Polymer fibrids

Last not least, in some cases changing the morphology of a polymer is the only way to achieve certain properties (e.g. polymer fibrids). 

The latest results of a controlled crystallization of macromolecules are the polymer fibrids which are a completely new modification of synthetic polymers as far as the micro- and macro-structure is concerned. They exist of small fibers having a length of up to some millimeters, which are highly oriented, and which have a macro-morphology similar to that of cellulose pulp. 

By special processes, like polymerization under shear conditions or flash-spinning of polymer solutions, it is furthermore possible to obtain materials which do not only have this new shish-kebab micro-morphology, but also a new macro-morphology, namely the polymer fibrids.35... 

Mention may also be made of an application in which careful control of polymer morphology has led to the production of novel materials. By treatment of solutions of high-density polyethylene, products are obtained with a celluloselike morphology and which are known as, fibrides or synthetic wood pulp. They are used for finishing paper and special boards to impart such features as sealability and improved wet strength. They are also reported to be used for such diverse applications as tile adhesives, thixotropic agents, battery separators and teabags ... 

Fibrids Short, irregular fibrous products, made by mixing a dilute polymer solution with a non-solvent with agitation. They can also be made by flash spinning and breaking up the resulting filaments. Used in felts, in papermaking, for filtration product, etc. Also see fibrets. 

In 1983, Celanese Corporation commercialized PBI fiber, spun from solutions of poly[2,2 -(m-phenylene)-5,5 -bibenzimidazole], for a wide range of textile applications. And, with a unique, new polymer commercially available for the first time, Celanese also undertook the development and evaluation of other forms of the polymer. Process and application development of PBI films, fibrids, papers, microporous resin, sizing, coatings and molding resins have been started. Applications for PBI utilize its unique chemistry, a polymeric secondary amine, as well as its thermal and chemical stability. 

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