This disclosure describes a processing approach for the rapid and
efficient in-situ polymerization of specially prepared precursor mixtures
to achieve near-net-shape production of objects/articles with exact
dimensions. The process relies on the use of polymerizable compositions
comprised of a mixture of a reactive plasticizer and an initiator,
optionally also including a dead polymer, which compositions are
semi-solid-like and induce little shrinkage upon curing as a result of
their partially polymerized nature prior to processing. The articles of
the invention have a surface and an interior core, the composition of the
surface material being distinct from the composition of the core material
while at the same time the surface and the core are an integral,
monolithic entity. In addition, the articles are dimensionally stable and
exhibit high fidelity replication.