non-spherical fine material

[Rink]

Hi all,

Looking for a very small quantity (a gram or less?) of a material that is non-spherical, with a diameter in the range of 1-15um. We're looking at defects in a thin film of Liquid Crystal and would like something besides round latex beads. A rod-shape (d~1-2um, l~5-10um) would be interesting as would a hex-shaped material. Any ideas?

Sorry if this is naive...

 

[IRstuff]

Odd that you mention rod shapes:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacteria

Not sure whether that's applicable...

TTFN

 

[MintJulep]

Give these guys a call:

http://www.powdertechnologyinc.com/pages/english/about_PTI.html

 

[EdStainless]

There are some metal powders that are formed electolytically that are elongated. There may also be some abrasive media that have a shape that would work for you.

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Rust never sleeps
Neither should your protection

http://www.trent-tube.com/contact/Tech_Assist.cfm

 

[unclesyd]

You should be able to get glass or carbon fibers in your range.

One standard our physical testing lab used was a carbon fiber that had a metallic coating. From the windmills of my mind it may have been nickel.

Anecdotal:
At one time asbestos fibers were used.

 

[TVP]

I almost posted something yesterday about asbestos, but thought that it was too troublesome. Inco was experimenting with nickel-coated carbon. Not sure if this is still active, but worth a look.

 

[unclesyd]

You might want to give Barton Mines a call. They are offering very fine grade garnet powder. It looks like they can classify any size you need. You can probably get sevral sizes with different distributions for a lot less money that some of the others.

http://www.barton.com/precision_powders.cfm