Auto-processing of very fine-scale composite materials by chaotic mixing of melts

• Published in: Composites. Part A, Applied science and manufacturing Vol. 27; no. 1; pp. 37 - 47
• Main Authors: Zumbrunnen, D.A., Miles, K.C., Liu, Y.H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 1996; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; chaotic mixing; Exact sciences and technology; fine-scale composites; Industrial polymers. Preparations; Miscellaneous; Polymer industry, paints, wood; self-assembly; Technology of polymers; fine-scale composites; self-assembly; chaotic mixing; Low density ethylene polymer; Molten state; Preparation; Composite material; Fiber reinforced material; Structural analysis
• ISSN: 1359-835X; 1878-5840
• DOI: 10.1016/1359-835X(95)00011-P

A processing technique is presented in which very fine fibres or lamellae emerge from single or multiple, molten, discrete phase precursors contained within a continuous molten phase as a result of three-dimensional chaotic mixing. Conditions for chaotic mixing in a previously uninvestigated cylindrical cavity were established experimentally and numerically with glycerin as a surrogate fluid. Chaotic mixing was then induced within a similar cavity to produce polymeric composites. Optical micrographs of the solidified emergent structures are provided and the association between the fine-scale microstructures and the chaotic mixing process is presented. The results suggest opportunities to produce a variety of very fine-scale composite structures by alternative means.