Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

This Research Tools and Instruments (RTI) proposal aims to upgrade the Psylotech µTS mechanical testing system housed within the University of Waterloo's Composite Biomaterial Systems Lab (WCBSL) to enable dynamic testing, including fatigue and high strain rate testing, of biomedical, biological and bio-derived materials under relevant operating conditions (temperature, hydration, oxidative media). This is critical to the WCBSL's various research programs which focus on the mechanical performance of biomedical, biological and bio-derived materials. The µTS located in the WCBSL is unique within Canada. It has enabled hundreds of tests of small and valuable specimens per year, including precious human cortical bone specimens and state-of-the-art 3D printed biopolymer nanocomposites for biomedical applications. The highly versatile and capable instrument with a small footprint is integrated with optical microscopy and digital cameras enabling observation of deformation and failure modes along with measurement of deformation and strain fields during various testing modes (tension, compression, shear, fatigue, fracture toughness). Indeed, the µTS has become the mechanical testing workhorse for the WCBSL and its many collaborators. This proposal requests funds to upgrade the µTS with a bespoke testing chamber with temperature control of various test media providing materials testing under relevant operating (physiological, oxidative, environmental) conditions. Furthermore, control software and hardware will enable greater control under load control and for high-rate tests. Testing fixtures compatible with the various operating conditions, especially oxidative media, are requested. This will enable cutting edge studies of biomedical, biological and bio-derived materials. We are especially in need of this equipment to support the PhD thesis research of a student (NSERC CGS-D scholar) investigating oxidatively assisted cracking and fatigue in novel 3D printable biomedical polymer nanocomposites for biomedical applications (PI's NSERC Discovery Grant research). It will also support and improve new collaborations between the PI and the co-applicants and existing collaborations, locally, nationally and internationally. The proposed research projects address key issues related to the mechanical performance and durability of biomedical, biological and bioderived materials. The outputs of the enabled projects and the resulting highly qualified personnel will contribute significantly to Canadian innovation in 3D printable biomedical and sustainable materials and our position as leaders in the field of bone tissue biomechanics.