Silicone Pad Research Articles

Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent-Assisted Construction of Silk Nanofibrils/Boron Nitride Nanosheets Membranes with Enhanced Heat-Dissipating Efficiency.

Natural polymer-derived nanofibrils have gained significant interest in diverse fields. However, production of bio-nanofibrils with the hierarchical structures such as fibrillar structures and crystalline features remains a great challenge. Herein, an all-natural strategy for simple, green, and scalable top-down exfoliation silk nanofibrils (SNFs) in novel renewable deep eutectic solvent (DES) composed by amino acids and D-sorbitol is innovatively developed. The DES-exfoliated SNFs with a controllable fibrillar structures and intact crystalline features, novelty preserving the hierarchical structure of natural silk fibers. Owing to the amphiphilic nature, the DES-exfoliated SNFs show excellent capacity of assisting the exfoliation of several 2D-layered materials, i.e., h-BN, MoS2, and WS2. More importantly, the SNFs-assisted dispersion of BNNSs with a concentration of 59.3% can be employed to construct SNFs/BNNSs nanocomposite membranes with excellent mechanical properties (tensile strength of 416.7MPa, tensile modulus of 3.86GPa and toughness of 1295.4 KJ·m-3) and thermal conductivity (in-plane thermal conductivity coefficient of 3.84 W·m-1·K-1), enabling it to possess superior cooling efficiency compared with the commercial silicone pad.

Flame Resistance Performance of Silicone Pad for Application in Railway Industry

Flame Resistance Performance of Silicone Pad for Application in Railway Industry

A Tension Sensor Array for Cable-Driven Surgical Robots.

Tendon-sheath structures are commonly utilized to drive surgical robots due to their compact size, flexibility, and straightforward controllability. However, long-distance cable tension estimation poses a significant challenge due to its frictional characteristics affected by complicated factors. This paper proposes a miniature tension sensor array for an endoscopic cable-driven parallel robot, aiming to integrate sensors into the distal end of long and flexible surgical instruments to sense cable tension and alleviate friction between the tendon and sheath. The sensor array, mounted at the distal end of the robot, boasts the advantages of a small size (16 mm outer diameter) and reduced frictional impact. A force compensation strategy was presented and verified on a platform with a single cable and subsequently implemented on the robot. The robot demonstrated good performance in a series of palpation tests, exhibiting a 0.173 N average error in force estimation and a 0.213 N root-mean-square error. In blind tests, all ten participants were able to differentiate between silicone pads with varying hardness through force feedback provided by a haptic device.

Residual effects of combined vibratory and plantar stimulation while seated influences plantar pressure and spatiotemporal gait measures in individuals with Parkinson's disease exhibiting freezing of gait.

Combined plantar pressure and vibratory stimulation has been shown to decrease freezing of gait (FOG) episodes and improve spatiotemporal gait parameters compared to single stimulation in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with FOG. However, the effect of combined plantar stimulations on plantar pressure analysis has never been explored. Forty PD patients with frequent FOG were allocated to either FOG shoes embedded with a 100 Hz vibratory stimulation at the Achilles tendons and a soft thickened silicone pad at the hallux and sole, or sham shoes with a non-working vibratory motor and a flat non-pressure silicone pad (20 patients per arm) while seated for 96 s. The objective gait and plantar pressure analysis were measured immediately after the stimulation. Outcomes included the normalized percentage of changes in percent FOG (%FOG) and plantar pressure in the heel-strike and push-off phase that were compared between pre- and post-stimulations. The FOG shoes group showed significantly decreased %FOG (81.5 ± 28.9% vs. 6.8 ± 22.1%, p < 0.001), plantar pressure in the heel-strike (47.8 ± 43.7% vs. 4.3 ± 9.8%, p < 0.001), plantar pressure in the push-off (57.7 ± 59.6% vs. 6.2 ± 11.6%, p < 0.001), force time integral (FTI) (40.9 ± 32.5% vs. 6.6 ± 17.3%, p < 0.001), and decreased heel contact time (19.3 ± 12.3% vs. 22.7 ± 32.5%, p < 0.001) when compared to the sham group. There was a strong negative correlation between %FOG and peak plantar pressure (r = -0.440, p = 0.005), plantar pressure in the heel-strike (r = -0.847, p < 0.001). Our study demonstrated that the FOG shoe could decrease FOG episodes by improving the heel-strike pressure, toe push-off and normalized heel-to-toe plantar pressure, suggesting that modification inputs from the peripheral sensory systems might significant improvement in FOG in PD.

Self-treatment of freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease patients using silicone pads to apply Thai acupressure to plantar acupoints: A randomised, controlled trial

IntroductionFreezing of gait (FOG) involves dysfunction of the motor and sensory systems. Peripheral sensory stimuli, including Thai acupressure, can improve proprioceptive function and decrease FOG episodes. Here, we sought to determine the efficacy of acupressure as a self-treatment to alleviate FOG in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). MethodsWe conducted an open-label, controlled trial of 60 PD patients with FOG while medicated, randomised into two groups: an active-treatment group using silicone pads to apply pressure to plantar acupoints on the head of the big toe and the base of the first metatarsal bone on each foot for 6 s using patient body weight while seated, repeated four times for each acupoint bilaterally, and a sham-treatment group using a similar protocol without the silicone pads. The primary outcome was stride length. Secondary outcomes included FOG episodes, FOG duration, percent duration of FOG to total gait time (%FOG), and gait parameters. A baseline-adjusted analysis of covariance was used to compare outcomes between the two groups. ResultsCompared with the sham treatment, the active treatment increased stride length, gait velocity, and cadence (all p < 0.001), and decreased FOG episodes and duration (both p < 0.001), %FOG (p = 0.011), and double-support time (p < 0.001). No adverse effects were noted. ConclusionsAcupressure using silicone pads to stimulate plantar acupoints for self-treatment is a noninvasive, simple, safe way to improve gait and alleviate FOG in patients with PD. Clinical Trial RegistrationWe registered the study prospectively in the Thai Clinical Trial Registry No. TCTR20200317001.

A Simplified Three-Layered Suturing Training Pad for Undergraduate Medical Students: A Technical Note.

Surgical training is a long process that requires a lot of commitment and effort. Basic surgical techniques are the foundation of every procedure, with suturing being one of them. Hence, it is of great importance for aspiring young surgeons to practice and develop their suturing skills. Quite many kinds of suturing training models have been used and proposed worldwide, ranging from commercial silicone pads to meat leftovers and various fruits. We have developed our own, simplified, and low-cost suturing training pad that consists of three layers and is based on the combined use of silicone sponge sheet and polyurethane foam. It is quite durable and elastic and has been applied in three suturing training workshops so far. For this reason, we would like to present our experience of a low-cost but effective way of promoting and achieving further surgical excellence.

Gender identity, embodiment and liminality in women΄s experience of mastectomy

In addition to a potentially life-threatening illness, women with breast cancer also face several challenges related to the effects of medical treatment on their bodies and their embodied identity. Mastectomy, as a highly invasive treatment, has significant impact on women's lives. This study aims to investigate the experience of mastectomy and the subjective meanings that it holds for women, in relation to their identity and relationships. The research questions were explored through a phenomenological approach in order to better understand the role of the body in this experience, and a gender perspective was adopted in order to critically examine the socio-cultural background that shapes women’s experience. Seventeen women, aged between 26-57, who had undergone mastectomy following a breast cancer diagnosis, participated in the study. The research material was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using phenomenological analysis. The analysis also drew upon a gender perspective, given a focus of the study on the gendered dimension of embodied identity. Findings indicate that a core element of the experience of mastectomy concerns the alteration of embodied identity and a sense of liminality, an unresolved state of being in between the previous normal life and life post-diagnosis. The analysis highlighted the need to expand the concept of liminality in psycho-oncology, to include the ambiguity associated with women’s self-identification as ‘normal women’, in relation to embodied experience and the socio-cultural constructions of the female breast. Interestingly, liminality in relation to gender identity characterizes many women’s experience, despite the use of silicone pads and/or plastic reconstructive surgery to manage the altered body. The findings enrich our theoretical understanding of the experience of mastectomy, broaden the concept of liminality, highlight the gendered dimensions of identity and the role of the socio-cultural context in shaping the experience of mastectomy. Moreover, they point to useful directions for the design and delivery of individualized support to women who have undergone mastectomy.

A New Proximal Adjustable Sling ATOMS SSP® Implantation Technique with Focus on the Urethral Bulb: Lessons Learned from Revision Surgery.

Adjustable sling ATOMS-SSP results in ventral compression of the urethra with favorable results in the treatment of men with mild to moderate stress incontinence. However, with transobturator tunneling and mesh fixation, the surgeon has a range of options, which leads to different results and sometimes unfavorable positioning of the silicone cushion. Using retrograde urethrography (RUG), we identified ATOMS patients with considerable misplacement. We then modified the implantation technique when we performed the revision, and now present here our first experiences with this new surgical technique. Patients after ATOMS-SSP implantation at our clinic were systematically subjected to a RUG if incontinence persisted after adjustments. In case of unfavorable positioning, a revision was performed with the aim of achieving an idealized urethroproximal position of the silicone pad. During follow-up, a repeat RUG was performed, and both subjective and objective outcome parameters were recorded. Four men met the above criteria and underwent revision with reimplantation using our new technique. All patients postoperatively experienced significantly improved continence. RUGs demonstrated an ideal ATOMS position immediately below the proximal bulbar urethra. Our proximal implantation technique, presented here for the first time, allows optimal positioning of the ATOMS SSP, which is reflected in the objective parameters and RUG. Its use in primary implantation should also be considered and an expansion to the indication of severe stress incontinence seems possible, but this should only be done in studies.

Superior thermally conductive, mechanically strong and electrically insulating nacre-mimetic chitosan/boron nitride nanosheet composite via evaporation-induced self-assembly method

The development of electronic devices and the strict application environment put forward more requirements on the heat dissipation materials. However, it is still a challenge for thermal management materials to simultaneously possess high thermal conductivity, strong mechanical property and excellent electrical insulation. Herein, inspired by the special structure and function of natural nacre, we report on a large-scale and high-performance nacre-mimetic composite with boron nitride nanosheet (BNNS) as the “brick” and chitosan as the “mortar” via a green, simple evaporation-induced assembly technique. The nacre-mimetic composite film presents high TC of 26.3 W/(m·K) and superior electrically insulating due to well-aligned BNNS and strong interface interaction. In addition, even at BNNS contents as high as 70 wt%, the composite films still possess a tensile strength of 104.5 MPa and a Young's modulus of 8.7 GPa. The composite film used as a thermal interface material for cooling LED chip demonstrates higher heat dissipation efficiency than commercial silicone pad. This approach of constructing nacre-mimetic composite film with an oriented structure offers potential applications for heat dissipation in new portable electronic equipment.

A green and sustainable water evaporation-induced electricity generator with woody biochar

The generation of electricity through the natural process of water evaporation has emerged as a promising method of energy conversion. However, many advanced generators utilizing this technique, known as water evaporation-induced electric generators (WEIGs), feature a complicated fabrication process and lack output stability, hindering their practical use in real-world applications. In this study, we present a facile fabrication of an efficient WEIG based on woody biochar (WBC). WBC was prepared from lignocellulosic feedstocks (LCFs) in a tube furnace and then mixed with ethyl cellulose (EC) and ethanol to acquire a homogeneous slurry. WEIG was then fabricated in air pyrolysis after casting the slurry with a silicone pad. A key advantage of this material is the presence of hydrophilic functional groups in WBC, which allows for constant, sustainable generation of electricity from water without the need for additional hydrophilic treatments. For the first time, we thoroughly examined the formation process of WBC and evaluated the impact of WBC derived from three different components of LCFs on electricity generation. Additionally, we analyzed the electricity generation mechanism of WBC-based WEIG and the influence of botanical origin, particle size, and carbonization temperature of WBC on the electrical properties. Our findings indicate that lignin-rich WBC is particularly well-suited for use in WEIGs, suggesting the potential for widespread adoption of LCFs in hydro-voltaic power generation. Under ambient conditions, a single WEIG device was able to achieve a maximum open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.42 V and a short-circuit current (ISC) of 528 nA. Furthermore, when multiple devices were connected in series, a VOC of 7 V was attained, sufficient to power small commercial electronics. The implementation of these findings has the potential to pave the way for the development of green energy generators through the utilization of water evaporation on WBC.

Remote Monitoring System of Dynamic Compression Bracing to Correct Pectus Carinatum.

Pectus carinatum (PC) is a chest deformity caused by disproportionate growth of the costal cartilages compared with the bony thoracic skeleton, pulling the sternum forwards and leading to its protrusion. Currently, the most common non-invasive treatment is external compressive bracing, by means of an orthosis. While this treatment is widely adopted, the correct magnitude of applied compressive forces remains unknown, leading to suboptimal results. Moreover, the current orthoses are not suitable to monitor the treatment. The purpose of this study is to design a force measuring system that could be directly embedded into an existing PC orthosis without relevant modifications in its construction. For that, inspired by the currently commercially available products where a solid silicone pad is used, three concepts for silicone-based sensors, two capacitive and one magnetic type, are presented and compared. Additionally, a concept of a full pipeline to capture and store the sensor data was researched. Compression tests were conducted on a calibration machine, with forces ranging from 0 N to 300 N. Local evaluation of sensors' response in different regions was also performed. The three sensors were tested and then compared with the results of a solid silicon pad. One of the capacitive sensors presented an identical response to the solid silicon while the other two either presented poor repeatability or were too stiff, raising concerns for patient comfort. Overall, the proposed system demonstrated its potential to measure and monitor orthosis's applied forces, corroborating its potential for clinical practice.

Effects of spherical Al2O3 grades on crack initiation of thermal conductive silicone pads under high-temperature aging

ABSTRACT In this paper, the rule and mechanisms of crack initiation and propagation in the aging process of thermal conductive silicone pads (TCSP) were investigated by designing Al2O3 particle grading schemes with different particle sizes and mass ratios. Scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectrometer analysis showed that TCSP prepared with Al2O3 particles of various sizes according to the gradation ratio had the best anti-aging effect at high temperatures. At this time, the aging was mainly due to the aging degradation of the polymer matrix; When the proportion of small-size Al2O3 particles increases, aggregates and pore defects appear in TCSP. At this time, the main reason for its aging is that the high-temperature expansion of gas in pore defects accelerates the aging degradation of the polymer matrix; When the proportion of small-sized Al2O3 particles decreases, a large number of holes appear in TCSP and the coverage rate of the polymer matrix on Al2O3 particles decreases. The main reason for the high-temperature aging crack is that the gas between the holes expands at high temperature, resulting in the rapid extension of the crack and the polymer matrixes falling.

Spherical boron nitride/silicone rubber composite with high isotropic thermal conductivity via pre‐constructing thermally conductive networks

AbstractThermal interface material (TIM) is crucial for electronic devices to dissipate heat, but the high interface thermal resistance between polymer matrix and filler is a major problem affecting its thermal conductivity (TC). In this study, we prebuilt excellent thermally conductive pathway of isotropic spherical boron nitride (sBN) using a facile method, that is, pressing fillers, to decrease the interface thermal resistance before filling matrix silicon rubber (SR), and prepared a TIM with high isotropic TC. At 50 wt% filler content, the through‐plane and in‐plane TCs of sBN/SR composite reached 9.36 and 7.82 W/(m·K), respectively, which are higher than the highest value of previous research on bulk BN/SR composites (not including film), 4.13 and 6.56 W/(m·K), respectively. Meanwhile, the thermal decomposition temperature of TIM is 47.2°C higher than that of pure SR. In addition, the TIM has a low hardness (shore A hardness &lt;70) and can be bent and folded, so can be used to substitute traditional thermally conductive silicone pad.

Fabrication and pilot-production of ultrahigh thermal conductivity vertical graphite-silicone pads with very low cost

Development of high thermal conductive silicone pads with mechanical softness as well as low cost have long been a challenge for effective thermal management in electronics. Here in this paper, we turn widely used commercial graphite sheet into small vertically aligned thermal conductive channel in gap filler pads. Laser process and vertical cutting techniques enable convenience vertical placement of tiny graphite flake into the silicone matrix. The composite thermal pad exhibit high through plane thermal conductivity of 296.24 W/mK, low thermal resistance of 0.19 cm2 K/W and favorable mechanical characteristics. Thermal transportation simulation confirms the efficient heat channel formed by graphite flakes. For applications, CPU temperature can be lowered down by 3.1 °C in smartphone operation test compared with the original thermal pad, while the temperature at the back cover can also be brought down by 2.9 °C.

Optimized design of hydraulic silicone pad for OCA lamination of bended cover window in OLED display

In this study, we report the results of a new experiment using a hydraulically enabled silicone pad for OCA bonding in a cover window with three edges bent with 3R curvature. The silicone pad was designed using computer simulation to set eight important parameters in the cross-section of the pad and to optimize the shape according to the change in the curvature and length of the parameters. The compression strength of the designed silicone pad was analysed using simulation based on a hydraulic load. In addition, the hydraulic silicone pad, which was designed and manufactured in an optimized shape, was adhered to a pad plate to enable hydraulic pressure without oil leakage or outflow, and the OCA lamination was performed. Thus, we developed an optimized hydraulic silicone pad lamination method based on computer simulation and experimental results and provided a solution that can overcome the problems.

A systematic study of LYSO:Ce, LuAG:Ce and GAGG:Ce scintillating fibers properties

Properties of different scintillating fibers were examined and compared, as a part of the design optimization of the SiFi-CC detector, currently under development for proton therapy monitoring. Three scintillating materials were considered as candidates to constitute the active part of the detector: LYSO:Ce, LuAG:Ce and GAGG:Ce. All investigated samples had an elongated, fiber-like shape and were read out on both ends using silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs). Samples of LYSO:Ce material provided by four different manufacturers were included in the survey. Additionally, different types of optical coupling media, wrapping and coating materials were investigated. The following properties of the scintillating fibers were determined: attenuation length, position-, energy-, timing resolution and light collection. Two models were used to describe the propagation of scintillating light in the fiber and quantify the light attenuation: exponential light attenuation model (ELA) and exponential light attenuation model with light reflection (ELAR). Energy and position reconstruction were also performed using the two above methods. It was shown, that the ELAR model performs better in terms of description of the light attenuation process. However, energy and position reconstruction results are comparable for the two proposed methods. Based on the results of measurements with scintillating fibers in different configurations we concluded that LYSO:Ce fibers wrapped in Al foil (bright side facing towards the fiber) provided the best trade-off between the energy- (8.56% at 511 keV) and position (32 mm) resolutions and thus will be the optimal choice for the SiFi-CC detector. Additionally, the study of different optical coupling media showed, that the silicone pads coupling ensures good stability of the system performance and parameters.

Development of an in vitro model to simulate migration of organic contaminants from pad products to human sweat and enhance dermal exposure risk assessment

Dermal sorption is an important route for human exposure to organic chemicals embedded in consumer products, but the related chemical migration from consumer products to sweats was often overlooked in assessing skin exposure risk. To address this issue, the present study selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalic acid esters (PAEs), and benzothiazoles (BTs) as the target compounds and developed an in vitro simulation model with two artificial sweats (i.e., acidic and alkaline), a sorbent, and a PVC standard material. An appropriate biological inhibitor (ampicillin) and incubation time of 20 d for assessing the maximum migration efficiency of chemicals were selected. The mass balance of the target compounds during the in vitro incubation was verified. The established in vitro simulation model was used to determine the migration ratios of PAEs and BTs in three types of mouse pads. The maximum migration ratios of DBP, DIBP, DEHP, and BT from leather pad to both sweats were less than those for silicone and rubber pads. Key controlling parameters in migration ratios should be examined in subsequent investigations. Risk assessment showed that the daily exposure doses of PAEs and BTs in mouse pads were higher than the literature data. The hazard index of PAEs in leather pad exceed 1, indicating that PAEs could induce non-carcinogenic effects to human health through hand contact. Overall, the established in vitro simulation model provides a feasible alternative for assessing the potential risk for dermal exposure to consumer products.

Investigation of the use of silicone pads to reduce the effects on the human face of classical face masks used to prevent from COVID-19 and other infections

Viruses spreads very quickly and has a fatal risk in people with chronic disease. As the virus vaccine and medications to be used for treatment are not fully developed, alternative ways to protect it from the virus are being investigated. In this study, the effects of a classical face mask on human face were investigated and computer-aided analyses were performed. Three-dimensional model of the classical face mask was performed with the SolidWorks software. The analyses were performed using AnsysWorkbench Static Structural module. The load, boundary conditions and material were defined in the AnsysWorkbench. As a result of the analyses, it has been determined that classical masks influence human face. The classical masks have a negative effective in terms of irritation on the human face. The occurred stresses cause irritation on one's skin. The use of silicone pads has been shown to reduce these effects. It was proved by this study that silicon pads can be used as an alternative method to reduce these stresses. In the future, it is planned to conduct studies investigating mask materials that do not irritate the human face.

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.

Fabrication of aluminum bipolar plates with Archimedes' screw-shaped channels: a rubber pad forming process assessment

Bipolar plates are one of the most important components of polymer membrane fuel cells. In this manuscript, the rubber pad forming of aluminum bipolar plates with Archimedes' screw-shaped channels and draft angle of 90^circ has been investigated. Hence, all possible combinations of the process parameters were determined and corresponding experimentations performed in order to investigate the effects of the rubber hardness, punch speed and the hydraulic press force. In this regard, three rubber pads including polyurethane, silicone and natural rubber were used. Channel depth and thinning percentage in the corner of the channel are measured and the effect of each parameter is analyzed. Based on the results, the maximum channel depth was achieved using a silicone pad with a hardness of 60 Shore A. Using a rubber pad with a very high and low hardness number, both, reduces the depth of channel. Furthermore, as the punch speed increases, the channel depth increases and the thinning percentage, as well.