Abstract
IN studies to increase the mechanical strength of polymeric encapsulants for high voltage electronic devices we have formed fibre masses of unusual structure from isotactic polypropylene. The method for producing these three-dimensionally interconnected fibrous structures is described here and involves agitation of a solution of the polymer at sonic frequencies with simultaneous cooling. This process has since been observed for polyethylene and polybutene-1. Furthermore, the process has been extended to other polymers, both crystalline and non-crystalline, through a process we call ‘seeding’. Uniform reinforcement of encapsulating resins through the addition of high strength, short fibres, is not practical because of the complex shapes and numerous small interstices of the devices to be encapsulated. We therefore set out in 1973 to form fibres in situ by precipitation from low viscosity solutions which would readily impregnate a device of complex geometry. As a secondary objective, we hoped to polymerise the solvent to form a matrix around the fibres thereby producing a self-reinforced composite.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Keller, A. Kolloid. Zh. 165, 15 (1959).
Pennings, A. J. & Kiel, A. M. Kolloid. Zh. U. Z. Polymere 205, 260 (1965).
Pennings, A. J. J. Polymer Sci. C 16, 1799 (1967).
Wikjord, A. G. & St John Manley, R. J. macromolec. Sci. Phys. B 4, 397 (1970).
Blackadder, D. A. & Schleinitz, N. M. Nature 200, 778 (1963).
Pennings, A. J., van der Mark, J. M. A. A. & Booy, H. C. Polymere 99 (1969).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
KELLER, L., JENKINS, R. Interconnected fibre masses precipitated from solutions of polymers. Nature 278, 439–441 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1038/278439a0
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/278439a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.