Abstract: Process crystallizes at least a portion of a molecularly oriented thermoplastic container by heat treating at least portions thereof at temperatures suitable to crystallize the portions, including the steps of heating at a first temperature for at least 5 seconds below a final crystallization temperature to heat set the container, followed by heating at a second temperature for at least 10 seconds at a final temperature to obtain crystallinity above 40%, wherein each of the heating steps is accompanied by shrinkage and distortion of the container; and sizing said crystallized container to a final shape.

Abstract: A new article of manufacture in the form of a hollow, biaxially oriented, article such as a container, formed of a composition comprising a copolyamide of hexamethylene terephthalamide and hexamethylene isophthalamide, the ratio of terephthalic acid to isophthalic acid used in forming the copolyamide being between about 1.0 to about 1.9. The article is preferably heat set and optically clear where oriented and can be functionally in hot fill and autoclave food packaging applications.

Abstract: A new article of manufacture in the form of a hollow, shaped, blow molded article formed of a composition comprising a copolyamide of hexamethylene terephthalamide and hexamethylene isophthalamide, the ratio of terephthalic acid to isophthalic acid used in forming the copolyamide being between about 1.0 to about 1.9. Such article may be formed from a precursor in the form of a hollow, shaped, tubular preform formed of such copolyamide composition.

Abstract: In forming containers by distending preforms of nitrile thermoplastic material at molding temperature, the improvement comprising exposing such preforms to low dosage radiation to reduce residual nitrile monomer in the thermoplastic material and then distending the irradiated preforms to cause HCN generated during irradiation to flash off in forming the container. The containers formed have unusually low concentrations of residual nitrile monomer as well as extractable HCN making them especially suitable for packaging foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals and the like. The irradiated preforms from which such containers are made have similarly low residual nitrile monomer levels.