
14
Forming processes with
non-metallic materials
14.1 The main polymer-forming processes
Many polymer-forming processes are essentially two stage, the first stage being
the production of the polymer in a powder, granule or sheet form and the
second stage being the shaping of this material into the required shape. The
first stage can involve the mixing with the polymer of suitable additives and
even other polymers in order that the finished material should have the
required properties. The additives may be in the form of solids, liquids or
gases.
Thus solid additives such as cork dust, paper pulp, chalk or carbon
black are added to thermosettin ...