Polymers have a finite lifetime due to abrasion and strains on the material, and even if there is fracturing in the material and the material mended, the original properties of the polymer would be impossible to recover. Reversible cross-linked polymers contribute the ability to be durable and resilient at operating temperatures while also having the potential for remolding into different geometries at higher temperatures. The use of reversibly cross-linked polymers on prosthesis is a fairly novel idea. The materials usually used to create a prosthetic, such as acrylic, epoxy and polyester are all subject to stresses that is unfavorable on the prosthetic and requires the wearer to have a new prosthetic created. Not only are the materials used inadequate, but also atrophying of tissue on the limb coerces the wearer to have new prosthetics constructed. These reasons lead to cost inefficiencies and waste of material. The crosslinking polymer is created using styrene, furfurylmethacrylate (FMA), and benzyl-bis-maliemide utilizing Diels-Alder reactions . The polymer, when subjected to high temperatures, is easily moldable, and remains intact and stable when cooled to room temperature. If the polymer is incorporated properly, it will allow for the remolding of the cup where the body part sits, since atrophy will require for refitting of the prosthetic.

Thermally reversible crosslinking polymers for incorporation in prosthetics

247th National Meeting (2014)

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