Inside Back Cover In article number 2200232, Jaklenec, and co-workers break the mold. Direct fabrication of shape-specific, discrete, 3D microstructures is reported from any thermoplastic polymers irrespective their chemical structures or molecular weights using a newly designed, highly non-wetting template. This exceptional surface property emanates preferential orientation pendant, fluorinate...

The increasing variety of plastic materials produced during the last few years is due mainly to the ability of the modern chemist to synthesize the chemical compounds from which plastics are made. The basis of most plastics today is the synthetic polymer and its introduction has made available many substances hitherto unknown in industry. Modern plastics are manufactured to serve specific purpo...

Blending a shape-memory polymer (SMP) (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane) with an immiscible carrier polymer (e.g., poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) or poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)) containing dispersed metal nanoparticles (AuNPs) is a simple approach to enable actuation via photothermal heating. For blends containing up to 90% carrier polymer, the shape-memory capability can be thermally triggered eithe...

Aim: Thermoplastic immobilization devices are used in head and neck radiotherapy to increase precision of treatment delivery. However, there is concern about increase in radiation induced skin morbidity with the use of such devices. This study was conducted with an aim to evaluate any increase in clinically observed skin reactions with the use of thermoplastic immobilization devices. Materials ...

Coatings based on thermosetting and thermoplastic polymer binders using mechanically activated silicate fillers from local natural raw materials (from Koytash deposit), a mechano-activator of wollastonite different dispersion were investigated. The studies conducted made it possible to establish the effect surface roughness material cotton fiber damageability under their frictional interaction ...

PURPOSE Renal vascular clamping with ensuing warm ischemia is typically needed during robotic or laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. We developed a technique for angiographic delivery of the novel intra-arterial reverse thermoplastic polymer LeGoo-XL that allows temporary selective vascular occlusion with normal perfusion of the remaining kidney. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eight pigs underwent a tot...

Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) are a class of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) that are used in a variety of applications (1). TPUs exhibit low temperature flexibility, excellent abrasion resistance, high tensile strength and good processing characteristics. The current medical grade TPU’s have unique property that the flex modulus decreases (softens) when placed in the body. A new resilient...