Abstract: A process and material therefrom is described where a material comprised of a continuous orientable polymer matrix with one or more discontinuous or continuous second phases is stretched in the solid state using more than one device to apply force to the unoriented material to form a material that consists of a continuous oriented polymer matrix with one or more other phases. At least one of the phases releases from the oriented polymer matrix forming voids during the orientation process, thereby reducing the density to less than that of the original unoriented mixture. One or more of the phases may stay bonded to the continuous oriented polymer phase, acting as a reinforcing agent and forming no voids. Methods for forming such a material allowing for the control of the final shape and affecting the final density independent of the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process and material therefrom is described where a material comprised of a continuous orientable polymer matrix with one or more discontinuous or continuous second phases is stretched in the solid state using more than one device to apply force to the unoriented material to form a material that consists of a continuous oriented polymer matrix with one or more other phases. At least one of the phases releases from the oriented polymer matrix forming voids during the orientation process, thereby reducing the density to less than that of the original unoriented mixture. One or more of the phases may stay bonded to the continuous oriented polymer phase, acting as a reinforcing agent and forming no voids. Methods for forming such a material allowing for the control of the final shape and affecting the final density independent of the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process and material therefrom is described where a material comprised of a continuous orientable polymer matrix with one or more discontinuous or continuous second phases is stretched in the solid state using more than one device to apply force to the unoriented material to form a material that consists of a continuous oriented polymer matrix with one or more other phases. At least one of the phases releases from the oriented polymer matrix forming voids during the orientation process, thereby reducing the density to less than that of the original unoriented mixture. One or more of the phases may stay bonded to the continuous oriented polymer phase, acting as a reinforcing agent and forming no voids. Methods for forming such a material allowing for the control of the final shape and affecting the final density independent of the composition are also disclosed.