Abstract: The instant invention relates to an orthopedic bandage which hardens by means of a free radical catalyzed polymerization reaction, including 1,2-ditertiary glycol to improve the conformability thereof. The bandage comprises a flexible carrier having a cast forming composition comprising a monomer (polymerizable by means of a redox catalyst system) supported thereon, which monomer may be a solid, water-soluble, vinyl monomer such as diacetone acrylamide (DAA), N-isopropylacrylamide (N-IPA) or mixtures thereof. The preferred 1,2-ditertiary glycol is pinacol.The polymerization of the above monomer is initiated by contacting the cast forming composition with water, in the presence of a redox catalyst system, e.g. by dipping the bandage, including the redox catalyst system supported thereon, in tap water.The dipped bandage of the instant invention is soft, conformable and easy to wrap; unlike similar bandages which do not include the 1,2-ditertiary glycol.

Abstract: An orthopedic bandage which includes a flexible carrier comprising a woven fiberglass fabric, said fabric being a mock leno weave, and a cast forming composition supported therein comprising a monomer selected from a group consisting of diacetone acrylamide, N isopropyl acrylamide, and mixtures thereof. Preferably said bandage comprises at least nine weight percent diacetone acrylamide.