Abstract: The invention relates to a composite material comprising cellulose. The composite material comprises a first cellulose-based material, which may be a textile or fabric, and a second cellulose-based material, which may be a film or cellulose based material or powdered cellulose-based material. The second cellulose-based material may be a sheet material comprising cellulose, such as a paper or a regenerated cellulose film. In embodiments the material is a so called “all cellulose composite” where both of the materials that are brought together are different forms of material comprising or being cellulose. For example, the different materials originate from cellulose-based feedstocks. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the composite materials of the invention utilising ionic liquids.

Abstract: A process for the production of a polymeric article directed to (a)forming apply having successive layers, namely, (i) a first layer made up of strands of an oriented polymer material; (ii)a second layer of a polymeric material; (iii)a third layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material, wherein the second layer has a lower peak melting temperature that of the first and third layers; (b)subjecting the ply to conditions of time, temperature, and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the firsts layer to melt the second layer entirely, and to melt a proportion of the third layer, and to compact the ply; and (c)cooling the compacted ply. The resultant articles have good mechanical properties yet may be made at a lower compaction temperature than articles not employing the second layer, leading to a more controllable manufacturing process.

Abstract: A process for the production of a polymeric article directed to (a) forming a ply having successive layers, namely, (i) a first layer made up of strands of an oriented polymer material; (ii) a second layer of a polymeric material; (iii) a third layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material, wherein the second layer has a lower peak melting temperature that of the first and third layers; (b) subjecting the ply to conditions of time, temperature, and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the firsts layer to melt the second layer entirely, and to melt a proportion of the third layer, and to compact the ply; and (c) cooling the compacted ply. The resultant articles have good mechanical properties yet may be made at a lower compaction temperature than articles not employing the second layer, leading to a more controllable manufacturing process.

Abstract: A process for the production of a polymeric article directed to (a) forming a ply having successive layers, namely, (i) a first layer made up of strands of an oriented polymer material; (ii) a second layer of a polymeric material; (iii) a third layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material, wherein the second layer has a lower peak melting temperature that of the first and third layers; (b) subjecting the ply to conditions of time, temperature, and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the firsts layer to melt the second layer entirely, and to melt a proportion of the third layer, and to compact the ply; and (c) cooling the compacted ply. The resultant articles have good mechanical properties yet may be made at a lower compaction temperature than articles not employing the second layer, leading to a more controllable manufacturing process.

Abstract: A process for the production of a polymeric article directed to (a) forming a ply having successive layers, namely, (i) a first layer made up of strands of an oriented polymer material; (ii) a second layer of a polymeric material; (iii) a third layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material, wherein the second layer has a lower peak melting temperature that of the first and third layers; (b) subjecting the ply to conditions of time, temperature, and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the firsts layer to melt the second layer entirely, and to melt a proportion of the third layer, and to compact the ply; and (c) cooling the compacted ply. The resultant articles have good mechanical properties yet may be made at a lower compaction temperature than articles not employing the second layer, leading to a more controllable manufacturing process.

Abstract: A process for the production of a polymeric article directed to (a) forming a ply having successive layers, namely, (i) a first layer made up of strands of an oriented polymer material; (ii) a second layer of a polymeric material; (iii) a third layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material, wherein the second layer has a lower peak melting temperature that of the first and third layers; (b) subjecting the ply to conditions of time, temperature, and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the firsts layer to melt the second layer entirely, and to melt a proportion of the third layer, and to compact the ply; and (c) cooling the compacted ply. The resultant articles have good mechanical properties yet may be made at a lower compaction temperature than articles not employing the second layer, leading to a more controllable manufacturing process.

Abstract: A process for the production of a polymeric article comprises: (a) forming a ply having successive layers, namely, (i) a first layer made up of strands of an oriented polymer material; (ii) a second layer of a polymeric material; (iii) a third layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material, wherein the second layer has a lower peak melting temperature that of the first and third layers; (b) subjecting the ply to conditions of time, temperature, and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the fits layer, to melt the second layer entirely, and to melt a proportion of the third layer, and to compact the ply; and (c) cooling the compacted ply. The resultant articles have good mechanical properties yet may be made at a lower compaction temperature than articles not employing the second layer, leading to a more controllable manufacturing process.

Abstract: The present invention relates at least in part to methods for the manufacture of shape memory polymer (SMP) materials. Particularly, although not exclusive, the present invention relates to processes for the formation of complex shaped devices composed of shape memory polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising shape memory polymer (SMP) materials and uses thereof. Particularly, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to biocompatible shape memory polymer (SMP) materials and uses thereof in the medical field.

Abstract: A process for the production of a polymeric article comprises: (a) forming a ply having successive layers, namely, (i) a first layer made up of strands of an oriented polymer material; (ii) a second layer of a polymeric material; (iii) a third layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material, wherein the second layer has a lower peak melting temperature that of the first and third layers; (b) subjecting the ply to conditions of time, temperature, and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the fits layer, to melt the second layer entirely, and to melt a proportion of the third layer, and to compact the ply; and (c) cooling the compacted ply. The resultant articles have good mechanical properties yet may be made at a lower compaction temperature than articles not employing the second layer, leading to a more controllable manufacturing process.

Abstract: A process for the production of a polymeric article comprises: (a) forming a ply having successive layers, namely, (i) a first layer made up of strands of an oriented polymer material; (ii) a second layer of a polymeric material; (iii) a third layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material, wherein the second layer has a lower peak melting temperature that of the first and third layers; (b) subjecting the ply to conditions of time, temperature, and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the fits layer, to melt the second layer entirely, and to melt a proportion of the third layer, and to compact the ply; and (c) cooling the compacted ply. The resultant articles have good mechanical properties yet may be made at a lower compaction temperature than articles not employing the second layer, leading to a more controllable manufacturing process.

Abstract: The present invention relates at least in part to surgical devices which comprise a shape memory polymer material composition. Particularly, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to a fixation device e.g. an anchor device e.g. a suture anchor which comprises a shape memory material. Included in the present invention are anchor devices e.g. suture anchors which are formed entirely of a shape memory polymer material. Embodiments of the present invention comprise hybrid suture anchors, particularly suture anchors which are formed from a shape memory polymer material and a non-shape memory material. Methods of securing an anchor in a bone or tissue are also included in the present invention.

Abstract: A process for the production of a polymeric article comprises: (a) forming a ply having successive layers, namely, (i) a first layer made up of strands of an oriented polymer material; (ii) a second layer of a polymeric material; (iii) a third layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material, wherein the second layer has a lower peak melting temperature that of the first and third layers; (b) subjecting the ply to conditions of time, temperature, and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the fits layer, to melt the second layer entirely, and to melt a proportion of the third layer, and to compact the ply; and (c) cooling the compacted ply. The resultant articles have good mechanical properties yet may be made at a lower compaction temperature than articles not employing the second layer, leading to a more controllable manufacturing process.

Abstract: A process for the production of a polymeric article comprises the steps of: (a) forming a ply having successive layers, namely (ii) a first layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material; (ii) a second layer of a polymeric material; (iii) a third layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material, wherein the second layer has a lower peak melting temperature than that of the first and third layers; (b) subjecting the ply to conditions of time, temperature and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the first layer, to melt the second layer entirely, and to melt a proportion of the third layer; and to compact the ply; and (c) cooling the compacted ply. The resultant articles have good mechanical properties yet may be made at lower compaction temperatures than articles not employing the second layer, leading to a more controllable manufacturing process.

Abstract: A process for the production of a polymeric article comprises the steps of: (a) forming a ply having successive layers, namely (ii) a first layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material; (ii) a second layer of a polymeric material; (iii) a third layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material, wherein the second layer has a lower peak melting temperature than that of the first and third layers; (b) subjecting the ply to conditions of time, temperature and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the first layer, to melt the second layer entirely, and to melt a proportion of the third layer; and to compact the ply; and (c) cooling the compacted ply. The resultant articles have good mechanical properties yet may be made at lower compaction temperatures than articles not employing the second layer, leading to a more controllable manufacturing process.

Abstract: Process for the production of a polymeric article by: (a) forming a ply having successive layers, namely (i) a first layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material; (ii) a second layer of a polymeric material; (iii) a third layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material, wherein the second layer has a lower peak melting temperature than that of the first and third layers; (b) subjecting the ply to conditions of time, temperature and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the first layer, to melt the second layer entirely, and to melt a proportion of the third layer; and to compact the ply; and (c) cooling the compacted ply. The resultant articles have good mechanical properties yet may be made at lower compaction temperatures than articles not employing the second layer, leading to a more controllable manufacturing process.

Abstract: A polyolefin plaque is made by hot compaction of an assembly of fibres of the oriented polymer. It has been found to be beneficial to subject the fibres to a prior crosslinking process. Hot compaction is then less temperature-sensitive and produces plaques with excellent hot strength properties. Preferably the fibres have been subjected to prior stages of irradiation and annealing, both in a non-oxidising environment, for example acetylene.

Abstract: A process for production of an article from a woven fabric of melt spun and drawn fibers or tapes of oriented polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer is disclosed, comprising subjecting the woven fabric of melt spun and drawn fibers or tapes to elevated temperature and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the polymer, characterised in that the draw ratio of said melt spun and drawn fibers or tapes is at least 7:1.

Abstract: A polyolefin plaque is made by hot compaction of an assembly of fibres of the oriented polymer. It has been found to be beneficial to subject the fibres to a prior crosslinking process. Hot compaction is then less temperature-sensitive and produces plaques with excellent hot strength properties. Preferably the fibres have been subjected to prior stages of irradiation and annealing, both in a non-oxidising environment, for example acetylene.

Abstract: A polyolefin plaque is made by hot compaction of an assembly of fibers of the oriented polymer. It has been found to be beneficial to subject the fibers to a prior crosslinking process. Hot compaction is then less temperature-sensitive and produces plaques with excellent hot strength properties. Preferably the fibers have been subjected to prior stages of irradiation and annealing, both in a non-oxidising environment, for example acetylene.