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LOW TEMPERATURE THERMOPLASTICS (LTT)

The Invention of…. LOW TEMPERATURE THERMOPLASTICS (LTT). The story of Lester Larson and Dorothy Kester. Most Common Uses…. Splints - removable, comfortable casts for almost any part of the body. Foot Orthotics – custom-made shoe inserts to relieve back and knee pain. HISTORY.

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LOW TEMPERATURE THERMOPLASTICS (LTT)

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  1. The Invention of… LOW TEMPERATURE THERMOPLASTICS (LTT) The story of Lester Larson and Dorothy Kester

  2. Most Common Uses… Splints - removable, comfortable casts for almost any part of the body Foot Orthotics – custom-made shoe inserts to relieve back and knee pain

  3. HISTORY 3000 BC - bark and palm ribs held together with egg whites or clay 860 AD - predecessor to plaster: lime/egg white mixture Early 19th century - leather and straw treated with wine, acetate, spirits and egg whites - hardened quickly, but cast was very heavy 1835 - lighter-weight, removable bandage made of cardboard and starch - took several days to harden

  4. HISTORY Cont… Plaster of Paris - natural plaster deposits found near Paris, France - plaster powder rubbed into cotton, soaked in water and applied - cast had to be kept dry - very cumbersome 1970’s – fiberglass: light, durable and waterproof, still used today

  5. HISTORY Cont… • Casts are not suitable for all injuries—such as tendon damage, soft tissue tears or post healing protection • LUCITE – High-temperature thermoplastic • Rigid and clear • Could not be molded directly on skin • Time-consuming process involving a negative cast and a positive mold

  6. The Golf Ball Connection

  7. THE INVENTORS: • Lester Larson • DuPont Chemist • Broken wrist • Lucite Splint from • Dorothy Kester • Occupational Therapist 1963-1966 Invented Low Temperature Thermoplastics (LTT)

  8. Eureka!! The Metaphor

  9. The Science of Thermoplastics • Plastic • Must meet three conditions: • Main ingredient must be a polymer • It must be fluid at some point of processing • It must be “solid” in its final form Transpolyisoprene Polymers

  10. Lester Larson & Perkins' Model Long Search/Little Apparent Progress: Short process. Aware there was a problem, but no documentation of if there was other experimentation or ideas. Precipitating Event: Visit with OT and receives uncomfortable Lucite splint Eureka! Seeing the warm, moldable golf ball covers – that could be a splint Transformation: Acceptance by the OT community Supplying the product to Orthopedic Shoe Company in NY

  11. One 18” x 24” sheet of LTT sells for ~$60.00 HOW LTT IS USED: • Swan Neck Deformity - caused by finger injury or rheumatoid arthritis • Non-extending fingers – caused by injury or arthritis • Re-attached fingers – comfortable support and protection • Also used in radiation and burn treatment

  12. QUESTIONS Question 1: What was the metaphor used by Lester Larson? Question 2: True plastic must meet three conditions. What are they?

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