Thermoplastic prepreg containing continuous and long fibers
US9096000B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 22, 2011 |
| Grant date | Aug 4, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 8, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/249946
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A prepreg that contains a plurality of unidirectionally aligned continuous fibers embedded within a thermoplastic polymer matrix is provided. In addition to continuous fibers, the prepreg also contains a plurality of long fibers that are combined with the continuous fibers so that they are randomly distributed within the thermoplastic matrix. As a result, at least a portion of the long fibers become oriented at an angle (e.g., perpendicular) relative to the direction of the continuous fibers. Through such orientation, the long fibers can substantially increase the mechanical properties of the prepreg in the transverse direction (e.g., strength) and thus achieve a more isotropic material. Although unique isotropic prepregs are one aspect of the present invention, it should be understood that this is not a requirement. In fact, one notable feature of the present invention is the ability to tailor the mechanical properties of the prepreg for an intended application by selectively controlling certain process parameters, such as the type of long fibers employed, the type of continuous fibers employed, the concentration of the long fibers, the concentration of the continuous fibers, the …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.