Method of forming a void, channel, and/or vascular network in a polymeric matrix
US11396585B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 5, 2020 |
| Grant date | Jul 26, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 3, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC08J2375/04
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of forming a void, channel and/or vascular network in a polymeric matrix comprises providing a pre-vascularized structure that includes a matrix material and a sacrificial material embedded in the matrix material in a predetermined pattern, where the matrix material comprises a monomer and the sacrificial material comprises a polymer. A region of the matrix material is activated to initiate an exothermic polymerization reaction and generate a self-propagating polymerization front. As the polymerization front propagates through the matrix material and polymerizes the monomer, heat from the exothermic reaction simultaneously degrades the sacrificial material into a gas-phase and/or liquid-phase byproduct. Thus, one or more voids or channels having the predetermined pattern are rapidly formed in the matrix material.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.