MECHANICAL TESTING OF LAMINATED COMPOSITE MATERIALS FOR PROSTHETIC SOCKETS

Abstract

The mechanical properties of the composite materials for prosthetic sockets are a key determinant of the quality and usability of prostheses. Our aim was to compare the existing materials used in production at our institution with some modified, potentially improved materials. We conducted an industrial experiment. The existing material (A) was compared with three newly produced materials that introduced changes in the lamination process: B1, where an infusion spiral tube was added; B2, where the resin was degassed; and B3, where a mesh and peel ply were used. The specimens underwent laboratory strength testing. The strength measurements were statistically analysed using one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) that was adjusted for specimen thickness because of the observed negative correlation of thickness with strength. Material A had the highest bending strength, on average, but there were no statistically significant differences in the bending strength between the materials after adjusting for the specimen thickness (p = 0.941). Materials B1 and B2 exhibited statistically significantly lower tensile strengths than material A (p < 0.001). Material B3 had the lowest average tensile strength, but it could not be statistically distinguished from the others, because of the significantly larger average specimen thickness. The compressive strength was tested only for materials B1, B2 and B3; their averages did not differ statistically significantly (p = 0.291). Laboratory strength testing provided important insights into the differences between the various laminated composite prosthetics materials. We did not reach our initial goal to produce a better material, but we will continue our research and development in this field with a more systematic, technological approach.