Welded structural joint between a high-performance thermoplastic matrix composite material and an elastomer
US10131093B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 1, 2014 |
| Grant date | Nov 20, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB32B2307/304
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for producing, by welding, a joint between a thermoplastic matrix composite material and an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material is functionalized by incorporating, onto the surface of the elastomer, a nonwoven fabric consisting of fibers of thermoplastic material. The functionalized surface of the elastomeric material is welded to the thermoplastic material of the composite. The functionalization of the elastomeric material is performed during the vulcanization of the raw elastomer. The vulcanization is performed under a sufficient pressure for the nonwoven fabric placed on the surface of the raw elastomer to become incorporated with same, at least at the surface, during the vulcanization process. The welding operation includes interposing a metal fabric coated with thermoplastic material between the surfaces of the elastomer and the composite that are welded to each other, and passing an electric current through same, resulting in the surface melting of the two materials.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.