Tensile and hardness tests and scanning electron microscopic studies were conducted to determine the maximum load, tensile strength and modulus of elasticity.
Biomechanical testing of Group 3 showed no differences in maximum load, ultimate strength, structural stiffness, or elastic modulus of the treated tendons but did demonstrate a statistically significant decrease in the displacement and strain at maximum load in the NKISK-treated tendons.
The maximum load, tensile strength, and extension at break were calculated using Bluehill Computer Software (Norwood, MA, USA).
Immediately after death, the maximum load (breaking strength) tolerated by femurs was measured without knowledge of the treatments, on coded samples using a calibrated tensometer (Sans, Shenzen, China).
At day 12, the maximum load (breaking strength) tolerated by wounds was measured blindly on coded samples using a calibrated tensometer (Sans) as described previously [ 20].
Table 8 Adhesive joint leather/PU: peel strength per unit width Surface treatments Maximum load (N) Peel strength per unit width (N/mm) All treatments 215 7.17 Untreated 29 0.97 PU: mechanical treatment 188 6.27 PU: primer 71 2.371
Table 7 Adhesive joint leather/TR: peel strength per unit width Surface treatments Maximum load (N) Peel strength per unit width (N/mm) All treatments 264 8.80 Untreated 17.3 0.58 TR: chemical treatment 17.5 0.58 Leather: mechanical treatment 73 2.43 TR: chemical/Leather: mechan.
Displacement ductility values up to 4.5 and 11.4 were measured corresponding to maximum load and 20% strength degradation, respectively.
Tensile strength, maximum load that a material can support without fracture when being stretched, divided by the original cross-sectional area of the material.
