| abstract |
A method is disclosed for preparing a porous structure of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. A heterogeneous composite of the polyethylene and a particular hydrocarbon is heated to a temperature above the melting point of the hydrocarbon but below the melting point of the polyethylene. The composite is then shaped. After such shaping the temperature is then raised to a temperature above the melting point of the polyethylene and maintained until complete fusion of the polyethylene particles occurs. Thereafter the hydrocarbon is extracted from the cooled shaped structure. |