US 7,112,267 B2 · Electric-field structuring of composite materials

Abstract

A method and apparatus for the spatial distribution of a filler component within the matrix of a composite material. An electric field is applied to a mixture consisting of two or more components that have different dielectric permittivities, at least one of which is initially in the form of a liquid polymer or pre-polymer. An alternating electric field is established between a pair of electrical conductors or electrodes that are moved relative to each other, so as to alter the spatial intensity of the electric field in a controlled manner. Polarized particles or elements of the filler component that are coupled to a moving electrode by a dielectrophoretic force can consequently be dragged into a predetermined spatial configuration. As the size of the inter-electrode gap is changed, the applied voltage can be adjusted in order to maintain electrically induced polarization of the filler component.

Claims9

Dependent claims

A method for manufacture of a composite material-comprising a filler material distributed in a matrix material, the method including the steps of:

(a) adding a matrix composite component, comprising at least one non-conducting or weakly conducting fluid, to a receptacle;
(b) adding a filler composite component, comprising at least one solid, liquid or gas capable of polarisation;
wherein steps (a) and (b) are carried out in either order, resulting in a mixture of said components;
(c) applying an alternating electric field across two electrodes immersed in the resultant mixture and wherein the two electrodes are moved relative to each other during the formation of the composite material.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Electric-field structuring of composite materials

Life of this patent

Electric-field structuring of composite materials

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims9