Development of Biodegradable Prosthetic Feet to Solve the Problem of Athlete Amputees

This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. Development of Biodegradable Prosthetic Feet to Solve the Problem of Athlete Amputees Abstract Background: Until a few years ago, lower limb amputees’ ability to run was constrained by the materials used in their prosthetic components, which typically did not facilitate the proper dynamics necessary for movement at slower speeds. However, many lower limb amputees can now engage in running as a sport, thanks to newly developed components for recreational activities. This research examined the mechanical and miscibility properties of prosthetic feet from experimental, mathematical, and numerical perspectives to provide an athletic prosthetic foot that offers enhanced performance, ease of use, and affordability for amputees with lower limb loss, helping them overcome physical limitations and participate in sports. Method: Eight laminates made from polyester reinforced with various fibers (linen, jute, carbon, perlon, and glass fibers) were produced using a vacuum system and subsequently tested using tensile, flexural, hardness, and FTIR assessments. The density and volume fraction were calculated using the rule of mixtures, and the mechanical properties were input into ANSYS software. The most effective laminates for the athlete’s foot were identified by calculating the total deformation and strain energy after applying the boundary constraints. The results indicated that laminates reinforced with linen, carbon, and glass fibers exhibited the best performance in terms of tensile, flexural, and hardness properties. FTIR analysis suggested a strong interaction between these fibers and resin compared to other groups. Conclusion: These findings highlight the intriguing potential of biodegradable feet for orthopedic applications and the promising advancements in biomedical engineering through increased durability and biocompatibility. Supplementary Material File (feeet.docx) - Download - 8.81 MB Information & Authors Information Version history Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Authors Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 178views 78downloads Citations Download citation noor faheed, mahmood mahmood, Rasha Issa, et al. Development of Biodegradable Prosthetic Feet to Solve the Problem of Athlete Amputees. Authorea. 24 April 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.174549812.29214061/v1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.174549812.29214061/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu.