Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing functionalised monomers, the method comprising: a) providing a starting material selected from terpenes and terpenoids; b) forming a derivative of the starting material by incorporation of a hydroxyl group; c) esterifying the hydroxyl group of the derivative to introduce a moiety containing a vinyl group, so as to produce a functionalised monomer. The functionalised monomer can be polymerised to obtain a bio-derived polymer.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a metamaterial is provided, comprising providing a sample of engineered microstructured material that is transparent to electromagnetic radiation and comprises one or more voids, passing through the voids a high pressure fluid comprising a functional material carried in a carrier fluid, and causing the functional material to deposit or otherwise integrate into the engineered microstructured material to form the metamaterial. Many microstructured materials and functional materials can be used, together with various techniques for controlling the location of the integration of the functional material within the microstructured material, so that a wide range of different metamaterials can be produced.

Abstract: Process for preparing active polymer extrudate comprising polymer matrix and guest matter, the process comprising contacting a polymer substrate and guest matter with a plasticising fluid under dense phase, sub critical or supercritical plasticising conditions of elevated temperature and/or pressure to plasticise the polymer substrate and incorporate guest matter and extruding polymer substrate incorporating guest matter under dense phase, sub critical or supercritical conditions via an extrusion orifice into a collection zone or a mould with simultaneous or subsequent release of pressure, whereby extrudate is obtained comprising a solid admixture of polymer matrix and guest matter in form conferred by the orifice or the mould; a novel extrudate; composition thereof and apparatus for the preparation thereof, and use thereof in fibre processing techniques, medical applications such as in delivery of drugs and other agents such as imaging and diagnostic agents, tissue engineering, and as medical devices or aids

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a polymer composite comprising internally distributed deposition matter wherein the process comprises providing a deposit of deposition matter at the surface of a solid state polymer substrate, contacting the surface deposited polymer with a plasticising fluid or a mixture of plasticising fluids under plasticising conditions to plasticise and/or swell the polymer and internally distribute deposition matter, and releasing the plasticising fluid or fluids to obtain polymer composite.; A polymer composite comprising a porous or non porous polymer throughout which particulate deposition matter as hereinbefore defined is distributed with desired uniformity, preferably with high uniformity in excess of 80% for example in excess of 98%.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a polymer composite loaded with functioning matter wherein the process comprises contacting a polymer substrate and functioning matter with a plasticising fluid or mixture of plasticising fluids under plasticising conditions to plasticise and/or swell the polymer and incorporate the functioning matter, and releasing the plasticising fluid to obtain the polymer composite, wherein contacting is at a pressure in the range 1 to 1000 bar and a temperature in the range ?200 to +500C, selected in manner that at least a proportion of functioning matter does not freeze or refreeze during processing, or if at a temperature at which freezing or refreezing may occur, that either matter is desiccated or a pressure constraint is applied whereby pressure is in a range having a maximum pressure less than 1000 bar throughout contact of functioning matter and plasticising fluid, whereby at least a proportion of functioning matter retains its function in the polymer composite; A polymer composit

Abstract: A method of impregnating a polymeric substrate with an antimicrobial substance or precursor thereto, in which said substance is impregnated into said substrate as a solution, an emulsion or a suspension in a supercritical fluid. Additionally, there is provided a method of impregnating a substantially transparent polymeric substrate with an antimicrobial substance or precursor thereto, wherein the polymeric substrate is capable of being swelled by a swelling agent which contains dissolved, suspended or emulsified therein said antimicrobial substance or precursor thereto, so as to permit impregnation of the polymeric substrate with the antimicrobial substance or precursor thereto. There is also provided a device obtained by such methods.