Abstract: A process for biaxially orienting amorphous polymers such as polymethyl methacrylate. The process includes steps of biaxially orienting a feedstock material in a deformation zone; reducing temperature of the material in a cooling zone; and annealing the material in an annealing zone. The process and apparatus produce a biaxially oriented material having enhanced optical quality and impact strength.

Abstract: In accordance with the instant invention, biaxially oriented polymer sheet is produced by continuously forging polymer feedstock between a pair of converging belts in an isochoric deformation region to form the sheet from the feedstock. The resulting sheet is immediately annealed after being formed and subsequently cooled after being annealed by passage through an isobaric region defined by a pair of opposed parallel belts backed by a pair of opposed parallel platens which interface with the belts via an oil seal so as to transfer heat from the sheet through the belts to the cooled platens. The resulting sheet has substantially uniform strain distribution over the width and length thereof as well as through the thickness thereof while maintaining its flatness after emerging from the apparatus.

Abstract: In accordance with the instant invention, biaxially-oriented polymer sheet is produced by continuously forging polymer feedstock between pairs of converging opposed surfaces. After it is biaxially-oriented, the sheet product is either cooled or heated while being restrained and advanced. The sheet produced by the process and apparatus has substantially uniform strain distribution over the width and length thereof as well as through the thickness thereof.

Abstract: A hydrostatic extrusion apparatus whereby semicrystalline thermopolastic polymers can be hydrostatically extruded in a solid state is described. The apparatus includes an outer tooling support means; a container assembly aligned within one end of the outer support means and having pressure means contiguous therewith whereby pressure is applied to the apparatus to both rigidly align the tooling and provide sufficient pressure for extrusion of a polymer billet within the container assembly and a receiver assembly coaxially aligned with the container assembly in the other end of the tooling means. The container assembly includes a container means, sealing means to prevent leakage of hydrostatic fluid in the container means and a die portion on the inner forward surface of the container means. The receiver assembly includes a concentrically aligned mandrel which supports and aligns a mandrel-head in spaced relationship with the die portion of the container means.

Abstract: A hydrostatic extrusion apparatus whereby thermoplastic polymers can be hydrostatically extruded in a solid state is described. The apparatus includes:(a) an outer casing or tooling support means,(b) a container assembly concentrically contained within the outer casing and having pressure means attached thereto to provide extrusion pressure to a fluid in the assembly, sealing means to prevent leakage of the fluid, means for holding a polymer billet and including a die portion, and(c) a receiver assembly axially aligned with the container assembly concentrically within the outer casing having pressure means to clamp the container and receiver assemblies together, a mandrel for holding and aligning a mandrel-head in spaced relationship with the die, and means for receiving, lubricating and cooling the extrudate.Optionally, means for preheating and loading the polymers into the container assembly are provided whereby the press may be operated on a semi-continuous or continuous basis.

Abstract: The invention is directed to biaxially oriented thermoplastic polymer flexible film having a substantially uniform thickness between about 0.005 and 0.030 of an inch (0.13 mm and 0.76 mm) and characterized by a structure comprised of discrete, platelet-like spherulitic crystalline aggregates compressed transversely to the plane of the film and biaxially oriented in the plane of the film and having a combination of improved properties and also to a rigid conduit or extrudate having a plurality of thermoplastic crystalline polymer layers each of which has a unique microstructure and improved properties.

Abstract: A thick-walled, seamless, rigid conduit having a substantially uniform wall thickness which is not less than about 0.5 percent of the outside diameter consisting essentially of an oriented crystalline thermoplastic polymer characterized by a structure comprised of radially compressed discrete, platelet-like spherulitic crystalline aggregates and having a combination of good ultimate tensile strength and low temperature tensile impact strength is described.The conduit is fabricated by solid state hydrostatic extrusion of a substantially non-oriented semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer preform which may contain up to about 60 weight percent filler. The polymer is substantially simultaneously elongated in both circumferential and axial directions by compressive forces with the circumferential elongation being at least 100 percent.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant rope in which the individual strands are sealed with a plastic foam impregnant and which exhibits excellent retention of lubrication is made by preimpregnating the outer strands of the rope with plastic foam material prior to closing the strands into a wire rope. The final rope may then be surface lubricated to provide temporary and long term corrosion resistance and lubrication to exposed surface wires.