Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypropylene composition for thermoforming comprising: from 50% by weight to at most 90% by weight of a polypropylene A, wherein polypropylene A is a polypropylene random copolymer, based on the total weight of the polypropylene composition; and from 10% by weight to at most 50% by weight of a polypropylene B, wherein polypropylene B is a polypropylene homopolymer, based on the total weight of the polypropylene composition; wherein the melt flow index of polypropylene B is at most 1.0 g/10 min, as measured according to the method of standard ISO 1133, condition M, at 230° C. and under a load of 2.16 kg; and wherein the ratio of the melt flow index of polypropylene A to the melt flow index of polypropylene B is at least 80.

Abstract: Processes are provided which include copolymerization using two different metallocene catalysts, one capable of producing high Mooney-viscosity polymers and one suitable for producing lower Mooney-viscosity polymers having at least a portion of vinyl terminations. The two catalysts may be used together in polymerization to produce copolymer compositions of particularly well-tuned properties. For instance, polymerizations are contemplated to produce high-Mooney metallocene polymers that exhibit excellent processability and elasticity, notwithstanding their high Mooney viscosity. Other polymerizations are also contemplated in which lower-Mooney metallocene polymers are produced, which also exhibit excellent processability and elasticity, while furthermore having excellent cure properties suitable in curable elastomer compound applications.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for manufacturing and using heat-shrink elastomeric. An example method of manufacturing a heat-shrink elastomeric element comprises providing a thermoplastic elastomeric element having a first shape; modifying the thermoplastic elastomeric element to produce a thermoset elastomeric element having the first shape; heating the thermoset elastomeric element to a temperature of at least the glass transition temperature of the thermoset elastomeric element; adjusting the first shape of the thermoset elastomeric element to produce a second shape with at least one dimension greater than that of the first shape; and cooling the thermoset elastomeric element to a temperature below that of the glass transition temperature of the thermoset elastomeric element to produce the heat-shrink elastomeric element.

Abstract: This application relates to copolymer compositions and copolymerization processes. The processes may use two different metallocene catalysts: one capable of producing high molecular weight copolymers; and one suitable for producing lower molecular weight copolymers having at least a portion of vinyl terminations, and the copolymer compositions produced thereby. Copolymer compositions may comprise (1) a first ethylene copolymer fraction having high molecular weight, exhibiting branching topology, and having relatively lower ethylene content (based on the weight of the first ethylene copolymer fraction); and (2) a second ethylene copolymer fraction having low molecular weight, exhibiting linear rheology, and having relatively higher ethylene content (based on the weight of the second ethylene copolymer fraction).

Abstract: Processes are provided which include copolymerization using two different metallocene catalysts, one capable of producing high Mooney-viscosity polymers and one suitable for producing lower Mooney-viscosity polymers having at least a portion of vinyl terminations. The two catalysts may be used together in polymerization to produce copolymer compositions of particularly well-tuned properties. For instance, polymerizations are contemplated to produce high-Mooney metallocene polymers that exhibit excellent processability and elasticity, notwithstanding their high Mooney viscosity. Other polymerizations are also contemplated in which lower-Mooney metallocene polymers are produced, which also exhibit excellent processability and elasticity, while furthermore having excellent cure properties suitable in curable elastomer compound applications.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a composite long fiber product has steps of preparing base materials, mixing the base materials, and injection molding. In the step of preparing base materials, a first plastic base material, a second plastic base material, and a carbon fiber base material are prepared. In the step of mixing the base materials, the carbon fiber base material is grinded in a first mixing device and is mixed with the first plastic base material. An average length of the grinded carbon fiber base material is at least 10 millimeters. In the step of the injection molding, the first plastic base material and a mixture of the second plastic base material and the carbon fiber base material are injected into a molding device. The mixture of the second plastic base material and the carbon fiber base material can diffuse uniformly in the molding device.

Abstract: Solid-state deformation processing of crosslinked high molecular weight polymers such as UHMWPE, for example by extrusion below the melt transition, produces materials with a combination of high tensile strength and high oxidative stability. The materials are especially suitable for use as bearing components in artificial hip and other implants. Treated bulk materials are anisotropic, with enhanced strength oriented along the axial direction. The material is oxidatively stable even after four weeks of accelerated aging in a pressure vessel containing five atmospheres of oxygen (ASTM F2003). Because of its oxidative stability, the deformation processed material is a suitable candidate for air-permeable packaging and gas sterilization, which has thus far been reserved for remelted crosslinked UHMWPE.

Abstract: A system for making PET objects including a means for reacting a first PET precursor and a second PET precursor to produce a PET melt; a means for flowing the PET melt to a valve having at least two outlets; a means for flowing the PET melt from at least one of the at least two outlets to at least one die forming line and one pelletizing (cutter) line. A means for controlling individually the mass flow of the PET melt in each of the at least two system lines independently of the other and a means for forming the PET objects from the PET melt. The control scheme is a combination of a feed forward system as well as a feedback loop. The entire control scheme is part of the overall system PLC. The fine tuning of the pressure at the outlet of the die forming loop is controllers to less than +/?1 bar to obtain maximum control of formed part.

Abstract: A method of preparing a green tire innerliner, the method comprising mixing one or more vulcanizable rubbery polymers, less than 0.75 parts by weight zinc oxide, less than 0.75 parts by weight magnesium oxide, and less than 0.75 parts by weight sulfur, per 100 parts by weight rubber, to form a vulcanizable mixture and extruding the mixture to form a green tire innerliner.

Abstract: A dual reactor solution process gives high density polyethylene compositions containing a first ethylene copolymer and a second ethylene copolymer and which have good processability, toughness, and environmental stress crack resistance combined with good organoleptic properties. The polyethylene compositions are suitable for compression molding or injection molding applications and are particularly useful in the manufacture of caps and closures for bottles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are ethylene-based polymers having low densities and narrow molecular weight distributions, but high melt strengths for blown film processing. Such polymers can be produced by peroxide-treating a metallocene-catalyzed resin.

Abstract: Provided are processes comprising crosslinking polyethylene or using crosslinked polyethylene. Furthermore, the processes may include compacting and/or sintering the polyethylene. The polyethylene can comprise virgin ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene having a weight average molecular weight of at least 1,000,000 g/mol, to provide a compacted composition comprising virgin ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene.

Abstract: A process for homogenizing and pelletizing a polyethylene composition comprising the steps of a) providing a polyethylene composition having a density of from 0.90 g/cm3 to 0.97 g/cm3 and a melt flow rate MFR21.6 at 190° C. under a load of 21.6 kg of from 1 g/10 min to 80 g/10 min, b) melting the polyethylene composition; c) passing the melt through a combination of screens consisting of screens having a mesh opening of at least 205 ?m and comprising at least two screens having a mesh opening of from 205 ?m to 350 ?m; and e) pelletizing the molten polyethylene composition, the use of a polyethylene composition obtained by such a process for the preparation of films, fibers, pipes, blow-molded articles, injection-molded articles, compression-molded articles or rotomolded articles and films, fibers, pipes, blow-molded articles, injection-molded articles, compression-molded articles or rotomolded articles prepared from a polyethylene composition obtained by such a process.

Abstract: A method of preparing a thermoformed article which is relatively isotropic in terms of shrinkage of the final thermoformed article along the sheet extrusion flow path (the longitudinal direction) and the transverse direction. The article is prepared from an isotactic polypropylene produced by the polymerization of propylene with an isospecific metallocene catalyst. The polymer has a melt flow rate within the range of 1-5 grams/10 minutes and a melting temperature of no more than 160° C. The polypropylene is extruded to provide a sheet which is oriented in at least one direction and has a thickness of 10-100 mils. The sheet is heated to a temperature of 135-160° C, and thermoformed in contact with a template having the desired configuration to produce the thermoformed article. The thermoformed article is then cooled and retrieved from the template to arrive at the final product.

Abstract: A synthetic article comprising at least one polyester resin adhesive and at least one lignin-based material and a method of preparing a synthetic article comprising mixing at least one polyester resin adhesive and at least one lignin-based material to obtain a blended material and forming a synthetic article from the blended material.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for preparing a plastic containing feedstream for conversion to valuable carbon-containing products such as synthetic crude oil. In some systems and methods, the plastic material is prepared from carpet scrap.

Abstract: A composition comprising: (I) 30 to 85 wt % of a polypropylene component comprising a polypropylene copolymer; (II) 5 to 49 wt % of a second component comprising at least one ethylene alkyl (meth)acrylate polymer having a (meth)acrylate content of at least 15 wt %; and (III) 10 to 50 wt % of glass fibres.

Abstract: A method for secondary-molding a polymer nano oriented crystal material in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: heating the polymer nano oriented crystal material so that the polymer nano oriented crystal material changes into a mobile phase or a melt having a dense entanglement network structure; molding the polymer nano oriented crystal material which changed into the mobile phase or the melt including the dense entanglement network in the step; and cooling the polymer nano oriented crystal material, which has undergone the step, until the polymer nano oriented crystal material changes into an ordered phase.

Abstract: The instant invention provides rotational molded articles, and method of making the same. The rotational molded articles according to the present invention comprise a polyethylene composition comprising: (a) at least 85 percent by weight of the units derived from ethylene; and (b) less than 15 percent by weight of units derived from one or more ?-olefin comonomers; wherein the polyethylene composition has a density in the range of 0.930 to 0.945 g/cm3, a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) in the range of 1.70 to 3.50, a melt index (I2) in the range of 0.5 to 20 g/10 minutes, a molecular weight distribution (Mz/Mw) in the range of less than 2.5, vinyl unsaturation of less than 0.06 vinyls per one thousand carbon atoms present in the backbone of the polyethylene composition.

Abstract: Industrial polyolefin piping system with improved stiffness, impact strength for use at high service temperature, comprising single or multilayer pipes, fitting, chambers, valves and vessels, consisting of ?-nucleated propylene homopolymers with an IR??0.98 having a tensile modulus ?1500 MPa, a Charpy impact strength, notched, at +23° C.?30 kJ/m2 and a Vicat B temperature >90° C. and a Heat Distortion Temperature >100° C. The industrial polyolefin piping system is suitable for chemical plant constructions comprising single or multilayer pipes, fittings, chambers, valves and vessels with improved stiffness, impact strength and high service temperature, preferred for conveyance of natural gas, dangerous liquids and/or toxic liquids.

Abstract: A film comprising a polylactic acid and polypropylene blend having a haze of from about 10% to about 95% and a gloss 45° of from about 50 to about 125. A method of producing an oriented film comprising blending polypropylene and polylactic acid to form a polymeric blend, forming the polymeric blend into a film, and orienting the film. A method of producing an injection molded article comprising blending polypropylene and polylactic acid to form a polymeric blend, injecting the polymeric blend into a mold, and forming the article.

Abstract: Solid-state deformation processing of crosslinked high molecular weight polymers such as UHMWPE, for example by extrusion below the melt transition, produces materials with a desirable combination of physical and chemical properties. Crosslinked bulk materials are heated to a compression deformable temperature, and pressure is applied to change a transverse dimension of the material. After cooling and stress relieving, a treated bulk material is obtained that has enhanced tensile strength in the axial direction orthogonal to the dimension change. In preferred embodiments, medical implant bearing materials are machined from the treated bulk material with the in vivo load bearing axis substantially parallel or coincident with the axial direction of the treated bulk material.

Abstract: A radiation crosslinked (50 kGy), pressure-treated UHMWPE material has been developed by applying compressive force on a crosslinked polymer in a direction orthogonal to an axial direction. The deformed material is then cooled while held in a deformed state. The resulting material is anisotropic, with enhanced strength oriented along the axial direction. The directionally engineered material is oxidatively stable even after four weeks of accelerated aging in a pressure vessel containing five atmospheres of oxygen (ASTM F2003). Because of its oxidative stability, the deformation processed material is a suitable candidate for air-permeable packaging and gas sterilization, which has thus far been reserved for remelted highly crosslinked UHMWPEs.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed a process for the preparation of thermal insulation sheets fashioned from certain unseparated mixtures of post-consumer plastic articles. The mixtures of such articles used are those which contain articles made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polystyrene (PS) and optionally also articles made of high density polyethylene (HDPE). An unseparated mixture of such articles is provided in Step A of the process. This mixture is then crushed and shredded in Step B to form plastic flakes, and these plastic flakes are then homogenized In Step C to form a uniform blend of the several plastic types. Homogenization of the flakes can be carried out either by melt-blending them or by further comminution to produce very fine particles of the mixed plastics. The resulting homogenized mixture of plastic types is then compression molded in Step D into sheets ranging in thickness from about 3 to 10 mm.

Abstract: Provided is a composition comprising a mixture of a high molecular weight (Mw between 80,000 and 500,000 Da) carboxylate functionalized ethylene terpolymer, a high molecular weight (Mw between 80,000 and 500,000 Da) carboxylate functionalized ethylene dipolymer and a low molecular weight (Mw between 2,000 and 30,000 Da) carboxylate functionalized ethylene copolymer wherein the carboxylic acid groups are at least partially neutralized to form salts containing zinc cations. The composition provides a good balance of hardness, flexural modulus and scuff resistance. The composition is used in films, multilayer structures and other articles of manufacture, such as golf balls.

Abstract: Methods of making ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UMWPE) having increased strength and/or wear resistance, such as high yield strength, high tensile strength, high load strength, and/or high impact strength. Some embodiments include making UHMWPE having increased strength and/or wear resistance, such as that listed above, where the UHMWPE has co-monomers.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a compatibilized polymeric blend. A first thermoplastic polymer and a reactive moiety are provided to a progressive melt kneading apparatus. The reactive moiety comprises a first reactive group capable of reacting with the first thermoplastic polymer but not a second polymer and a second reactive group capable of reacting with the second polymer but not the first polymer. The first thermoplastic polymer and the reactive moiety are then melt kneaded so that the first reactive group reacts with the first thermoplastic polymer and the second reactive group is grafted to the first thermoplastic polymer, forming a molten self-compatibilizer. A molten second polymer is then provided. The molten self-compatibilizer is melt kneaded with the molten second polymer so that the second reactive group reacts with the second polymer to form a compatibilized polymeric blend. Also provided are articles formed from the compatibilized polymer blend.

Abstract: Articles made of and/or including ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UMWPE) having increased strength and/or wear resistance, such as high yield strength, high tensile strength, high load strength, and/or high impact strength. Some embodiments of articles made of and/or including UHMWPE having increased strength and/or wear resistance, such as that listed above, include UHMWPE having co-monomers.

Abstract: Solid-state deformation processing of crosslinked high molecular weight polymers such as UHMWPE, for example by extrusion below the melt transition, produces materials with a combination of high tensile strength and high oxidative stability. The materials are especially suitable for use as bearing components in artificial hip and other implants. Treated bulk materials are anisotropic, with enhanced strength oriented along the axial direction. The material is oxidatively stable even after four weeks of accelerated aging in a pressure vessel containing five atmospheres of oxygen (ASTM F2003). Because of its oxidative stability, the deformation processed material is a suitable candidate for air-permeable packaging and gas sterilization, which has thus far been reserved for remelted crosslinked UHMWPE.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a thermoforming process and thermoformed articles produced therefrom. The thermoforming process includes heating a structure with a gloss layer composed of a propylene-based polymer having a melt flow rate from about 0.1 g/10 min to about 1.5 g/10 min, and producing a thermoformed article wherein the gloss layer has a post-thermoformed Gardner gloss value within 25% of the pre-thermoformed Gardner gloss value for the gloss layer. The thermoformed article may have a gloss layer with a post-thermoformed Gardner gloss value greater than or equal to about 60.

Abstract: This invention covers a method of manufacturing a composite laminate comprising the steps of (a) cutting a plurality of ply shapes from prepreg sheet stock, (b) stacking, in the desired order, the prepreg ply shapes to form a subassembly of from 2 to 8 cut plies, the subassembly further comprising at least 2 different ply shapes, (c) pre-consolidating the subassembly under heat and pressure to form a semi-rigid preform, (d) assembling a plurality of semi-rigid preforms into a mold, and (e) consolidating the plurality of preforms under heat and pressure to form a cured composite laminate. The prepreg plies further comprise from 70 to 92% by weight of a fabric made from continuous yarn having a tenacity of at least 20 grams per dtex and a modulus of at least 550 grams per dtex, and from 8 to 30% by weight of a thermoplastic matrix copolymer blend. The composite laminate is particularly useful as an anti-ballistic hard armor laminate in articles such as helmets and other hard armor products.

Abstract: A light wood-containing material having an average density in the range from 200 to 600 kg/m3, comprising, based in each case on the wood-containing material: A) from 30 to 95% by weight of wood particles; B) from 1 to 25% by weight of a filler having a bulk density in the range from 10 to 150 kg/m3, selected from the group consisting of foamable plastic particles and already foamed plastic particles; C) from 0.1 to 50% by weight of a binder and, if appropriate, D) additives, the following relationship being true for the d? values according to Rosin-Rammler-Sperling-Bennet of the wood particles A) and of the particles of the filler B): d? of the particles A)?2.5×d? of the particles B).

Abstract: that are made up of oriented polymer chains are provided. Chains of polymer may be oriented or substantially aligned in one or more directions exhibiting enhanced thermal conductivity along the direction of orientation. Orientation of polymers within sheets may lead to a wide range of thermally relevant applications.

Abstract: A honeycomb containing a thermoplastic material, high modulus fiber and thermoset resin has process steps of fracturing the thermoset resin, bending, molding or forming the honeycomb in a mold or over a form, heating to allow flow of thermoplastic material and cooling of the honeycomb to retain the shape of the mold or form.

Abstract: A radiation crosslinked (50 kGy), pressure-treated UHMWPE material has been developed by applying compressive force on a crosslinked polymer in a direction orthogonal to an axial direction. The deformed material is then cooled while held in a deformed state. The resulting material is anisotropic, with enhanced strength oriented along the axial direction. The directionally engineered material is oxidatively stable even after four weeks of accelerated aging in a pressure vessel containing five atmospheres of oxygen (ASTM F2003). Because of its oxidative stability, the deformation processed material is a suitable candidate for air-permeable packaging and gas sterilization, which has thus far been reserved for remelted highly crosslinked UHMWPEs.

Abstract: Cylindrical devices (frits) are prepared by embedding aminoalkyl- or mercaptoalkyl-modified Controlled Pore Glass (CPG) in high-density polyethylene. Methods and devices pertaining to their use in the synthesis of nucleic acids are described. A reusable synthesis column or a reusable 96-chamber synthesis plate have been designed to hold one to 96 of the said frits that are inserted reproducibly into the synthesis chambers with a frit insertor. A short gas surpressure is required to drive entry of chemical reagents into the said frit. Reagents are retained into the frit until a second, longer surpressure is applied to drain the said reagents.

Abstract: UHMWPE panels of large width may be ram extruded from a slit die in a stable process, by restraining a panel which exits the die below the crystalline melt temperature against movement away from the die by a back pressure device, so as to exert a back pressure between the back pressure device and the die, the back pressure device preferably constructed of a plurality of differentially adjustable elements so as to be able to compensate for changes in processing characteristics over time. Vertically restraining UHMWPE panels as they further cool also greatly improves product characteristics.

Abstract: UHMWPE panels of large width may be prepared by a continuous ram extrusion process by employing a slit die which preferably narrows from both sides in a direction transverse to the machine direction, and/or which employs a plurality of transversely positioned cooling zones located on the top and the bottom of the die, proximate the exit thereof. The panel exits the die at a temperature lower than the crystalline melt temperature.

Abstract: A shape memory polymer composition is described comprising greater that 90 wt. % cyclooctene, less than 10 wt. % of a multicyclic diene, comprising at least two cyclo olefinic rings with at least two reactive double bonds, and less than 2 wt. % of a metathesis catalyst.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bearing material of a medical implant, which is an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composite. The composite comprises, for example, UHMWPE and a polyethylene copolymer having a polymer backbone and pendant hydrophilic groups or pendant surface active agents that are attached to the polymer backbone. Also disclosed are methods for preparing bearing materials. The bearing material has one or more advantageous properties including reduced immune response, reduced wear, and/or increased lubrication.

Abstract: A composite bipolar plate for a polymer electrolyte membrane membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is prepared as follows: a) melt compounding a polypropylene resin and graphite powder at 100-250° C. and 30-150 rpm to form a melt compounding material, the graphite powder content ranging from 50 wt % to 95 wt % based on the total weight of the graphite powder and the polypropylene resin, and the polypropylene resin being a homopolymer of propylene or a copolymer of propylene and ethylene, wherein 0.05-20 wt % carbon nanotubes, based on the weight of the polypropylene resin, are added during the melt compounding; and b) molding the melt compounding material from step a) to form a bipolar plate having a desired shaped at 100-250° C. and 500-4000 psi.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic pipe having improved resistance to thermooxidative degradation when this pipe is in long-term contact with liquids which comprise disinfectants having an oxidizing action. To achieve this, the pipe according to the invention has a fluorine coating on its inner surface.

Abstract: The instant invention is a high-density polyethylene composition, method of producing the same, injection molded articles made therefrom, and method of making such articles. The high-density polyethylene composition of the instant invention includes a first component, and a second component. The first component is a high molecular weight ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer having a density in the range of 0.920 to 0.946 g/cm3, and a melt index (I21.6) in the range of 1 to 15 g/10 minutes. The second component is a low molecular weight ethylene polymer having a density in the range of 0.965 to 0.980 g/cm3, and a melt index (I2) in the range of 30 to 1500 g/10 minutes. The high-density polyethylene composition has a melt index (I2) of at least 1, a density in the range of 0.950 to 0.960 g/cm3.

Abstract: Provided are processes comprising crosslinking polyethylene or using crosslinked polyethylene. Furthermore, the processes may include compacting and/or sintering the polyethylene.

Abstract: A polymer film having a thickness of 10 microns or less and improved barrier characteristics to both water vapor and oxygen is formed from a biaxially-oriented polypropylene film of isotactic polypropylene. The polypropylene is prepared by the polymerization of propylene in the presence of an isospecific metallocene catalyst. The film has a permeability to water vapor of less than about 2.5 g/m2 day/25 ?m and a permeability to oxygen of less than about 2200 cc/m2 day/25 ?m. The film also has a haze properties of less than about 1%. The polypropylene contains 0.1 to 1% 2,1 insertions and has an isotacticity of at least 96% meso pentads. The isotactic polypropylene thus produced is then extruded into a sheet that is biaxially-oriented by stressing the sheet in the transverse and longitudinal directions to a draw ratio of at least about 6:1 in the transverse direction, and at least about 4:1 in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene compositions of highly beneficial sintering characteristics are disclosed and methods for making and processing time. Additionally, products comprising these compositions are described.

Abstract: A composition is described in one aspect as comprising one or more propylene-?-olefin terpolymers; wherein the propylene-?-olefin terpolymer(s) possess a melting temperature (Tm) within the range of from less than 105° C., and a heat of fusion (Hf) within the range of from less than 75 J/g; one or more polyolefin(s); and oil; wherein fillers are present, if at all, at a level that maintains a Haze value of 65% or less for the composition. The terpolymer in one embodiment is a polymer comprising at least 65 wt %, by weight of the terpolymer, of propylene-derived units, within the range of from 5 to 35 wt % of ethylene or other ?-olefin and a diene such as ethylidiene norbornene, and in certain embodiments having a Mooney Viscosity (ML(1+4)@125° C.) within the range of from 10 to 50 (ASTM D1646). The compositions can be cured to form transparent or translucent articles such as sheets that are also flexible.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a molded article formed of an isotactic ethylene propylene copolymer comprising providing an isotactic ethylene-propylene copolymer having an ethylene content of no more than 5 weight percent produced by the copolymerization of ethylene and propylene in the presence of an isospecific metallocene catalyst; heating the copolymer to a molten state; incorporating a nucleating agent into copolymer in an amount effective to provide a uniform shrinkage of the molded article at 48 hours molding of the at least 85% as determined by the differential in transverse and longitudinal shrinkage at the 48 hour mark; extruding the molten copolymer into a mold cavity; cooling the copolymer within the confines of the mold cavity to solidify the copolymer and form the molded article which is then retrieved from the mold cavity.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing extrudable/melt spinnable concentrate pellets which contain phase change materials (PCMs), whether the PCMs are micro-encapsulated absorbed into carrier polymers, or non-micro-encapsulated within the concentrate pellets. The polymer matrix within the concentrate pellets can be any thermoplastic polymer or combination of thermoplastic polymers, and the concentrate pellets can then be blended into similar thermoplastic polymers to form mono-filament melt spun fibers, extruded films, injection molded products, etc., or the concentrate pellets can be blended with other thermoplastic polymers to form bi-component or multi-component melt spun fibers, extruded films, injection molded products, etc.

Abstract: Solid-state deformation processing of crosslinked high molecular weight polymers such as UHMWPE, for example by extrusion below the melt transition, produces materials with a desirable combination of physical and chemical properties. Crosslinked bulk materials are heated to a compression deformable temperature, and pressure is applied to change a transverse dimension of the material. After cooling and stress relieving, a treated bulk material is obtained that has enhanced tensile strength in the axial direction orthogonal to the dimension change. In preferred embodiments, medical implant bearing materials are machined from the treated bulk material with the in vivo load bearing axis substantially parallel or coincident with the axial direction of the treated bulk material.