Thermally responsive composite member, related devices, and applications including structural applications

摘要

In accordance with the invention, there are temperature sensing and temperature control devices and methods of making them. The temperature sensing and control devices can include a composite member, the composite member including a non-metallic binder material, and one or more non-metallic, electrically conductive fibers disposed in the non-metallic binder material. The temperature sensing and control devices can also include a plurality of contacts disposed on the one or more non-metallic, electrically conductive fibers, wherein the composite member has a substantially continuous decrease in electrical resistance with an increase in temperature.

主权项

1. A method of making a temperature controller, comprising:
forming a composite member, the composite member comprising:
a non-metallic binder material that forms a substantially planar structure;a plurality of non-metallic, electrically conductive fibers disposed in the binder material, the plurality of fibers arranged in an array of regions extending transversely through the planar structure of the binder material, from a first side of the planar structure to a second side of the planar structure and continuously therebetween, wherein the first and second sides are substantially parallel; anda plurality of contacts disposed on the one or more non-metallic, electrically conductive fibers;twisting at least a portion of the composite member; andcuring the composite member at a first temperature from about 100° C. to about 130° C. after the composite member is twisted; andpost-curing the composite member at a second temperature of about 200° C. after the composite member is cured,wherein the composite member has a substantially continuous decrease in electrical resistance with an increase in temperature, and wherein the temperature controller is configured to control a temperature.