Synthesis, Hydrolytic Degradation Behavior, and Surface Properties of Poly(alkyl glycolide)-Polyglycolide Copolymers.

Given the environmental impact of polymers on our daily lives, the development of biodegradable polymers is becoming increasingly critical. Poly(diisobutyl glycolide)-polyglycolide (PDIBG-PGA) and poly(diisopropyl glycolide)-polyglycolide (PDIPG-PGA) copolymers, which are structurally similar to polylactic--glycolic acid (PLGA) polyesters frequently used in the field of biomaterials, were synthesized via ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of glycolide with l-diisobutyl glycolide (l-DIBG) or l-diisopropyl glycolide (l-DIPG), respectively, in various molecular weights ( : 15.5-40.

Effects of Hybrid POSS Nanoparticles on the Properties of Thermoplastic Elastomer-Toughened Polyamide 6.

In this study, polyamide 6 (PA6)/thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) blends were prepared to decrease the notch sensitivity of PA6 for automotive applications, and the morphological, rheological, mechanical, and thermal properties of PA6/TPE blends, which are partially miscible or immiscible depending on the TPE ratio, were significantly improved in the existence of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanoparticles with multiple reactive epoxy groups as compatibilizers. An unstable phase morphology was obtained with the addition of TPE into PA6 without POSS nanoparticles, whereas interfacial interactions between phases in the presence of POSS were enhanced as a result of a significant decrease in the average particle size from 1.39 to 0.

A novel approach to soft-tissue repair: reoverexpanded flaps.

Postburn sequelae or excisional defect reconstruction after significant burn injury or resection of giant hairy nevus continues to be a significant challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. Unfortunately, the quality and quantity of available tissue for the repair of extensive defects is often limited. The techniques of tissue expansion have been used for many years to expand normal skin adjacent to the defect for the reconstruction of even wider defects in various parts of the body with its numerous advantages.