A battery containment system is provided that includes a unitary battery tray having a bottom and walls that from the bottom of said tray and defining a cavity within the tray. A cover is includes having a cover body portion and a first flange extending from the cover body portion, the cover body portion configured to overlie the cavity within the tray and the walls of the tray, the first flange of said cover configured to extend beyond the walls of the tray. A shield having a shield body portion and a second flange extending from the shield body portion, the shield body portion is configured to underlie the bottom of the tray, the second flange of the shield is configured to extend beyond the bottom of the tray and configured to engage the first flange of the cover.
H01M 50/242 - Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by physical properties of casings or racks, e.g. dimensions adapted for protecting batteries against vibrations, collision impact or swelling
H01M 50/264 - Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders with fastening means, e.g. locks for cells or batteries, e.g. straps, tie rods or peripheral frames
H01M 50/291 - Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by spacing elements or positioning means within frames, racks or packs characterised by their shape
2.
PUNCTURE RESISTANT SHIELD OF A BATTERY CONTAINMENT SYSTEM
A puncture resistant shield is provided for use with a battery containment system that is light weight and resistant to corrosion, while improving the safety performance of the battery containment system by providing greater impact and impalement protection as compared to conventional vehicle components. The puncture resistant shield also has utility in that it may be used with existing battery containment systems as an aftermarket installation to increase protection of the batteries contained therein or may be designed for use with new manufactured battery containment systems.
H01M 50/242 - Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by physical properties of casings or racks, e.g. dimensions adapted for protecting batteries against vibrations, collision impact or swelling
3.
IMPACT RESISTANT FRAME OF BATTERY CONTAINMENT SYSTEM
A high strength frame of a sealable containment system is provided for containing and protecting energy cells or batteries. The protection provided by the high strength frame provides impalement resistance, impact resistance, fire resistance, and fluid penetration prevention. The frame includes a shock structure / energy absorber to protect the battery from forces during potential impacts with other vehicles or objects. The frame of a battery containment system is further designed to resist impalements in order to protect the batteries. Furthermore, because vehicle batteries are prone to extreme fire in the event of an impact or impalement, the containment system provides a sealed battery environment to keep fluid and moisture out during normal operation and to limit oxygen in the event of a battery fire.
H01M 50/242 - Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by physical properties of casings or racks, e.g. dimensions adapted for protecting batteries against vibrations, collision impact or swelling
H01M 50/264 - Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders with fastening means, e.g. locks for cells or batteries, e.g. straps, tie rods or peripheral frames
H01M 50/291 - Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by spacing elements or positioning means within frames, racks or packs characterised by their shape
4.
PUNCTURE RESISTANT SHIELD OF A BATTERY CONTAINMENT SYSTEM
A puncture resistant shield is provided for use with a battery containment system that is light weight and resistant to corrosion, while improving the safety performance of the battery containment system by providing greater impact and impalement protection as compared to conventional vehicle components. The puncture resistant shield also has utility in that it may be used with existing battery containment systems as an aftermarket installation to increase protection of the batteries contained therein or may be designed for use with new manufactured battery containment systems.
H01M 50/131 - Primary casings, jackets or wrappings of a single cell or a single battery characterised by physical properties, e.g. gas-permeability or size
H01M 50/145 - Primary casings, jackets or wrappings of a single cell or a single battery for protecting against damage caused by external factors for protecting against corrosion
A battery containment construct is provided that includes a unitary tray having a bottom and a set of walls including a first side wall, a second side wall, a first end wall, and a second end wall. The set of walls extending from the bottom of the tray and defining a cavity within the tray. A cover removably attached to the plurality of walls of said tray opposite the bottom of said tray. Energy absorption components attached to the bottom of the tray external to at least one of the set of walls in some versions to enhance impact resistance. The construct has high strength, is light weight and well suited for containing and protecting energy cells or batteries that adjusted to impact resistance, fire resistance, and fluid penetration prevention.
H01M 50/242 - Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by physical properties of casings or racks, e.g. dimensions adapted for protecting batteries against vibrations, collision impact or swelling
H01M 50/204 - Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells
H01M 50/24 - Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by physical properties of casings or racks, e.g. dimensions adapted for protecting batteries from their environment, e.g. from corrosion
H01M 50/249 - Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders specially adapted for aircraft or vehicles, e.g. cars or trains
H01M 50/271 - Lids or covers for the racks or secondary casings
B60L 50/64 - Constructional details of batteries specially adapted for electric vehicles
B60L 3/00 - Electric devices on electrically-propelled vehicles for safety purposes; Monitoring operating variables, e.g. speed, deceleration or energy consumption
B60L 58/24 - Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling batteries for controlling the temperature of batteries
6.
METHOD OF THICKENING PHENOLIC RESIN AND USE THEREOF TO FORM VEHICLE COMPONENTS
A method of building viscosity in a sheet molding composition is provided that includes a thickening agent of at least one of magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxides, zinc oxide, borates, aluminum ion chelates, aluminum trihydrate, polyphosphate, epoxides being mixed into a phenolic resin liquid or solution that includes novolac resin. An initial viscosity results for the mixture. The viscosity builds from the initial viscosity to 36 hours, from 36 to 142 hours, and then from 142 hours to 176 hours to define a slope ratio of viscosities in these time ranges of 1.5-8:1:-0.4-2 and a having terminal viscosity as measured at 176 hours. Alternatively, the initial viscosity is between 500 and 50,000 centiPoise (cP) and at 24 hours thereafter builds to between 1 million to 50 million cP, and the terminal viscosity thereafter of between 10 million and 200 million cP.
A tool for manufacturing a sandwich composite material component is provided that includes a lower tool having a surface configured to receive materials for forming the sandwich composite material component. An upper tool is also provided that has a sealing edge and a cutting edge. The upper tool and the lower tool are configured to be separated to an open position and to be brought together to a closed position, the upper tool and the lower tool define a cavity when in the closed position. A process for forming a sandwich composite material component is also provided.
B32B 37/14 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers
B32B 37/10 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the pressing technique, e.g. using direct action of vacuum or fluid pressure
B32B 37/12 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by using adhesives
B32B 38/00 - Ancillary operations in connection with laminating processes
B32B 5/18 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by features of a layer containing foamed or specifically porous material
B32B 5/02 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments
8.
BATTERY TRAY MADE OF INTEGRALLY MOLDED FIBER REINFORCED PLASTICS
A battery tray for mounting a battery for driving a vehicle includes a bottom; a peripheral wall erected on an outer circumference of the bottom; a flange connected to a top of the peripheral wall and extending outwards of the peripheral wall; a first inner wall connected to the bottom, a bending angle between the first inner wall and the bottom being between 90 degrees and 135 degrees; a second inner wall connected to the bottom, a bending angle between the second inner wall and the bottom being between 90 degrees and 135 degrees; and a stud bolt pedestal connected to both the first inner wall and the second inner wall and provided above the bottom. The bottom, the peripheral wall, the flange, the first inner wall, the second inner wall, and the stud bolt pedestal being integrally molded from fiber reinforced plastics containing discontinuous fibers.
H01M 50/249 - Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders specially adapted for aircraft or vehicles, e.g. cars or trains
H01M 50/229 - Composite material consisting of a mixture of organic and inorganic materials
H01M 50/244 - Secondary casings; Racks; Suspension devices; Carrying devices; Holders characterised by their mounting method
H01M 50/262 - Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders with fastening means, e.g. locks
B60K 1/04 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units of the electric storage means for propulsion
9.
VEHICLE HEADLINER SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSTALLING THE SAME
A headliner for use in a vehicle having a roof, the headliner including a sheet and a plurality of first snap portions adapted to couple with a plurality of corresponding second snap portions fixed to the vehicle roof to mount the sheet to an interior side the vehicle roof through the interaction of the plurality of first snap portions and the corresponding second snap portions. A method for installing a headliner on a vehicle roof structure includes providing a headliner comprising a sheet having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a plurality of first snap portions fixed to the sheet, and joining the plurality of first snap portions to a plurality of second snap portions fixed to the roof structure, the plurality of second snap portions adapted to couple with the plurality of first snap portions to mount the sheet to the interior side the vehicle roof structure.
A vehicular body structural arrangement includes a polymeric deck panel. The deck panel includes corrugations, a crosswise crossbeam footprint and, along a partial length of the crossbeam footprint, two features for securing a crossbeam thereto. The corrugations include an adjacent ridge and valley. The features include a first feature having a first direction along the deck panel, and a second feature having a second direction toward the deck panel. The first feature includes a unitarily-formed web projecting normally to the deck panel past the ridge, and a rivet nut installed to the web against a backing facing the first direction. The second feature includes a unitarily-formed stanchion behind the web projecting normally to the deck panel from inside the valley, and a threaded insert seated in the stanchion facing the second direction.
B62D 21/03 - Understructures, i.e. chassis frame on which a vehicle body may be mounted comprising longitudinally or transversely arranged frame members transverse members providing body support
B62D 27/06 - Connections between superstructure sub-units readily releasable
A vehicle component unit including a reinforcing open area core layer, a high gloss surface layer, and an encapsulating plastic layer. The reinforcing open area core layer has a first side and an oppositely opposed second side and a first end and an oppositely opposed second end each extending between the first side and the second side. The high gloss surface layer is positioned on the first side of the reinforcing open area core layer. The encapsulating plastic layer has a first end and a second end and is positioned on the second side of the reinforcing open are core layer. The first end and the second end of the encapsulating plastic layer are embedded into the high gloss surface layer with an embedded length L, such that the encapsulating plastic layer covers the first end and the second end of the reinforcing open area core layer.
B32B 3/12 - Layered products essentially comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products essentially having particular features of form characterised by a discontinuous layer, i.e. apertured or formed of separate pieces of material characterised by a layer of regularly-arranged cells whether integral or formed individually or by conjunction of separate strips, e.g. honeycomb structure
B32B 27/20 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin characterised by the use of special additives using fillers, pigments, thixotroping agents
A modular utility vehicle construct that is light weight yet robust is provided. The construct is formed with a composite open area core sandwich structure capable of withstanding typical wear and tear and environmental elements experienced by utility vehicle compartments. The use of the composite sandwich structure allows for replacement of traditional materials such as steel or aluminum, without a loss of strength, in a vehicle's containment construct while also reducing the overall weight of the vehicle and increasing the ability to customize the vehicle's utility features to suit the specific needs of the purchaser.
B32B 3/12 - Layered products essentially comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products essentially having particular features of form characterised by a discontinuous layer, i.e. apertured or formed of separate pieces of material characterised by a layer of regularly-arranged cells whether integral or formed individually or by conjunction of separate strips, e.g. honeycomb structure
B32B 5/18 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by features of a layer containing foamed or specifically porous material
B32B 7/12 - Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
B32B 27/20 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin characterised by the use of special additives using fillers, pigments, thixotroping agents
A vehicle cargo construct includes a floor, a plurality of side wall panels extending from the floor, and an end wall panel extending from the floor between the plurality of side wall panels. The floor has an upper surface and an oppositely opposed lower surface. Each of the plurality of side wall panels has an exterior surface and an oppositely opposed interior surface. The end wall panel has an exterior surface and an oppositely opposed interior surface. Each of the floor, the plurality of side wall panels, and the end wall panel being formed of a composite sandwich panel material formed of an open area core defining a plurality of pores, a surface sheet adhered to a first face of the open area core by a first adhesive layer, and a structural skin adhered to a second face of the open area core by a second adhesive layer.
B62D 29/04 - Superstructures characterised by material thereof predominantly of synthetic material
B32B 3/12 - Layered products essentially comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products essentially having particular features of form characterised by a discontinuous layer, i.e. apertured or formed of separate pieces of material characterised by a layer of regularly-arranged cells whether integral or formed individually or by conjunction of separate strips, e.g. honeycomb structure
B32B 15/08 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 15/20 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising aluminium or copper
B32B 27/18 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin characterised by the use of special additives
A vehicle cargo construct including a floor, a plurality of side wall panels extending from the floor, and an end wall panel extending from the floor between the plurality of side wall panels. The floor has an exterior surface and an oppositely opposed interior surface. Each of the plurality of side wall panels has an exterior surface and an oppositely opposed interior surface. The has an exterior surface and an oppositely opposed interior surface. Each of the floor, the plurality of side wall panels, and the end wall panel are formed of a composite sandwich panel material formed including an open area core defining a plurality of pores disposed between a backing sheet and a surface sheet formed of a sheet molding composition (SMC) reinforced with unidirectional fibers.
B62D 29/04 - Superstructures characterised by material thereof predominantly of synthetic material
B32B 3/12 - Layered products essentially comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products essentially having particular features of form characterised by a discontinuous layer, i.e. apertured or formed of separate pieces of material characterised by a layer of regularly-arranged cells whether integral or formed individually or by conjunction of separate strips, e.g. honeycomb structure
B32B 15/08 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 15/20 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising aluminium or copper
B32B 27/18 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin characterised by the use of special additives
A vehicle removable roof system including a fixed vehicle structure, one or more removable panels configured to engage with the fixed vehicle structure, and a water management system positioned between the one or more removable panels and the fixed vehicle structure. The removable panels may be formed of a composite sandwich panel assembly, which may include an open area core defining pores, a high gloss surface sheet adhered to a first face of the open area core by a first adhesive layer, and a structural skin adhered to a second side of the open area core by a second adhesive layer. The removable panels are configured for installation to and removal from the fixed vehicle structure by a single user and without the use of tools.
A high strength, light weight battery containment construct for containing and protecting energy cells and providing impact, fire, and fluid penetration resistance includes a first housing portion, a second housing portion, and a joiner clip configured to hold the first housing portion and second housing portion together. The first housing portion has a first body and a first flange extending from the first body. The second housing portion has a second body and a second flange extending from the second body. The second flange is configured to engage the first flange such that the first body of the first housing portion and the second body of the second housing portion define a cavity therebetween. The joiner clip is configured with a C- shaped cross section to engage the first flange and the second flange to join the first housing portion to the second housing portion.
H01M 50/249 - Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders specially adapted for aircraft or vehicles, e.g. cars or trains
H01M 50/24 - Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by physical properties of casings or racks, e.g. dimensions adapted for protecting batteries from their environment, e.g. from corrosion
H01M 50/262 - Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders with fastening means, e.g. locks
H01M 50/229 - Composite material consisting of a mixture of organic and inorganic materials
A lightweight vehicle reinforcing component is provided that exhibits an improved automotive crash resistance by strengthening vehicle structural and/or body components while reducing weight. Accordingly, vehicle reinforcing components have improved safety performance and manufacturability and reduced weight compared to existing vehicle reinforcement components. The lightweight vehicle reinforcing component is suited for the reinforcement of a variety of vehicle components that illustratively include door, hoods, decklids, roofs, tailgates, liftgates, bumpers, fenders, quarter panels, and engine compartments.
A cured article includes a cured thermoset resin matrix defining an article surface. Hollow glass microspheroids are dispersed in the cured thermoset resin matrix. A low profile additive package is dispersed in the cured thermoset resin matrix. A plurality of carbon fiber bundles are present and wet by the cured thermoset resin matrix. The matrix formed from a prepolymer and styrenic monomer. A free radical initiator is provided to cure the thermoset resin matrix and having limited decomposition products with a boiling point of between 160-210°C; wherein the article emits less than 250 parts per million (ppm) of volatiles as measured after heating to 185 °C at a rate of 14 °C/min and held for 1 minute.
C08L 67/00 - Compositions of polyesters obtained by reactions forming a carboxylic ester link in the main chain; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
A vehicle component construct and process of making the same including a frame formed of a composite sandwich panel material and a window formed of a transparent resin within the frame. The composite sandwich panel material of the frame including an open area core defining a plurality of pores, a high gloss surface sheet adhered to a first face of the open area core by a first adhesive layer, and a structural skin adhered to a second face of the open area core by a second adhesive layer. The frame defining a through opening that extends from an exterior surface of the frame to an oppositely opposed interior surface of the frame. The window being formed within the through opening of the frame.
B62D 29/00 - Superstructures characterised by material thereof
B62D 25/00 - Superstructure sub-units; Parts or details thereof not otherwise provided for
B32B 3/12 - Layered products essentially comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products essentially having particular features of form characterised by a discontinuous layer, i.e. apertured or formed of separate pieces of material characterised by a layer of regularly-arranged cells whether integral or formed individually or by conjunction of separate strips, e.g. honeycomb structure
B32B 7/12 - Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
B32B 27/06 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance
B32B 27/18 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin characterised by the use of special additives
B32B 5/24 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by the presence of two or more layers which comprise fibres, filaments, granules, or powder, or are foamed or specifically porous one layer being a fibrous or filamentary layer
A vehicle component construct including a panel formed of a composite sandwich material. The composite sandwich material including an open area core defining a plurality of pores, a high gloss surface sheet adhered to a first face of the open area core by a first adhesive layer, and a structural skin adhered to a second face of the open area core by a second adhesive layer. The exterior surface of the panel being defined by the high gloss surface sheet of the composite sandwich panel material and the oppositely opposed interior surface of the panel being defined by the structural skin of the composite sandwich material. The vehicle component construct being suitable for use as a body section of a vehicle.
B32B 3/12 - Layered products essentially comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products essentially having particular features of form characterised by a discontinuous layer, i.e. apertured or formed of separate pieces of material characterised by a layer of regularly-arranged cells whether integral or formed individually or by conjunction of separate strips, e.g. honeycomb structure
B32B 7/12 - Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
B32B 27/06 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance
B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
B32B 27/12 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
B32B 23/08 - Layered products essentially comprising cellulosic plastic substances comprising such substance as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
A battery containment construct is provided that includes a unitary tray having a bottom and a set of walls including a first side wall, a second side wall, a first end wall, and a second end wall. The set of walls extending from the bottom of the tray and defining a cavity within the tray. A cover removably attached to the plurality of walls of said tray opposite the bottom of said tray. Energy absorption components attached to the bottom of the tray external to at least one of the set of walls in some versions to enhance impact resistance. The construct has high strength, is light weight and well suited for containing and protecting energy cells or batteries that adjusted to impact resistance, fire resistance, and fluid penetration prevention.
H01M 2/10 - Mountings; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
H01M 10/659 - Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells by heat storage or buffering, e.g. heat capacity or liquid-solid phase changes or transition
22.
COMPOSITE VEHICLE COMPONENTS FORMED OF SHEET MOLDING COMPOUND REINFORCED WITH CONTINUOUS FIBERS
A vehicle component includes a body, a first beam, and a second beam. The body has a first fixture region and a second fixture region. The first beam is formed of a first composite material and has a first beam shape. The first beam is attached to the body and extends between the first fixture region and the second fixture region of the body. The second beam is formed of a second composite material and has a second beam shape that is simple compared to the first beam shape. The second beam is attached to the body and extends between the first fixture region and the second fixture region of the body.
A vehicle removable roof system including a roof support structure removably attachable to a vehicle, the roof support structure including a plurality of vertically oriented supports and at least one horizontally oriented support. The at least one removable panel configured to engage with the roof support structure. The vehicle removable roof system formed of a light weight sandwich composite structure that affords a high gloss surface without resort to additional processing after production with improved moisture resistance and edges suitable for sealing the removable roof assembly to other vehicle components.
B60J 7/16 - Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position non-foldable
A vehicle removable roof system including a roof support structure removably attachable to a vehicle, the roof support structure including a plurality of vertically oriented supports and at least one horizontally oriented support. The at least one removable panel configured to engage with the roof support structure. The vehicle removable roof system formed of a light weight sandwich composite structure that affords a high gloss surface without resort to additional processing after production with improved moisture resistance and edges suitable for sealing the removable roof assembly to other vehicle components.
B60J 7/16 - Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position non-foldable
25.
OPEN AREA CORE SANDWICH STRUCTURE ASSEMBLY WITH VEHICLE EXTERIOR SURFACE GLOSS
A composite sandwich panel assembly including an open area core, a high gloss surface sheet, and a structural skin. The open are core defines a plurality of pores and has a first face and an opposing second face. The high gloss surface sheet is adhered to the first face of the open area core by a first adhesive layer. The high gloss surface sheet has a high gloss surface. The structural skin is adhered to the second face of the open area core by a second adhesive layer. A process for forming the composite sandwich panel assembly includes positioning the high gloss surface sheet, joining the first face of the open area core to the high gloss surface sheet with a first adhesive layer intermediate therebetween, and joining the structural skin to the second face of the open area core with a second adhesive layer intermediate therebetween.
B32B 3/12 - Layered products essentially comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products essentially having particular features of form characterised by a discontinuous layer, i.e. apertured or formed of separate pieces of material characterised by a layer of regularly-arranged cells whether integral or formed individually or by conjunction of separate strips, e.g. honeycomb structure
B32B 7/12 - Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
B32B 17/04 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like in the form of fibres or filaments bonded with or embedded in a plastic substance
B32B 27/06 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance
B32B 37/12 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by using adhesives
B32B 37/14 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers
A composite sandwich panel assembly including an open area core, a high gloss surface sheet, and a structural skin. The open are core defines a plurality of pores and has a first face and an opposing second face. The high gloss surface sheet is adhered to the first face of the open area core by a first adhesive layer. The high gloss surface sheet has a high gloss surface. The structural skin is adhered to the second face of the open area core by a second adhesive layer. A process for forming the composite sandwich panel assembly includes positioning the high gloss surface sheet, joining the first face of the open area core to the high gloss surface sheet with a first adhesive layer intermediate therebetween, and joining the structural skin to the second face of the open area core with a second adhesive layer intermediate therebetween.
B32B 3/12 - Layered products essentially comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products essentially having particular features of form characterised by a discontinuous layer, i.e. apertured or formed of separate pieces of material characterised by a layer of regularly-arranged cells whether integral or formed individually or by conjunction of separate strips, e.g. honeycomb structure
B32B 7/12 - Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
B32B 27/06 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance
B32B 37/14 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers
B32B 37/12 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by using adhesives
B32B 17/04 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like in the form of fibres or filaments bonded with or embedded in a plastic substance
An energy-absorbing assembly includes a housing and a plurality of discrete energy-absorbing elements. The housing includes a first wall and a second wall. The first wall and the second wall are spaced apart from one another to at least partially define an interior compartment. Each element of the plurality of energy-absorbing elements includes a polymer and a plurality of reinforcing fibers. The plurality of energy-absorbing elements is at least partially disposed within the interior compartment and fixed to the housing. Each energy-absorbing element of the plurality of energy-absorbing elements includes an elongated hollow structure extending between a first end and a second end. Each elongated hollow structure defines a longitudinal axis extending nonparallel to at least one of the first wall and the second wall. In various alternative aspects, each energy-absorbing element may include a transverse wall.
A sheet molding compound (SMC) is provided with superior conductivity properties based on the use of graphitics. A process for exfoliation of GnP and turbostratic carbon is also provided. By exfoliating the graphitics, a reduced amount of material can confer comparable properties relative to native GnPs or turbostratic carbon thereby reducing the amount of material usage, but also reducing negative effects to the base resin formulation through inclusion of these additives. Particular utility is found in thermoset resin molding to produce articles that are amenable to electrostatic coating and other surface treatments that rely on surface conductivity and especially in the realm of vehicle body parts.
A conductive molding compound is provided that is amenable to receiving a highly uniform automotive surface skin quality surface gloss paint coating via electrostatic painting techniques without resort to a conductive priming step. A low density molding compound formulation is provided that includes a thermoset cross-linkable unsaturated polyester, a low profile additive package containing a maleic anhydride copolymer, microspheroids, and an amount of between 0.3 and 3 weight percent of the formulation exclusive of fiber filler of high surface area conductive carbon black particulate. The carbon black is dispersed in at least one of the unsaturated polyester and the low profile additive to produce a cured panel having a surface resistivity value of between 1x105Ω and 1x108Ω, and a Diffracto analysis D number of less than 100 when cured against a mold platen having a Diffracto analysis D number of 25. A process for producing a panel is provided.
A vehicle component including a first cured layer of a molding composition having chopped glass fibers as a majority by volume of the fiber filler. A second cured layer of molding composition is provided that has carbon fibers as a majority by volume of the fiber filler. An adhesive applied is as liquid or paste joining the first cured layer and the second cured layer. The adhesive has a Modulus of between 600 and 800 MPa with an elongation of about 70% as determined by ASTM D638 and a CLTE between 50 and 90 µm/m-°C in a temperature range of -30°C to 0°C and 255 µm/m-°C in a temperature range of 100°C to 130°C as determined by ISO MAT-2208, and a thickness such that no bond-line read-through (BLRT) is observable in an outer surface of said first cured layer with an unaided, normal human eye.
B32B 7/12 - Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
B32B 27/20 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin characterised by the use of special additives using fillers, pigments, thixotroping agents
31.
INHIBITION OF BOND-LINE READ-THROUGH IN JOINED DUAL LAYER THERMOSET ARTICLES
A vehicle component including a first cured layer of a molding composition having chopped glass fibers as a majority by volume of the fiber filler. A second cured layer of molding composition is provided that has carbon fibers as a majority by volume of the fiber filler. An adhesive applied is as liquid or paste joining the first cured layer and the second cured layer. The adhesive has a Modulus of between 600 and 800 MPa with an elongation of about 70% as determined by ASTM D638 and a CLTE between 50 and 90 μm/m-°C in a temperature range of -30°C to 0°C and 255 μm/m-°C in a temperature range of 100°C to 130°C as determined by ISO MAT-2208, and a thickness such that no bond-line read-through (BLRT) is observable in an outer surface of said first cured layer with an unaided, normal human eye.
B32B 7/12 - Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
B32B 27/20 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin characterised by the use of special additives using fillers, pigments, thixotroping agents
B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
32.
CONTINUOUS CHANNEL RESIN TRANSFER MOLDING WITH RAPID CYCLE TIME
A process for resin transfer molding (RTM) with injection and overflowing of a resin through one or more troughs is provided that includes the injection of resin into a plurality of injection ports feeding the one or more troughs and overflowing the resin into a mold. The temperature and pressure are controlled as applied to the mold. The injection ports are activated for injecting the resin in any order of individually, in groups, or pairings. A resin transfer molding (RTM) system for performing the process includes a mold having a cavity. A set of injection ports feed one or more continuous channels between the cavity and a reservoir of resin. A numerical controller selectively activates the injection ports to overflow the resin into the cavity in any order of individually, in groups, or pairing.
B29C 70/48 - Shaping or impregnating by compression for producing articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles using matched moulds, e.g. for deforming sheet moulding compounds [SMC] or prepregs and impregnating the reinforcements in the closed mould, e.g. resin transfer moulding [RTM]
B29C 70/54 - Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
33.
COMBINED PRIMARY FIBER AND CARBON FIBER COMPONENT FOR PRODUCTION OF REINFORCED POLYMERIC ARTICLES
A dual layer cured composite article is provided that has an outer part having an outer part thickness composed of a first resin matrix having between 50 and 70 total weight percent of the outer part being an outer part mixed fiber filler, the outer part mixed fiber filler having an outer part primary fiber: carbon fiber ratio of 0.05-20:1. An inner part complementary to the outer part is provided and has an inner part thickness composed of a second resin matrix having between 40 and 60 total weight percent of the inner part of an inner mixed fiber filler, the inner mixed fiber filler having an inner part primary fiber: carbon fiber ratio of less than said outer part primary fiber: carbon fiber ratio. A joinder between the outer part and the inner part is provided. A process for producing such an article is also provided.
B29C 70/08 - Fibrous reinforcements only comprising combinations of different forms of fibrous reinforcements incorporated in matrix material, forming one or more layers, with or without non-reinforced layers
B29C 70/46 - Shaping or impregnating by compression for producing articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles using matched moulds, e.g. for deforming sheet moulding compounds [SMC] or prepregs
B29C 70/78 - Moulding material on one side only of the preformed part
34.
CONTINUOUS CHANNEL RESIN TRANSFER MOLDING WITH RAPID CYCLE TIME
A process for resin transfer molding (RTM) with injection and overflowing of a resin through one or more troughs is provided that includes the injection of resin into a plurality of injection ports feeding the one or more troughs and overflowing the resin into a mold. The temperature and pressure are controlled as applied to the mold. The injection ports are activated for injecting the resin in any order of individually, in groups, or pairings. A resin transfer molding (RTM) system for performing the process includes a mold having a cavity. A set of injection ports feed one or more continuous channels between the cavity and a reservoir of resin. A numerical controller selectively activates the injection ports to overflow the resin into the cavity in any order of individually, in groups, or pairing.
B29C 70/48 - Shaping or impregnating by compression for producing articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles using matched moulds, e.g. for deforming sheet moulding compounds [SMC] or prepregs and impregnating the reinforcements in the closed mould, e.g. resin transfer moulding [RTM]
B29C 70/54 - Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
35.
COMBINED PRIMARY FIBER AND CARBON FIBER COMPONENT FOR PRODUCTION OF REINFORCED POLYMERIC ARTICLES
A dual layer cured composite article is provided that has an outer part having an outer part thickness composed of a first resin matrix having between 50 and 70 total weight percent of the outer part being an outer part mixed fiber filler, the outer part mixed fiber filler having an outer part primary fiber: carbon fiber ratio of 0.05-20:1. An inner part complementary to the outer part is provided and has an inner part thickness composed of a second resin matrix having between 40 and 60 total weight percent of the inner part of an inner mixed fiber filler, the inner mixed fiber filler having an inner part primary fiber: carbon fiber ratio of less than said outer part primary fiber: carbon fiber ratio. A joinder between the outer part and the inner part is provided. A process for producing such an article is also provided.
B29C 70/08 - Fibrous reinforcements only comprising combinations of different forms of fibrous reinforcements incorporated in matrix material, forming one or more layers, with or without non-reinforced layers
B29C 70/46 - Shaping or impregnating by compression for producing articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles using matched moulds, e.g. for deforming sheet moulding compounds [SMC] or prepregs
B29C 70/78 - Moulding material on one side only of the preformed part
36.
PROCESS FOR AUTOMATED SANDING OF A VEHICLE COMPONENT SURFACE
A process for automated sanding of a vehicle component surface is provided and includes providing a sanding mechanism having a sanding head engaged with a housing, a rotary motor contained within the housing, the rotary motor having a drive shaft rotatable about an axis and extending outwardly therefrom, a radial plate attached to a first end of the drive shaft, and a sanding disk having an abrasive surface releasably attached to the radial plate; attaching the sanding head to a gimbal having a pressure sensor; powering the rotary motor driving rotation of the drive shaft, the radial plate and the sanding disk in at least one of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction; movably applying the sanding disk to the surface at a maintained constant pressure; and achieving a desired finish on the surface prepared to be primed and painted to a class A auto high sheen surface finish.
B24B 19/26 - Single purpose machines or devices for particular grinding operations not covered by any other main group for grinding workpieces with arcuate surfaces, e.g. parts of car bodies, bumpers or magnetic recording heads
B24B 23/02 - Portable grinding machines, e.g. hand-guided; Accessories therefor with rotating grinding tools; Accessories therefor
B24B 49/00 - Measuring or gauging equipment for controlling the feed movement of the grinding tool or work; Arrangements of indicating or measuring equipment, e.g. for indicating the start of the grinding operation
B24D 9/08 - Circular back-plates for carrying flexible material
B25J 11/00 - Manipulators not otherwise provided for
37.
PROCESS FOR AUTOMATED SANDING OF A VEHICLE COMPONENT SURFACE
A process for automated sanding of a vehicle component surface is provided and includes providing a sanding mechanism having a sanding head engaged with a housing, a rotary motor contained within the housing, the rotary motor having a drive shaft rotatable about an axis and extending outwardly therefrom, a radial plate attached to a first end of the drive shaft, and a sanding disk having an abrasive surface releasably attached to the radial plate; attaching the sanding head to a gimbal having a pressure sensor; powering the rotary motor driving rotation of the drive shaft, the radial plate and the sanding disk in at least one of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction; movably applying the sanding disk to the surface at a maintained constant pressure; and achieving a desired finish on the surface prepared to be primed and painted to a class A auto high sheen surface finish.
B24B 19/26 - Single purpose machines or devices for particular grinding operations not covered by any other main group for grinding workpieces with arcuate surfaces, e.g. parts of car bodies, bumpers or magnetic recording heads
B24B 49/00 - Measuring or gauging equipment for controlling the feed movement of the grinding tool or work; Arrangements of indicating or measuring equipment, e.g. for indicating the start of the grinding operation
B24B 23/02 - Portable grinding machines, e.g. hand-guided; Accessories therefor with rotating grinding tools; Accessories therefor
B24D 9/08 - Circular back-plates for carrying flexible material
B25J 11/00 - Manipulators not otherwise provided for
A process for forming a mat containing a fiber filler including providing one or more sources of extended length fiber; feeding the one or more sources of extended length fiber simultaneously to an automated cutting machine to produce chopped tow fibers; separating the chopped fiber tow into individual chopped fibers that form a fiber filler; coating the fiber filler with a binder; depositing the fiber filler on a first sheet of thermoplastic; covering the fiber filler with a second sheet of thermoplastic to form a stack; and moving the stack to a treatment chamber to form a fiber mat.
B29C 70/30 - Shaping by lay-up, i.e. applying fibres, tape or broadsheet on a mould, former or core; Shaping by spray-up, i.e. spraying of fibres on a mould, former or core
B29B 9/06 - Making granules by dividing preformed material in the form of filamentary material, e.g. combined with extrusion
A process and system are provided for introducing chopped and dispersed carbon fibers on an automated production line amenable for inclusion in molding compositions, including the debundling of many carbon fibers collectively forming a tow into dispersed chopped carbon fibers that form a filler that undergoes plasma treatment prior to introducing coating silanes to uniformly increase bonding sites for coupling to a thermoset matrix. By exposing carbon tow to a plasma discharge, the carbon tow debundles and is used to form sheets of molding compositions with chopped dispersed fibers added to the composition, as the sheets move along a conveyor belt on the automated production line and at least one plasma generator mounted above the conveyor belt ionizes the carbon fibers. With resort to deionized air to mix plasma-treated chopped fibers, still further dispersion results.
B29B 13/08 - Conditioning or physical treatment of the material to be shaped by using wave energy or particle radiation
B29C 70/12 - Fibrous reinforcements only characterised by the structure of fibrous reinforcements using fibres of short length, e.g. in the form of a mat
40.
BLENDED FIBER MAT FORMATION FOR STRUCTURAL APPLICATIONS
A process and system are provided for introducing a blend of chopped and dispersed fibers on an automated production line amenable for inclusion in molding compositions as a blended fiber mat for structural applications. The blend of fibers are simultaneously supplied to an automated cutting machine illustratively including a rotary blade chopper disposed above a vortex supporting chamber. The blend of chopped fibers and binder form a chopped mat. The chopped mat has a veil mat placed on either side, and is consolidated with the veil mat using heated rollers maintained at the softening temperature of thermoplastic binder, with consolidated mats being amenable to being stored in rolls or as flat sheets. A charge pattern is made using the consolidated mat, and the charge pattern can be compression molded in a mold maintained at a temperature lower than the melting point of the thermoplastic fibers.
B29B 13/08 - Conditioning or physical treatment of the material to be shaped by using wave energy or particle radiation
B29C 70/12 - Fibrous reinforcements only characterised by the structure of fibrous reinforcements using fibres of short length, e.g. in the form of a mat
41.
HYBRID FIBER BASED MOLDING THERMOPLASTIC ARTICLE AND PROCESS OF FORMING SAME
A process is provided for thermal molding an article with at least one layer of thermoplastic fibers that are non-woven and uni-directionally oriented in combination with at least one layer of reinforcing fibers. The reinforcing fibers including glass, carbon, nature based, and combinations thereof; alone or mixed with chopped thermoplastic fibers. Upon subjecting the layers to sufficient heat to thermally bond in the presence of non-oriented filler fibers, thermoplastic fiber fusion encapsulates the filler fibers. The filler fibers impart physical properties to the resulting article and the residual unidirectional orientation of the thermoplastic melt imparts physical properties in the fiber direction to the article. By combining layers with varying orientations of uni-directional fibers relative to one another, the physical properties of the resulting article may be controlled and extended relative to conventional thermoplastic moldings. The uni-directional fibers may have discontinuities along the length of individual fibers.
B32B 5/26 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by the presence of two or more layers which comprise fibres, filaments, granules, or powder, or are foamed or specifically porous one layer being a fibrous or filamentary layer another layer also being fibrous or filamentary
B32B 3/10 - Layered products essentially comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products essentially having particular features of form characterised by a discontinuous layer, i.e. apertured or formed of separate pieces of material
B32B 5/02 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments
B32B 5/08 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments the fibres or filaments of a layer being specially arranged or being of different substances
B32B 37/06 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the heating method
B32B 37/08 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the cooling method
42.
TWO PIECE BONDED VEHICLE COMPONENTS FORMED BY SHEET MOLDING COMPOUND-RESIN TRANSFER MOLDING ASSEMBLIES
A vehicle component including a first cured outer layer of a molding composition having hollow glass microspheres and a predominant fiber filler of chopped glass fibers; a second cured inner layer of molding composition having a predominant fiber filler chopped carbon fibers in an epoxy matrix; and a bonding agent with elongation properties configured to accommodate the differential coefficients of linear thermal expansion between the first cured outer layer and the second cured inner layer.
B29C 70/08 - Fibrous reinforcements only comprising combinations of different forms of fibrous reinforcements incorporated in matrix material, forming one or more layers, with or without non-reinforced layers
B29C 70/12 - Fibrous reinforcements only characterised by the structure of fibrous reinforcements using fibres of short length, e.g. in the form of a mat
B29C 70/48 - Shaping or impregnating by compression for producing articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles using matched moulds, e.g. for deforming sheet moulding compounds [SMC] or prepregs and impregnating the reinforcements in the closed mould, e.g. resin transfer moulding [RTM]
B29C 70/68 - Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts by incorporating or moulding on preformed parts, e.g. inserts or layers
43.
HYBRID FIBER BASED MOLDING THERMOPLASTIC ARTICLE AND PROCESS OF FORMING SAME
A process is provided for thermal molding an article with at least one layer of thermoplastic fibers that are non-woven and uni-directionally oriented in combination with at least one layer of reinforcing fibers. The reinforcing fibers including glass, carbon, nature based, and combinations thereof; alone or mixed with chopped thermoplastic fibers. Upon subjecting the layers to sufficient heat to thermally bond in the presence of non-oriented filler fibers, thermoplastic fiber fusion encapsulates the filler fibers. The filler fibers impart physical properties to the resulting article and the residual unidirectional orientation of the thermoplastic melt imparts physical properties in the fiber direction to the article. By combining layers with varying orientations of uni-directional fibers relative to one another, the physical properties of the resulting article may be controlled and extended relative to conventional thermoplastic moldings. The uni-directional fibers may have discontinuities along the length of individual fibers.
B32B 5/26 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by the presence of two or more layers which comprise fibres, filaments, granules, or powder, or are foamed or specifically porous one layer being a fibrous or filamentary layer another layer also being fibrous or filamentary
B32B 5/08 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments the fibres or filaments of a layer being specially arranged or being of different substances
B32B 5/02 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments
B32B 3/10 - Layered products essentially comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products essentially having particular features of form characterised by a discontinuous layer, i.e. apertured or formed of separate pieces of material
B32B 37/06 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the heating method
B32B 37/08 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the cooling method
A process and system are provided for introducing chopped and dispersed carbon fibers on an automated production line amenable for inclusion in molding compositions, including the debundling of many carbon fibers collectively forming a tow into dispersed chopped carbon fibers that form a filler that undergoes plasma treatment prior to introducing coating silanes to uniformly increase bonding sites for coupling to a thermoset matrix. By exposing carbon tow to a plasma discharge, the carbon tow debundles and is used to form sheets of molding compositions with chopped dispersed fibers added to the composition, as the sheets move along a conveyor belt on the automated production line and at least one plasma generator mounted above the conveyor belt ionizes the carbon fibers. With resort to deionized air to mix plasma-treated chopped fibers, still further dispersion results.
B29C 70/12 - Fibrous reinforcements only characterised by the structure of fibrous reinforcements using fibres of short length, e.g. in the form of a mat
45.
BLENDED FIBER MAT FORMATION FOR STRUCTURAL APPLICATIONS
A process and system are provided for introducing a blend of chopped and dispersed fibers on an automated production line amenable for inclusion in molding compositions as a blended fiber mat for structural applications. The blend of fibers are simultaneously supplied to an automated cutting machine illustratively including a rotary blade chopper disposed above a vortex supporting chamber. The blend of chopped fibers and binder form a chopped mat. The chopped mat has a veil mat placed on either side, and is consolidated with the veil mat using heated rollers maintained at the softening temperature of thermoplastic binder, with consolidated mats being amenable to being stored in rolls or as flat sheets. A charge pattern is made using the consolidated mat, and the charge pattern can be compression molded in a mold maintained at a temperature lower than the melting point of the thermoplastic fibers.
B29B 13/08 - Conditioning or physical treatment of the material to be shaped by using wave energy or particle radiation
B29C 70/12 - Fibrous reinforcements only characterised by the structure of fibrous reinforcements using fibres of short length, e.g. in the form of a mat
46.
TWO PIECE BONDED VEHICLE COMPONENTS FORMED BY SHEET MOLDING COMPOUND-RESIN TRANSFER MOLDING ASSEMBLIES
A vehicle component including a first cured outer layer of a molding composition having hollow glass microspheres and a predominant fiber filler of chopped glass fibers; a second cured inner layer of molding composition having a predominant fiber filler chopped carbon fibers in an epoxy matrix; and a bonding agent with elongation properties configured to accommodate the differential coefficients of linear thermal expansion between the first cured outer layer and the second cured inner layer.
B29C 70/08 - Fibrous reinforcements only comprising combinations of different forms of fibrous reinforcements incorporated in matrix material, forming one or more layers, with or without non-reinforced layers
B29C 70/48 - Shaping or impregnating by compression for producing articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles using matched moulds, e.g. for deforming sheet moulding compounds [SMC] or prepregs and impregnating the reinforcements in the closed mould, e.g. resin transfer moulding [RTM]
B29C 70/68 - Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts by incorporating or moulding on preformed parts, e.g. inserts or layers
B29C 70/12 - Fibrous reinforcements only characterised by the structure of fibrous reinforcements using fibres of short length, e.g. in the form of a mat
B29L 31/30 - Vehicles, e.g. ships or aircraft, or body parts thereof
A process for forming a mat containing a fiber filler including providing one or more sources of extended length fiber; feeding the one or more sources of extended length fiber simultaneously to an automated cutting machine to produce chopped tow fibers; separating the chopped fiber tow into individual chopped fibers that form a fiber filler; coating the fiber filler with a binder; depositing the fiber filler on a first sheet of thermoplastic; covering the fiber filler with a second sheet of thermoplastic to form a stack; and moving the stack to a treatment chamber to form a fiber mat.
B29C 70/30 - Shaping by lay-up, i.e. applying fibres, tape or broadsheet on a mould, former or core; Shaping by spray-up, i.e. spraying of fibres on a mould, former or core
B29B 9/06 - Making granules by dividing preformed material in the form of filamentary material, e.g. combined with extrusion
A beam for a vehicle includes a base, a first side flange, and a second side flange. The base includes a facing wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The first and second side walls each extend downwardly from the facing wall. The first side flange extends outwardly from the first side wall. The second side flange extends outwardly from the second side wall. Each of the first and second side flanges comprises a foot extending outwardly therefrom, an arm extending upwardly from an end of the foot, and a shelf extending inwardly from an end of the arm toward the first and second side walls, respectively. Each shelf is oriented generally parallel to the foot and is disposed below the facing wall of the base.
A lightweight and simplified vehicle door assembly is provided with four main components, an upper frame positioned about the window, an inner frame structure, an outer body panel, and a composite reinforcement component. The composite reinforcement component provides an all-in-one solution for a side impact cross beam, as well as an upper door reinforcement, a front door pillar reinforcement, and a rear door pillar reinforcement. The composite reinforcement component acts to reinforce the overall door structure, offers resistance to a side impact that limits the intrusion into the passenger compartment, and offers resistance to a frontal impact by maintaining the spacing between the vehicle A and B pillars (for a front door) and pillar C and D for a back door. A coupe vehicle door in which there is no window frame may be reinforced with the composite reinforcement component. The composite reinforcement component may have continuous or chopped fibers.
A lightweight and simplified vehicle door assembly is provided with four main components, an upper frame positioned about the window, an inner frame structure, an outer body panel, and a composite reinforcement component. The composite reinforcement component provides an all-in-one solution for a side impact cross beam, as well as an upper door reinforcement, a front door pillar reinforcement, and a rear door pillar reinforcement. The composite reinforcement component acts to reinforce the overall door structure, offers resistance to a side impact that limits the intrusion into the passenger compartment, and offers resistance to a frontal impact by maintaining the spacing between the vehicle A and B pillars (for a front door) and pillar C and D for a back door. A coupe vehicle door in which there is no window frame may be reinforced with the composite reinforcement component. The composite reinforcement component may have continuous or chopped fibers.
A polyurea additive is provided that strengthens a given base sheet molding composition (SMC) An isocyanate containing species and an amine containing species are introduced into an uncured polymeric resin of a sheet molding compound (SMC) under conditions suitable for the formation of a polyurea polymer network. Upon cure of the SMC base resin, an interpenetrating network is formed that is stronger than the base SMC absent the polyurea. As a result, an article is formed from the SMC that is stronger at the same dimensions than a conventional article or thinned to achieve the same properties to obtain a lightweight article compared to that formed from conventional SMC. The properties of the article are also attractive relative to aluminum for the formation of vehicle body and exterior panels.
C08L 67/00 - Compositions of polyesters obtained by reactions forming a carboxylic ester link in the main chain; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
A process is provided for molding a resin matrix around a distribution of well distributed epoxy coated glass fibers to produce an article. The article is mass produced by the molding process based on a one or more layer structure, with an outer panel having a high degree of surface smoothness common to automotive body panels and a comparatively high tensile strength joinder thereto. The epoxy coated glass fibers are present in a single panel of an article or all such panels of a multiple layer article. The epoxy coated glass fibers can be present in an articles in a form of: chopped glass fibers that are intermixed and vary in orientation, a woven roving containing predominately epoxy glass fibers with carbon fibers dispersed there through, or non-woven fiber mats.
B32B 27/20 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin characterised by the use of special additives using fillers, pigments, thixotroping agents
B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
53.
MOLDING COMPOSITIONS WITH FUNCTIONALIZED GRAPHENE OXIDE
A mold release compound is provided with superior conductivity compared to conventional metal-fatty acid salts for use in thermoset resin molding to produce articles that are amenable to electrostatic coating and other surface treatments that rely on surface conductivity. A thermoform molded article is provided that includes a thermoform resin composition having a bulk region and a surface region beyond the bulk region; and a functionalized conductive graphene oxide present in an amount in the surface region sufficient to render the surface conductive enough to be electrostatically coated. A method of making a sheet molding composite panel is provided that includes providing a sheet molding composite composition, and adding a mold release agent with a functionalized conductive graphene oxide. The release agent is added to the bulk of the sheet molding composite composition. During molding the mold release agent concentrates in a surface region of the molded article.
A system for debundling fiber tow into chopped fibers is provided that has one or more reels of fiber tow, a cutting element configured to receive the fiber tow to form chopped fiber, and a tube with introduced gas flow configured to receive the chopped fiber. A moving belt is positioned under the tube to collect the chopped fiber. A dispenser is positioned along the moving belt for applying a binder or additive. A treatment chamber receives the treated chopped fiber. A process for debundling fiber tow into chopped fibers is provided that supplies one or more reels of fiber tow to a cutting system, drops the chopped fiber into a tube with introduced gas flow to debundle the chopped fiber with a vortex, collects the chopped fiber exiting the tube onto a moving belt, chemically treats the chopped fiber, and provides the chemically treated chopped to a treatment chamber.
A method for imparting textures of grained or woven patterns to the surfaces of thermoset articles during the formation of the article includes a platen with a texture being introduced into a mold. A thermoset material is charged into the mold. Pressure and heat are applied to bring the thermoset material into contact with the platen to impart the texture to a surface of the thermoset material. The thermoset material is allowed to cure in the mold. The thermoset article is removed from the mold with the texture. The textured article is structurally improved relative to a like article formed with a smooth or other platen texture. A system for producing the article by way of the method is also provided.
B29C 70/48 - Shaping or impregnating by compression for producing articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles using matched moulds, e.g. for deforming sheet moulding compounds [SMC] or prepregs and impregnating the reinforcements in the closed mould, e.g. resin transfer moulding [RTM]
B29C 59/02 - Surface shaping, e.g. embossing; Apparatus therefor by mechanical means, e.g. pressing
B29C 59/00 - Surface shaping, e.g. embossing; Apparatus therefor
B29C 65/02 - Joining of preformed parts; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
56.
GRAPHENE OXIDE MODIFIED THERMOSET MONOMER AND SYNTHESIS THEREOF
A monomer is provided for a thermoset molding compound. The monomer is also polymerized with conventional monomers to form thermoplastic polymers. Graphene oxide is used to chelate metal ions to form a graphene oxide chelate that is coupled to a monomer retaining an aliphatic unsaturation capable of free radical polymerization reaction. Inclusion of a metal ion chelated to the graphene oxide affords control over the conductivity of the resultant article. In some embodiments, the monomer is found polymerized into a resulting article proximal to the article surface.
C08L 67/00 - Compositions of polyesters obtained by reactions forming a carboxylic ester link in the main chain; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
C08L 63/00 - Compositions of epoxy resins; Compositions of derivatives of epoxy resins
A system for debundling fiber tow into chopped fibers is provided that has one or more reels of fiber tow, a cutting element configured to receive the fiber tow to form chopped fiber, and a tube with introduced gas flow configured to receive the chopped fiber. A moving belt is positioned under the tube to collect the chopped fiber. A dispenser is positioned along the moving belt for applying a binder or additive. A treatment chamber receives the treated chopped fiber. A process for debundling fiber tow into chopped fibers is provided that supplies one or more reels of fiber tow to a cutting system, drops the chopped fiber into a tube with introduced gas flow to debundle the chopped fiber with a vortex, collects the chopped fiber exiting the tube onto a moving belt, chemically treats the chopped fiber, and provides the chemically treated chopped to a treatment chamber.
A process is provided to reclaim carbon fiber from a cured vinyl ester, crosslinked unsaturated polyester, or epoxy thermoset matrix. The composite pieces are added to a polyol solvent composition under to conditions to free more than 95% by weight of the carbon fiber from the composite. The freed carbon fibers are washed and dried to reclaim carbon fiber reusable to reinforce a polymer to form a new FRC article. Solvents are chosen that are low cost and low toxicity. Processing is further facilitated by techniques such as solvent pre-swell of the particles, microwave heating, and sonication to promote thermoset matrix digestion to free reinforcing carbon fibers.
A molded article is provided that has a resin matrix having a surface, the resin matrix formed from cross-linked polyester resin or vinyl-ester resin. Glass fibers are crossed linked to the resin matrix via a silane coupling agent reactive with the matrix. A molded article is provided that has a resin matrix having a surface, the resin matrix formed from cross-linked polyester resin or vinyl-ester resin. Glass fibers each covalently bonded to at least one microspheroid matrix via a silane coupling agent reactive with a surface of the at least one microspheroids are present in increase the fiber pull strength. A sizing composition for treating glass fibers is also provided for use in such articles.
C08L 67/00 - Compositions of polyesters obtained by reactions forming a carboxylic ester link in the main chain; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
A molded article is provided that includes a resin matrix having a surface, the resin matrix formed from cross-linked polyester resin or vinyl-ester resin. Microspheroids having a mean diameter of from 16 to 45 microns are embedded in the resin matrix. The microspheroids having a specific gravity of between 0.19 and 0.6 and an isotactic crush strength of greater than or equal to 2750 kilopascals (kPa). Surface activating agent alkoxysilane molecules are covalently bonded to each of the microspheroids. Filler particles are also present in the resin matrix. Fibers are also present in in the resin matrix. The fibers being natural fibers, glass fibers, carbon fibers, or a combination thereof. The article has a specific gravity of between 0.80 and 1.25.
C08K 3/00 - Use of inorganic substances as compounding ingredients
C08L 67/00 - Compositions of polyesters obtained by reactions forming a carboxylic ester link in the main chain; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
C08L 63/00 - Compositions of epoxy resins; Compositions of derivatives of epoxy resins
A molding composition formulation is provided that includes polypropylene, glass fiber, and a cellulosic powder used as a filler. The filler may be at least one of coconut shell powder, walnut shell powder, or rice hull. The molding composition formulation may further include natural cellulosic fiber illustratively including at least one of coconut fibers, bamboo fibers, sugar cane fibers, or banana skin fibers. The molding composition may be compression moldable long fiber thermoplastic (LFTD). The molding composition formulation may be used in thermoforming. In a specific embodiment of the molding composition, the formulation proportion of the polypropylene is 50 to 60 percent of the formulation; and the polypropylene substitute is 5 to 15 percent of the formulation, and in an alternative embodiment, the formulation proportion of the polypropylene is 40 to 80 percent, the cellulosic powder is 1 to 25 percent, and the glass fiber is 1 to 50 percent.
An I-beam assembly is provided including a top and bottom flange joined by a vertical web. Reinforcing skins are overmolded over said top and bottom flanges. The top and bottom flanges and the web are all made of the same thermoplastic polymer material or thermoset polymer material. Polymer materials operative herein include polypropylene, nylon, epoxy, polyester, or vinyl ester materials.
A process for resin transfer molding (RTM) with staggered injection of a resin is provided that injects resin into a plurality of injection ports of a mold. The temperature and pressure applied to the mold are controlled during injection to limit promote rapid filling of the mold cavity. The injection ports are activated for injecting the resin in any order of individually, in groups, or pairings. Fibers are readily added to the mold separately or within the resin. Cycle times of from 1 to 5 minutes are provided for the process.
A process for resin transfer molding (RTM) with staggered injection of a resin is provided that injects resin into a plurality of injection ports of a mold. The temperature and pressure applied to the mold are controlled during injection to limit promote rapid filling of the mold cavity. The injection ports are activated for injecting the resin in any order of individually, in groups, or pairings. Fibers are readily added to the mold separately or within the resin. Cycle times of from 1 to 5 minutes are provided for the process.
A process for forming a composite sandwich panel assembly is provided that includes positioning a top sheet and a bottom sheet on opposing sides of an open pore matrix core. The top sheet, bottom sheet, and core are exposed to a heat source with the application of a clamping pressure to the top and the bottom sheet. The heat source is then removed and the clamping pressure maintained for a period of time. The clamping pressure is removed when the top sheet, bottom sheet, and core have cooled and fused together. An assembly formed by such a process is also provided.
B32B 3/12 - Layered products essentially comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products essentially having particular features of form characterised by a discontinuous layer, i.e. apertured or formed of separate pieces of material characterised by a layer of regularly-arranged cells whether integral or formed individually or by conjunction of separate strips, e.g. honeycomb structure
B32B 5/24 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by the presence of two or more layers which comprise fibres, filaments, granules, or powder, or are foamed or specifically porous one layer being a fibrous or filamentary layer
66.
IN-LINE PLASMA SOURCE FOR INTRODUCING PIECES OF SPREAD CARBON FIBER TOW INTO MOLDING COMPOSITIONS ON A COMPOUNDING PRODUCTION LINE
An automated process is provided for debundling carbon fiber tow that includes feeding a carbon fiber tow into a chopper. The carbon fiber tow is cut to form lengths of chopped tow portions. The lengths of chopped tow portions are distributed on a moving conveyor. The lengths of chopped tow portions are exposed to a first plasma discharge from a first plasma source on the moving conveyor to create debundled carbon fibers. Alternatively, the carbon fiber tow is exposed to the the first plasma discharge prior to being cut into lengths. A system for applying chopped fibers to a sheet of molding compound includes a chopper for cutting a carbon fiber tow into lengths of chopped tow portions. A conveyor belt receives the lengths of chopped tow portions. At least one plasma generating source is arrayed across of the conveyor.
B29C 70/48 - Shaping or impregnating by compression for producing articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles using matched moulds, e.g. for deforming sheet moulding compounds [SMC] or prepregs and impregnating the reinforcements in the closed mould, e.g. resin transfer moulding [RTM]
67.
IN-LINE PLASMA SOURCE FOR INTRODUCING PIECES OF SPREAD CARBON FIBER TOW INTO MOLDING COMPOSITIONS ON A COMPOUNDING PRODUCTION LINE
An automated process is provided for debundling carbon fiber tow that includes feeding a carbon fiber tow into a chopper. The carbon fiber tow is cut to form lengths of chopped tow portions. The lengths of chopped tow portions are distributed on a moving conveyor. The lengths of chopped tow portions are exposed to a first plasma discharge from a first plasma source on the moving conveyor to create debundled carbon fibers. Alternatively, the carbon fiber tow is exposed to the the first plasma discharge prior to being cut into lengths. A system for applying chopped fibers to a sheet of molding compound includes a chopper for cutting a carbon fiber tow into lengths of chopped tow portions. A conveyor belt receives the lengths of chopped tow portions. At least one plasma generating source is arrayed across of the conveyor.
B29C 70/48 - Shaping or impregnating by compression for producing articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles using matched moulds, e.g. for deforming sheet moulding compounds [SMC] or prepregs and impregnating the reinforcements in the closed mould, e.g. resin transfer moulding [RTM]
A method for forming an article from a thermoset resin containing particle filler of glass microspheres is provided and includes exposing the particle filler to plasma to increase activation sites on the particle filler; and crosslinking said particle filler to the thermoset set resin via the activation sites. The method provides an exemplary method for treating thermoset fillers to promote bonding to a thermoset matrix. The present invention further provides an apparatus for treating thermoset fillers to promote bonding to a thermoset matrix which includes a fluidized bed reactor; at. least one gas source; at least, one valve for isolating said one gas source: and at least one gas inlet in fluid communication with said at least one gas source for gas delivery to said a fluidized bed reactor.
B01J 19/08 - Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor
B01J 8/18 - Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes with fluidised particles
A process is provided for overmolding an insert or substrate with non-oriented thermoplastic fibers present in an amount that allows them to thermally bond in the presence of non-oriented filler fibers. The thermoplastic fiber fusion retains the filler fibers within the insert upon cooling. The filler fibers are selected to modify the properties of the insert and an overmolded article formed with the insert therein. Such overmolded articles are used in applications including vehicle components such as automotive interior light bases, posts, undercar components, cross members, chassis components, and frame components; architectural components such as home door interiors, sound damping panels, and weather resistant wood replacement. Articles formed with the inventive process yield weight reductions compared to conventional insert overmoldings, along with low scrap generation, process flexibility with respect to part shape and fiber material. Improved recyclability and reduce costs are realized with the inclusion of natural fiber fillers.
A vehicle component is provided that includes a first cured layer of a molding composition having a predominant fiber filler chopped glass fibers, a second cured layer of molding composition having a predominant fiber filler chopped carbon fibers, and a bonding agent with elongation properties configured to accommodate the differential coefficients of linear thermal expansion between the first cured layer and the second cured layer. The second cured layer is substantially devoid of glass fiber. The bonding agent is an elastomeric adhesive, which is operative from -40 to 205°C. The first cured layer forms an outer skin layer surface of a vehicle and the second cured layer forms an interior layer, where the outer skin layer surface has a class-A finish.
A vehicle roof water runoff management system is provided with an improved seal that has a constant seal gap between removable vehicle roof top panels and an adjoining fixed roof. The constant seal gap is maintained in the B-pillar interface area with the vehicle's roofing components. The vehicle roof water runoff management system offers improved manufacture and long term performance reliability over previous designs.
B60J 7/08 - Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position
B60J 10/82 - Sealing arrangements specially adapted for opening panels, e.g. doors for movable panels in roofs
B60J 10/90 - Sealing arrangements specially adapted for non-fixed roofs, e.g. foldable roofs or removable hard-tops
72.
FIBER MOLDING PREFORM COMPOSITION AND PROCESS FOR PREFORM FORMATION
A preform for thermoset resin composition molding is provided that upon cure forms a variety of molded and fiber reinforced articles used in a variety of applications such as vehicle components including bed lines, body components, trim, interior components, and undercar components; architectural components such as trim and doors, marine components including hulls, trim, and cockpit pieces; and similar structures in aerospace settings. A novel slurry composition, a novel centrifugal process, or a combination thereof provide superior quality preforms that are created with greater throughput relative to conventional techniques. The inhibition of fiber movement between the time such a fiber contacts the mold, or fibers already in place on the mold, and the time the fibers are set in position provides a superior fiber homogeneity and randomized orientation relative to existing slurry techniques with attributes of low scrap generation, and process flexibility with respect to part shape and fiber material.
A molding composition formulation is provided of a thermoset cross-linkable polyol having unsaturated backbone comprising the structure defined by formula 1 : (1) a reinforcing filler; and optionally, a flame retardant, a UV stabilizer or a composition comprising one of the foregoing.
C08L 71/00 - Compositions of polyethers obtained by reactions forming an ether link in the main chain; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
C08L 67/00 - Compositions of polyesters obtained by reactions forming a carboxylic ester link in the main chain; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
A process of compression molding an article from a curable resin is provided that includes opening a mold to an open position by displacing an upper die having an upper mold surface from a lower die having a lower mold surface. Resin is placed a mold surface and the dies are closed to an intermediate start position at a rate of from 1 to 10 cm/sec. The dies are then closed to a start position at a rate of between 25 and 60% of the rate of closure to the intermediate position. A shroud volume is evacuated for at least 3 seconds to a reduced pressure of less than 0.16 atmospheres while continuing to press toward a mold cavity volume at a rate of between 12 and 30% of the rate of closure to the intermediate start. The reduced pressure is removed as the full compression is applied.
B29C 43/02 - Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
B29C 43/32 - Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
Pressurized air is conveyed through a manifold into contact with the first member via apertures having hole diameters of from 0.8 to 2.5 mm that are spaced apart at a distance of from 10 to 30 mm along the manifold to achieve a turbulent air flow pattern with a Reynolds number of greater than 2200 at a temperature of between 150 and 315°C and at an air pressure between 0.5 and 10 pounds per square inch (psi) over ambient pressure onto the outer surfaces of the first member and the second member for heat curing a curable adhesive between the members to achieve adhesive cure in 60 to 90 seconds and free of any bond-line read-out visible to an unaided normal human eye.
A method for forming an elevated surface feature for compression molded assemblies includes the placement of an afore-mentioned insert onto an actuated fixture pin with the pin initially in a retracted position. An upper portion of a mold configured with said retracted actuated fixture pin over a preform of pre-preg plies placed on the bottom portion of the mold is then closed. The fixture pin is actuated towards the pre-preg plies when a flowable material fills a molding cavity in the upper portion of the mold. The cavity is configured to form the elevated surface feature with the advancing action of the insert packs out the surface feature under the pressure of the pin to eliminate porosity in the elevated surface feature in the molding cavity.
A process for debundling a carbon fiber tow into dispersed chopped carbon fibers suitable for usage in molding composition formulations is provided. A carbon fiber tow is fed into a die having fluid flow openings, through which a fluid impinges upon the side of the tow to expand the tow cross sectional area. The expanded cross sectional area tow extends from the die into the path of a conventional fiber chopping apparatus to form chopped carbon fibers, or through contacting tines of a mechanical debundler. Through adjustment of the relative position of fluid flow openings relative to a die bore through which fiber tow passes, the nature of the fluid impinging on the tow, the shape of the bore, in combinations thereof, an improved chopped carbon fiber dispersion is achieved. The chopped carbon fiber obtained is then available to be dispersed in molding composition formulations prior to formulation cure.
A molding composition formulation is provided that includes polypropylene, glass fiber, and a polypropylene substitute including recycled sheet molding composition transfer film. The polypropylene substitute is present from 1 to 35 total weight percent also may include natural cellulosic fibers or powders. A process is provided by which the polypropylene substitute is mixed and homogenized and then mixed with polypropylene and additives, and thereafter glass fiber. A reduction in the amount of virgin polypropylene used is reduced compared to conventional thermoplastic glass fiber filled moldings.
C08L 97/02 - Lignocellulosic material, e.g. wood, straw or bagasse
C08J 5/08 - Reinforcing macromolecular compounds with loose or coherent fibrous material using pretreated fibrous materials glass fibres
B29B 7/48 - Mixing; Kneading continuous, with mechanical mixing or kneading devices with movable mixing or kneading devices rotary with more than one shaft with intermeshing devices, e.g. screws
A process of formulating a curable thermoset resin formulation is provided that includes reacting a natural cellulosic filler with at least one of: a silsesquioxane, a isocyanate, a base, or an organic acid to form a reduced hydrophilicity filler. By intermixing the resulting reduced hydrophilicity filler with a thermoset cross linkable polymeric resin, a curable thermoset resin formulation is formed that has superior properties to conventional formulations in terms of density and environmental impact. The formulation properties in terms of strength of the cured article are improved relative to untreated natural fillers. The treatment is advantageous relative to plasma treatment. An article is also provided produced upon cure of the formulation.
A molding composition formulation includes a thermoset cross-linkable polymeric resin. Glass microspheroids are present such that upon cure of the resin the resulting article has a linear shrinkage of less than ±0.06% and a density of less than 1.65. An article formed from such a composition is further strengthened by the addition of a surface activating agent bonded to the surface of the glass microspheroids. Conventional particulate fillers when added to an inventive formulation provide enhanced performance when the filler particle has a size sufficiently small to insert within adjacent microspheroid interstitial voids. An unsaturated polyester resin so formed is particularly well suited for the formation of sheet molding compound formulations.
B32B 5/16 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by features of a layer formed of particles, e.g. chips, chopped fibres, powder
patents
