Decorated particle, composite material including the same, and methods of making the same
A decorated particle comprises a single inorganic particle core having an uneven outer surface with a plurality of crevices and an average particle diameter of 20 to 150 microns. A binder retaining decorating particles is disposed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the inorganic particle core and fills the crevices. The decorating particles have an average particle diameter of 0.05 to 10 microns. A method of making decorated particles is also disclosed.
1 . A decorated particle comprising:
a single inorganic particle core having an average particle diameter of 20 to 150 microns, wherein the inorganic particle core comprises aluminum trihydroxide, and wherein the inorganic particle core has an uneven outer surface with a plurality of crevices;
a first binder retaining decorating particles disposed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the inorganic particle core and filling the crevices, wherein the decorating particles have an average particle diameter of 0.05 to 10 microns, and wherein the first binder is inorganic.
2 . The decorated particle of claim 1 , wherein the inorganic particle core and the decorating particles are thermally conductive.
3 . The decorated particle of claim 1 , wherein the single inorganic particle core has an outer surface, wherein the decorated particle has an outer surface, and wherein the outer surface of the decorated particle is smoother than the outer surface of the inorganic particle core.
4 . The decorated particle of claim 1 , wherein the inorganic particle core and the decorating particles do not have the same composition.
5 . The decorated particle of claim 1 , wherein the decorating particles have an average particle diameter of 0.5 to 7 microns.
6 . A plurality of decorated particles according to claim 1 .
7 . A composite material comprising the plurality of decorated particles of claim 6 , retained in a second binder, wherein the second binder is distinguishable from the first binder.
8 . A method for making the decorated particle of claim 1 , the method comprising:
combining:
the single inorganic particle core;
a curable first binder precursor; and
the decorating particles; and
curing the curable first binder precursor to form a first binder, thereby forming the decorated particle.
9 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the single inorganic particle core and the decorating particles are thermally conductive.
10 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the single inorganic particle core has an outer surface, wherein the decorated particle has an outer surface, and wherein the outer surface of the decorated particle is smoother than the outer surface of the inorganic particle core.