ARTICLES PRODUCED FROM VDF-co-(TFE or TrFE) POLYMERS

摘要

VDF-co-(TFE or TrFE) polymers having a molecular weight of at least about 1,000,000 g/mol and a melt temperature less than about 240° C. The VDF copolymer contains at least about 50 mol % VDF monomer and may include an amount of at least one other monomer. The VDF copolymer may be used to form a membrane that has a node and fibril structure. The membrane has a percent porosity of at least 25%. A VDF-co-(TFE or TrFE) polymer membrane may be formed by lubricating the VDF copolymer, subjecting the lubricated polymer to pressure at a temperature below the melting point of the VDF copolymer to form a preform material, and expanding the preform material at a temperature below the melting temperature of the VDF copolymer. Dense VDF copolymer articles, filled VDF copolymer membranes, and VDF copolymer fibers are also provided.

主权项

1. A process for making a vinylidene fluoride (VDF) copolymer article comprising:
lubricating a VDF copolymer having a molecular weight of at least about 1,000,000 g/mol and about 50 mol % to about 85 mol % VDF to form a lubricated VDF copolymer; subjecting said lubricated VDF copolymer to pressure at a temperature below the melt temperature of said VDF copolymer to form a preform; and expanding said preform at a temperature below the melt temperature of VDF copolymer to form a porous article having a structure of nodes interconnected by fibrils.