Process of programming end-product properties of same phase electroset compositions
OwnerMary Elizabeth Harrisinventor
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Abstract
A new class of programmable electroset compositions in an uncured state consist of both a dielectric phase changing vehicle that is a fluid and an electrically conductive additive which is also a fluid. Compositions of the present invention are programmably responsive to electric energy input during cure such that the final, cured end-product properties are altered by at least 5% from those that would be obtained without such electric energy input. The programmably alterable properties include density, hardness and bouyancy. A new method wherein the extent of curing of the compositions is monitored requires the monitoring of both the input voltage and input current during electrosetting of the composition.
Claims9
A process for making and curing a "same phase programmable electroset composition" so as to alter at least one end-product property selected from the group of end-product properties consisting of density, hardness and buoyancy, said process comprising:
- a) providing a quantity of a phase changing vehicle which is both a dielectric and a polymer;
- b) providing a quantity of an electrically conductive additive, said conductive additive being in a fluid state;
- c) adding and mixing said quantity of phase changing vehicle with said quantity of said electrically conductive additive thereby resulting in a "same phase programmable electroset composition" wherein said conductive additive comprises no more than 20% by weight of the composition of said "same phase programmable electroset composition" and wherein the electrical conductivity of said "same phase programmable electroset composition" is more than 1.times.10.sup.-11 mho/cm but less than 1.times.10.sup.2 mho/cm;
- d) positioning said "same phase programmable electroset composition" between at least two electrically conductive substrates;
- e) charging said conductive substrates, thereby exposing said "same phase programmable electroset composition" to an electric field;
- and
- f) maintaining said charging so as to establish an electric current within said "same phase programmable electroset composition";
- whereby said "same phase programmable electroset composition", in a cured state, has at least one said end-product property which is altered by at least 5% with respect to that said end-product property which would be obtained for said "same phase programmable electroset composition", in a cured state, by a process for curing said "same phase programmable electroset composition" which does not include said charging;
- and whereby said alteration is a function of the amount of said current within said "same phase programmable electroset composition".
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.