Composite articles reinforced with highly oriented microfibers
US6630231B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 15, 2001 |
| Grant date | Oct 7, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 27, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T442/613
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A composite formed of a polymer matrix phase having a reinforcement phase including polymeric microfibers. The microfibers are preferably formed of a highly oriented polymer, having a high modulus value and a large surface area. The large surface area can serve to tightly bind the microfibers to the polymer matrix phase. The microfibers can be provided as a fully- or partially-microfibrillated film, as a non-woven web of entangled microfibers, or as a pulp having free fibers. The microfibers can be embedded in, or impregnated with, a polymer or polymer precursor. Some composite articles are formed from thermoset resins cured about a highly oriented polypropylene microfiber reinforcement phase, providing a strong, tough, moisture resistant article. One composite includes a matrix and reinforcement formed of the same material type and having substantially equal refractive indices, allowing the composite to be optically clear.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.