ISSN:
0032-3888
Keywords:
Chemistry
;
Chemical Engineering
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
,
Physics
Notes:
Fibers of organic polymers (polystyrene, cellulose acetate, and polypropylene) were formed by the rapid expansion of supercritical fluid solutions through a small diameter nozzle to ambient temperature and pressure. Solutions were prepared either by dissolving the polymer directly in room temperature pentane, or in an autoclave at elevated temperatures and pressures for less soluble polymers. The fibers were collected on substrates mounted in the expansion jet. The diameters of the fibers formed (typically 1-5 μm) were much smaller than the opening of the nozzle, although fiber diameter was observed to generally increase with nozzle diameter. The aspect ratios of the fibers, produced by this process were on the order of 103 or larger. Optimum conditions for fiber formation occurred at fluid expansion temperatures near the melting point of the polymer, with particle formation mechanisms favored at higher and lower temperatures.
Additional Material:
3 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/pen.760272208
Permalink