Back to results
US 6,648,973 B2Granted
Process for the treatment of a fiber
AssigneeBoard of Trustees of Michigan State University
InventorsLawrence T. Drzal, Michael J. Rich
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A process using ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 160 to 500 nanometers without higher wavelengths and a high intensity between about 1 and 40 watts/cm2 to surface treat a carbon containing fiber is described. The treated fiber contains an enhanced amount of oxygen on the surface which significantly improves the bondability of the fiber in composites.
Claims6
An apparatus for binding oxygen on a surface of a carbon containing fiber comprising:
- (a) an annular light source inside a vertically oriented cylindrical container for irradiating the fiber as the fiber move vertically through the inside of the annular light source and, wherein the light source irradiates the fiber at a high intensity between about 1 and 40 watts/cm2 at wavelengths ranging from about 160 to 500 nanometers without higher wavelengths;
- (b) supply means for providing flowing ozone in the container which directs flow of the ozone from a lower portion of the container upwards on the surface of the fiber inside of the container during the irradiating by the light source;
- and
- (c) an electrical power supply operably coupled to power the optical energy source wherein the fiber after irradiating contains bound oxygen from the ozone.
1 more element
An apparatus for binding oxygen on a surface of a carbon containing fiber comprising:
- (a) an annular light source inside a cylindrical container for irradiating the fiber as the fiber moves vertically through the annular light source constructed to generate ozone between the lamp and fiber surface as a result of flowing air or oxygen on the surface of the fiber during the irradiating by the light source;
- (b) a supply means for providing flowing ozone in the container which directs flow of the zone from a lower portion of the container upwards on the surface of the fiber inside the container during the irradiating by the light source;
- and
- c) an electrical power supply operably coupled to power the optical energy source wherein the fiber after irradiating contains bound oxygen front the ozone.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.