Low shear process for producing polymer composite fibers
A method for producing a polymer composite fiber comprised of a polymer matrix with filaments incorporated therein whose lengthwise dimensions are substantially oriented with the axial dimension of the composite fiber, the method comprising subjecting a melt comprised of a polymer matrix and filaments to an extrusion process in which the melt is extruded into a fibrous form in the absence of screw extruders and in the substantial absence of shear forces that result in breakage of the filaments, followed by cooling and solidification of the extruded melt to provide the polymer composite fiber. Integration of these polymer composite fibers with additive manufacturing technologies, particularly rapid prototyping methods, such as FFF and 3D printing, are also described. The resulting polymer composite fibers and articles made thereof are also described.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-00OR22725
- Assignee:
- UT-BATTELLE, LLC (Oak Ridge, TN)
- Patent Number(s):
- 10,137,617
- Application Number:
- 14/689,466
- OSTI ID:
- 1495369
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: 2015 Apr 17
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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