METHOD FOR ALIGNING HIGH ASPECT RATIO MATERIALS AND COMPOSITIONS THEREFROM

摘要

A method for alignment of high aspect ratio materials (HARMs) within a liquid matrix by means of magnetic particles. The application of an external magnetic field creates a forced motion of the magnetic particles. This in turn leads to a laminar flow within the matrix which imposes a drag force on the HARMs, aligning the HARMs across the matrix. The used magnetic particles eventually accumulate at one end side of the matrix container and can be removed either by an incision or an extraction process. Unlike the previously proposed methods, there is no need for the magnetic particles to be attached either physically or chemically to the HARMs. Thus, the ultimate aligned HARMs are mostly pure and free of any magnetic particles. Once the matrix is a polymeric solution, the mentioned method is capable of synthesis of aligned HARMs-polymer composites, which exhibit improved mechanical and electrical properties.

主权项

1. A method for alignment of high aspect ratio materials (HARMs) comprising:
creating a matrix material comprising HARMs and a plurality of magnetic particles admixed therein; and applying a magnetic field to one side of a container for said matrix material, wherein said magnetic field draws said magnetic particles through said HARMs to one side of said container, whereby said plurality of magnetic particles after traversing through said HARMs gather at said one side of said container, and whereby said HARMs are aligned parallel to the direction of the applied magnetic field.