摘要 |
A method is disclosed for preventing segregation of particles within a finely divided powder having disparate particle size ranges, compositions or densities. The method includes working the powder with a minute amount, preferably less than about 1% by weight of the powder, of a finely divided fibrillatable polytetrafluoroethylene resin (hereinafter referred to as PTFE) to form a mixture with the powder. The PTFE resin may be added to the powder as a colloidal aqueous dispersion or as a fine powder obtained by coagulation of the colloidal dispersion. Whichever form is used, the PTFE is intimately mixed with the finely divided powder to form a dry mixture. Alternatively, the PTFE resin may be blended with the powder in a wet treatment to facilitate the homogenous dispersion of the resin. In any event, the mixture of resin and powder is worked either in the wet state, preferably as a paste, or as a dry blend, using a masticating or kneading action to fibrillate the PTFE. Sufficient working is carried out to produce a random network of PTFE fibers sufficient to loosely entrap the powdery material and to prevent segregation thereof.
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