3-Hydroxybutyric acid polymers
AssigneeImperial Chemical Industries PLC
InventorsPeter J. Barham, Paul A. Holmes
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A solvent-free preform of a 3-hydroxybutyric acid polymer is subjected to a compression step to reduce its thickness by at least 5% and the compressed preform is then drawn uni- or bi- axially to induce orientation.
Claims12
A process for the production of a shaped article from a polymeric material in which 3-hydroxybutyric acid residues form at least 40 mole % of the polymer chain comprising subjecting a solvent-free preform of the polymer to compressive force at a temperature between the glass transition temperature and the crystalline melting point of the polymer so that its thickness is reduced by at least 5%, and thereafter drawing the compressed preform uni- or bi-axially.
A process for the production of an oriented film from a polymeric material in which 3-hydroxybutyric acid residues form at least 40 mole % of the polymer chain compressing applying a solution of said polymeric material in a solvent therefore to a surface, evaporating solvent from said solution to form a solution cast film, subjecting said film to a compressive force at a temperature between the glass transition temperature and the crystalline melting point of the polymer so that the thickness of the film is reduced by at least 5%, and thereafter drawing the compressed film uni- or bi-axially.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.