In Search of More Uses and Applications For a New Plastic
Several years
ago, I invented and patented a new plastic for use in the dental field.
More specifically, a thermo-elastic acrylic that makes up parts of removable
dental appliances: full dentures, partial dentures, orthodontic plates,
mouth guards, etc.
The greatest
advantages for dentures are:
- VERSACRYL
can completely replace those ugly metal hooks on partial dentures
- It creates
adjustable relines
- It solves
the problems involved with stabilizing loose lower dentures
- It allows
the patient to adjust and control the fit, simply by warming under hot
tap water
So far, I
have depicted more than 60 applications for the material in the dental
field alone, and now it is time to start doing all kinds of other interesting
things with it …
In fact, anyone who can think of a useful application or a new concept
within his/her field of expertise is welcome to have the idea further
evaluated.
Good ideas that can be developed into marketable products will be protected
by “non-disclosure” and financially rewarded!
But
first, bear with me and allow me to explain the material in more detail.
What
is it?
This acrylic is consistency-controllable, heat-sensitive at a low threshold
and it can be shaped into any form and then repeatedly re-moulded into
a more desirable shape.
What
can it do?
Its inherent qualities allow the user:
- to pre-determine
the consistency, from soft to hard, before mixing the powder and liquids
(consistency control)
- to re-mould
the material into new shapes as often as desired (thermo-elastic)
- to return
the material to its original shape by applying heat (memory)
In more detail,
its versatility is attributed to those triple properties:
- it is
heat-activated with the help of hot tap water or a hairdryer, or even
an internal electric resistant, which means at low threshold (between
50 - 95 degrees Celsius) it becomes softer than before and adjustable
- its consistency
is fully controllable and is pre-determined by proportioning the two
liquids provided in different ratios. While heated, the range is from
soft, squeezable and stretchable to linear pliable. At room temperature,
the rigidity range is from pressure sensitive (cushiony) to as hard
as a rock
- it has
a good memory and under heat, it will always return to its original
shape.
Once mixed,
this material will chemically set into a chosen rigidity, remain stable
in that form and can then be softened and re-moulded into any desired
shape.
Metamorphosis: As versatile as this stuff already proves to be, thanks
to the memory, an object can be heated and re-formed into another object,
and will stay that way until, by applying heat, it will automatically
return to the shape of the original object!
Further,
for all intents and purposes, VERSACRYL can be made in any colour and formed
to any spec. The VERSACRYL material is so versatile, the possibilities to
create products are virtually inexhaustible.
Your
Challenge?
Currently we are exploring applications in many fields, such as: sports,
optical, medical, orthopedic, furniture, plumbing, toys, etc. But so far,
they just remain ideas; none of these applications have actually been
developed into products yet. Check under ‘Applications’ to
find a list of suggestions.
Your challenge
is to find a way to help develop a suggested application, or, even dream
up new and better ones! Good luck.
Yours Truly,
Bob Huybrechts
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