Article of fibrillated polytetrafluoroethylene containing high volumes of particulate material and methods of making and using same

Abstract

Articles of manufacture having good green strength and low modulii of elasticity, and comprising a matrix of fibrillated polytetrafluoroethylene interconnecting and entrapping a high volume, at least about 85%, of a particulate and preferably a sinterable material selected from the group consisting of metals, intermetallic compounds, ceramics, salts, plastics, and combinations thereof. Said articles are formed by mechanically working a substantially dry mixture of a fibrillable polytetrafluoroethylene polymer and a high volume, at least about 85%, of the particulate material. Metal, ceramic and plastic articles prepared by heat treating, such as sintering, the articles of manufacture are also disclosed. The heat treated products are useful, inter alia, as structural elements and electronic components.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.