Fibrous networks and a method and apparatus for continuous or batch fibrous network production

A method for the production of a patterned fibrous network-substrate component, wherein said method comprises the steps of:

• a) providing a patterned network of fibrous material (1) on a preliminary substrate (2) by depositing high aspect ratio molecular structures (HARM-structures) from gas flow onto the preliminary substrate (2);
• b) placing the patterned network of fibrous material (1) on the preliminary substrate (2) in proximity to a secondary substrate (3) held at room temperature;
• c) applying a force to the patterned network of fibrous material (1) to preferably attract the patterned network of fibrous material (1) from the preliminary substrate (2) to the secondary substrate (3) held at room temperature in order to transfer the patterned network of fibrous material (1) from the preliminary substrate (2) to the secondary substrate (3);
• and
• d) removing the preliminary substrate (2) from the patterned network of fibrous material (1).

An apparatus, characterized in that the apparatus comprises:

• a) means for providing a patterned network of fibrous material (1) on a preliminary substrate (2) by depositing high aspect ratio molecular structures (HARM-structures) from gas flow onto the preliminary substrate (2);
• b) means for placing the patterned network of fibrous material (1) in close proximity to a secondary substrate (3) held at room temperature;
• c) means for applying a force to the patterned network to preferentially attract the patterned network (1) to the secondary substrate (3) held at room temperature from the preliminary substrate (2) in order to transfer the patterned network from the preliminary substrate (2) to the secondary substrate (3);
• and
• d) means for removing the preliminary substrate (2) from the patterned network of fibrous material (1).