Urethane plastic. Polyurethane Plastic as a Low-cost Alternative for Limb Prostheses

Polyurethane Plastic as a Low-cost Alternative for Limb Prostheses
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Introduction
Prostheses aid persons with disabilities to perform activities of daily living with minimum difficulty. This practice has been done since the prehistoric times and continuously evolved over time. In the 1980s, the use of an advancing manufacturing technology led to the improvements in clinical assessment and prosthesis design (Coombes, Greenwood, & Shorter, 1996).
Manufacturers began to use more suitable materials, such as thermoplastics and advanced composites, as substitutes for traditional materials such as wood, aluminum, and leather. The discovery of these modern materials aid in the enhancement of the function and durability of the contemporary orthoses and prostheses (Coombes, Greenwood, & Shorter, 1996).
           Recent studies proposed that recyclable polyurethane plastic can be used as an alternative material to create low-cost prostheses. Polyurethane refers to the conglomeration of urethane monomers, which are chemically equivalent to the carbamate groups, that are molded during the polymerization process. Polyurethane materials can have various characteristics that can range from hard to soft elastomers. 
           Typically, thermoplastic polyurethanes are utilized in devices secondary to its high tensile strength, durability, and resistance from abrasion and degradation. Hence, making these materials qualified to be used in biomedical settings. 
           This study aims to investigate the benefits, impact, advantages and disadvantages, and monetary value of polyurethane material-based prostheses. Moreover, this study targets recyclable polyurethane materials from the landfills. 
Methods
Study Design
           This is an experimental study that will utilize polyurethane materials. The limb prosthesis generated through the process will be compared to the standard prosthesis in terms of tensile strength and durability.
Materials
Polyurethane materials will be collected from flexible foam resources from the garbage such as cushioning materials (i.e., carpet underlays and sports mats). Carbon fibers will be combined with the resulting material. 
Study Protocol
* Waste collection
Polyurethane waste materials will be collected from three landfill areas. The sources will be from any cushioning tools
* Chemical recycling of polyurethane materials
b.1. Hydrolysis of polyurethanes
The reaction for the hydrolysis of polyurethanes can be visualized through: