Patent ID: 7202328
Filing Date: 2007-04-10
Classification: B29C,B29K

Abstract:
1. A method of producing an article comprising the steps: providing a raw material in the form of a plurality of polymer elements said polymer elements comprising an amorphous polymer; heating said material to a temperature above a first predetermined temperature; and compacting said material whilst above said first predetermined temperature, wherein: said first predetermined temperature is the Tg of the polymer elements, said pressure is between 100 and 1200 psi; and said temperature and pressure of compaction are sufficient to soften the outer portion of the said polymer elements and to cause the said polymer elements to bond to each other without melting or softening of the inner portion of said polymer elements, such as to produce a product the structure of which comprises cores of amorphous polymer that have not been softened or melted in the method, surrounded by a mass of softened and re-hardened material which bonds the cores together.