Apparatus and methods for processing exfoliated graphite materials
US9700968B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 26, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jul 11, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 1, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/4935
- WIPO fieldSemiconductors
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for processing flexible graphite sheet material involve patterning the material, on at least one major surface, prior to further processing of the material such as densification, lamination, folding or shaping into three-dimensional structures. For densification and lamination, the patterning is selected to facilitate the removal of air from the flexible graphite sheet material during the densification and lamination process. For folding or shaping, the patterning is selected to render the graphite sheet material more flexible. In some embodiments, methods for increasing the through-plane conductivity of flexible graphite sheet material are employed. Integrated heat removal devices include sheets of graphite material that have been selectively patterned in different regions to impart desirable localized properties to the material prior to it being shaped or formed into an integrated heat removal device. Coatings and/or resin impregnation can also be used to impart desirable properties to the material or device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.