Process and system for distributing particles for incorporation within a composite structure

摘要

A system and process is disclosed for binding particles to a carrier material in an isolated relationship for use in composite fabrication. A slurry comprising particles dispersed in fluid is created in particle suspension tanks, deposited as a uniform layer and filtered using reduced pressure applied to a filter belt to leave behind isolated particles, the reduced pressure further acting to overcome electrostatic and other forces of attraction between the particles until they can be permanently bound to the carrier with a binder or adhesive and collected on a take-up roll.

主权项

1. A process comprising:
forming a slurry comprising dispersed, high aspect ratio particles in a fluid; agitating the slurry in a suspension tank; pouring the slurry from the suspension tank onto an electrically insulative carrier, which creates a layer of the slurry in which the particles are spaced apart and electrically isolated from one another; removing fluid from the slurry to create a layer of particles in an electrically isolated relationship from one another; stabilizing the particles in the electrically isolated relationship from one another on the electrically insulative carrier; and binding the particles to the electrically insulative carrier in the electrically isolated relationship from one another.