Self-cleaning skin-like prosthetic polymer surfaces

Patent · Tue Mar 27 00:00:00 EDT 2012

OSTI ID:1039556

Simpson, John T ^[1]; Ivanov, Ilia N ^[2]; Shibata, Jason ^[3]

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1. Clinton, TN
2. Knoxville, TN
3. Manhattan Beach, CA

An external covering and method of making an external covering for hiding the internal endoskeleton of a mechanical (e.g., prosthetic) device that exhibits skin-like qualities is provided. The external covering generally comprises an internal bulk layer in contact with the endoskeleton of the prosthetic device and an external skin layer disposed about the internal bulk layer. The external skin layer is comprised of a polymer composite with carbon nanotubes embedded therein. The outer surface of the skin layer has multiple cone-shaped projections that provide the external skin layer with superhydrophobicity. The carbon nanotubes are preferably vertically aligned between the inner surface and outer surface of the external skin layer in order to provide the skin layer with the ability to transmit heat. Superhydrophobic powders may optionally be used as part of the polymer composite or applied as a coating to the surface of the skin layer to enhance superhydrophobicity.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-00OR22725
• Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC (Oak Ridge, TN)
• Patent Number(s): 8,142,516
• Application Number: 12/495,082
• OSTI ID: 1039556
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE