Light weight polymer matrix composite material

US4992528A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• Kenneth J. Bowles · Lakewood, US
• Carl E. Lowell · Lakewood, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 5, 1988
• Grant date: Feb 12, 1991
• Expiry date: Dec 5, 2008

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B29K2995/0017
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A graphite fiber reinforced polymer matrix is layed up, cured, and thermally aged at about 750.degree. F. in the presence of an inert gas. The heat treatment improves the structural integrity and alters the electrical conductivity of the materials. In the preferred embodiment PMR-15 polyimides and Celion-6000 graphite fibers are used.