Process structuring of polymers by solid phase orientation processing

Solid phase orientation of polymers is one of the most successful routes to enhancement of polymer properties. It unlocks the potential of molecular orientation for the achievement of a range of enhanced physical properties. We provide here an overview of techniques developed in our laboratories for structuring polymers by solid phase orientation processing routes, with a particular focus on die drawing, which have allowed control of significant enhancements of a single property or combinations of properties, including Young’s modulus, strength, and density. These have led to notable commercial exploitations, and examples of load bearing low density materials and shape memory materials are discussed.