Fabrication of poly(p‐phenylene) by powder‐forming techniques

Application of powder‐metallurgical forming techniques to poly(p‐phenylene), PB, resulted in solid objects with tensile strengths as high as 35 MPa (5000 psi). Powders were characterized by BET surface area, x‐ray crystallinity, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and impurity levels in an effort to relate intrinsic powder properties with strengths attainable on fabrication. High surface area (>35m2/g) and low Cl impurity levels were generally associated with highest strengths. Forming variables were studied in some detail. Tough objects were obtained in a narrow sintering range of about 580°–615°C. Perchloropoly(p‐phenylene) was also successfully fabricated.