Development of an Improved Thermoformable Material

We will improve the ease, cost, and efficiency of using splints and braces to treat patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Splints are commonly used to treat sprains, fractures, muscle contraction, and spasticity; braces are commonly used to hold joints or limbs in place. For more effective treatment, it is desirable to have a material that is highly formable, lightweight and has sufficient stiffness and strength properties for high load-bearing applications. The goal is to develop four different material designs that can be tested and compared with existing materials. Mechanical testing of these materials includes tensile at high and room temperatures, compressive, in- plane shear, and flexural testing. Test results are used to determine the material that demonstrates the greatest improvement over existing materials. A clinical evaluation of the most promising material will assess any improve- ment in formability during application and in stiffness and strength after curing. The results will determine the feasibility of producing an optimum thermoformable material with high strength and stiffness and the potential for his material to be used in clinical applications.