Abstract: Polymeric compositions for enhanced wound or burn treatment characteristics and other medical, industrial, recreational and domestic applications can be formulated as biocompatible, elastomeric, polymers. Such compositions can be used as advanced wound or burn care dressings or for other medical and non-medical purposes. The compositions generally comprise a polymeric component including a polyurethane oligomer or polymer with one or more hydroxyl-containing acrylate or methacrylate terminal groups thereon, and an effective amount of a mercaptan (thiol) to regulate elastic and adhesive properties of the cured composition. During medical uses, the composition may be applied in a thin layer on the affected area and a generous portion of the adjacent healthy skin. The composition is then cured such as by exposure to an external energy source, for example a visible light or an ultraviolet light or infrared light or sunlight or a combination thereof, to form an elastomeric dressing.

Abstract: A flexible element such as a small diameter filament or tubule comprising an outer body portion formed of a high molecular weight organic composition which protectively encloses therein polymerizable organic material in a pliable form and which is transformed into a rigid element when exposed to a source of wave energy having an intensity sufficient to effect substantial polymerization of said polymerizable material; whereby said element is adapted to be shaped into any desired configuration before exposure to said wave energy and rigidifiable while in said configuration on exposure to said wave energy without application of any surface coating to said element. Divisional application of U.S. Ser. No. 509,452, filed Sept. 26, 1974 now U.S. Pat. No. 3,990,437.

Abstract: The article used and the method of forming a support structure, such as an orthopedic cast, comprising interlacing one or more flexible, pliable filaments having a photopolymerizable material enclosed entirely within the interior of the filaments so as to form a pliable fabric article which can be readily conformed to the surface with which it is in contact and exposing the fabric article to a source of wave energy, such as ultra-violet light, which effects polymerization of the material within the filament and transforming the fabric into a rigid structure entirely by means of the mechanical interlock formed between the filaments; thereby forming a rigid support structure without the application of a malodorous, sticky or powdered stiffening or bonding agent to the outer surface of the filaments or fabric.