Publisher's Synopsis
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the main principles and concepts of the MEAUS process. Among the technologies that produce an inexpensive and environmentally friendly membrane, there is one technique that applies to semi-crystalline polymers, and that is based on the stretching of a thin film with a row nucleated lamellar structure. This stretching technique is commonly known as the MEAUS process (Melt-Extrusion-Annealing-Uniaxial Strain). This process has proved to be a proper process technology for the production of porous membranes of polypropylene filled with calcium carbonate or talc. Obtaining a very uniform film is a major concern since any non-uniformity and thickness variations cause irregularities in the stress distribution. The production of stable precursor films needs a proper adjustment of the extrusion conditions, air pressure, and draw ratio.