• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.418-423
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• 2016

Background Skin grafting is a relatively simple and thus widely used procedure. However, the elastic and structural quality of grafted skin is poor. Recently, various dermal substitutes have been developed to overcome this disadvantage of split-thickness skin grafts. The present study aims to determine the feasibility of RapiGraft as a new dermal substitute. Methods This prospective study included 20 patients with partial- or full-thickness skin defects; the patients were enrolled between January 2013 and March 2014. After skin defect debridement, the wound was divided into two parts by an imaginary line. Split-thickness skin grafting alone was performed on one side (group A), and RapiGraft and split-thickness skin grafting were used on the other side (group B). All patients were evaluated using photographs and self-questionnaires. The Manchester scar scale (MSS), a chromameter, and a durometer were used for the scar evaluation. The average follow-up period was 6 months. Results The skin graft take rates were 93% in group A and 89% in group B, a non-significant difference (P=0.082). Statistically, group B had significantly lower MSS, vascularity, and pigmentation results than group A (P<0.05 for all). However, the groups did not differ significantly in pliability (P=0.155). Conclusions The present study indicates that a simultaneous application of RapiGraft and a split-thickness skin graft is safe and yields improved results. Therefore, we conclude that the use of RapiGraft along with skin grafting will be beneficial for patients requiring reconstructive surgery.

• Elastomers and Composites
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.231-237
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• 2012

This study measured the mechanical and damping properties of EPDM compounds including fillers. Semi-reinforcing furnace black (SRF), high abrasion furnace black (HAF) and acetylene black were used as fillers. Dicumyl peroxide (DCP) were used as curing agents. The measurements were conducted using a moving die rheometer (MDR), durometer, universal testing machine (UTM), compression set and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The tensile strength and elongation at break increased with increasing SRF contents in EPDM compounds. However, they decreased with increasing the amount of acetylene black. In the inspecting temperature range, EPDM compound filled acetylene black had stable storage modulus. Furthermore, the tan ${\delta}$ of the EPDM compounds obtained was enhanced by compounding with acetylene black.