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Structural identification of prosthetics/orthotics polymers using infrared spectral searching
Author(s) -
Waldmeier Michael D.,
Greener Evan H.,
Lautenschlager Eugene P.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-4628(19960613)60:11<2025::aid-app28>3.0.co;2-7
Subject(s) - orthotics , materials science , polymer , fabrication , polyethylene terephthalate , polyethylene , computer science , composite material , medicine , physical therapy , alternative medicine , pathology
The suitability of a combination of an infrared spectral search program and three commercially available infrared spectral data bases to structurally identify prosthetics/orthotics polymers was assessed. Five currently used prosthetics/orthotics polymers subjected to a simulated clinical fabrication heat treatment were examined using diffuse reflectance. The polymers selected were Durr‐Plex (polyethylene terephthalate), polypropylene, Subortholen (polyethylene), Surlyn (ethylene methacrylate ionomer), and Uvex (cellulose acetate butyrate). The combination of a spectral search program and three commercially available data bases was inadequate for structural identification of these prosthetics/orthotics poly in their simulated clinical fabrication heat‐treated condition and may be misleading. Benefits of creating effective combinations of spectral search software and appropriate and more comprehensive data bases with specific entries for prosthetics/orthotics polymers would be for: (1) quality control of batches of polymers, and (2) the development of standards, test methods necessary to evaluate the effects of environmental influences associated with long‐term clinical service. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.