Development of a Composite Material Based on Polymers Polydimethylsiloxane and Polytetrafluoroethylene Use in Human Prosthetic Coatings

Abstract

The purpose of this study is the development of a composite material composed of a main layer of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and a reinforcement of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), to be used later in human prosthesis coatings. A mass ratio of the main layer consisting of PDMS:Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS):Di-n-butyl tin dilaurate (DBTL) in the range of 33:1:0.5; 25:1:0.5; 10:1:0.5, and the mass ratio of the composite material (PTFE:PDMS) with a range was evaluated of 1:9; 1:1; 2:3. Obtaining the following results: Tensile strength of 0.085 MPa based on the ratio of 33:1:0.5 - 1:9 and 0.59 MPa with respect to the ratio of 10:1:0.5 - 2:3, evidencing an increase in tensile strength by decreasing the weight of PDMS and increasing the weight of PTFE. On the other hand, the composite material obtained is hydrophobic, insoluble in ethanol and water, has a cross-linking percentage of 98.74 % and 99.66 % respectively, also has a minimum permeance of 5.24x10-7 (g Pa-1 s-1 m-2). With which it is concluded that the treatment whose properties resemble the human skin is the combination 10:1:0.5 - 1:1 that allowed to obtain an average tensile strength of 0.66 MPa, average modulus of elasticity of 6.56 MPa, similar to the dermis of a 43 year old person.