leg ulcers. In this study, using heat as the stimulant, SMPU strip actuators have been subjected to gradual and cyclic stresses; their recovery force, reproducibility and reusability have been monitored with respect to changes in temperature and circumference of a model leg, and the stress relaxation at various temperatures has been investigated. The findings suggest that SMPU actuators can be used for the development of the next generation of pressure bandages.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Materials Research and Innovation, University of Bolton, Bolton BL3 5AB, UK.
authors.forename: Manzoor
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ahmad
authors.affiliation: Institute of Materials Research and Innovation, University of Bolton, Bolton BL3 5AB, UK; Department of Information Science and Electron Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Jikui
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Luo
authors.affiliation: Institute of Materials Research and Innovation, University of Bolton, Bolton BL3 5AB, UK.
authors.forename: Mohsen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Miraftab
keywords: Advanced shape-memory polymer; Compression bandages; Recovery force; Recovery stress; Venous leg ulcer