Fibre reinforced polymer compositions and process and apparatus for production thereof
November 23rd, 1993
US Patent: 5,264,261, 23rd November 1993
S F Bush
Abstract
Fibrous network structures are produced within liquid polymer resins by passing the fiber-containing resin along a channel having a plurality of sets of flow modifying elements which establish a regulated succession of velocity profiles for the principal flow direction and the two directions perpendicular thereto. The individual velocity profiles persist over distances which are small compared to the channel dimension over which they are established and are such that there is substantially no net deviation from the principal flow direction. The velocity profiles superimpose on each other to cause rotation and sliding of the fibers so that a coherent network structure is built up which persists through extrusion dies and molds into the solid state. By means of a large number of touches per fiber the structures thereby established confer efficient mechanical reinforcing properties and enhanced thermal properties on the polymer composition.
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Also Australian Patent 602948, 7th December 1987, based on UK patents 8629216, 6th December 1986, and 8713513, 10th June 1987.