Abstract: Compositions and methods directed to the production of single layer, highly porous, free-standing polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes having macro-textured surfaces are provided. The macro-textured surfaces are due to the presence of macroscopic nodal aggregates within the membrane that are connected by fibrils The membranes have high porosity, high airflow, and a bulk density less than 1.0 g/cm3. Articles comprising the porous, single layer PTFE membranes are also provided.

Abstract: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite articles that have a macro textured surface. The composite articles include at least two different PTFE membranes in a layered or stacked configuration. The composite article has a macro textured surface characterized by a plurality of strands raised from the surface of the PTFE membrane. The strands may be formed of either interconnected nodes of PTFE or of at least one nodal mass of PTFE and have a length equal to or greater than about 1.5 mm. The macro textured surface provides a topography to the first PTFE membrane. The composite articles have a bubble point from about 3.0 psi to about 200 psi, a thickness from about 0.01 to about 3.0 mm, and a bulk density from about 0.01 g/cm3 to about 1.0 g/cm3.

Abstract: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite articles that have a macro textured surface. The composite articles include at least two different PTFE membranes in a layered or stacked configuration. The composite article has a macro textured surface characterized by a plurality of strands raised from the surface of the PTFE membrane. The strands may be formed of either interconnected nodes of PTFE or of at least one nodal mass of PTFE and have a length equal to or greater than about 1.5 mm. The macro textured surface provides a topography to the first PTFE membrane. The composite articles have a bubble point from about 3.0 psi to about 200 psi, a thickness from about 0.01 to about 3.0 mm, and a bulk density from about 0.01 g/cm3 to about 1.0 g/cm3.

Abstract: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite articles that have a macro textured surface. The composite articles include at least two different PTFE membranes in a layered or stacked configuration. The composite article has a macro textured surface characterized by a plurality of strands raised from the surface of the PTFE membrane. The strands may be formed of either interconnected nodes of PTFE or of at least one nodal mass of PTFE and have a length equal to or greater than about 1.5 mm. The macro textured surface provides a topography to the first PTFE membrane. The composite articles have a bubble point from about 3.0 psi to about 200 psi, a thickness from about 0.01 to about 3.0 mm, and a bulk density from about 0.01 g/cm3 to about 1.0 g/cm3.

Abstract: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite articles that have a macro textured surface. The composite articles include at least two different PTFE membranes in a layered or stacked configuration. The composite article has a macro textured surface characterized by a plurality of strands raised from the surface of the PTFE membrane. The strands may be formed of either interconnected nodes of PTFE or of at least one nodal mass of PTFE and have a length equal to or greater than about 1.5 mm. The macro textured surface provides a topography to the first PTFE membrane. The composite articles have a bubble point from about 3.0 psi to about 200 psi, a thickness from about 0.01 to about 3.0 mm, and a bulk density from about 0.01 g/cm3 to about 1.0 g/cm3.

Abstract: A dental cleaning article comprising a band of expanded fluoropolymer that is highly distensible at room temperature, such that it can be stretched from a first state to a second state is described. The diameter of the band of expanded fluoropolymer may be increased by stretching by, in some embodiments, two times or more the original first state diameter. Likewise the cross sectional area of the band of expanded fluoropolymer may be reduced upon stretching to less than one quarter the first state cross sectional area. The band of expanded fluoropolymer provides the user with the ability to stretch the band a desired amount, such that they may more effectively clean between their teeth. Furthermore, the band may be regular or irregularly shaped, and in some embodiments may comprise higher density regions.

Abstract: A novel densified fluoropolymer article is described which has a water vapor permeation of about 0.015 g-mm/m2/day or less, and preferably has a matrix tensile strength of at least 10,000 psi in two orthogonal directions. The articles are made by compressing expanded porous PTFE at pressures, temperatures and times which result in elimination of the pores, and subsequent stretching above the crystalline melt temperature.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved gasket for use in a wide variety of sealing applications. The gasket comprises a sheet of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) that is helically wrapped around itself and sealed in that orientation. This construction produces a gasket that has significant tensile strength in both its longitudinal and transverse axes. As such, the gasket of the present invention retains all of the operational advantages of PTFE while being quite resistant to creep.

Abstract: This invention provides for a continuous PTFE fiber having on its surface a substantially round profile and a single spiralling seam formed from a continuous sheet of polytetrafluoroethylene which is helically rolled and self-adhered. The PTFE sheet may include microporous PTFE as well as expanded microporous PTFE. The PTFE sheet may be filled with particulate fillers or coated with polymeric coatings prior to the formation of the inventive fiber. The PTFE sheet may be used to contain various filamentary or sheet-like elements with the inventive fiber.The method for producing the inventive fiber is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides for a continuous PTFE fiber having on its surface a substantially round profile and a single spiralling seam formed from a continuous sheet of polytetrafluoroethylene which is helically rolled and self-adhered. The PTFE sheet may include microporous PTFE as well as expanded microporous PTFE. The PTFE sheet may be filled with particulate fillers or coated with polymeric coatings prior to the formation of the inventive fiber. The PTFE sheet may be used to contain various filamentary or sheet-like elements with the inventive fiber.The method for producing the inventive fiber is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides for a continuous PTFE fiber having on its surface a substantially round profile and a single spiralling seam formed from a continuous sheet of polytetrafluoroethylene which is helically rolled and self-adhered. The PTFE sheet may include microporous PTFE as well as expanded microporous PTFE. The PTFE sheet may be filled with particulate fillers or coated with polymeric coatings prior to the formation of the inventive fiber. The PTFE sheet may be used to contain various filamentary or sheet-like elements with the inventive fiber.The method for producing the inventive fiber is also disclosed.