Characterization of the structural configuration and tensile properties of medical bandages

Abstract

Bandages are a group of medical textiles that are available in various types for use in different applications such as wound dressing, compression therapy, treatment of burns, cramps, and sprains. In the present research, the structural and tensile characteristics of various medical bandages produced by different companies have been compared. According to the results, different bandages commercially sold under the same category demonstrate quite varied tensile properties, depending on their structure and constructional parameters. Consequently, compression bandages of the same type produced under different trade names would exert various amount of pressure to the body under constant stretch. In other word, various amount of stretch must be applied to different compression bandages to achieve and maintain the required pressure. Hence, to obtain better treatment outcomes, it is essential to provide the required information about the features of each medical bandage for the consumers. Furthermore, it was observed that the knitted compression bandages due to their higher stiffness (elastic modulus) provide higher pressure under minimum stretch in comparison with woven samples. Moreover, incorporation of higher number of stretch yarns to the bandage structure as well as using tighter structure increases the stiffness of the bandage, and in turn enhances the power of the bandage to cling on the limb for a longer period of time, in case of compression bandages.

Keywords:

• Bandage
• structure
• tensile
• elastic modulus
• compression bandage

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by Amirkabir University of Technology (grant number: 40/1119).