Abstract: An extrusion system including an edge encapsulation block is disclosed. The edge encapsulation block includes a housing that defines a central extrusion channel having an inlet for receiving a central material and an outlet for emitting an encapsulated material that includes the central material and an edge material, and an edge encapsulation channel for receiving the edge material. The encapsulation block also includes an edge blocker that includes an edge actuator at a first end of the edge blocker and an edge block at a second end of the edge blocker that is opposite the first end. Actuation of the edge actuator causes the edge block to translate from a first position to a second position spaced from the first position along an axis that extends through the central extrusion channel.

Abstract: In the method of manufacturing a strip (8) of rubber for vehicle tires: a strip (8) of rubber is formed; the strip is cooled with water; residual water (40) on the surface of the strip is heated from the exterior of the strip and/or this water is replaced by hotter water; and the water present on the surface of the strip is eliminated.

Abstract: A polypeptide solution of the present invention is a polypeptide solution in which a polypeptide derived from natural spider silk proteins is dissolved in a solvent. The solvent contains at least one selected from the following (i)-(iii): (i) DMSO; (ii) DMSO with an inorganic salt; and (iii) DMF with an inorganic salt. Further, in the present invention, an artificial polypeptide fiber is obtained by: using the polypeptide solution as a dope solution; and extruding the dope solution from a spinneret into a desolvation bath so as to eliminate the solvent from the dope solution and form a fiber to produce an undrawn yarn. Moreover, in the present invention, a polypeptide is purified by subjecting the polypeptide solution to heat treatment and thereafter removing an undissolved substance therefrom.

Abstract: A polypeptide solution of the present invention is a polypeptide solution in which a polypeptide derived from natural spider silk proteins is dissolved in a solvent. The solvent contains at least one selected from the following (i)-(iii): (i) DMSO; (ii) DMSO with an inorganic salt; and (iii) DMF with an inorganic salt. Further, in the present invention, an artificial polypeptide fiber is obtained by: using the polypeptide solution as a dope solution; and extruding the dope solution from a spinneret into a desolvation bath so as to eliminate the solvent from the dope solution and form a fiber to produce an undrawn yarn. Moreover, in the present invention, a polypeptide is purified by subjecting the polypeptide solution to heat treatment and thereafter removing an undissolved substance therefrom.

Abstract: A method for making over-indexed thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer precursor. The precursor may be cross-linked.

Abstract: Disclosed are an acrylic resin film maintaining a gloss and having good transparency, processing properties, and impact resistance after thermal molding, and a method for manufacturing same. The acrylic resin film according to the present invention includes 10 to 70 parts by weight of an acrylic resin having high fluidity, 10 to 70 parts by weight of an acrylic resin having high hardness, and 5 to 20 parts by weight of an acrylic impact reinforcing material based on 100 parts by weight of the total weight.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the elaboration of flexible films from cassaya starch for the manufacture of biodegradable packaging useful in the packing and packaging of dry foods and other products. The novel films of the invention are produced by extrusion of a mixture of cassaya starch and plasticizer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for dynamic extrusion molding of plastic articles having variable micro-channel. The device mainly includes a single-screw extruder, a dynamic extrusion die, a fluid source, a water sink, a tractor, a winding device, and a data acquisition and control system. Near outlet of extrusion die, when the end portion of a syringe needle is at different positions, the inner diameter of the micro-channel of the extrusion molded plastic article is also different. When the hollow syringe core within the dynamic extrusion die performs a high-frequency short-range vibration along an extrusion direction, the inner diameter of the micro-channel of the extruded plastic articles is dynamically variable. The plastic articles of variable micro-channel of the present invention has novel structure with high dimensional accuracy, and a variety of varying patterns, it can be stably produced by simple processing equipment with high level of automation.

Abstract: A method of separating a poly(arylene ether) from a solvent includes treating a poly(arylene ether)-containing solution with a devolatilizing extruder to form an extruded composition, and cooling the extruded composition with a cooling device that does not immerse the extruded composition in water. The composition may be used to isolate a poly(arylene ether) from the solvent-containing reaction mixture in which it is prepared, or to remove solvent from a multi-component poly(arylene ether)-containing thermoplastic composition.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable polylactic acid (PLA) film and a method of its manufacture are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the PLA films exhibit heat-induced shrinkage in the transverse direction with little to no concomitant shrinkage in the machine direction. The films may comprise any grade of PLA polymer, optionally including additives, such as antiblock, slip, plasticizers, viscosity enhancers and combinations thereof. A method of cast and tenner manufacture is disclosed, which includes a temperature conditioning step.

Abstract: A polycarbonate resin composition for a flame retardant film includes 100 parts by weight of a polycarbonate resin, about 0.01 to about 10 parts by weight of a silicon compound, about 0.01 to about 1.5 parts by weight of an organic sulfonic acid metal salt having an average particle diameter of about 100 to about 400 ?m, and about 0.01 to about 1 part by weight of a polyfluoroethylene resin.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an assembly and process for creating a co-extruded pipe which includes the steps of extruding a first elongated component exhibiting an open interior. Additional process steps include co-extruding at least one, and typically a pair, of additional elongated components each having an arcuate or lobe cross sectional shape or profile. The additional components are bonded to exterior locations of the first component to establish a pair of additional open interiors between the components and prior to cooling and hardening.

Abstract: Pre-stretched films may be used to increase the rate at which loads can be wrapped and to minimize the exertion required when using conventional stretch films. However, pre-stretched films must generally be stretched in a separate step and stored for several days in order for cling to fully develop. The present disclosure describes compositions, devices, systems, and methods for producing film that eliminate the stretching and storage steps. In particular, the present disclosure relates to the use of selected resins and an angled die to increase the level of orientation in the film as it is formed, thus eliminating the need to stretch the film in a separate step. The present disclosure also relates to the use of a cling agent which eliminates the storage time traditionally required to develop the film's cling properties.

Abstract: A method for the production of a plastics pipe (9) comprising an inner core and an outer removable skin bonded thereto, which method comprises co-extruding molten polymeric materials forming the inner core and the outer removable skin layer from one or more extruder dies, bringing the polymeric materials together and allowing them to solidify, and conditioning the solidified polymeric materials at a temperature and for a time sufficient to influence the adhesion of the outer skin layer to the inner core, such that on cooling the adhesion of the outer skin layer to the inner core is sufficient to prevent substantial undesired relative movement between the skin layer and the core during installation of the pipe (9), but insufficient to prevent the outer skin layer from being clearly removed by peeling, at least at the ends of the pipe (9), and insufficient to cause a substantial reduction in the impact strength of the inner core.

Abstract: Disclosed are a heat-shrinkable polyester-based film and a heat-shrinkable polyester-based label. The heat-shrinkable polyester-based film has superior shrinkability and color, and thus provides aesthetic enhancement to the product to which the film is attached when the film is printed. Therefore, the polyester-based film can be suitable as a label film as it can replace labels made of paper, and can be easily peeled off by means of hot water, and thus may contribute to the recycling of bottles. The heat-shrinkable polyester-based label includes a heat-shrinkable polyester-based film layer, and minimizes the rolling phenomenon thereof.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable polylactic acid (PLA) film and a method of its manufacture are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the PLA films exhibit heat-induced shrinkage in the transverse direction with little to no concomitant shrinkage in the machine direction. The films may comprise any grade of PLA polymer, optionally including additives, such as antiblock, slip, plasticizers, viscosity enhancers and combinations thereof. A method of cast and tenner manufacture is disclosed, which includes a temperature conditioning step.

Abstract: A composition that includes polylactide resin and plasticizer, the plasticizer having a chemical formula: wherein R may be the same or different and wherein at least one R is a branched alkyl group having a carbon chain length of C5 or greater; and R is an H or an acyl group. In another aspect, the invention provides a process for providing an semicrystalline polylactide film, the process including the steps of providing a polylactide composition that includes polylactide resin, nucleating agent, and the foregoing plasticizer. The composition is extruded as a molten sheet which is then cooled to crystallize the polylactide and provide the film.

Abstract: A polycarbonate resin composition for a flame retardant film includes 100 parts by weight of a polycarbonate resin, about 0.01 to about 10 parts by weight of a silicon compound, about 0.01 to about 1.5 parts by weight of an organic sulfonic acid metal salt having an average particle diameter of about 100 to about 400 ?m, and about 0.01 to about 1 part by weight of a polyfluoroethylene resin.

Abstract: A laminated film for a reflecting plate is provided that comprises a layer A and a layer B, the layer A comprising a polyester that comprises substantially no antimony element and preferably comprises 1 to 25 wt % of inert particles having an average particle diameter of 0.3 to 3.0 ?m and the layer B being in contact with the layer A and comprising a polyester which preferably comprises 31 to 80 wt % of inert particles having an average particle diameter of 0.3 to 3.0 ?m. This laminated film has a practically satisfactory capability of reflecting visible light, can be produced stably even if inert particles are added in high concentration, hardly has streak-like defects, and can be suitably used as a substrate for a reflecting plate for a liquid crystal display or an internally illuminating electrical billboard.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable polylactic acid (PLA) film and a method of its manufacture are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the PLA films exhibit heat-induced shrinkage in the transverse direction with little to no concomitant shrinkage in the machine direction. The films may comprise any grade of PLA polymer, optionally including additives, such as antiblock, slip, plasticizers, viscosity enhancers and combinations thereof. A method of cast and tenner manufacture is disclosed, which includes a temperature conditioning step.

Abstract: A cellulose acylate film produced by a melt-casting film formation, wherein the total of the number of projections having a height of from 0.1 ?m to 100 ?m and a length of at least 1 mm and the number of depressions having a depth of from 0.1 ?m to 100 ?m and a length of at least 1 mm is at most 10 per 10 cm of the width of the film. When built in a liquid-crystal display device, the cellulose acylate film significantly reduces the display blur in the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biaxially oriented film containing at least one black pigment. The film is predominantly formed from a polyester whose diol component includes at least 80 mol-% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM), and whose the dicarboxylic acid component includes at least 80 mol-% of one or more benzenedicarboxylic acid(s) and/or one or more naphthalene dicarboxylic acid(s). The dicarboxylic acid component includes a main dicarboxylic acid component forming an at least 55 mol-% portion, chosen from either 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid or terephthalic acid. The dicarboxylic acid component further includes a secondary dicarboxylic acid component, present in an amount of at least 18 mol-%, with the secondary dicarboxylic acid component differing from the main dicarboxylic acid component. The invention further relates to a method for producing the film and its use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biaxially oriented film, predominantly formed from a polyester whose diol component includes at least 80 mol-% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM), and whose dicarboxylic acid component includes at least 80 mol-% of one or more benzenedicarboxylic acid(s) and/or one or more naphthalene dicarboxylic acid(s). The dicarboxylic acid component includes a main dicarboxylic acid component forming an at least 55 mol-% portion, chosen from either 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid or terephthalic acid. The dicarboxylic acid component further includes a secondary dicarboxylic acid component, present in an amount of at least 18 mol-%, with the secondary dicarboxylic acid component differing from the main dicarboxylic acid component. The invention further relates to a method for producing the film and its use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biaxially oriented film, predominantly formed from a polyester whose diol component includes at least 35 mol-% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) and additionally contains at least one further diol different from CHDM. The dicarboxylic acid component of the polyester includes at least 80 mol-% of one or more benzenedicarboxylic acid(s) and/or one or more naphthalene dicarboxylic acid(s). The dicarboxylic acid component of the polyester includes a main dicarboxylic acid component forming an at least 55 mol-% portion of the dicarboxylic acid component, chosen from 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid or terephthalic acid. The dicarboxylic acid component further includes a secondary dicarboxylic acid component, present in an amount of at least 5 mol-% of the dicarboxylic acid component, with the secondary dicarboxylic acid component differing from the main dicarboxylic acid component. The invention further relates to a method for producing the film and its use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a white biaxially oriented film predominantly formed from a polyester whose diol component includes at least 80 mol-% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM), and whose dicarboxylic acid component includes at least 80 mol-% of one or more benzenedicarboxylic acid(s) and/or one or more naphthalene dicarboxylic acid(s). The dicarboxylic acid component includes a main dicarboxylic acid component forming an at least 55 mol-% portion, chosen from either 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid or terephthalic acid. The dicarboxylic acid component further includes a secondary dicarboxylic acid component, present in an amount of at least 18 mol-%, with the secondary dicarboxylic acid component differing from the main dicarboxylic acid component. The invention further relates to a method for producing the film and its use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a microcrystalline polyamide for obtaining an object having all or part of its outer surface formed from this microcrystalline polyamide and having a particular surface finish, in which: the manufacture of the object comprises steps carried out hot between the Tg (glass transition temperature) and the Tm (melting point) of this microcrystalline polyamide; the transparency of the microcrystalline polyamide is such that the light transmission at 560 nm on a polished object 1 mm in thickness is greater than 80%, advantageously greater than 88%, the transparency being measured on the object obtained by standard processing methods, such as injection molding and sheet extrusion/calendering. Advantageously, the microcrystalline polyamide is such that its degree of crystallinity is greater than 10% and less than 30% (1st DSC heating according to ISO 11357 at 40° C.

Abstract: This invention provides an optical film having a reduced thickness and an increased width, which is free from bleedout with the elapse of time (during storage) in a continuous wound state, a method for manufacturing an optical film, and a polarizing plate using the optical film. The optical film is a plasticizer-containing optical film having an overall width of 1500 mm to 4000 mm produced by a solution casting method. The amount of the plasticizer present in the center portion in the surface side of the optical film is determined as value A by TOF-SIMS. The amount of the plasticizer present in the center portion in the back side is determined as value B by the TOF-SIMS. Value X is determined by formula 1 based on the values A and B. The amount of the plasticizer present in the end portion in the surface side of the optical film is determined as value A? by TOF-SIMS, and the amount of the plasticizer present in the end portion of the back side is determined as value B? by the TOF-SIMS.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermo-shrinkable polyester film, which has good visibility to contents included in a container and can allow the contents to appear fresh when it is used as a label for covering a container due to its low haze, and which can prevent protrusions or wrinkles from being formed thereon when it is rolled during a film forming process or a post-treatment process.

Abstract: A polyolefin microporous membrane, the membrane having, when measured by DSC, a degree of crystallinity of from 65 to 85%, a lamellar crystal/crystal ratio of from 30 to 85%, a crystal length of from 5 nm to 50 nm and an amorphous length of from 3 nm to 30 nm, and a polyolefin microporous membrane, the membrane having, when measured by X-ray diffractometry, crystal size of from 12.5 nm to 13.5 nm and a degree of crystallinity of from 64 to 68%.

Abstract: A product (10) made from an extruded sheet or web of material (42) having a non-linear cross-section, and the process of making the product (10) is provided. The extruded web or extrudate (42) is plastically deformed in selected areas and then folded. When folded into the appropriate shape, the extrudate (42) is formed into a product (10) having a plurality of cells (14). The cells (14a) may have one or more openings (34a), allowing access to an interior of the cell (14a) and reducing the weight of the product (10a).

Abstract: Described are methods for surface modification of an object (10) in order to increase the adhesive power of the object, wherein the surface (11) is subjected to structuring so that a multitude of projections (12) are formed, each comprising a foot part and a head part, wherein the head part comprises a front surface (13) which faces away from the surface, wherein each projection (12) is made in a size such that all front surfaces (13) project to the same vertical height above the surface (11), and form an adherent contact surface (14) which is interrupted by mutual spacing between the front surfaces (13).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for energy usage during the cooling of extrusion profiles, preferably pipes, wherein energy is supplied in the form of heat for melting the plastic and heat is withdrawn from the plastic again for shaping at least in the devices of mold, calibration, and cooling bath until the plastic is self-supporting. According to the invention, it is provided that a coolant medium runs through the extrusion line opposite to the extrusion direction for cooling, the medium which is used for cooling being guided from one device to the next and the coolant medium heating further in each device.

Abstract: A method produces stretched, 2-dimensional adhesives based on heat-activatable thermoplastic resins. The stretched adhesives are usable for gluing metal parts to plastics for portable consumer electronics articles. The stretched adhesives are usable as specialized thermoplastic heat-activatable films for fastening metal parts onto plastic parts. By using and applying the specially treated thermoplastic resins, processing and the properties of adhesion are improved.

Abstract: A method of separating a poly(arylene ether) from a solvent includes treating a poly(arylene ether)-containing solution with a devolatilizing extruder to form an extruded composition, and cooling the extruded composition with a cooling device that does not immerse the extruded composition in water. The composition may be used to isolate a poly(arylene ether) from the solvent-containing reaction mixture in which it is prepared, or to remove solvent from a multi-component poly(arylene ether)-containing thermoplastic composition.

Abstract: A method of coating metal wire with extrudate using an extrusion system. The method includes the steps of advancing the metal wire through an extrusion die of the extrusion system and extruding molten extrudate over the metal wire as the metal wire is advanced through the extrusion die. Image data is generated, using one or several electronic cameras, concurrently with the advancing, and extruding to provide visual feedback indicative of the concentricity or non-concentricity of extrudate surrounding the metal wire as the metal wire exits the extrusion die.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable polylactic acid (PLA) film and a method of its manufacture are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the PLA films exhibit heat-induced shrinkage in the transverse direction with little to no concomitant shrinkage in the machine direction. The films may comprise any grade of PLA polymer, optionally including additives, such as antiblock, slip, plasticizers, viscosity enhancers and combinations thereof. A method of cast and tenner manufacture is disclosed, which includes a temperature conditioning step.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel elastomeric biodegradable photoluminescent polymer (BPLP). The BPLPs of the present invention possess great processability and tunable fluorescence emission characteristics and are cell-compatible and biodegradable. The BPLPs of the present invention can serve as both implant materials and bioimaging probes.

Abstract: Provided is a polyester film having excellent high-temperature dimensional stability. More particularly, provided is a method for producing a polyester film, including: a) extruding and cooling a polyester resin to provide a non-oriented sheet; b) orienting the sheet in the machine direction (MD); c) orienting the MD oriented sheet in the transverse direction (TD); d) heat treating the sheet; and e) carrying out simultaneous relaxation by subjecting the heat treated sheet to MD relaxation at a ratio of 1% or higher, while subjecting it to TD relaxation in a tenter. Provided also is a polyester film obtained by the method.

Abstract: A method for forming a resin molded article includes a step of extruding a thermoplastic resin intermittently at a predetermined speed from an extrusion slit, such that the resin droops downward in a shape of a sheet. The method further includes the steps of: feeding the extruded sheet-shaped resin downward by a pair of rollers; and forming the sheet-shaped resin with a mold. In the step of feeding the sheet-shaped resin, one of the rollers is pressed against the other, but not to the extent of crushing the sheet-shaped resin, regardless of the thickness of the sheet-shaped resin. In addition, a surface temperature of each of the rollers is set lower than a temperature of the sheet-shaped resin and within a predetermined temperature range. This method can prevent sliding contact between the rollers and the sheet, while preventing the sheet from being wound around the rollers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biaxially oriented, single-layer microporous film which has a shut-off function and is made of propylene homopolymer, propylene block copolymer I and ?-nucleation agent. The melting range of the propylene block copolymer I starts at a temperature ranging from 50 to 120° C. The invention also relates to using the film as a separator in primary or secondary battery.

Abstract: A method of producing sealing film for photovoltaic cell module including a layer composed of at least one substance selected from the group consisting of metals, metal oxides, and inorganic compounds; and a polyester film having a thermal shrinkage ratio within (0±2)% at 150° C. in both length-wise and width-wise directions, and difference between the thermal shrinkage ratios at 150° C. in the length-wise and width-wise directions of 2% or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a microcrystalline polyamide for obtaining an object having all or part of its outer surface formed from this microcrystalline polyamide and having a particular surface finish, in which: the manufacture of the object comprises steps carried out hot between the Tg (glass transition temperature) and the Tm (melting point) of this microcrystalline polyamide; the transparency of the microcrystalline polyamide is such that the light transmission at 560 nm on a polished object 1 mm in thickness is greater than 80%, advantageously greater than 88%, the transparency being measured on the object obtained by standard processing methods, such as injection moulding and sheet extrusion/calendering.

Abstract: A nonaqueous secondary battery separator is provided that is excellent in heat resistance, shutdown characteristics, membrane resistance and handling property. The present invention is a polyolefin microporous membrane used for a nonaqueous secondary battery separator containing the polyolefin microporous membrane at least one surface of which is coated and integrated with a heat resistant porous layer, characterized in that the membrane has (A) a thickness of 5 to 20 ?m, (B) a porosity of 35 to 50%, (C) an air permeability per unit thickness (JIS P8117) of 10 to 30 sec/100 cc·?m and a total air permeability of the membrane (JIS P8117) of 400 sec/100 cc or less, and (D) Y/X of 1×10?3 to 1×10?2 ohm·cm2/(sec/100 cc), wherein the air permeability (JIS P8117) is represented by X sec/100 cc, and the membrane resistance upon impregnating the polyolefin microporous membrane with an electrolytic solution is represented by Y ohm·cm2.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing a thermoplastic film that has a small distribution of retardation and excels in optical properties. In the method for producing a thermoplastic film by after extruding a molten resin from a die into a sheet, and cooling and solidifying the extruded sheet on a rotating cooling drum, peeling the cellulose acylate film off the cooling drum, and taking off the film with a take-off roller, the tension of the cellulose acylate film at the take-off roller is set to 0.02 kgf/mm2 or lower.

Abstract: A separator for a lithium ion secondary battery with an alloy based negative electrode, wherein a dynamic friction coefficient of at least one surface is 0.1 or more and 0.4 or less, and a method for manufacturing the same.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable polylactic acid (PLA) film and a method of its manufacture are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the PLA films exhibit heat-induced shrinkage in the transverse direction with little to no concomitant shrinkage in the machine direction. The films may comprise any grade of PLA polymer, optionally including additives, such as antiblock, slip, plasticizers, viscosity enhancers and combinations thereof. A method of cast and tenner manufacture is disclosed, which includes a temperature conditioning step.

Abstract: A method according to the invention comprises an extruding step of extruding molten resin from a die in a belt shape, a molding/cooling step of cooling and solidifying the extruded resin sheet while molding the same in uneven thickness by nipping the same between a mold roller and a nip roller, and a slow cooling step of slowly cooling the resin sheet peeled off the mold roller, and at least the former part of the slow cooling step has a substep of slowly cooling the resin sheet while holding the resin sheet in the original warp-free uneven thickness shape while so applying an external force to the resin sheet as not to obstruct the carriage of the resin sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for manufacturing a balloon catheter in which a non-contact type laser perforator and printer are separately provided above a primary extruder such that inflation apertures can be uniformly perforated through a non-vulcanized lumen tube and simultaneously, tube cutting positions can be printed on the lumen tube at positions uniformly spaced apart from the inflation apertures without stopping a primary extrusion process. Also, a bond preventing agent layer is coated on the lumen tube at balloon inflating portions prior to cutting the tube, to facilitate a secondary extrusion of the tube. With this configuration, continuous and accurate perforation of inflation apertures is possible and automatic tube cutting can be achieved based on the printed tube cutting positions. Also, the present invention can compensate for a time delay due to a bond preventing agent application process and achieve high productivity and minimized loss of material.

Abstract: A microporous polyolefin membrane having a structure in which its pore size distribution curve obtained by mercury intrusion porosimetry has at least two peaks, which is produced by (1) extruding a melt-blend of (a) (i) a polyethylene resin containing 7% or less by mass of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene having a weight-average molecular weight of 1×106 or more, or (ii) a mixture of 75% by mass or more of said polyethylene resin and 25% or less by mass of polypropylene, and (b) a membrane-forming solvent, (2) stretching a gel-like sheet obtained by cooling an extrudate, (3) washing it, (4) stretching the resultant microporous membrane to 1.1-1.8 fold in at least one direction, and (5) heat-setting it at a temperature in a range of the stretching temperature of the microporous membrane plus or minus 5 degrees centigrade.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous dry spinning process for preparing a fiber from a polymer solution having concentrations of polymer, salt, solvent and water. After the fiber is extruded and quenched, the fiber is placed in contact with a conditioning solution comprising concentrations of solvent, salt, and water. The conditioning solution acts upon the fiber to plasticize the fiber prior to being drawn. The conditioning solution has concentrations of solvent, salt, and water so that the fiber is plasticized to the extent necessary for drawing but does not plasticize the fiber to such an extent as to re-dissolve the fiber into a polymeric solution. A heat-treated fiber manufactured from this process has improved shrinkage and can be colored to darker shades.