Comparison of Satisfaction Levels between Conventional and Silicone-Adhesive Polyurethane Foam Materials in Patients with Skin Wounds

Background: Polyurethane (PU) foam dressing materials have been widely used in commercial wound dressing applications. However, the repeated application of adhesive tapes to keep the foam dressings in place can result in minor injuries to the peri-wound skin. Silicone-adhesive PU foam dressing materials have been developed to prevent such injuries. In this study, the satisfaction levels between conventional and silicone-adhesive PU foams were assessed through a survey of patients and physicians.Methods: A survey study of 140 patients with skin wounds was conducted in a single institution between July 2019 and May 2020. The patients were first treated with either conventional PU foam or silicone-adhesive PU foam, after which they were asked to record their levels of pain, adhesiveness, waterproofness, and satisfaction. At the next visit, dressings of the other material were applied to their wounds, and the same assessment process was repeated at the next dressing change.Results: The silicone-adhesive PU foam dressings demonstrably reduced the levels of dressing-related trauma and pain, compared to that of patients treated with conventional PU foam dressings. The silicone-adhesive PU foam dressings were also associated with substantially higher scores of satisfaction and waterproofness. In comparison, the mean adhesiveness score was superior in the group treated with conventional PU foam dressings, compared to that of the group treated with silicone-adhesive PU foam dressings.Conclusion: Silicone-adhesive PU foam contributed to minimizing pain during dressing change and increasing patient’s comfort. As a result, patients preferred dressing with silicone-adhesive PU foam over conventional PU foam.

Silicone pressure-sensitive adhesives with increased thermal resistance

The purpose of this work was to obtain single-sided tapes with different concentrations of kaolin and to check its impact on the self-adhesive properties of commercial adhesives. The most important self-adhesive properties were examined, such as tack, peel adhesion, shear strength, shrinkage, and thermal resistance. Tapes based on silicone PSAs with kaolin can be used in many branches of industry to bond elements operating at elevated temperatures, i.e., in aeronautics, aerospace including solar cells for satellites and space stations. There are few reports on one-sided adhesive tapes based on silicones with the addition of kaolin. However, taking into account the number of their potential applications, we did self-adhesive tests and explained how kaolin affects them. In addition, the reactivity of the crosslinking compound and silicone adhesive during the crosslinking process and the thermal effects of this process were also examined. In connection with the various applications of the obtained tapes, also the flammability and heat of combustion were tested, in accordance with applicable standards. As a result of the tests, one-sided self-adhesive tapes with new properties (increased temperature resistance, less shrinkage, and increased resistance to flammability) were obtained.

Using a novel breathable silicone adhesive (Sil2 technology) in stoma appliances to improve peristomal skin health: answering the key questions

Fiona Le Ber answers some of the questions that stoma care nurses may have regarding this novel silicone adhesive based technology, which helps to avoid medical adhesive related skin injury (MARSI) and moisture-associated skin damage (MASD). Whereas hydrocolloid stoma appliances absorb moisture, this has a non-absorptive method of moisture management that prevents peristomal skin becoming damp and excoriated.

Gradient 3D Printed PLA Scaffolds on Biomedical Titanium: Mechanical Evaluation and Biocompatibility

The goal of the present investigation was to find a solution to crucial engineering aspects related to the elaboration of multi-layered tissue-biomimicking composites. 3D printing technology was used to manufacture single-layered and gradient multi-layered 3D porous scaffolds made of poly-lactic acid (PLA). The scaffolds manufacturing process was optimized after adjusting key printing parameters. The scaffolds with 60 μm side length (square-shaped pores) showed increased stiffness values comparing to the other specimens. A silicone adhesive has been further used to join biomedical titanium plates, and the PLA scaffolds; in addition, titania nanotubes (TNTs were produced on the titanium for improved adhesion. The titanium-PLA scaffold single lap joints were evaluated in micro-tensile testing. The electrochemical processing of the titanium surface resulted in a 248% increase of the ultimate strength in the overlap area for dry specimens and 40% increase for specimens immersed in simulated body fluid. Finally, the biocompatibility of the produced scaffolds was evaluated with primary cell populations obtained after isolation from bone residual tissue. The manufactured scaffolds present promising features for applications in orthopedic implantology and are worth further.