Hybrid Silicone Research Articles

Preparation and Properties of Flexible Phenolic Silicone Hybrid Aerogels for Thermal Insulation

In order to prepare flexible thermal protection aerogel materials, using dimethyldimethoxysilane (DMDMS) and methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) as co-precursors, isocyanate-propyltrimethoxysilane (CFS-006) was added to the co-precursor as a coupling agent, and resorcinol and formaldehyde were added to the sol solution to prepare a phenolic silicone hybrid aerogel (FAS) by the sol–gel method. The prepared FAS aerogel had no phase separation problem, the density was only 0.118 g/cm3, the hydrophobic angle reached 155.3°, and it had certain flexibility. It could be compressed to 70% and still be restored to its original state. The FAS aerogel also had a low thermal conductivity of 0.0318 W/(m·K) and good high temperature insulation. The introduction of phenolic groups improved thermal stability; Tmax increased to 643.7 °C, and the residual carbon rate was 24.5%. This work has positive significance for the future combination of aerogels and textiles in the preparation of firefighting protective clothing.

A DOPO-eugenol linear siloxane as a highly effective liquid flame retardant also imparting improved mechanical properties to an epoxy amine network

A liquid bio-derived eugenol-containing phosphorus silicone hybrid molecule (EGDS-DOPO) that endows excellent flame-retardancy and enhanced mechanical performance to an epoxy amine network at low levels of addition was successfully synthesized and characterised. The EGDS-DOPO significantly improved the flame retardancy requiring only 5 wt% of EGDS-DOPO to achieve a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 34.9 % and a UL 94 V-0 rating. Cone calorimetry measurements reveal a reduction of the peak heat release rate, the total heat release, and total smoke production by 62.2 %, 34.0 % and 47.5 %, respectively when EGDS-DOPO concentration was 20 wt%, compared to the unmodified epoxy network. Viscosity remained low throughout cure, and despite some retardation of reactivity, the epoxy amine resin remains fast curing and suitable for liquid moulding composite fabrication technologies. Moreover, the modified EGDS-DOPO epoxy networks display a glass transition temperature (Tg) between 218.5 °C and 174.1 °C, a hydrophobic surface with water contact angle of 97.5°–106.6°, a low moisture ingress of 2.35 %–2.91 %, and improved overall mechanical properties in flexure (maximum 39.8 % increase in flexural strength and 27.0 % in flexural modulus), compression (maximum 24.5 % and 35.0 % increase in compressive strength and modulus, respectively), and fracture toughness (maximum 28.0 %).

Advancing building fire safety through heat resistant and flame retardant hybrid silicone sealant

Rapid urbanization and population growth have led to a significant transformation in the urban landscape, characterized by the proliferation of high-rise buildings. However, this urban development has brought about new challenges, particularly in terms of fire safety. The escalating risk of disasters, especially fires, underscores the critical importance of implementing effective fire safety measures across all building types, necessitating legislative reforms. Despite their crucial role in ensuring structural integrity, sealants have often been overlooked in building safety standards, resulting in a lack of comprehensive regulations. The research addresses these challenges by focusing on the development of fire-resistant silicone sealants designed to enhance the fire resistance of building materials. These sealants were formulated independently, incorporating three fire retardants and four heat-resistant agents. While metal oxide flame retardants generally exhibited excellent performance, excessive mixing led to surface deformation and reduced workability. Optimal combinations of flame retardants and heat-resistant agents were identified, with the FR2 specimen demonstrating promising fire resistance performance. Full-scale fire performance tests conducted on FR2 revealed a maximum temperature difference of 40.6 °C between heated and unheated surfaces over a 2-h period, indicating high thermal insulation performance. These findings validate the efficacy of the proposed method and offer significant enhancements to building safety, thereby mitigating fire damage in urban environments.

High-performance triboelectric nanogenerator based on 2D graphitic carbon nitride for self-powered electronic devices

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are a promising technology for harvesting mechanical energy from various sources. In this work, we report on the fabrication and performance of a TENG device using a 2D graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4)/silicone hybrid film. The synthesis of g-C3N4 was achieved through a low-cost one-step pyrolysis process using urea as the precursor. The TENG device exhibited a high output voltage ∼ 550 V, current ∼ 110 µA, and a power density of about 4.19 W/m2 when paired g-C3N4/silicone with Kapton. Overall, the TENG device exhibited a multi-fold increment in power density compared to previous g-C3N4-based TENGs.

Transparent Silicone–Epoxy Coatings with Enhanced Icephobic Properties for Photovoltaic Applications

Recently, the photovoltaic technology has become very popular as a means to produce renewable energy. One of the problems that are still unsolved in this area of the industry is that photovoltaic panels are subject to a significant loss of efficiency due to the accumulation of dust and dirt. In addition, during the winter season, the accumulation of snow and ice also reduces or stops the energy production. The current methods of dealing with this problem are inefficient and pollute the environment. One way with high potential to prevent the build-up of dirt and ice is to use transparent coatings with self-cleaning and icephobic properties. In this work, the chemical modification of an epoxy–silicone hybrid resin using dually functionalized polysiloxanes was carried out. The icephobic properties (ice adhesion and freezing delay time of water droplets), hydrophobic properties (water contact angle, contact angle hysteresis, and roll-off angle), average surface roughness, and optical properties were characterized. It can be concluded that the performed chemical modification resulted in a significant improvement of the icephobic properties of the investigated coatings: ice adhesion decreased by 69%, and the freezing delay time increased by 17 times compared to those of the unmodified sample. The polysiloxanes also caused a significant reduction in the contact angle hysteresis and roll-off angle. The chemical modifications did not negatively affect the optical properties of the coatings, which is a key requirement for photovoltaic applications.

Digital assessment of properties of the three different generations of dental elastomeric impression materials

BackgroundThis study aimed to compare the dimensional accuracy, hydrophilicity and detail reproduction of the hybrid vinylsiloxnether with polyether and polyvinylsiloxane parent elastomers using modified digital techniques and software. This was done in an attempt to aid in solving the conflict between the different studies published by competitive manufacturers using different common manual approaches.MethodsA polyether, polyvinylsiloxanes and vinyl polyether silicone hybrid elastomeric impression materials were used in the study. Dimensional accuracy was evaluated through taking impressions of a metallic mold with four posts representing a partially edentulous maxillary arch, that were then poured with stone. Accuracy was calculated from the mean of measurements taken between fixed points on the casts using digital single-lens reflex camera to produce high-resolution digital pictures for all the casts with magnification up to 35×. Hydrophilicity was assessed by contact angle measurements using AutoCAD software. The detail reproduction was measured under dry conditions according to ANSI/ADA Standard No. 19 and under wet conditions as per ISO 4823. A metallic mold was used with three V shaped grooves of 20, 50, and 75 µm width. Specimens were prepared and examination was made immediately after setting using digital images at a magnification of 16×.ResultsThe hybrid impression (0.035 mm) material showed significantly higher dimensional accuracy compared to the polyether (0.051 mm) but was not as accurate as the polyvinyl siloxane impression material (0.024 mm). The contact angles of the hybrid material before and after setting was significantly lower than the parent materials. With regard to the detail reproduction, the three tested materials were able precisely to reproduce the three grooves of the mold under dry conditions. Whereas, under wet conditions, the hybrid material showed higher prevalence of well-defined reproduction of details same as polyether but higher than polyvinylsiloxane that showed prevalence of details with loss of sharpness and continuity.ConclusionsThe digital technique used could be a more reliable and an easier method for assessment of impression materials properties. The hybridization of polyvinyl siloxane and polyether yielded a promising material that combines the good merits of both materials and overcomes some of their drawbacks.

Effect of Water-Reducing Admixtures Having Hybrid Silicon Air-Entraining Surfactants on Some Properties of Concrete Mixtures

In order to improve the fresh properties and freeze-thaw resistance of cementitious systems, water-reducing and air-entraining admixtures are actively used in concrete mixtures. Generally, these mentioned admixtures are added to concrete mixtures as two separate admixtures. In this case, when the properties/compositions of one of the admixtures change, compatibility problems of admixtures may occur with each other or with the cement, and the fresh/hardened properties of the concrete may be adversely affected. In this study, a modified water-reducing admixture with both fluidity and air-entraining properties was produced. The utilization effect of high-range water-reducing admixtures (HRWR) having different ethylene oxide/propylene oxide (EO/PO)–based air-entraining surfactants (AES) on some properties of concrete mixtures was investigated. For this purpose, firstly, hybrid silicone AESs with a silicon content of 20%, 33%, and 38.5% were supplied. Then, HRWRs containing seven different AES were produced by using substitution and synthesis methods. In HRWRs produced by the substitution method, 3 and 5 wt. % of HRWR were substituted with EO/PO-based hybrid silicon AES. In the other method, EO/PO-based hybrid silicon air-entraining macromonomers were bonded to the HRWR at ratios of 1, 3, and 5 wt. % during its synthesis process. Replacing HRWR with hybrid silicone AESs increased admixture demand to provide the target slump value in concrete mixtures. Utilization of AESs containing 20% and 33% silicon in HRWR by the substitution method positively affected the permeability and compressive strength of concrete mixtures, while the rise of this ratio to 38.5% by using the synthesis method did not affect them significantly. The presence of surfactant with 20% silicon in 3% and 5% of the admixture and with 33% silicon in 5% of the admixture positively affected frost resistance of concrete mixtures. However, the use of surfactants with 33% silicon content in 3% of the admixture and 38.5% silicon in 1%, 3%, and 5% of the admixture showed a negative effect on the frost resistance of the mixtures.

Novel hybrid silicone resin composites with excellent low dielectric and high temperature mechanical properties

With the development of aerospace technology, the temperature resistance of traditional silicone resins fails to satisfy the ever-increasing demand from the stringent application conditions. In this paper, we used diphenyl sulfide (TBSP), diphenyl sulfoxide (SIBSP), and diphenyl sulfone (SODP) to modify the main chain of SiR by hydrolysis-condensation and prepared the quartz fiber reinforced SiR composites. The mechanical properties of QF@SiR composites were measured, and the effects of temperature on the mechanical properties were investigated. Compared with QF/SiR, the ILSS and bending strength of QF/SiR@SODP composites enhanced from 15.58 MPa to 183.59 MPa–25.36 MPa and 338.37 MPa at room temperature. Moreover, at 500 °C, the ILSS and bending strength of QF/SiR@SODP were 11.87 MPa and 114.37 MPa, representing an enhancement of 514% and 315% compared with SiR composite. The structural, heat resistance and composition changes of the composites were determined by SEM, TG and IR, and the failure mechanism of the composites at high temperature was elucidated.

The preparation of rigid hybrid silicone resins by combining carbon nanomaterial loading nanoparticles

AbstractA series of carbon nanotubes and graphene loading nanoparticles (Mo, Ru, and Pt) were synthesized by the ethylene glycol reduction, in addition, the nanomaterials went through the silanization process by (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane in order to obtain the perfect consistency and dispersibility. The characterization results were then exhibited by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy tests. Furthermore, the nanomaterials modified silicone resins were obtained by combining methyl phenyl silicone resins, nanocarbon material and HOOBt. The differential scanning calorimetry, sol–gel time and thermogravimetric analysis tests showed the preferable improvement of heat‐resistant quality. Then the silicone resin matrix composites were manufactured by molding process and went through a thermal decomposition process. The ILSS, bending strength and modulus results showed that the hybrid modified silicone resin composites had the leading trend (361.4 MPa, 190.3 MPa, 13.5 GPa, etc.) at all temperature stages. This experimental scheme of carbon nanomaterial loading nanoparticles and hybrid modified silicone resins would have a competitive advantage in exotic material field.

Ice-phobic polyurethane composite coating characterized by surface micro silicone loops with crumpling edges

This study developed a tactic to attain an ice-phobic polyurethane (PU) composite coating, which was fabricated by incorporating minor dosages of hybrid silica particles and silicone oil (SO) into the formulation of a commercial aerospace PU topcoat. The hybrid silica particles were synthesized by anchoring polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) oligomers to silica microspheres. Both hybrid particles and SO amalgamate in the surface matrix of PU to induce a spread of wrinkling micro-loops over the coating. This coating surface morphology is structurally different from the well-known slippery liquid-infused porous surface since no liquid bulk is embedded in the surface matrix of PU coating. The icephobic property was characterized on a thermoelectric Peltier cooling plate, over which the frosting extents with cooling in ambient humidity conditions (~75 % RH) were compared. We have identified three coating fabrication factors responding to the delay of frosting inside the condensed water droplets overlying the PU coating. At the same time, they are cooled: the fuzzy PDMS layer on silica microspheres, i.e., hybrid particles, the fusion of SO with the hybrid particles, and the dosages of the hybrid particles and SO applied. Typically, when the PU composite topcoat comprises 0.4 wt% (based on PU matrix) hybrid particles and 0.4 wt% SO of the hybrid particle, it adjourns the onset of frosting to ~ −10 of from - 5.6 °C on the aerospace PU topcoat. This outcome is attributed to the micro round loops with folding edges and peripheric wrinkles that possess low-temperature softness and play a pivotal role in deferring icing inside the overlying water droplets.

Robust ZnO/HNTs-based superhydrophobic cotton fabrics with UV shielding, self-cleaning, photocatalysis, and oil/water separation

In this work, robust superhydrophobic cotton fabrics with ultraviolet (UV) shielding, self-cleaning, photocatalysis, and oil/water separation were successfully prepared based on micro/nano hierarchical ZnO/HNTs (halloysite nanotubes) hybrid particles and silicone elastomer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). ZnO/HNTs hybrid particles were prepared by in-situ growth of ZnO nanoparticles on the surface of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). ZnO/HNTs hybrid particles and PDMS were used to successively coat cotton fabrics by dip-coating approach. The coated cotton fabrics displayed excellent superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle (WCA) of 162.5 ± 1.0° owing to the roughness provided by micro/nano hierarchical ZnO/HNTs hybrid particles and low surface energy achieved by PDMS. After being exposed to the UV lamp for 5 h, about 90.8% of the methylene blue was degraded, indicating that the coated cotton fabrics had excellent photocatalytic activity. The as-prepared cotton fabrics also displayed outstanding self-cleaning and antifouling properties. In addition, due to both superhydrophobic and superoleophilic characteristics, the as-prepared cotton fabrics could be used to separate several oil/water mixtures and showed good recoverability. The superhydrophobic cotton fabrics also exhibited excellent UV shielding performance with a large ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 1643.28 due to strong ultraviolet-absorption, light scattering and frequent light reflection of ZnO nanoparticles from ZnO/HNTs composites coated on cotton fabrics. Importantly, the as-prepared cotton fabrics retained superhydrophobic performance after 2000 cycles rubbing, 90 h UV illumination, and immersing in acidic and alkali solutions with different pH values ranging from 1 to 14 for 1 h. These characteristics made multifunctional cotton fabrics a satisfactory candidate in various promising fields.Graphical abstract

Ternary hybrid materials based on the photoinduced cationic polymerization of functional twin monomer and epoxides

Homogeneous ternary silicone hybrid materials comprising phenolic resins and disubstituted polysiloxane with crosslinked epoxy resin were conveniently prepared by the photoinduced cationic ring-opening copolymerization of twin monomer (2-methyl-2-(3-glycidoxypropyl)-4H-1,3,2-benzodioxa-siline, MGS) and epoxy monomer (3,4-epoxycyclohexylmethyl-3′,4′-epoxycyclohexane, EPOX). The two monomers had good compatibility, and no phase separation occurred during long-term storage. Under the excitation, the cationic ring-opening polymerization of MGS rapidly occurred to form polysiloxane and phenolic resin, and EPOX played the role of a crosslinking agent. The reaction mechanism was explicitly proven by infrared spectroscopy, solid-state 13C and 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, surface contact angle, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. SEM showed that the photocured film had no macroscopic phase separation, and the film had very good light transmittance. This study provided a new rapid method of preparing highly transparent ternary hybrid materials at room temperature through photopolymerization. It has potential applications in the fields of coatings, photoresists, and optical devices.

Re(I) Complexes as Backbone Substituents and Cross-Linking Agents for Hybrid Luminescent Polysiloxanes and Silicone Rubbers.

This study focuses on the synthesis of hybrid luminescent polysiloxanes and silicone rubbers grafted by organometallic rhenium(I) complexes using Cu(I)-catalyzed azido-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). The design of the rhenium(I) complexes includes using a diimine ligand to create an MLCT luminescent center and the introduction of a triple C≡C bond on the periphery of the ligand environment to provide click-reaction capability. Poly(3-azidopropylmethylsiloxane-co-dimethylsiloxane) (N3-PDMS) was synthesized for incorporation of azide function in polysiloxane chain. [Re(CO)3(MeCN)(5-(4-ethynylphenyl)-2,2′-bipyridine)]OTf (Re1) luminescent complex was used to prepare a luminescent copolymer with N3-PDMS (Re1-PDMS), while [Re(CO)3Cl(5,5′-diethynyl-2,2′-bipyridine)] (Re2) was used as a luminescent cross-linking agent of N3-PDMS to obtain luminescent silicone rubber (Re2-PDMS). The examination of photophysical properties of the hybrid polymer materials obtained show that emission profile of Re(I) moiety remains unchanged and metallocenter allows to control the creation of polysiloxane-based materials with specified properties.

Utilization of hybrid silicone rubber/Exolit AP 422 composite for the fabrication of mechanically flexible, flame-retardant and superhydrophobic polyurethane foams

Flammability of burnable polymer foams usually results in irrecoverable property loss and massive casualties. Thus, it is vital to build up a green and highly efficient method to minimize or prevent the fire-generated disasters. Herein, we developed a facile single-step production of superhydrophobic and flame-retardant polyurethane foam (PUF) via coating with a hybrid of room temperature vulcanized silicone rubber (SR) and Exolit (Ex) AP 422 (Ex is ammonium polyphosphate). The flame-resistant effect of PUF was improved owing to the high binding of SR-Ex hybrid and PUF. Results revealed that the treated PUF samples have a nano-scaled hierarchically rough surface morphologies, depending on the total content of the added Exolit AP 422. Given that SR was employed to enhance the superhydrphobic activity on the surface of the treated PUF, the superhydrophobic performance was probed via static water contact angle of SR-Ex/PUF which displayed angles the range of 138.1–152.6°. The comfort properties of the SR-Ex/PUF samples were evaluated by exploring their stiffness and air permeability. The CIE Lab colorimetric properties and UV–Vis absorption spectra of the prepared SR-Ex/PUF samples were explored to demonstrate no adverse effects on the physico-mechanical properties of the treated samples.

Silicone‐based polymer blends: Enhancing properties through compatibilization

AbstractPolymer blending is a cost‐effective way to control the properties of soft materials, but the propensity for blends to macrophase separate motivates the development of efficient compatibilization strategies. Across this broad area, compatibilization is particularly important for polysiloxanes, which exhibit strong repulsive interactions with most organic polymers. This review analyzes state‐of‐the‐art polysiloxane compatibilization strategies for silicone–organic polymer blends. Emphasis is placed on chemical innovation in the design of compatibilization agents that may expedite the commercialization of new silicone–organic materials. We anticipate that hybrid silicone blends will continue to play an important role in fundamental and applied materials science across industry and academia.

Biocompatible, Electroconductive, and Highly Stretchable Hybrid Silicone Composites Based on Few-Layer Graphene and CNTs.

In this paper, we report a cost-effective and scalable approach to produce highly homogeneous graphene and CNT-based silicone composites with potential applications in diverse fields of research, including biosensors and wearable electronics. This approach includes the fabrication of hybrid fillers based on few-layer graphene and CNTs by water solution blending and manufacturing of graphene/CNT/PDMS composites through calendering in a three-roll mill. The influence of processing parameters, the graphene/CNT ratio, and hybrid filler loading was thoroughly investigated, and the optimal parameters for producing hybrid composites with superior electrical and mechanical properties were found. It was also confirmed that the graphene/CNT hybrid system exhibits a synergistic effect of non-covalent interactions between graphene sheets and CNT sidewalls. This synergistic effect prevents the aggregation of graphene sheets, facilitates the dispersion of graphene and CNTs in the silicone matrix, and contributes to the superior properties of hybrid composites compared to composites with either of these fillers alone.

Multi-hardness hybrid silicone pad to laminate the bended cover window in a flexible OLED display

According to the evolving requirements of smartphone consumers, the form of smartphone displays is becoming more advanced and diversified. In particular, the shape of the cover window of smartphones is changing from a conventional flat rigid shape to a bended shape with multiple curvatures. However, a relatively advanced lamination process is required to bond the flexible OLED panel to the bended cover window. To overcome this limitation, in this study, a hybrid structured silicone pad with multi-hardness was developed as a pad to be used for the lamination. Hybrid silicone pads were modeled in various shapes, considering the stress points and spreading characteristics of the pad pertaining to the vertical, horizontal, and center orientations during compression in the lamination process. In addition, the compression strength of the proposed pad was evaluated through simulation, and the compression results and reliability of the pad were validated through lamination process experiments performed using an optically clear adhesive.

Investigation of Flexural Capacity of Concrete Containing Liquid Silicone Rubber

Despite the great use of concrete, tensile strength and low flexibility and brittleness are its weaknesses. Many solutions have been provided to eliminate the mentioned defects. In order to increase the flexibility of concrete in previous studies, crushed rubber tire particles have been added to concrete. Recycling car tires helps the environment and makes concrete much more flexible than regular concrete. In this research, silicone rubber has been replaced by 0%, 2%, 4%, 8%, 12.5%, 25%, and 50% of mineral aggregates. This rubber was initially in liquid form, which, after mixing with ordinary concrete, dispersed into the concrete texture and formed a uniform mixture, and this liquid rubber became a flexible solid after 24 hours. Concrete containing silicone rubber is a new composite with new properties, and in this research, it is called Hybrid Silicone Rubber Concrete (HSRC). Also, to evaluate the effect of aggregate size in making experimental specimens, two coarse to fine aggregate ratios of G/S = 0.7, 1.1 were considered. Flexural strength tests were performed on hardened concrete beam specimens. The results showed that, with increasing the amount of silicone rubber in concrete, flexural strength decreased and this percentage of strength reduction was compared with the percentage of reduction in compression and splitting tensile strength. It was found that the reduction of flexural strength was less than compression and splitting tensile strength. Larger deformation was observed during all tests when the concentration of silicone rubber increased. It was observed that the higher the amount of silicone rubber in the specimens, the less noise and the less separation of aggregates with which the failure of the specimens was associated.

Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Concrete Containing Liquid Silicone Rubber Under Axial Loads

As the experts who have taken for granted the merits of utilizing the concrete as the most common material in the structural industry, there is a need to take affirmative steps to enhance the concrete’s weaknesses such as the low ductility and energy absorption capacity. One possible way to improve the mechanical properties of concrete is to add liquid silicone rubber to the concrete. Silicone rubber is an elastomer (rubber-like material) composed of liquid rubber polymer and its hardener which is widely used in voltage line insulators, automotive applications, and medical devices. In order to increase the ductility and energy absorption of concrete, the liquid silicone rubber replaced a portion of mineral aggregates in concrete. HSRC (hybrid silicone rubber concrete) is a mixture of liquid silicone rubber with fresh concrete that liquid silicone rubber after 24 hours becomes a flexible solid rubber with low strength. In this paper, liquid silicone rubber was used to replace 0%, 2%, 4%, 8%, 12.5%, 25%, and 50% of the total mineral aggregate’s volume in concrete. Standard specimens were fabricated and tested. The fresh HSRC exhibited acceptable workability and lower unit weight compared to ordinary plain concrete. The uniaxial compressive strain-control test was conducted on the hardened HSRC specimens to obtain the complete stress-strain curve. The results showed that, with the increase of liquid silicone rubber in concrete, the amount of compressive strength, splitting tensile stress, and elastic modulus decreased. It was also observed that the percentage of reduction in compressive strength was greater than the percentage of reduction in tensile strength. Increasing silicone rubber concentration in HSRC changes the brittle mode of failure to ductile that demonstrated using nonlinearity indices. Unlike plain concrete, the failure state in HSRC occurs gently and uniformly and does not cause so much separation in the specimens. Larger deformation and higher toughness indices were obtained, when the silicone rubber concentration was increased.

A Novel Bespoke Hypertrophic Scar Treatment: Actualizing Hybrid Pressure and Silicone Therapies with 3D Printing and Scanning.

The treatment of hypertrophic scars (HSs) is considered to be the most challenging task in wound rehabilitation. Conventional silicone sheet therapy has a positive effect on the healing process of HSs. However, the dimensions of the silicone sheet are typically larger than those of the HS itself which may negatively impact the healthy skin that surrounds the HS. Furthermore, the debonding and displacement of the silicone sheet from the skin are critical problems that affect treatment compliance. Herein, we propose a bespoke HS treatment design that integrates pressure sleeve with a silicone sheet and use of silicone gel using a workflow of three-dimensional (3D) printing, 3D scanning and computer-aided design, and manufacturing software. A finite element analysis (FEA) is used to optimize the control of the pressure distribution and investigate the effects of the silicone elastomer. The result shows that the silicone elastomer increases the amount of exerted pressure on the HS and minimizes unnecessary pressure to other parts of the wrist. Based on this treatment design, a silicone elastomer that perfectly conforms to an HS is printed and attached onto a customized pressure sleeve. Most importantly, unlimited scar treating gel can be applied as the means to optimize treatment of HSs while the silicone sheet is firmly affixed and secured by the pressure sleeve.