Pressure sensitive membrane and method therefor
AssigneeMinnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
InventorsRobin E. Wright, William V. Balsimo
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Abstract
An electrically nonconductive composite article comprising a fibrillated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) matrix, electrically conductive particles, and electrically nonconductive, energy expanded polymeric particles, which composite upon application of pressure thereto becomes electrically conductive and allows for the flow of electricity through the article. The articles are thin and can be used as a pressure sensitive pad or an interconnect for an electronic component.
Claims21
An electrically nonconductive composite article comprising a polytetrafluoroethylene fibril matrix having enmeshed therein
- (a) electrically conductive metal-containing particles, and
- (b) electrically nonconductive, energy expanded hollow polymeric particles.
A pressure sensitive element comprising a polytetrafluoroethylene fibril matrix, having enmeshed therein
- a) electrically conductive particles, and
- b) electrically nonconductive, energy expanded hollow polymeric particles.
A method comprising the steps of:
- a) providing an electrically nonconductive element comprising a polytetrafluoroethylene fibril matrix having enmeshed therein
- 1) electrically conductive particles, and
- 2) electrically nonconductive, energy expanded hollow polymeric particles, and
- b) applying external pressure to said element while said element is subject to an electrical potential so as to effect a decrease in electrical resistance of at least a portion of said electrically nonconductive element to allow for the flow of electrical current.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.