Near-net -shape polymerization process and materials suitable for use therewith

A method of forming a shaped article, the method comprising the steps of:

• mixing together a dead polymer, a reactive plasticizer in an amount to render the composition semi-solid and malleable, and an initiator to form a semi-solid polymerizable composition, which exhibits low shrinkage upon polymerization;
• shaping the semi-solid composition into a desired geometry;
• and
• exposing the semi-solid composition to a source of polymerizing energy, to give the resultant article.

A method of forming a shaped article, the method comprising the steps of:

• mixing together a dead polymer, a reactive plasticizer in an amount to render the composition semi-solid and malleable, and an initiator to form a semi-solid polymerizable composition, which exhibits low shrinkage upon polymerization;
• forming the semi-solid composition into a pre-form;
• providing a mold corresponding to a desired geometry;
• placing the pre-form into the mold;
• compressing the mold, with optional heating, so that the semi-solid composition takes on the shape of the internal cavity of the mold;
• and
• exposing the semi-solid composition to a source of polymerizing energy, to give the resultant article.