Process of debundling carbon fiber tow and molding compositions containing such fibers

US11214894B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• CONTINENTAL STRUCTURAL PLASTICS, INC. · US

Inventors

• Probir Kumar Guha · Bloomfield Hills, US
• Michael J. Siwajek · Rochester Hills, US
• Michael J. Hiltunen · Rochester, US
• Shane Skop · Auburn Hills, US
• Christopher Hiltunen · Auburn Hills, US
• Patrick Hale · Auburn Hills, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 19, 2017
• Grant date: Jan 4, 2022
• Expiry date: Jan 18, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T428/2495
• WIPO field: Surface technology, coating
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A process for debundling a carbon fiber tow into dispersed chopped carbon fibers suitable for usage in molding composition formulations is provided. A carbon fiber tow is fed into a die having fluid flow openings, through which a fluid impinges upon the side of the tow to expand the tow cross sectional area. The expanded cross sectional area tow extends from the die into the path of a conventional fiber chopping apparatus to form chopped carbon fibers, or through contacting tines of a mechanical debundler. Through adjustment of the relative position of fluid flow openings relative to a die bore through which fiber tow passes, the nature of the fluid impinging on the tow, the shape of the bore, in combinations thereof, an improved chopped carbon fiber dispersion is achieved. The chopped carbon fiber obtained is then available to be dispersed in molding composition formulations prior to formulation cure.