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Exploring sustainable materials for 3D printing splints in medical applications

Meijer, Muriël (2024) Exploring sustainable materials for 3D printing splints in medical applications.

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Abstract:This thesis explores sustainable materials for 3D printed, patient-specific wrist splints to address the environmental impact of ST45, a non-recyclable and non-biodegradable material commonly used in hospitals. A systematic literature review and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) identified recycled polylactic acid (rPLA) and recycled polyethylene terephthalate glycol (rPETg) as promising alternatives based on recyclability, mechanical properties, patient safety, and compatibility with 3D printers. The feasibility of recycling production processes for rPLA and rPETg was assessed, revealing that the rPETg process, in collaboration with NHL Stenden, was more efficient and scalable than rPLA recycling with CHILL. Mechanical testing compared recycled and virgin materials to ST45, showing rPLA and rPETg had comparable performance in impact energy, E-modulus, and tensile strength, with some variations in tensile strength and impact energy across recycling cycles. The findings highlight rPETg as a potential candidate for sustainable wrist splints, though improvements in mechanical performance and recycling consistency are needed. Further research should optimize filament quality, evaluate material durability across multiple cycles, and enhance splint design for better performance during use. This study supports advancing circular economy principles in medical applications.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:ET: Engineering Technology
Subject:52 mechanical engineering
Programme:Biomedical Engineering MSc (66226)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/104671
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