Patent ID: 7947773
Filing Date: 2011-05-24
Classification: B29C,D04H,G01K,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for manufacturing a composite material capable of conducting electricity, the method comprising the steps of: (a) forming a plurality of metallic branching nanostrands having an average diameter less than about four microns and an average aspect ratio greater than about ten-to-one; (b) providing a plurality of fibers having an average diameter greater than about four microns; (c) distributing the fibers substantially throughout a matrix formed substantially of a nonmetallic material; and (d) dispersing the metal branching nanostrands substantially throughout the matrix as liberated metallic branching nanostrands by minimal shear mixing, the liberated metallic branching nanostrands retaining substantial lengths, large aspect ratios, and abundant lateral branching.