Recent developments in oriented polymers for biomedical and engineering applications

Abstract

AbstractA review is presented of recent research at Leeds University which has been directed at devising novel methods for the production of oriented polymer structures. First, the new hot compaction process for oriented fibre and tapes is described, together with its applications to polyethylene and polypropylene where there are a number of practical developments. Secondly, there is the use of hydrostatic extrusion to make load bearing oriented products from hydroxyapatite filled polyethylenes. The production routes include the application of high pressure annealing prior to hydrostatic extrusion and the preparation of high modulus polyethylene fibre/hydroxyapatite billets as the starting point. Finally, recent progress on die‐drawing as a means to producing oriented monofilaments and biaxially oriented tubes is described, where the applications include polymer ropes, pipes for gas and water distribution and transparent cans for packaging.