Mechanical Characterization of Polymer Films for Wound Treatment

Different polymer films can be used as a type of skin graft or skin substitute for the treatment of burn victims or soldiers in combat. In order to find the most effective polymer combination to use, it is important to know the different mechanical properties of these polymers so that they can better adapt to human skin. We performed experiments to test the mechanical properties of polymers of different compositions, which were manufactured by Rochal Industries, LLP (San Antonio, TX). To measure the different mechanical properties we used a uniaxial tensile tester (Bose Electroforce T3200, Bose Corporation, Minneapolis, MN), and measured the force the polymer was subject to when being stretched, as well as the degree of deformation due to the force. The acquisition of the data was performed at a frequency of 60 Hz, resulting in the registry of 2,000 data points per polymer sample, on average. The modulus of elasticity, ultimate strength and yield strength will be calculated from the resulting force-displacement relationship, which is highly nonlinear. Through these experiments we can mechanically characterize and compare the different polymers to the properties of actual human skin in order to improve the design of polymeric films for wound care treatment. Partially supported by the UTSA Work Study Research Training Program.