High performance composites of polymeric and conductive filler materials

Claim 1

A conductive composite body of compressed particulate material, comprising a matrix of non-theroosetting polymeric material and embedded therein a conductive filler material, the matrix-forming polymeric material being characterized by: (a) zero flow according to the AST D1238-62T test (Condition P) at 190°C and at 10°C above its melting point; (b) a cohesive energy density greater than 40 cal/cm ; and (c) an entanglement factor of at least 322-0.84 T_, s where Ϊ is the glass transition temperature 6 in °K. 2. A composite body according to Claim 1 , comprising at least two different matrix-forming polymeric materials. 3· A composite body according to Claim 1 or 2, comprising at least two different filler materials, 4· A composite body according to any one of Claims 1 to 3» wherein the filler is metallic. 5· A composite body according to any one of Claims 1 to 3» wherein the filler is non-metallic* 6· A composite body according to Claim 5, wherein the filler is graphite, a conductive carbon black, a carbide or a ferrite. 7· A method of making a composite body according to any one of the preceding Claims, comprising mixing a particulate matrix-forming polymeric material of the kind defined - 24 - 45057/2 material, and subjecting the particulate mix to a compacting treatment at an elevated temperature. '^m * 8. A method according to Claim 7 , wherein an initially produced composite body is subjected to further shaping, 9. A method according to Claim 7 or 8 , wherein an initially produced composite body is sintered to reduce its porositye 1 0· A method according to any one of Claims 7 to 9 » wherein a bonding and/or conditioning agent and/or a lubricant is incorporated in the particulate mix. 1 1 . A method according to any one of Claims 7 to 1 0 , wherein the compacting method used is impact-forming.