Studying The Mechanical Properties of Silicone Rubber-Alum Composites using in Manufacturing of Prosthetic Liners

Abstract

Silicone liners protect the stump and also act as protection mechanisms against stress, weight loading, and bacteria growth. In this work we used alum, which is a compound of potassium- aluminum sulfate salt (K₂SO₄.Al₂ (SO₄) ₃.12H₂O as bifunction filler that help in producing closed cell composites and to get the more sterilization product. The addition  of alum to the silicone rubber is for different percent (1,2,3,4,5) %.  At all levels of alum powder have lower mechanical values with the increase of alum percent. The alum powder is not having much reinforcing action. The addition of alum reduces all mechanical properties (tensile strength, tear resistance, modulus, compression, hardness,  elongation and specific gravity) due to  the formation of gaps in the material  and weakening the cohesion of the recipe components.