Many methods have been developed to test and evaluate the mechanical properties of the biopolymer from castor oil employed in implants and osteo-repositions, among other things. Most of the methods are performed under quasi-static and cyclic loads (creep and relaxation tests) and under high strain rate, uniaxial compression conditions. This paper presents and discusses the development and applicability of a simple load-application apparatus, devised to reduce shear and barrelling effects on specimens and allow for conventional strain around 45%. Besides contributing valuable information on the mechanical behavior of the castor oil polyurethane, the results of this research point to multiple biomedical applications for this material.
compression test; mechanical behavior; biopolymer; castor oil
