Conventional Mold Casting Method Research Articles

Mussel-inspired elastic interpenetrated network hydrogel as an alternative for anti-thrombotic stent coating membrane

Coated stents are classified as new generation stents wrapped with a thin polymeric membrane for the treatment of numerous vascular irregularities ranging from aneurysms to vascular leaks. Compared to partially covered and bare metal stents (BMS), fully covered stents promote less tissue granulation and suppress thrombosis, and can be designed to be post-operative retrievable. Fabrication method and material selection play significant roles in coated stent application, due to commercially available coated stents induce some degree restenosis. We have successfully fabricated a non-thrombotic and biocompatible fully coated stent made of a semi-interpenetrating network (IPN) hydrogel composed of acrylic acid (AA), dopamine methacrylamide (DMA), and methyl methacrylate (MMA) terpolymer (P(AA-co-MMA-co-DMA)/PU, incorporated with polyurethane (PU). We utilize a conventional mold casting method to fabricate a uniform covered stent, with the stent struts fully embedded within the hydrogel membrane. Firm polymer-stent bonding was achieved by introducing DMA into the matrix. We characterized the membrane by conducting platelet adhesion/activation studies followed by hemolysis and inflammatory potential evaluation which supports a non-thrombogenicity of the P(AA-co-MMA-co-DMA)/PU semi-IPN hydrogel membrane. The quality of the coated hydrogel membrane was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM); mechanical stability of the layer was analyzed by peeling test; tensile test, and multiple physical deformations tests. Further evaluation will be carried out in the near future to evaluate the potential in vivo application of this new semi-IPN hydrogel coated stent to remedy non-vascular leaks and other strictures.

Bulk Glassy Alloys: Historical Development and Current Research

ABSTRACT This paper reviews the development of current research in bulk glassy alloys by focusing on the trigger point for the synthesis of the first bulk glassy alloys by the conventional mold casting method. This review covers the background, discovery, characteristics, and applications of bulk glassy alloys, as well as recent topics regarding them. Applications of bulk glassy alloys have been expanding, particularly for Fe-based bulk glassy alloys, due to their unique properties, high glass-forming ability, and low cost. In the near future, the engineering importance of bulk glassy alloys is expected to increase steadily, and continuous interest in these novel metallic materials for basic science research is anticipated.

希土類焼結磁石用原料合金の新製造方法（ストリップキャスト法）の開発

Nd-Fe-B magnetic materials yield many different compounds in solidification process. For this reason, conventional mold-casting method used for Sm-Co magnetic materials was not suitable for quality and productivity. To solve their problem, rapid solidification was required. To rapidly solidify the alloy melt, thin mold gap in conventional mold-casting method was tried, but it was not suitable for productivity. New production method was developed; it was mold-free and able to rapidly and uniformly solidify the alloy melt. It was devised as the method between continuous casting and single roll casting based on melt-spinning. Several conditions were tried and followed effects were acquired. Milling and sintering were improved due to microscopic and uniform constitutions. We call the method as method.In this paper, constitution characteristics of alloys produced by Strip-casting and conventional mold-casting method, and the influence for production of magnet using those alloys are summarized. Transition of production and development for other products are also reported.