Inventors:
Charles J. Patrissi - Newport RI, US
Russell R. Bessette - Mattapoisett MA, US
Louis G. Carreiro - Westport MA, US
Yong K. Kim - Dartmouth MA, US
Thomas M. Arruda - Quincy MA, US
Craig M. Deschenes - Somerset MA, US
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy - Washington DC
International Classification:
B05D 1/14
Abstract:
A direct charging electrostatic flocking method is provided for the fabrication of a fibrous structure. Fibers are deposited directly on a first electrically conductive surface while a second electrically conductive surface with an adhesive thereon is disposed over the first surface. A vacuum is created in the space between the first electrically conductive surface and the second electrically conductive surface. The vacuum is then filled with sulfur hexafluoride gas. An electric field is generated between the first and second electrically conductive surfaces. The fibers leave the first electrically conductive surface, accelerate through the electric field and sulfur hexafluoride gas, and are coupled on one end thereof to the adhesive. As a result of using sulfur hexafluoride rather than air there is an increase in fiber density of the fibrous structure.
