Composite structural elements and method of making same
US8753473B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 15, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jun 17, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 15, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T442/699
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A composite structural element and a method for making same are provided. The element includes a polymer foam core and at least one fibrous layer adhered to the polymer foam core by epoxy. Nano-particles are suspended in the epoxy prior to curing; preferably they are mixed with the hardener before it is mixed with the resin. The polymer foam core is preferably an exothermic foam such as polyurethane, and heat generated by the exothermic foam cures the epoxy, thereby causing the fibrous layer to adhere to the foam core. The nano-particles may be made from at least one of carbon, a ceramic, tungsten, a carbide, titanium, zircon, aluminum, silver, or boron. When carbon nano-particles are used, the strength of the composite is greatly increased, and the curing time of the heat-curable epoxy is significantly reduced. Ceramic nano-particles can be used to increase penetration resistance and provide increased ballistic protection.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.