Polymer Processing

yChapter 3.
Polymer Processing

Polymer Process Techniques

Fig. 3.1. Procedure for casting sheets of polymer.

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HEMA = hydroxyethyl methacrylate
EGDMA = ethylene glycol dimethacrylate

Fig. 3.2. Centrifugal mold for poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) contact lenses

Solvent casting of films

Fig. 3.3. Laboratory spreading device for the solution casting of films.

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Polymer Process Techniques
Roll casting

Fig. 3.4. Knife coating of a polymer onto a film.

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Fig. 3.5. Polymer casting bench.

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Fig. 3.6. Solution casting of films on an industrial scale with the use of rotating metal drums.

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Fig. 3.7. Use of a moving-belt system for the continuous solution casting of polymer films.

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Fig. 3.8. ‘Bubble’ blowing of films.

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Fig. 3.9. Film manufacture by calendering.

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Methods for melt processing of films

Fig. 3.10. Hydraulic press for the melt pressing of polymer films.

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Fig. 3.11. Sequence of operations for the melt extrusion of polymer films.

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Fig. 3.12. Diagram of a plastics extruder.

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Fig. 3.13. Diagram of a compression-molding press and mold.

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Melt process

Fig. 3.14. Diagram of an injection-molding machine.

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Fig. 3.15. Thermoforming of polymer