High strength, high modulus continuous polymeric material for durable, impact resistant applications
US5935651A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 1995 |
| Grant date | Aug 10, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 29, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24694
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A protective, impact resistant material and method, the material comprising a fabric of thermoplastic polymeric fibers having a strength of at least 0.4 GPa and an elastic modulus of at least 5 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 6000 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 th…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.