3m Innovative Properties Company

Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.

Paul D Prichard

David C Koskenmaki

Kyung H Moh

Daniel J Sordelet

Matthew Frank Besser

The invention provides abrasive articles with optimally oriented abrasive particles and a method of making the same. The method involves contacting a substrate with the contact and mating surfaces of tools to provide an embossed substrate with perforated depressions, distributing abrasive particles within the depressions of the substrate, optimally orienting each abrasive particle in the depression containing the abrasive particle, creating a differential pressure between the top surface and the back surface of the embossed, perforated sheet wherein a lower pressure is applied to the back surface to hold the oriented abrasive particles within its depression while removing at least a major portion of abrasive particles not within the depressions from the top surface of the sheet and permanently bonding the abrasive particles in the depressions after they are optimally oriented to provide the abrasive product.

Abrasive article with optimally oriented abrasive particles and method of making the same

A method and apparatus for producing AlN powder employing a vacuum chamber with a nozzle thereon having a hollow center crucible of graphite with a small feed hole in the bottom thereof. A device is provided for heating and melting aluminum in the crucible. A plasma gun connected to a source of argon and nitrogen is ignited below said feed hole, and melted aluminum moves into the plume of said plasma gun. The melted aluminum is atomized in the plume, and the droplets of aluminum are vaporized and react to the nitrogen in the plume, to create AlN which is collected in a collecting chamber.

Growing community of inventors

Woodbury, MN, United States of America

Paul D Prichard