Solid state processing of polymers: A review

The solid state processing technique is used for processing of a variety of polymers such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyether etherketone, and polyphenylene sulfide. The solid state processing involves cold compaction of polymeric powders followed by sintering at temperatures above their melting point. The properties of such products are influenced by the powder characteristics and a number of process parameters encountered during the compaction and sintering processes such as compaction pressure, rate of compaction, sintering temperature, and time. The understanding of the physical processes involved in solid state processing of polymers is essential for defining the parameters to obtain the product with desired properties. In this review, the various aspects of solid state processing are discussed with reference to the physical processes.