Abstract:
A microporous membrane is described comprising at least two layers, wherein each layer is characterized by nodes interconnected by fibrils, the layers are bonded by means of plastic flow at temperatures below the melting point of either membrane material, and the pore architecture is formed in situ by an expansion process. A stratified microporous membrane is produced wherein the pore architecture of each layer may be discreetly controlled. The article is useful for filtration and medical applications where a pore size gradient is required.
Abstract:
Elastomeric sheeting materials are described which are formed from the process of creating a membrane comprising a semi-interpenetrating polymer network ('IPN') of polytetrafluoroethylene ('PTFE') and polydimethylsiloxane ('PDMS') by causing a matrix of PDMS to be formed in situ with a matrix of PTFE (11) and causing surface of substantially pure PDMS to be formed on at least one side thereof (12), allowing PDMS compositions to vulcanize. The product of the process is suitable for the treatment of dermatologic scars.