| abstract |
The present invention provides methods of making sticky powder comprising mixing one or more resin or (co)polymer powders in one or more mixing devices without agglomerating the powders and while measuring the power, work or torque drawn by the mixing devices, the mixing continuing until the measure of the power or torque drawn indicates that the powders have become sticky. The mixing further comprises adding to the powders one or more dry materials and mixing to so that the dry materials adhere or "bond" to the sticky powders. Alternatively, the methods further comprise slowing or stopping the mixing, or cooling while mixing once the said sticky powders have been formed, adding one or more dry materials to form a sticky powder mixture, and further mixing to bond the sticky powders and the dry materials together. The dry materials may comprise one or more flake materials, e.g. metallic flakes; layered pigments, clays, catalysts or antimicrobials; resins or (co)polymers; cyroprocessed materials, and materials encapsulated or dispersed in brittle materials. The methods may be automated. |