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 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. The method may include doing all or some of the expanding, stretching and sintering steps simultaneously.

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

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

Exemplary pressurization and coating systems, methods, and apparatuses are described herein. In certain embodiments, pressurization systems, methods, and apparatuses are used in conjunction with coating systems, methods, and apparatuses to control pressure about a substrate after a coating material is applied to a surface of the substrate. An exemplary system includes a die tool configured to apply a coating material to a substrate passing through the die tool and a pressurization apparatus attached to the die tool and forming a pressurization chamber. The pressurization apparatus is configured to receive the substrate from the die tool and control pressure about the substrate in the pressurization chamber. In certain embodiments, the die tool forms a coating chamber and is configured to apply the coating material on at least one surface of the substrate in the coating chamber. In other embodiments, the pressurization chamber further includes one or more sprayers which are configured to apply a coolant to one or more outer surfaces of the coated substrate.

A method for increasing the impact resistance of plastic articles comprising providing a blend of cottonseed oil and plastic resin; fabricating a plastic article from the blend by rotatably screw working the blend into a molten state and molding the molten blend material into the article shape.

A method for increasing the impact resistance of plastic articles comprising providing a blend of cottonseed oil and plastic resin; fabricating a plastic article from the blend by rotatably screw working the blend into a molten state and molding the molten blend material into the article shape.