Thin PTFE layers are described having little or no node and fibril microstructure and methods of manufacturing PTFE layers are disclosed that allow for controllable permeability and porosity of the layers. In some embodiments, the PTFE layers may act as a barrier layer in an endovascular graft or other medical device.

Thin PTFE layers are described having little or no node and fibril microstructure and methods of manufacturing PTFE layers are disclosed that allow for controllable permeability and porosity of the layers. In some embodiments, the PTFE layers may act as a barrier layer in an endovascular graft or other medical device.

A method for making an expanded, and optionally multi-component and/or colored PTFE monofilament is disclosed. The method includes forming a first paste by mixing a PTFE powder with a hydrocarbon solvent; forming an extrusion preform by pressing the first paste into a form; curing the extrusion preform by exposing the extrusion preform to a first temperature for a first time duration; forming a green monofilament by extruding the first paste through a die; expanding the green monofilament by exposing the green monofilament to a second temperature for a second time duration, the second time duration occurring after the first time duration; stretching the green monofilament substantially along a longitudinal axis of the green monofilament, the stretching the green monofilament occurring after the expanding the green monofilament; and sintering the green monofilament after the stretching the green monofilament.

A method of fabricating plastic products having a preselected color, comprising preparing a dispersion of pigment of the preselected color in cottonseed oil; supplying a preselected plastic resin for the product to be fabricated to a process machine having a rotating screw; furnishing the dispersion to the process machine at a position adjacent to threaded portion of the rotating screw; and blending the dispersion and the resin by rotating the screw.

A method of fabricating plastic products having a preselected color, comprising preparing a dispersion of pigment of the preselected color in cottonseed oil; supplying a preselected plastic resin for the product to be fabricated to a process machine having a rotating screw; furnishing the dispersion to the process machine at a position adjacent to threaded portion of the rotating screw; and blending the dispersion and the resin by rotating the screw.

A method of fabricating plastic products having a preselected color, comprising preparing a dispersion of pigment of the preselected color in cottonseed oil; supplying a preselected plastic resin for the product to be fabricated to a process machine having a rotating screw; furnishing the dispersion to the process machine at a position adjacent to threaded portion of the rotating screw; and blending the dispersion and the resin by rotating the screw.

A method of fabricating plastic products having a preselected color, comprising preparing a dispersion of pigment of the preselected color in cottonseed oil; supplying a preselected plastic resin for the product to be fabricated to a process machine having a rotating screw; furnishing the dispersion to the process machine at a position adjacent to threaded portion of the rotating screw; and blending the dispersion and the resin by rotating the screw.

Polymeric foam layer having a thickness up to 25,700 micrometers, having first and second opposed major surfaces, and comprising foam features extending from or into the first major surface by at least 100 micrometers, and having a T.sub.g in a range from 125 C. to 150 C., wherein the first and second opposed major surfaces are free of exposed internal porous cells (i.e., less than 10 percent of the surface area of each of the first and second major surface has any exposed porous cells) and wherein at least 40 percent by area of each major surface has an as-cured surface; and methods of making the same. Exemplary uses of polymeric foam layers described herein including a finishing pad for silicon wafers and vibration damping.

Polymeric foam layer comprising a star polymer, wherein the polymeric foam layer has a thickness up to 25,700 micrometers, and methods of making the same. Exemplary uses of polymeric foam layers described herein including a finishing pad for silicon wafers and vibration damping.

A liquid colorant for use in molding or extruding plastic products comprises pigment dispersed in cottonseed oil.