Processing Polymer Materials by Free Casting Under Vacuum

Abstract

To date there are a large number of methods for processing polymer materials, both thermoplastics and thermosets. However, most of them are appropriate only for large-scale or mass production of polymer products, while in modern conditions there is a tendency to produce small batches of products of complex configuration. One of the universal methods of processing polymer materials in small-scale production is the molding of products by injection molding without pressure in a vacuum. This process integrates in a single technological cycle of the synthesis of the polymer and its processing. It is suitable for processing most thermosets, as well as for some thermoplastic polymers. In addition to the processing of polymers, this method allows the manufacture of polymer-filled and super-filled composite materials. This work is devoted to a review of the method of free casting in vacuum into elastic forms. The materials used for processing by this method are considered. The materials required for the manufacture of elastic forms are presented. The main stages of the technological process of manufacturing polymer products by this method are described.