Modifications in Fluorocarbon Bladder Structures in Improving Flexibility and Impermeability,

Modifications in fluorocarbon bladder films involve optimizing the merits of high molecular weight, high melting Teflon TFE and its lower molecular weight, lower melting copolymer Teflon TFE fluorocarbon resin. The former provides the basis or matrix for rubbery or viscoelastic endurance along with high build-up, while the latter provides the low temperature flexing and maximum impermeability. The combinations or proportions can be pre-assessed by stress-strain analysis of the tensile curve. Optimization then becomes a matter of screening the raw materials that will assure retention of high molecular weight and minimum level of crystallinity. Improved bladder films and particularly reproducibility of high performance can be surveyed by this analytical and correlative investigation.