CONTEXT

The invention concerns a method for obtaining fibres and strips from colloidal particles, characterised in that it consists in: dispersing said particles in a solvent optionally using a surfactant; injecting the resulting dispersion solution through at least an orifice emerging into a flow of an external solution, preferably, having a higher viscosity than said dispersion, the viscosity levels being measured in the same temperature and pressure conditions, so as to cause said particles to agglomerate into fibres or strips by destabilising the particle dispersions and optionally aligning said particles.

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

The invention concerns a method for obtaining fibres and strips from colloidal particles, characterised in that it consists in: dispersing said particles in a solvent optionally using a surfactant; injecting the resulting dispersion solution through at least an orifice emerging into a flow of an external solution, preferably, having a higher viscosity than said dispersion, the viscosity levels being measured in the same temperature and pressure conditions, so as to cause said particles to agglomerate into fibres or strips by destabilising the particle dispersions and optionally aligning said particles.

BENEFITS

Philippe POULIN’s patent has been considered as relevant by examiners for the following invention:
– WO02055769  Honeywell Int. Inc.
– WO03069032  DSM NV.
– JP2003301333  DENSO Corp.
– JP2004010614  OREAL
– WO2004074558  Nanoledge SA.
– WO2004112164  Nanoledge SA.
– EP1612187  Dupont
– EP1873281  DSM IP ASSETS

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

The process is especially useful for producing fibers or ribbons from carbon nanotubes, preferably comprising one or more concentric graphite cylinders, optionally chemically modified by grafting, to obtain products useful for reinforcing fiber-based materials, tapes or cables; for fabricating conductors, semiconductors and insulators for electronic and microelectronic applications; in electron emission systems, especially displays; as artificial muscles and electromechanical actuators; and for making textiles or cables; as well as in the manufacture of optical and electrooptic devices; catalysts and catalyst supports; electrodes; hydrogen storage systems for batteries; tips for tunnel effect and atomic force microscopes; filter membranes; chemical sensors; and biomedical materials, e.g. prostheses, tendons and ligaments.