Abstract: A continuous fibrillated structure, formed by the abrupt pressure release of a two-phase liquid mixture of polymer and solvent at elevated temperature and pressure so as to cause the instantaneous vaporization of the solvent, is shredded by introducing a make-up fluid into the two-phase liquid mixture before the pressure release is complete.

Abstract: A high density polymer powder is prepared by preparing a melt of the polymer, and intimately mixing from 10 to 50 weight percent of a solvent therewith, and discharging the mixture through an atomizing nozzle.

Abstract: a method of continuously treating an aqueous latex of a synthetic polymer which contains unreacted residual monomer from the polymerization reaction used for the production of the polymer, which method comprises feeding the aqueous latex as a spray into the top of a vertical column so that it forms a liquid film on the inner surface thereof which film then flows down the column, and contacting the spray and the descending film with an upward flow of a hot inert gas or vapor whereby residual monomer is separated from the latex and is removed with the flow of inert gas or vapor leaving the column. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also claimed. The method is advantageously employed for the removal of residual vinyl chloride monomer from a latex of a vinyl chloride polymer.