Abstract: Described is a process for preparing a three-dimensional article of a lyotropic polymer comprising the steps of (a) forming a shaped article of a liquid crystalline solution of a lyotropic polymer; (b) washing the shaped article with a washing fluid under conditions sufficient to reduce the solvent content of the article to less than about 2,000 parts per million, wherein the dimensions of the washed article are no less than 0.05 inches by 0.05 inches by 0.05 inches. Such articles are useful for many applications, particularly those requiring fire- and/or heat-resistance.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the tendency to and degree which a synthetic resinous particulate solid will block or agglomerate. The method comprises the steps of (a) forming a cake of a synthetic resinous particulate solid by compressing the particulate solid between substantially parallel surfaces at an elevated temperature, and (b) measuring the force required to break the cake by an elongated triangular-shaped wedge which is forced into the cake at a constant rate of speed.