High strength, high modulus continuous polymeric material for durable, impact resistant applications
US5573824A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 11, 1994 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 11, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T442/2615
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A protective, impact resistant material and method, the material comprising a fabric of thermoplastic polymeric fibers having a strength of at least 0.5 GPa and an elastic modulus of at least 25 GPa and a matrix of polymeric material disposed in the interstices between the fibers, the matrix having an elastic modulus in the range 0.2 to 3.times.10.sup.6 psi. The polymeric fibers can be gel spun polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, polyvinyl alcohol and polyethylene terephthalate. In a second embodiment, the matrix is derived from the fabric. The method of making the material comprises providing a matrix of melted polymeric material transparent to energy of a predetermined type and having a predetermined melting temperature, placing a fabric of polymeric fibers having a melting temperature higher than the melting temperature of the matrix in the matrix, applying a pressure of 1000 to 2000 psi to the fabric disposed in the matrix, then raising the temperature to the melting temperature of the fabric for the minimum time required to cause consolidation of the fabric and the matrix and rapidly cooling the consolidated fabric and matrix to a temperature below the melting temperature of t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.