Patent: Using Magnetic Fields in Production of Porous Materials
MIE Associate Professor Randall Erb was awarded a patent for “Pore orientation using magnetic fields.”
Abstract Source: USPTO
The use of magnetic fields in the production of porous articles is generally described. Certain embodiments comprise exposing a matrix to a magnetic field such that particles within the matrix form one or more elongated regions (e.g., one or more regions in which the particles chain). In some embodiments, after the magnetic field has been applied, the particles and/or a liquid within the matrix can be at least partially removed. Removal of the particles and/or the liquid can leave behind anisotropic pores within the remainder of the matrix material.
