Particle guide for making fibres and/or ribbons, comprises head with converging channels for fluids containing particles and aggregation agent in suspension

摘要

The particle guide is designed to provide shearing and elongation forces between two solutions, one containing particles such as carbon nanotubes in suspension and the other an aggregation agent, and give the particles a preferred orientation during their aggregation. The particle guide is designed to provide shearing and elongation forces between two solutions, one containing particles such as carbon nanotubes in suspension and the other an aggregation agent, and give the particles a preferred orientation during their aggregation. It consists of a cylindrical head (1) with two channels (2, 3) for the circulation of first and second solutions. Each channel has an inlet (20, 30) and an outlet (21, 31), and they meet in a convergence zone (4), where the particles make contact with the aggregation agent. The first channel has a nozzle aligned with the axis of the head that imparts a straight or conical trajectory to the solution, while the second is in a conical annular configuration round the first. The outlet end of the nozzle is adjustable relative to the convergence zone by means of a threaded outer surface (5), and the shape of the convergence zone is made variable by being formed between two interchangeable cylindrical head components (10, 11).