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Abstract

The present invention relates to a pad capable of high liquid retention and capable of self-metering of liquid from the pad upon application of pressure. Such pads are highly desirable in lubricating applications and serve well as printers and ink reservoir for computers, markers and printing machines. The process comprises mixing a void former, typically a non-reactive salt of a size range chosen between 2 and 450 microns with a polymeric material in a weight ratio of 2.5:1 to 10:1 salt to polymer. The polymer is heated and the salt dispersed therein to form a salt-polymer composite. The composite is fed to an extruder and extruded to a desired shape, a dense skin being formed on the surface of the extruded polymer. Subsequently, the extruded polymer is cut, the salt is leached from the polymeric matric with a suitable solvent, and the leached extruded polymeric matrix is dried. The skin layer has narrower channels and a lower void volume than the adjacent reservoir column. The pad thus formed is then filled with liquids using conventional methods.

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First Claim