Abstract: A method of improving the processability of rigid polymers, particularly of unprocessable rigid polymers, wherein the rigid polymer in melt or solution form is subjected to an apparent shear rate between relatively moving surfaces of at least 100 sec.sup.-1, particularly between 100 and 1000 sec.sup.-1. The method reduces the viscosity of the melt or solution and when the melt or solution is fabricated into shaped articles while the viscosity is so reduced the shaped articles have improved properties, particularly more uniform orientation when compared with products prepared by methods which do not include the pre-shearing step prior to fabrication.

Abstract: A method of improving the processability of rigid polymers, particularly of unprocessable rigid polymers, wherein the rigid polymer in melt or solution form is subjected to an apparent shear rate between relatively moving surfaces of at least 100 sec.sup.-1, particularly between 100 and 1000 sec.sup.-1. The method reduces the viscosity of the melt or solution and when the melt or solution is fabricated into shaped articles while the viscosity is so reduced the shaped articles have improved properties, particularly more uniform orientation when compared with products prepared by methods which do not include the pre-shearing step prior to fabrication.