Abstract: The disclosure features systems, devices, and methods of sectioned compaction of composite materials for large parts. An example system includes a mold assembly, including a bottom wall, one or more side walls coupled to the bottom wall, one or more pistons, wherein the bottom wall, the one or more side walls, and the one or more pistons at least partially define a mold cavity, and wherein each of the one or more pistons are independently movable to reduce the volume of the mold cavity; and a plurality of fasteners configured to selectively immobilize the one or more pistons; and a compression actuator configured to sequentially advance the pistons from an initial position to an actuated position to compress a composite material within the mold cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elastomer-conductive filler composite with improved dielectric properties. The composite includes conductive fillers and an ionic liquid dispersing the conductive fillers. The ionic liquid is used as a dispersant to effectively enhance the dispersion of the conductive fillers, achieving a high dielectric constant and a low dielectric loss of the composite without deteriorating the physical properties of the conductive fillers. The use of the ionic liquid can reduce the number of processing steps and the presence of the conductive fillers at a low concentration in the composite can minimize deterioration of the physical properties of the elastomer. Further disclosed is a method for producing the composite.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elastomer-conductive filler composite with improved dielectric properties. The composite includes conductive fillers and an ionic liquid dispersing the conductive fillers. The ionic liquid is used as a dispersant to effectively enhance the dispersion of the conductive fillers, achieving a high dielectric constant and a low dielectric loss of the composite without deteriorating the physical properties of the conductive fillers. The use of the ionic liquid can reduce the number of processing steps and the presence of the conductive fillers at a low concentration in the composite can minimize deterioration of the physical properties of the elastomer. Further disclosed is a method for producing the composite.