Abstract: A new polymer composition comprises an aromatic polyetherketone or mixture thereof containing the repeating units--O--Ph--O--Ph--CO--Ph-- Iand--O--Ph--Ph--O--Ph--CO--Ph-- II(where Ph is phenylene) in the relative molar proportions I:II of 95:5 to 60:40 and 5-80% w/w of a fibrous reinforcing agent. It is suitable for producing shaped articles of high damage tolerance by hot fabrication followed by slow cooling.

Abstract: A method of producing a fibre reinforced structure by melt impregnation of continuous fibres with a thermoformable polymer melt comprising pre-wetting the filaments of the fibres with a composition containing a melt plasticizer for the thermoformable polymer, prior to introducing the pre-wetted fibres into the melt, optionally removing the plasticizer when the composition contains a polymer miscible with plasticizer to leave polymer coated filaments and introducing the pre-wetted filaments into a polymer melt, optionally a polymer melt containing a metal plasticizer for the melt and preferably removing the plasticizer from the composition by volatilization.The pre-wetted polymer coated filaments are useful materials as reinforcing fibres for use in processes other than direct melt impregnation. They can be used in the process known as film stacking impregnation or in processes involving initial impregnation using particulate polymers or alternatively in conventional extrusion compounding.

Abstract: A high modulus endoprosthetic device comprising a polyaryletherketone and optionally reinforcement which may be fibrous, particulate or relatively massive. Loss of reinforcement to the body tissues may be reduced by provision of polymer rich layer at the surface of the device, particularly in locations where reinforcement is exposed at the surface or is likely to be exposed due to tissue or other abrasion.

Abstract: An ore-treatment process for the recovery of metal concentrates from mineral ores containing one or more metals in the form of their sulphides and/or oxides in which the crushed ore is subjected to a froth flotation process in aqueous medium using, as collector, an orthophydroxy phenyl oxime of formula ##STR1## where R is hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, R.sup.1 is an electron-donating group, especially an alkyl group, and R.sup.11 is hydrogen or an alkyl, cycloalkyl or aralkyl group. The process is especially suitable for treatment of copper-containing ores.