Process for the production of fibers from poly(etheretherketone)-type polymers

A process for preparing microporous poly(etheretherketone)-type fibers, comprising

• A. forming an extrusion mixture of
• (1.) at least one unsulfonated poly(etheretherketone)-type polymer,
• (2.) a solvent comprising at least one organic compound consisting predominantly of carbon and hydrogen and optionally oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, halogen, and mixtures thereof, wherein the organic compound has a molecular weight of between about 160 and 450, contains at least one six membered aromatic ring structure, possesses a boiling point of between about 240 and 480 degrees Celsius, and is capable of dissolving at least about 10 weight percent of the poly(etheretherketone)-type polymer present at the extrusion temperature,
• B. extruding the fluid to form solid or hollow fibers;
• C. conveying the fibers through at least one quench zone wherein the fibers cool and solidify;
• D. conveying the fibers through at least one leach zone wherein a substantial portion of the solvent is removed;
• and
• E. drying the fibers;
• wherein the fibers so formed possess interconnecting or non-interconnecting pores.