Melt transformation coextrusion. I.

Using the Melt Transformation Coextrusion process it is possible to enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of polymeric extrudates directly from the melt and maintain continuous production rates. This adaption of melt transformation extrusion has significantly enhanced line speed compared to the precursor process. The required operating pressures in both processes are low enough to allow for the usage of commercial plasticating extruders as the polymer melt sources. Molecular orientation necessary to produce property enhancement is induced in the converging section of specially designed dies and retained by the core layer of the extrudate by imposing a steep temperature gradient in the land section of the die. Mechanical properties (i.e. tensile strength and modulus) and melting point elevation observed for the polypropylene core/polyethylene skin extrudates were functions of extrusion pressure. The highest values of these properties noted were: tensile modulus, 9.37 × 10 5 psi; tensile strength, 2.10 × 10 4 psi; and melting point elevation in excess of 10 K. The levels of property enhancement seem to be bound in their lower limit by a metastable liquid crystalline form. The upper theoretical limit of property enhancement should correspond to a fully extended chain morphology.