Composite of small carbon fibers and thermoplastics and method for making same
US5433906A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 9, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jul 18, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 9, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/31
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method is provided for forming a composite material and article using nanometer-size vapor grown carbon fibers. The preferred carbon fibers are characterized by diameters of substantially less than about one micrometer, and more typically less than about 0.2 micrometers, and are of the type formed by a continuous gas phase reaction. The polymeric matrix of the composite material is formed from a thermoplastic resin having a surface tension which is sufficiently low, so as to promote wetting of the surfaces of the nanometer-size carbon fibers. The thermoplastic resin is mixed with the carbon fibers and a solvent so as to granularize the mixture and thereby facilitate subsequent handling and mixing of the carbon fibers. Final mixing occurs at temperatures near the melting point of the thermoplastic resin and for a duration which is sufficient to ensure that the carbon fibers are adequately wetted by the thermoplastic resin, so as to provide adhesion between the fibers and the thermoplastic. The composite material is characterized by improved strength and stiffness.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.