Abstract: Disclosed is a shaped article comprising a continuous oriented thermoplastic polymer matrix having dispersed therein microbeads of a polymer which are at least partially bordered by void space, the microbeads being present in an amount of about 5-50% weight based on the weight of said oriented thermoplastic, said void space occupying about 2-60% by volume of said shaped article. Preferably, the microbeads are cross-linked to an extent they will be resilient and elastic at the orientation temperature, and are coated with a slip agent. The shaped article is preferably in the form of a sheet, fibers, or other molded article, and preferably has a relatively low specific gravity and whiteness.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 1, 1992
Date of Patent:
January 4, 1994
Assignee:
Eastman Kodak Company
Inventors:
Larry K. Maier, Elizabeth K. Priebe, Jong S. Lee, Paul E. Woodgate, Glenn C. Smith