Apparatus and method for oxidation and stabilization of polymeric materials
US7786253B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 14, 2009 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 14, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/31663
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for treating polymeric materials comprises a treatment chamber adapted to maintain a selected atmosphere; a means for supporting the polymeric material within the chamber; and, a source of plasma-derived gas containing at least one reactive oxidative species whereby the polymer is stabilized and cross linked through exposure to the oxidative species in the chamber at a selected temperature. The polymer may be directly exposed to the plasma, or alternatively, the plasma may be established in a separate volume from which the reactive species may be extracted and introduced into the vicinity of the polymer. The apparatus may be configured for either batch-type or continuous-type processing. The apparatus and method are especially useful for preparing polymer fibers, particularly PAN fibers, for later carbonization treatments.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.