An extrusion process for making capillary channel structures

摘要

Capillary channel structures having one or more intrastructure capillary channels, said structures comprising a polymer composition, wherein: said structures have a capillary channel base, and at least two polymeric capillary channel walls extending from said base along the length of said base in the axial direction for at least about 0.2 cm, said walls having a base end and a distal end, wherein said base and walls form said capillary channels; and said structures have a Specific Capillary Volume of at least about 1.2 cc/g, a Specific Capillary Surface Area of at least about 500 cm2/g, and a Compressive Strength (Dry) of at least about 13,800 dynes/cm2. The structures can be in the form of fibers or sheets. The fibers have a Specific Capillary Volume of at least about 2.0 cc/g and a Specific Capillary Surface Area of at least about 2000 cm2/g. An improved process, and extrusion dies for use therein, wherein the extrusion die has an annular orifice with wall orifices extending radially therefrom, are also provided.