Provided is a method of forming a conductive polymer composite. The method includes forming a mixture. The mixture includes a first thermoplastic polymer, a second thermoplastic polymer and a plurality of metal particles. The first thermoplastic polymer and the second thermoplastic polymer are immiscible with each other. The plurality of metal particles include at least one metal that is immiscible with both the first thermoplastic polymer and the second thermoplastic polymer. The method includes heating the mixture to a temperature greater than or equal to a melting point of the metal.

The present invention provides a thin and flexible device and method of use thereof for wound treatment and infection control. The integrated surface stimulation device may comprise wireless stimulation system in a disposable and/or reusable flexible device for widespread use in multiple therapeutic applications. The invention would be situated on the skin surface of a patient and would be activated so as to reduce the overall occurrence of infections and/or increase wound healing rates. As provided, the device will comprise an integrated power supply and pre-programmable stimulator/control system on a flexible polymeric substrate layer with areas of stimulating electrodes, applied using techniques such as those found in additive manufacturing processes. The device is especially valuable in treating biofilm-based infections.

Interconnects may comprise a sandwich-structured composite comprising a core layer located between two thermosetting polymer layers. The core layer may comprise 80 wt % to 95 wt % conductive metal and a polymer. The conductive metal may comprise silver (Ag). The polymer may comprise polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Interconnects may be particularly suited for use in electronic devices, such as a flexible batteries and wearable electronic devices.

The invention relates to a method for forming an article comprising a pathway of particles wherein a termination of the pathway of particles is exposed. The method comprises arranging the particles by applying an electric field and/or a magnetic field at an interface between a water soluble or a non-water soluble matrix and a matrix comprising a viscous material and particles. After fixating the viscous material, the termination is exposed by dissolving the water soluble or non-water soluble matrix. The invention also relates to articles obtainable by said method, and to the use of said method in various applications.

A method, system and device for securing conductive material on catheter elements for tissue sensing and cryogenic ablation. This may be used to deposit or embed conductive material onto or within polymeric materials. The method of manufacturing a balloon with conductive material may include extruding a polymeric material where the polymeric material includes embedded electrically conductive material. At least a portion of the polymeric material may be removed to expose at least a portion of the embedded electrically conductive material. The benefits may include allowing local bipolar recordings, contact assessment and ice thickness, and compatibility with 3-dimensional electroanatomical mapping systems.

A method for producing a collagen-containing sheet material, wherein a collagen-containing suspension is dried in such a manner that the collagen settles during drying and forms a transparent skin.

An absorbent wound dressing comprises a hydrophilic porous substrate and polymer-stabilized silver nanoparticles distributed throughout the porous substrate. The silver nanoparticles have a particle size d.sub.50 in the range of about 45 nm to about 85 nm and the silver nanoparticles are present in the substrate in an amount of about 0.16% to about 1.5% by weight of the total weight of the substrate. The wound dressing produces a 7-day log reduction of 4 or more for bacteria in accordance with the Modified AATCC Test Method 100. The wound dressing is also non-cytotoxic in accordance with ISO 10993-5 standard procedure for medical device cytotoxicity assessment.

Multicolored flexible wearables include a first portion having a first flexible polymer forming a toroid and including colorant(s), an exposed first outer surface, an exposed second outer surface, and a recess in the first outer surface not reaching the second outer surface. A second portion formed of a second flexible polymer fills a majority of the recess and includes colorant(s). The first and second flexible polymers have different colors and are permanently bonded together. Precious material particles may be disposed within the first and/or second flexible polymers. One or more of the colorants may have a color matching a color of the precious material particles. One method of bonding the portions includes depositing a liquid second portion into the recess and then curing it. Another method includes depositing a solid second portion into the recess and then curing a liquid layer of polymer between the first portion and second portion.

A fastener for improved electrical contact with a composite structure and improved distribution of electric current to the composite structure. The fastener includes an elongated shaft having a first end with a head portion, a second end with a threaded portion, and a shaft body therebetween. At least one feed channel extends from an opening at the threaded portion, through the shaft body, and terminates proximal to the head portion. The shaft body radially expands upon pressure injection of a resin filler into the feed channel, when the fastener is installed in a corresponding fastener hole formed in the composite structure. Upon radially expanding, the outer surface of the shaft body makes contact with an inner hole surface of the corresponding fastener hole, resulting in the fastener providing electrical contact with the composite structure and providing distribution of electric current.

This invention relates to antimicrobial materials and articles, such as fibres, yarns, and their incorporation into textiles, packaging for food or beverages, or articles of clothing such as gloves. The antimicrobial fibres and yarns may be formed of a polymer and may comprise silver particles dispersed therein. The present invention contemplates a polymer batch precursor to the fibre of the invention and further products formed of the fibre or the polymer batch, for example textiles.