Method for forming a composite structure
US5876651A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 29, 1996 |
| Grant date | Mar 2, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 29, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T442/2984
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention related to a method for providing a composite structure and the composite structure formed thereby. The method broadly comprises the steps of: providing a core structure formed from a non-metallic composite material in a substantially uncured state; applying a fluoroelastomer film in a substantially uncured state over surface portions of said core structure; placing a metallic structure over a portion of said core structure, said metallic structure having inner surfaces which contacts said fluoroelastomer film; and molding said composite structure under conditions of heat and pressure for a time sufficient to co-cure said fluoroelastomer film and said non-metallic core structure material and to form a bond between said fluoroelastomer film and said inner surfaces of said metallic structure. The method of the present invention may be used to manufacture original metal/composite structures as well as to refurbish metal/composite structures such as fan exit guide vanes for jet engines.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.