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Type of Document Master's Thesis Author Hunt, Benjamin Daniel Author's Email Address bendhunt81@hotmail.com URN etd-07182006-142516 Title Knee Simulation, Creep, and Friction Tests of Poly(vinyl alcohol) Hydrogels Manufactured Using Injection Molding and Solution Casting Degree Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering Department Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Advisory Committee
Advisor Name Title Dr. Diane Wagner Committee Member Dr. Edmundo Corona Committee Member Dr. Jim Mason Committee Member Keywords
- PVA; creep; friction; knee simulation; injection m
Date of Defense 2006-05-19 Availability unrestricted Abstract Osteoarthritis is a widespread problem throughout the world especially as the averagelifespan continues to lengthen. Relieving arthritic pain and finding less intrusive, longer
lasting joint replacements revolves around finding a material to replace natural articular
cartilage. Poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels (PVA-H) have the potential to be an articular
cartilage replacement in the future with properties similar to those of natural articular
cartilage. Injection molding and solution casting techniques were employed to
manufacture PVA-H specimens. The mechanical properties of PVA-H were then studied
using knee simulation, creep, and friction tests. The results show that injection molding
produces stiffer and stronger specimens than solution casting due to the higher polymer
content. However, injection molding specimens also have a higher coefficient of friction. Further improvements must be made before PVA-H is a suitable material for articular
cartilage replacement.
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