METHOD OF MAKING MICROPOROUS ELASTOMERIC MATERIAL

摘要

A method of making a microporous elastomeric material having interconnected cavities and which may be used in an ink dispensing article is provided. The material is made by a particular sequence of steps namely, firstly admixing particles of hydrated magnesium sulfate in an elastomeric matrix material, then curing the elastomeric matrix material and simultaneously causing liberation of water of crystallization from the hydrated magnesium sulfate. This provides a blowing effect resulting in the formation of interconnecting passages between the particles. Then, there is the steps of leaching the particles from the matrix material, the leaching being achieved in an accelerated manner due to the interconnecting passages.