Method for forming bilayer patches

摘要

A method for injection molding thin materials (sub-millimeter) having low green strength could make certain manufacturing processes significantly more efficient yet has heretofore been unavailable. Provided herein is a method that enables injection molding of thin materials by using a mold with contact surfaces having a low surface energy release agent disposed thereon. The low surface energy release agent may be applied as a coating on a conventional mold or the mold itself or just the contact surfaces thereof may be formed of a low surface energy release material. The method finds particular applicability in making special contour patches for medical and cosmetic implants and prosthetics. A preferred approach involves injection molding a thin layer of unvulcanized material on a cold mold, injection molding a thin layer of vulcanized material on a hot mold, transferring the vulcanized layer to the unvulcanized layer on the cold mold, and removing the combined layers.

主权项

1. A method of forming a layered patch, comprising: injection molding an unvulcanized layer by molding the unvulcanized layer against a first mold having a low surface energy contact surface; forming a vulcanized layer; applying the vulcanized layer over the unvulcanized layer while the unvulcanized layer is still on the first mold; adhering the vulcanized layer to the unvulcanized layer; removing the adhered vulcanized and unvulcanized layers from the first mold; and cutting the adhered vulcanized and unvulcanized layers into a desired shape for a patch.