DENSE ARTICLES FORMED FROM TETRAFLUROETHYLENE CORE SHELL COPOLYMERS AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME

摘要

A dense article that includes a dense TFE copolymer film is provided. The dense TFE copolymer film includes a first endotherm between about 50°C and about 300°C, a second endotherm between about 320°C and about 350°C, and a third endotherm between about 350°C and about 400°C. To form the dense article, a core shell TFE copolymer is formed into a pellet, ram extruded into a tape, dried into a dried preform, and then stretched into a dense TFE copolymer film that exhibits improved physical and mechanical properties. The dense TFE copolymer film is produced directly from the dried preform at a deformation temperature less than about 335°C and without increasing the porosity of the dried preform, as would conventionally be done in expansion processes. The dense TFE copolymer films have a methane permeability less than about 20μg*micron/cm2/min. The dense articles have a void volume less than about 20%.