Expandable filler insert and methods of producing the expandable filler insert

Abstract

A carrier-free expandable filler insert (10) for filling or sealing a hollow space or cavity (2) is provided. The insert comprises a self-supporting continuous structure (11) that may be produced by contour extrusion molding or injection molding a polymer matrix containing a polymer and / or polymer precursor and a latent blowing agent. The expandable filler insert is secured to the interior surface of a vehicle pillar (1), for example, using a fixing element (12) that may be integral with the self-supporting continuous structure, the polymer matrix thereafter being activated and expanded by heating.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to an expandable filler insert comprising a polymer matrix, a process for the preparation of the expandable filler insert, and the use of the expandable filler insert for filling or sealing cavities such as hollow structural parts of vehicles. Background technique [0002] It is common to use foamable materials, usually by means of a carrier, to fill and / or seal hollow structures or cavities such as pillars of vehicles. This material foams and expands when external heat of about 120 degrees Celsius to about 210 to 220 degrees Celsius (°C) is applied to the vehicle body during electrodeposition or paint baking, thereby providing sound insulation by blocking the transmission of road and wind noise during driving , soundproofing and vibration suppression and improve the silence in the vehicle. In addition, foamable materials are generally used to reinforce or reinforce vehicle cavities by providing structural reinforcement o...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, there are practical limits to the thickness of such sheets because the sheet must often be folded upon itself in a manner that would allow the sheet to fit into relatively narrow and small spaces

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