Scientists in Wichita, KS applied for $15 million dollars of stimulus money to create a research center to help integrate composite materials into medical and orthopedic products. The city of Wichita has already donated 43 acres of land worth $1.2 million, and are hoping to build a 50,000 sqft building next to the current National Center for Aviation Training.Much of the new composite aerospace materials, especally FDA approved thermoplastic resins, have a bright future for use in orthopedics. For example, if you look closely at the x-ray above, you can spot a metal bone screw holding together a fracture. If that orthopedic insert could be composite, it would not appear on the x-ray, and the doctor could more easily determine the healing of the injury. Other advantages of composite medical inserts include higher lubricity (less pain/discomfort) and less risk of allergies (a surprisingly large population is allergic to nickle).
With the nearby National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR), a leading composite material research institute, there is ample space for sharing of ideas and technology.
More info:
The Wichita Eagle
Aerospace Composites
Photo Credit: joebeone via flicker
No comments:
Post a Comment