Abstract: UV curable coating compositions and methods for applying such compositions to surfaces to provide abrasion resistance and/or structural rigidity thereto. The UV curable compositions of the present invention include at least one curable (meth)acrylate, at least one photoinitiator which absorbs only in the UV range of the electromagnetic spectrum, and an inorganic filler, at least a portion of which having a particle size in the range of 1 to 1,000 nm. The compositions may further comprise a reactive diluent.

Abstract: A curable composition and method for producing high strength in-the-ear products using solid freeform fabrication techniques. More specifically, the present invention provides a curable composition and method for the production of hearing aid components using stereolithography. The curable composition may include at least one acrylate oligomer, at least one reactive diluent and a cure system. The composition when cured desirably produces one or more of the following properties: Shore D hardness of at least about 85; tensile modulus of at least about 300,000 psi; and flexural modulus of at least about 300,000 psi. Suitable hearing aid components include, for example, hearing aid housings and tips.

Abstract: A curable composition having enhanced cure speed which includes a curable component, a cure system and an additive for enhancing cure speed. The additive includes an alkali metal halide salt and the reaction product of: (a) a polyfunctional isocyanate and a member selected from the group consisting of an hydroxy and an amine; or (b) a phosgene or phosgene derivative, and a compound having 3 to 7 polyethylene glycol ether units terminated at one end with an ether group and at the other end with a reactive functional group selected from the group consisting of an amine, an amide, a thiol and an alcohol; or (c) a monohydroxy compound, a diisocyanate and a polyamine. Alternatively, in place of or in combination with the cure speed enhancing additive, an aromatic substituted (meth)acryl functionalized component may be incorporated into the curable component to achieve enhanced cure speed.

Abstract: A curable composition and method for producing a tear resistant, yet soft and deformable in-the-ear product yielding the user greater comfort and durability. The curable composition incorporated into a hearing aid apparatus provides a deformable, yet tear resistant housing, which may be mated to a soft tip component. The hearing aid housing provides better comfort, durability and acoustic performance for a variety of ear canal shapes. The curable composition that provides these properties includes at least one urethane acrylate oligomer, at least one reactive diluent and a cure system. The composition when cured desirably produces a tear strength of at least about 75 pli and a hardness of about Shore A 60 to about 75.

Abstract: A curable composition and method for producing a soft yet durable elastomeric in-the-ear product having a Shore A hardness of about 55 or less upon cure. The curable composition incorporated in a hearing aid apparatus provides a soft, flexible tip member which was mated to a rigid hearing aid shell. The tip member provides better comfort, durability and acoustic performance for a variety of ear canal shapes and movements. The curable composition which provides these properties includes a urethane acrylate oligomer and a reactive plasticizer or reactive diluent to provide a Shore hardness of about 55 or less upon cure. The curable composition may be used for other ear-worn products where these properties are desired like for ear plugs, ear phones and ear connectors.