Abstract: A method for producing an artificial turf fiber, comprising: preparing a core polymer mixture from a core polymer and a thread polymer forming beads within the core polymer; coextruding the core polymer mixture with a cladding polymer component into a monofilament, the core polymer mixture forming a cylindrical core, The cladding polymer component forming a cladding encompassing the core with a non-circular profile; quenching the monofilament; reheating the quenched monofilament; stretching the reheated monofilament to deform the beads into threadlike regions; and providing one or more of the stretched monofilaments as the artificial turf fiber.

Abstract: An apparatus for making spunbond from continuous thermoplastic filaments has a spinneret for spinning the continuous filaments and advancing them in a filament-travel direction, a cooler for cooling the filaments, a stretcher for stretching the filaments, a depositing device including a foraminous belt extending in a machine direction transverse to the filament-travel direction for deposition of the filaments as a nonwoven web and conveyance away from the stretcher, a diffusor between the stretcher and the foraminous belt so that filaments and primary air from the stretcher enter into the diffusor, and a suction device for extracting air through the foraminous belt at an unobstructed extraction region underneath the diffusor outlet and having a width b in a machine direction that is greater than a width B of the diffusor outlet. The diffusor forms upstream and downstream secondary air-inlet gaps at opposite ends through which secondary air is aspirated into the diffusor.

Abstract: A coated filament for use in additive manufacturing includes a base polymer layer formed of a base polymer material and a coating polymer layer formed of a coating polymer material. At least the coating polymer material is susceptible to dielectric heating in response to electromagnetic radiation, thereby promoting fusion between adjacent beads of coated filament that are deposited during the additive manufacturing process. Specifically, when electromagnetic radiation is applied to an interface area between two adjacent beads of the coated filament, the polymer coating layer melts to diffuse across the interface area, thereby preventing formation of voids. The base polymer material and the coating polymer material of the coated filament also may have similar melting points and compatible solubility parameters to further promote fusion between beads.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a polyethylene fiber and a method for preparing thereof, and more particularly to a polyethylene fiber, a method for preparing thereof, and an apparatus for preparing thereof, which has excellent wearing and touch sensation with processing convenience into woven fabrics and knitted fabrics in use in applied products by reducing the stiffness of fiber having the same physical properties using an enforced necking method in a spinning process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a monofilament string for a racket, comprising a core consisting of a single filament and a sheath extending around the core and in contact with the core, the monofilament string being characterized in that: the core (2) is made of a first material comprising polyamide 6 and a first copolymer of polyamide 6 and polyamide 6.6, the sheath (3) is made of a second material comprising a second copolymer of polyamide 6 and polyamide 6.6, the first material having a greater tensile modulus than the second material. The present invention also related to a process for manufacturing such a filament string, by co-extrusion of the core and the sheath and stretching of the co-extruded string.

Abstract: An absorbent article having an outwardly body-facing surface and an outwardly garment-facing surface Is provided. The absorbent article contains a topsheet, backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The backsheet contains a nonwoven facing laminated to a film. The nonwoven facing contains a first nonwoven web containing a plurality of fibers formed from a first polyolefin composition and a second nonwoven web containing a plurality of fibers formed from a second polyolefin composition. The first polyolefin composition contains at least one ethylene polymer and the second polyolefin composition contains at least one rigid propylene polymer and at least one ductile propylene polymer. The second nonwoven web defines the garment-facing surface of the article.

Abstract: Obtained is a polypropylene fiber that selectively satisfies any of the following requirements: the degree of amorphous orientation being not lower than 85%; the degree of crystalline orientation being not lower than 90%; the degree of crystallinity being 60-75%; the strength being not lower than 7 cN/dtex; the initial elastic modulus being not lower than 100 cN/dtex; the rupture elongation being 10-30%; and the single fiber fineness being 3-20 dtex. This polypropylene fiber, in which a crystalline chain and an amorphous chain are highly oriented and that has high strength and high initial elastic modulus, is produced through a two-stage drawing method and by controlling the drawing tension of the final stage while maintaining production speed.

Abstract: A nonwoven composite that contains a first nonwoven web positioned adjacent to a second nonwoven web is provided. The first nonwoven web contains a plurality of fibers that are formed from a first polyolefin composition, and the second nonwoven web contains a plurality of fibers that are formed from a second polyolefin composition. The first polyolefin composition contains an ethylene polymer, which and car; provide a soft feel to a surface of the first nonwoven web. The second polyolefin composition likewise contains a rigid propylene polymer, which can provide good strength and durability to the second nonwoven web. The second polyolefin composition also contains a ductile propylene polymer and a fatty acid derivative.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a polyethylene fiber and a method for preparing thereof, and more particularly to a polyethylene fiber, a method for preparing thereof, and an apparatus for preparing thereof, which has excellent wearing and touch sensation with processing convenience into woven fabrics and knitted fabrics in use in applied products by reducing the stiffness of fiber having the same physical properties using an enforced necking method in a spinning process.

Abstract: Bioabsorbable scaffolds having high crush recoverability, high fracture resistance, and reduced or no recoil due to self expanding properties at physiological conditions are disclosed. The scaffolds are made from a random copolymer of PLLA and a rubbery polymer such as polycaprolactone.

Abstract: In a practicable continuous or batchwise process for the preparation of a crystallizable polylactic acid mixture, lactic acid may be polycondensed to yield an oligomer, which may then be depolymerized to yield a crude lactide. The crude lactide may be purified to yield a pure lactide, wherein fractionation may be carried out in the purification into an L- or D-lactide-rich fraction and also a meso-lactide-rich fraction. Subsequently a separate ring-opening polymerization of the resulting lactide fractions can be carried out. The individual polylactic acid batches or streams generated by the ring-opening polymerization may then be mixed. The present disclosure further relates to apparatuses for carrying out such processes and polylactic acid mixtures.

Abstract: It is provided that a multifilament and a braid that are capable of being processed into products in a wide range of temperature and are excellent in dimensional stability and abrasion resistance. A multifilament comprising 5 or more monofilaments, wherein the multifilament contains polyethylene having an intrinsic viscosity [?] of 5.0 dL/g or more and 40.0 dL/g or less and substantially including ethylene as a repeating unit, and shows 1000 times or more in number of reciprocating abrasions at break in an abrasion resistance test measured at a load of 5 cN/dtex in accordance with JIS L-1095.

Abstract: It is provided that a multifilament and a braid that are capable of being processed into products in a wide range of temperature and are excellent in dimensional stability and abrasion resistance. A multifilament comprising 5 or more monofilaments, wherein the multifilament contains polyethylene having an intrinsic viscosity [?] of 5.0 dL/g or more and 40.0 dL/g or less and substantially including ethylene as a repeating unit, and wherein a difference between a maximum value and a minimum value in a ratio of a diffraction peak intensity of orthorhombic crystal (200) plane to a diffraction peak intensity of orthorhombic crystal (110) plane in a monofilament cross section is 0.22 or less.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a polyacetal stretched fiber of a polyacetal resin composition which contains a polyacetal resin and a fatty acid metal salt in an amount of 0.01 to 5 phr relative to the polyacetal resin, wherein the stretched fiber is obtained by stretching a fiber at a temperature of 100° C. or more to a temperature lower than the melting point of a polyacetal resin composition, and the fiber is obtained by melt spinning the polyacetal resin composition, and a fiber assembly comprising the stretched fiber as a main constituent.

Abstract: Provided is a short rubber reinforcement fiber for short fiber-containing rubber compositions that are used for transmission belts for which friction transmission behavior has been stabilized and travel service life has been further improved. The present invention is a short fiber, which is the product of cutting an adhesive-treated synthetic long fiber multifilament yarn and is used by dispersing in a rubber composition, the short fiber being characterized in that the percentage of the number of non-adhesive-treated single yarns is 0-5%; and a method for manufacturing said short fibers, the method comprising a step for immersing a sudare-woven product in which the synthetic long fiber multifilament yarns have been sudare-woven in an adhesive treatment solution and then pressing at a nip pressure of 1.2-5.0 MPa using nip rolls, and a step for cutting the sudare-woven product bundles obtained to a specified length.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include elastomeric stretch fibers containing an anti-tack agent, methods of preparing the fiber, methods of using this fiber, articles including this fiber, and the like.

Abstract: The invention pertains to A polyannide composition [composition (C)] comprising: —from 20 to 95% wt of at least one polyamide [polyamide (A)]; —from 1 to 30% wt of at least one branched polyamide different from polyamide (A), said branched polyamide comprising recurring units derived from polycondensation of a mixture [mixture (B)] comprising: —at least one polyamine monomer comprising at least three amine functional groups selected from the group consisting of secondary amine group of formula —NH— and primary amine group of formula -MH2 [monomer (FN)], and—?-caprolactam (or derivates thereof); said branched polyamide possessing a concentration of amine end groups (AEG) and a concentration of carboxylic end groups (CEG) such that the difference AEG?CEG is of at least 100 meq/kg [polyamide (B)]; and—from 0.01 to 3.

Abstract: A method for producing a flocculent three dimensional fibrous bioactive material using an electrospinning process includes electrospinning a biodegradable fiber by applying an electrical charge to a nozzle of an electrospinning apparatus such that a spinning solution contained therein is made into an electrospun fiber, which is attracted toward a collector container that is electrically grounded and is filled with an ethanol liquid; receiving the electrospun fiber emitted from the nozzle on a surface of the ethanol liquid in the collector container; recovering and drying the electrospun fiber to obtain the flocculent three dimensional fibrous bioactive material having a bulk density of from about 0.01 g/cm3 to about 0.1 g/cm3 as measured in accordance with JIS L 1097.

Abstract: A plant for making continuous yarns (30) made of silicon material comprises at least an extrusion station (12), into which the material is introduced in an amorphous condition, and extrusion means (15) which cause the material to exit from the extrusion station (12) along an extrusion axis (D). The plant also comprises a vulcanization station (16), located downstream of the extrusion station (12), at a determinate distance (“L”) therefrom, in which the continuous yarn (30) is vulcanized in a direction of treatment (T). The plant also comprises a drawing unit (18), disposed downstream of the vulcanization station (16).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drawn PET fiber that can provide a cap ply cord and the like showing more improved modulus and good dimensional stability, a PET tire cord, and a tire including the same. The drawn PET fiber may be a fiber including 90 mol % or more of PET, of which the crystallinity is 53% or more, the amorphous orientation factor (AOF) is 0.15 or less, and the birefringence index is 0.14 to 0.16, after heat-treating the same at 230° C. for 1 minute under the initial load of 20 g/1000 d.

Abstract: Processes for preparing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (“UHMW PE”) filaments and multi-filament yarns, and the yarns and articles produced therefrom. Each process produces UHMW PE yarns having tenacities of 45 g/denier to 60 g/denier or more at commercially viable throughput rates.

Abstract: Methods for making high quality polyimide fibers suitable for continuous industrial production are described. Polyimide fibers are continuously prepared from a polyamic acid solution through sequentially spinning the polyamic acid solution by either a wet or a dry-wet process, coagulating, drying or drying after washing, thermally treating and stretching the resulting polyamic acid fibers to obtain polyimide fibers, and winding polyimide fibers as prepared into rolls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drawn PET fiber which has good dimensional stability and can be applied to a cap ply cord for a pneumatic tire, a PET tire cord, their preparation methods, and a tire including the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an undrawn PET fiber and a drawn PET fiber those can provide a cap ply cord and the like showing more improved modulus and good dimensional stability, and a tire cord including the same. The undrawn PET fiber may be a fiber of which the crystallinity is 25% or more, the birefringence index is 0.085 to 0.11, the amorphous orientation factor (AOF) is 0.15 or less, and the melting temperature (Tm) is 258° C. or more.

Abstract: Provided is a para-type wholly aromatic copolyamide drawn fiber having a tensile elastic modulus of 630 cN/dtex or more. The fiber is obtained by subjecting a para-type wholly aromatic copolyamide raw material fiber to high-tension hot drawing under a tension and at a temperature within specific ranges.

Abstract: A method for forming biodegradable fibers is provided. The method includes blending polylactic acid with a polyepoxide modifier to form a thermoplastic composition, extruding the thermoplastic composition through a die, and thereafter passing the extruded composition through a die to form a fiber. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the polyepoxide modifier reacts with the polylactic acid and results in branching of its polymer backbone, thereby improving its melt strength and stability during fiber spinning without significantly reducing glass transition temperature. The reaction-induced branching can also increase molecular weight, which may lead to improved fiber ductility and the ability to better dissipate energy when subjected to an elongation force. To minimize premature reaction, the polylactic acid and polyepoxide modifier are first blended together at a relatively low temperature(s).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides polyimide fibers with kidney-shaped cross-section and their preparation methods thereof, falling within the technical field of polyimide fiber. Polyimide fibers with kidney-shaped cross-sections are prepared by a continuous, integrated approach, starting from a polyamic acid solution prepared by reacting an aromatic dianhydride with an aromatic diamine. PAA nascent fibers with kidney-shaped cross-sections are obtained by adopting a spinneret having circular orifices under wet spinning process. The kidney-shaped cross-sections are obtained by varying the processing condition, including spinning speed, coagulation bath composition, coagulation temperature, and depth of coagulation bath. After washing and drying, polyamic acid nascent fibers are converted to polyimide fibers with kidney-shaped cross-sections under thermal curing. The integrated preparation methods are suitable for mass industrial production.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes (CNT) fibers having a resistivity lower than 120 ??*cm are prepared by a wet spinning process including the steps of supplying a spin-dope of carbon nanotubes to a spinneret, extruding the spin-dope through at least one spinning hole in the spinneret to form spun carbon nanotubes fibers, and coagulating the spun carbon nanotubes fibers in a coagulation medium to form coagulated carbon nanotubes fibers. The carbon nanotubes fibers are drawn at a draw ratio higher than 1.0. The carbon nanotubes have a length of at least 0.5 ?m. The carbon nanotubes fibers can further have a resistivity lower than 50 ??*cm. At the same time, the CNT fibers can have high modulus.

Abstract: Processes for producing carbon fiber, the filament thereof and pre-oxidized fiber are provided. In one embodiment, the gel spinning of polyacrylonitrile filament is achieved by using small-molecule gelling agent, and the carbon fiber obtained thereby is increased by 15% to 40% in tensile strength and by 20% to 35% in toughness. In another embodiment, the melt spinning process of polyacrylonitrile is conducted by using imidazole type ion liquid as plasticizer, the process reduces environment pollution, is suitable for industrial production and the fiber produced thereby is improved in its strength. In yet another embodiment, polyacrylonitrile pre-oxidized fiber is produced by melt spinning, so low cost and controllable pre-oxidization of polyacrylonitrile can be achieved. In a further embodiment, high strength carbon fiber is manufactured by using polymer thickening agent.

Abstract: An improved process for solution spinning of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW PE) filaments, wherein the 10 wt % solution of the UHMW PE in mineral oil at 250° C. has a Cogswell extensional viscosity and a shear viscosity within select ranges.

Abstract: A melt spinning apparatus has an apparatus body, and the apparatus body includes a spinning nozzle through which a molten resin is extruded into a filament, a primary air channel for directing primary airflow to the filament of the molten resin extruded from the spinning nozzle, and a secondary air channel for directing secondary airflow to the filament at a position downstream of the primary air channel. A part, which is closer to the spinning nozzle, of a wall of the secondary air channel that defines an air exit of the secondary air channel is chamfered to straighten the secondary airflow.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for producing low-titer, high-strength and high-modulus polyethylene fibers, comprising the following steps: dissolving the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene into paraffin oil with a low viscosity to form a spinning solution with a concentration of 3˜15%; extruding the spinning solution through a thin spinneret with at least 10 orifices having a diameter ? of 0.7˜0.8 mm and a length/diameter ratio of 10˜12, by applying a high pressure in the range of 2.5±1.0 MPa to the spinning solution, such that the fluid in the orifices is extruded at a shear rate of 200˜3 500 sec?1; and then performing a jet stretch at a deformation rate of 200˜5 000 min?1 within an air-gap of 10˜15 mm between the spinneret and the quench bath surface; feeding the jet-stretched fluid into the quench bath to form gel filaments; extracting and drying the gel filaments; and performing a multistage ultrahigh post stretch on the dried gel filaments with a stretch ratio of 15 or less.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are monofilament fibers comprising at least one polymeric resin and at least one coated filler, wherein the at least one coated filler has an average particle size of less than or equal to about 3 microns and/or has a top cut of less than or equal to about 10 microns, and wherein the at least one coated filler is present in an amount of less than or equal to about 50% by weight, relative to the total weight of the monofilament fibers. Also disclosed herein are methods for producing monofilament fibers comprising adding ground calcium carbonate to at least one polymeric resin and extruding the resulting mixture.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a polyacrylonitrile fiber includes a spinning process in which a spinning dope including polyacrylonitrile is spun; a first drawing process; a drying process; and a second hot drawing process in this order.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for preparing gelatinized pre-oriented filaments and the gelatinized pre-oriented filaments prepared by the method. The method comprises: feeding a spinning dope into a twin-screw extruder for blending and extruding the same to obtain a first spinning solution having a non-Newtonian index of 0.1-0.8 and a structural viscosity index of 10-50; feeding the first spinning solution into a spinning box, and drawing at a spinneret with a factor of 5-20 so as to obtain a second spinning solution; and flash cooling and curing the second spinning solution so as to obtain the gelatinized pre-oriented filaments. Also provided are a method for preparing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers by using the above method and the fibers prepared by this method.

Abstract: A method for producing a polyglycolic acid fiber, including: obtaining undrawn yarns by melt spinning a polyglycolic acid resin; keeping the undrawn yarns under a temperature condition of 1 to 20° C.; obtaining drawn yarns by drawing the kept undrawn yarns; and, if necessary obtaining a staple fiber by cutting the drawn yarns.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a synthetic fiber which is for use in fabrics having uniform fiber density, permeability and the like, is appropriate for high-density, high-speed weaving, and exhibits excellent weft insertion stability. This synthetic fiber is characterized by having: a fiber density of 200-720 dtex; an average intermediate loading modulus of more than 75 cN/dtex and less than 150 cN/dtex; and a variation coefficient of the intermediate modulus of 5% or less.

Abstract: A paper machine clothing (PMC) fabric includes a plurality of monofilament yarns, at least some of the monofilament yarns having a composition formed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The PET monofilament yarns have an abrasion resistance of greater than 6,000 cycles.

Abstract: A paper machine clothing (PMC) fabric includes a plurality of monofilament yarns, at least some of the monofilament yarns having a composition formed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The PET monofilament yarns have an abrasion resistance of greater than 6,000 cycles.

Abstract: Absorbable polyester fibers, braids, and surgical meshes with prolonged strength retention have been developed. These devices are preferably derived from biocompatible copolymers or nomopolymers of 4-hydroxybutyrate. These devices provide a wider range of in vivo strength retention properties than are currently available, and could offer additional benefits such as anti-adhesion properties, reduced risks of infection or other post-operative problems resulting from absorption and eventual elimination of the device, and competitive cost. The devices may also be particularly suitable for use in pediatric populations where their absorption should not hinder growth, and provide in all patient populations wound healing with long-term mechanical stability. The devices may additionally he combined with autologous, allogenic and/or xenogenic tissues to provide implants with improved mechanical, biological and handling properties.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a coform fibrous materials comprising the steps of supplying a first fiber forming stream comprising a first phase comprising a polymer melt and a second phase comprising a pressurized gas to a two-phase flow nozzle, supplying a separate second stream containing at least one secondary material to the two-phase flow nozzle, combining the first fiber forming stream and the second stream to form a composite fiber forming stream and fibrillating the composite fiber forming stream into a coform fibrous web. Superabsorbent and filtration coform fibrous materials for filtration and produced using the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A biodegradable filament of polyglycolic acid resin having practical properties represented by high tensile strength and knot strength is produced. A polyglycolic acid resin having a residual monomer content of below 0.5 wt. % is melt-spun, quenched in a liquid bath of at most 10° C. and then stretched in a liquid bath of 60-83° C. to produce a polyglycolic acid resin filament having a tensile strength of at least 750 MPa and a knot strength of at least 600 MPa.

Abstract: A production method for a carbon fiber precursor fiber bundle and a production apparatus of the carbon fiber precursor fiber bundle. A carbon fiber precursor fiber bundle that has a degree of intermingle of 1 m?1 or less between small tows, consists of substantially straight fibers without imparted crimp, a tow of which straight fibers has a moisture content of less than 10% by mass when housed in a container, and has a widthwise dividing capability to maintain a form of a single aggregate of tows when housed in a container, taken out from the container and guided into a firing step, and to divide into a plurality of small tows in the firing step by the tension generated in the firing step.

Abstract: A method of preparing meta-aramid fibers includes the operations of polymerization, neutralization and spinning using m-phenylenediamine and isophthaloyl chloride as raw materials, wherein the neutralizing agent is added in an amount that is sufficient only for neutralizing a part of hydrogen chloride, so that the resultant spin dope of polyisophthaloyl metaphenylene diamine contains salts produced by the neutralization reaction and a part of unneutralized hydrogen chloride. The method of the invention has a short production line with reduced amount of the neutralizing agent, therefore both the costs of raw materials and the production energy consumption are saved. The fibers prepared according to the method of the invention have reduced gray scale to improve the electrical insulation properties of the fibers.

Abstract: The present invention is a bioactive, nanofibrous material construct which is manufactured using a unique electrospinning perfusion methodology. One embodiment provides a nanofibrous biocomposite material formed as a discrete textile fabric from a prepared liquid admixture of (i) a non-biodegradable durable synthetic polymer; (ii) a biologically active agent; and (iii) a liquid organic carrier. These biologically-active agents are chemical compounds which retain their recognized biological activity both before and after becoming non-permanently bound to the formed textile material; and will become subsequently released in-situ as discrete freely mobile agents from the fabric upon uptake of water from the ambient environment.

Abstract: Absorbable polyester fibers, braids, and surgical meshes with prolonged strength retention have been developed. These devices are preferably derived from biocompatible copolymers or homopolymers of 4-hydroxybutyrate. These devices provide a wider range of in vivo strength retention properties than are currently available, and could offer additional benefits such as anti-adhesion properties, reduced risks of infection or other post-operative problems resulting from absorption and eventual elimination of the device, and competitive cost. The devices may also be particularly suitable for use in pediatric populations where their absorption should not hinder growth, and provide in all patient populations wound healing with long-term mechanical stability. The devices may additionally be combined with autologous, allogenic and/or xenogenic tissues to provide implants with improved mechanical, biological and handling properties.

Abstract: A fine denier poly(trimethylene arylate) spun drawn fiber is characterized by high denier uniformity. A process for preparing uniform fine denier yarns at spinning speeds of 4000 to 6000 m/min is further disclosed. The poly(trimethylene arylate) fiber hereof comprises 0.1 to 3% by weight of polystyrene dispersed therewithin. Fabrics prepared therefrom are also disclosed.

Abstract: A continuous fastener element including: a coupling head; upper and lower leg portions; and a connecting portion wherein surfaces of the coupling head, the leg portions, and the connecting portion are each formed as a rough surface with a plurality of recesses. Furthermore, a head surface of the coupling head of the continuous fastener element is formed to have an average roughness Ra smaller than that of outer peripheral surfaces of the leg portions. Accordingly, gloss and luster of the continuous fastener element may be easily reduced or removed. Furthermore, when the slide fastener is formed, the resistance between the coupling heads of the left and right continuous fastener elements may be made small and the left and right element rows may smoothly engage with each other or disengage from each other.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for producing nanofibers and non-woven nanofibrous materials from polymer melts, liquids and particles using a two-phase flow nozzle. The process comprises supplying a first phase comprising a polymer melt and a second phase comprising a pressurized gas stream to a two-phase flow nozzle; injecting the polymer melt and the pressurized gas stream into a mixing chamber within the two-phase flow nozzle wherein the mixing chamber combines the polymer flow and pressurized gas into a two-phase flow; distributing the two-phase flow uniformly to a converging channel terminating into an channel exit wherein the converging channel accelerates the two-phase flow creating a polymeric film along the surface of the converging channel and fibrillating the polymeric film at the channel exit of the converging channel in the form of a plurality of nanofibers.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of processing a polymer comprises: mixing polymer and solid carbon dioxide; introducing the polymer and solid carbon dioxide mixture to a hopper of a vented extruder; plasticizing the mixture to form a polymer melt with dissolved carbon dioxide; venting carbon dioxide as a gas before the die exit; and extruding the polymer melt through a die. In an embodiment, a method of making an article comprises: introducing a polymer powder to an extruder; introducing solid carbon dioxide powder to the extruder at the hopper; plasticizing and extruding the polymer and solid carbon dioxide mixture; venting the solid carbon dioxide before the die exit; extruding the polymer melt through a die to form pellets; and injection molding the polymer pellets without solid carbon dioxide to form molded articles.