Abstract: A composite comprising a first melt processable material referred to as a masterbatch which includes particulate material master batch and a second melt-processable material said first melt processable material and said second melt processable material are formed into a multilayer arrangement by chaotic advection and wherein said particulate material is oriented within layers, or forms networks in said first melt-processable material.

Abstract: An in-situ structuring rheometer provides a means to develop and measure the rheological properties of structured materials such as those having various polymer blend morphologies or particle networks. Chaotic advection of liquid contained within a cavity is instilled by controlled motions of boundary surfaces and, concomitantly, forces and displacements on the boundary surfaces are measured, indicating at least one of a flow- or a structure-related property.

Abstract: A method and types of composites in which particles are oriented within a melt-processable material or are arranged into networks in response to chaotic advection. A masterbatch comprising a melt-processable material and particles is supplied to a blender in which chaotic advection is maintained for a specified period. A second, melt-processable material may be supplied to the blender simultaneously. Resulting composites include extrusions with oriented inorganic platelets that reduce permeation or electrically conducting plastics and other functional materials.

Abstract: A composite comprising a first melt processable material referred to as a masterbatch which includes particulate material master batch and a second melt-processable material said first melt processable material and said second melt processable material are formed into a multilayer arrangement by chaotic advection and wherein said particulate material is oriented within layers, or forms networks in said first melt-processable material.

Abstract: A blending system incorporating a blender with an operating cavity housing a plurality of elongate rod elements extending at least partially along the length of the operating cavity such that controlled relative movement between the rod elements and a multi-constituent composition within the operating cavity causes the development of predefined structures within the multi-constituent composition. The cavity within the blender incorporates a diminished cross-section in the vicinity of its terminal end. Methods to provide controlled development of microstructures and properties are also provided.

Abstract: A method and types of composites in which particles are oriented within a melt-processable material or are arranged into networks in response to chaotic advection. A masterbatch comprising a melt-processable material and particles is supplied to a blender in which chaotic advection is maintained for a specified period. A second, melt-processable material may be supplied to the blender simultaneously. Resulting composites include extrusions with oriented inorganic platelets that reduce permeation or electrically conducting plastics and other functional materials.

Abstract: A blending system incorporating a blender with an operating cavity housing a plurality of elongate rod elements extending at least partially along the length of the operating cavity such that controlled relative movement between the rod elements and a multi-constituent composition within the operating cavity causes the development of predefined structures within the multi-constituent composition. The cavity within the blender incorporates a diminished cross-section in the vicinity of its terminal end. Methods to provide controlled development of microstructures and properties are also provided.

Abstract: Chaotic advection causes the formation of various encapsulates in binary phase composites. Such composites are successfully formed with thermoplastics that are present in desired amounts by weight or volume. With a batch type chaotic mixer, the process starts with selecting suitable polymers, mechanically mixing the raw material, heating the mixture, instilling chaotic advection by agitation for a period of time and cooling and recovering the composite. With continuous flow types of chaotic mixers, the process starts with melting the component polymers in separate extruders capable of component melt flows in predetermined proportions.

Abstract: A method and types of composites in which particles are oriented within a melt-processable material or are arranged into networks in response to chaotic advection. A masterbatch comprising a melt-processable material and particles is supplied to a blender in which chaotic advection is maintained for a specified period. A second, melt-processable material may be supplied to the blender simultaneously. Resulting composites include extrusions with oriented inorganic platelets that reduce permeation or electrically conducting plastics and other functional materials.

Abstract: Chaotic advection causes the formation of various encapsulates in binary phase composites. Such composites are successfully formed with thermoplastics that are present in desired amounts by weight or volume. With a batch type chaotic mixer, the process starts with selecting suitable polymers, mechanically mixing the raw material, heating the mixture, instilling chaotic advection by agitation for a period of time and cooling and recovering the composite. With continuous flow types of chaotic mixers, the process starts with melting the component polymers in separate extruders capable of component melt flows in predetermined proportions.

Abstract: A method for the production of a multiple phase composite material, wherein the composite material includes a major phase component and at least one minor phase component. The major and minor phase components are arranged in a desired predefined morphological structure in which the major phase component and the minor phase components have predefined size and shape characteristics. The method involves supplying the major phase component to a chaotic mixer (10) in a controlled manner and supplying the minor phase components to the chaotic mixer (10) in a controlled manner. Within the chaotic mixer (10) the major phase component and minor phase components undergo mixing according to controlled parameters to controllably and progressively develop predefined desired morphologies. Resulting structures are also provided.

Abstract: A method for the production of a multiple phase composite material, wherein the composite material includes a major phase component and at least one minor phase component. The major and minor phase components are arranged in a desired predefined morphological structure in which the major phase component and the minor phase components have predefined size and shape characteristics. The method involves supplying the major phase component to a chaotic mixer (10) in a controlled manner and supplying the minor phase components to the chaotic mixer (10) in a controlled manner. Within the chaotic mixer (10) the major phase component and minor phase components undergo mixing according to controlled parameters to controllably and progressively develop predefined desired morphologies. Resulting structures are also provided.