Method for molding of polymer composites comprising three-dimensional carbon reinforcement using a durable tool
US8043543B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 28, 2007 |
| Grant date | Oct 25, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 13, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/3055
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method is disclosed for high volume production of molded dimensionally accurate polymer composite articles comprising three-dimensional carbon fiber reinforcement in high volume. Carbon fiber cloth infiltrated with a liquid thermosetting polymer precursor is shaped by application of pressure to urge the cloth against the surface of a mold and then heated while under pressure to cure the polymer precursor into a solid polymeric matrix for the carbon fiber article. Mold tooling is formed of suitable iron-nickel alloys and provided with a hard electroless nickel coating on the mold cavity surface. The iron and nickel alloy provides thermal expansion properties generally matched to those of the articles for the molding of dimensionally accurate parts. The nickel alloy coating provides a durable surface to resist abrasion by the carbon fiber cloth without adversely affecting the expansion properties of the mold, and remains adherent to the base metal during the repeated thermal cycling encountered in high volume production.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.