Micron-size polymer particles, production and uses thereof

Abstract

A plurality of micron-size solid particles is described herein that includes at least one polyamide compound, wherein the particles comprise a diameter in the range of about 1 micron to about 1000 microns, and wherein at least some of the plurality of particles are substantially transparent. In addition, a plurality of micron-size solid particles is described herein that includes at least one polyamide compound, wherein the particles comprise a diameter of less than about 4 microns. Methods of forming a plurality of micron-size solid particles are also described that include a) introducing at least one amide-based compound having a melting point, at least one suspending agent and at least one surfactant into a reaction vessel to form a reaction mixture; b) applying a thermal energy to the reaction mixture, wherein the thermal energy comprises a temperature that is at or above the melting point of the at least one amide-based compound; c) polymerizing the at least one amide-based compound in the reaction mixture; d) cooling the reaction mixture; and e) rinsing the reaction mixture to retrieve the polymer particles.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
   
   
       12 . A method of forming a plurality of micron-size particles, comprising:
 introducing at least one amide-based compound having a melting point, at least one suspending agent and at least one surfactant into a reaction vessel to form a reaction mixture;   applying a thermal energy to the reaction mixture, wherein the thermal energy comprises a temperature that is at or above the melting point of the at least one amide-based compound;   polymerizing the at least one amide-based compound in the reaction mixture;   cooling the reaction mixture; and   rinsing the reaction mixture to retrieve the polymer particles.   
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the reaction mixture is made substantially free of moisture before the thermal energy is applied. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein polymerizing the at least one amide comprises introducing at least one alkylating agent. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein polymerizing the at least one amide further comprises introducing at least one activator. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the at least one alkylating agent comprises sodium hydride. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the at least one activator comprises a polyisocyanate compound. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein rinsing the reaction mixture comprises water. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein introducing further comprises introducing at least one nucleating agent. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the nucleating agent comprises at least one inert particle. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the inert particle comprises an alumina-silicate compound. 
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein in the inert particle comprises at least one color pigment. 
   
   
       23 . A polymer particle formed using the method of  claim 12 . 
   
   
       24 . A polymer particle formed using the method of  claim 14 . 
   
   
       25 . A polymer particle formed using the method of  claim 15 . 
   
   
       26 . A polymer particle formed using the method of  claim 19 . 
   
   
       27 - 37 . (canceled)