Thermoplastic-encapsulated functionalized metal or metal alloy powders

US11998978B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• HRL Laboratories, LLC · US

Inventors

• Jacob M. Hundley · Newbury Park, US
• John H. Martin · Los Angeles, US
• Brennan Yahata · Los Angeles, US
• Julie Miller · Los Angeles, US
• Randall Schubert · Santa Monica, US
• Tobias A. Schaedler · Oak Park, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 28, 2019
• Grant date: Jun 4, 2024
• Expiry date: Aug 2, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C22C1/059
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Some variations provide a functionalized composite material comprising: a thermoplastic polymer binder matrix disposed in a distinct volume; a plurality of discrete metal or metal alloy particles dispersed in the thermoplastic polymer matrix; and a plurality of discrete particulates assembled on surfaces of the discrete metal or metal alloy particles, wherein the discrete particulates are in contact with the thermoplastic polymer binder matrix, wherein the discrete particulates are smaller than the discrete metal or metal alloy particles in at least one dimension, and wherein the discrete particulates are compositionally different than the discrete metal or metal alloy particles. The discrete particulates may be selected and/or configured to function as a grain refiner, a sintering aid, and/or a strengthening phase, within the functionalized composite material.