Plasticization of polymer showing strong intermolecular interactions, e.g. cellulose, involves application of electromagnetic radiation in plasticizing unit with radiation-permeable component

摘要

A method for plastic deformation of a polymer (A), under the simultaneous action of pressure, shear, thermal energy and electromagnetic radiation (EMR) of wavelength 0.8-100 mu m, involves passing (A) through a plasticizing unit having at least one pressure-resistant component permeable to the EMR. The EMR is supplied through the component(s) onto (A), while pressure, shear and thermal energy are applied to (A). An independent claim is included for apparatus for carrying out the process, including a source of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) of wavelength 0.8-100 mu m and a plasticizing unit having at least one pressure-resistant component permeable to the EMR.