Rapid setting composite article
AssigneeWichita State University
InventorsJohn S. Tomblin, Thomas Aldag, William T. McCarvill, Kimberly M. Reuter, Joel D. White, Andrea C. Meyer
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Abstract
Methods of using fiber-reinforced composite articles useful in supporting or immobilizing an injured body part is disclosed. The composite is a multi-layer, flexible precursor including fiber reinforcement plies, which can be rapidly cured into a rigid body using a thermosetting resin. Methods of making and using the same are also disclosed, along with kits containing such composite articles.
Claims15
A method of rapidly supporting or immobilizing an injured body part, said method comprising:
- providing a fiber-reinforced composite article, said article comprising a multi-layer body convertible from a flexible state to a rigid state, the multi-layer body comprising:
- a fiber reinforcement layer;
- an encapsulating film adjacent said fiber reinforcement layer;
- and
- an optional insulating barrier adjacent said encapsulating film;
- arranging said multi-layer body in the flexible state around or next to and in conformance with said injured body part with said insulating barrier adjacent to said body part;
- and
- introducing a thermosetting resin into said body, said resin impregnating said fiber reinforcement layer,
- wherein said resin cures in less than about 10 minutes after said introducing, thereby converting said multi-layer body to the rigid state comprising a rigid lamellar body, thereby supporting or immobilizing said injured body part.
A method of rapidly supporting or immobilizing an injured body part, said method comprising:
- providing a fiber-reinforced composite article, said article comprising a multi-layer body convertible from a flexible state to a rigid state, the multi-layer body comprising:
- a fiber reinforcement layer pre-impregnated with a thermosetting resin;
- an encapsulating film adjacent said fiber reinforcement layer;
- and
- an optional insulating barrier adjacent said encapsulating film;
- arranging said multi-layer body in the flexible state around or next to and in conformance with said injured body part with said insulating barrier adjacent to said body part;
- and
- exposing said thermosetting resin to a catalyst,
- wherein said resin cures in less than about 10 minutes after said exposing, thereby converting said multi-layer body to the rigid state comprising a rigid lamellar body, thereby supporting or immobilizing said injured body part.
A method of rapidly supporting or immobilizing an injured body part, said method comprising:
- providing a fiber-reinforced composite article, said article comprising a multi-layer body convertible from a flexible state to a rigid state, the multi-layer body comprising:
- a fiber reinforcement layer pre-impregnated with a photo-curable resin;
- an encapsulating film adjacent said fiber reinforcement layer;
- an optional exterior insulating barrier, said insulating barrier forming said first and second major surfaces;
- arranging said multi-layer body in the flexible state around or next to and in conformance with said injured body part with said insulating barrier adjacent to said body part;
- and
- exposing said photo-curable resin to light,
- wherein said resin cures in less than about 10 minutes after said exposing, thereby converting said multi-layer body to the rigid state comprising a rigid lamellar body, thereby supporting or immobilizing said injured body part.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.