Patent ID: 7482393
Filing Date: 2009-01-27
Classification: C08J,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for producing a submicron polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) dispersion comprising the following steps: selecting a PTFE starting material, wherein said PTFE starting material is selected from the group of (i) a fine powder PTFE starting material, (ii) a coagulated dispersion of PTFE particles, and (iii) a PTFE powder made by emulsion or dispersion polymerization; irradiating said PTFE starting material at an intensity of about 5 to about 120 megarads at a temperature of below 0° C. so that the irradiated PTFE starting material is, without an additional grinding or de-agglomeration step, dispersible to submicron size in a desired application system, and dispersing the irradiated PTFE starting material into the desired application system with or without the addition of additives, wherein said application system may be aqueous or organic, and wherein the PTFE particles in the irradiated PTFE starting material disperse to submicron size.