Hitco, Inc.

Robert W Mitchell

Richard J Larsen

The transverse properties of high modulus fabric such as graphite are significantly improved by continuously processing the material through a multiple roller unit under warp tension while restraining fill shrinkage by wrapping the material no less than 180.degree. around each roll and by minimizing unrestrained inter-roll travel by controlling the inter-roll span. Graphite precursor fabrics such as polyacrylonitrile (PAN) can be stretched as high as 45% in the warp direction with as little as 1-2% shrinkage in the fill direction. The invention also relates to simultaneous stretching and preoxidation of the precursor fabric under tension and while minimizing fill shrinkage.

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Hawthorne, CA, United States of America

Robert W Mitchell