Graphite polymers and methods of use
AssigneeSGL Technic, Inc.
InventorsTommie P. Hayward, Mike G. Roemmler
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus comprising expanded, or flexible, graphite mixed into a polymer material is disclosed. A method for using expanded graphite that has been pre-compressed prior to milling to enable a polymer material to accept an electrostatic modification to the surface or to dissipate electrostatic discharges. Other embodiments relate to methods of making polymer materials, methods of making molded polymer articles or objects, and methods of electrostatically modifying molded conductive polymer materials.
Claims35
A method comprising:
- combining a polymer and one to 20 percent expanded graphite;
- pelletizing the combination;
- forming an object;
- and
- coupling the object to a conductive path.
A method comprising:
- pelletizing a polymer material with one to 20 percent expanded graphite;
- introducing the pellets into a mold, wherein introducing the pellets into the mold further comprises forming a molded object;
- coupling the molded object to a conductive path;
- and
- wherein the amount of graphite is sufficient to conduct electricity.
A method comprising:
- providing a molded polymer comprising one to 20 percent expanded graphite;
- and
- coupling said molded polymer to a conductive path.
A method comprising:
- pre-compressing expanded graphite;
- milling the pre-compressed expanded graphite;
- combining the milled expanded graphite in an amount of one to 20 percent with a polymer material;
- pelletizing the combination;
- forming an object of the combined graphite and the polymer material;
- and
- coupling the object to a conductive path as part of an electrostatic operation.
An apparatus comprising:
- an injection molded polymer material comprising one to 20 percent expanded graphite that is connectable to a conductive path.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.