Ultrafiltration membrane cleaning water inlet with turbulent flow guide structure
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202521766562.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-04
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-08-19
AI Technical Summary
[0004]其中,超声波清洗利用超声波在液体中传播时产生的空化效应、振动效应等,能有效剥离膜表面的污染物,但其清洗效果受超声波能量传递效率、液体流动状态等因素影响
[0026] The advantages and positive effects of this utility model are:
Smart Images

Figure CN224716428U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of water purification equipment, and in particular relates to an ultrafiltration membrane cleaning water inlet device with a turbulent flow guiding structure. Background Technology
[0002] Ultrafiltration membrane technology is widely used in water treatment, food processing, and pharmaceutical manufacturing due to its ability to efficiently remove impurities such as colloids, microorganisms, and large organic molecules. Ultrafiltration membranes achieve solid-liquid separation through the sieving action of the membrane pores. However, during long-term operation, pollutants gradually accumulate on the membrane surface and within the pores, leading to a decrease in membrane flux, reduced filtration efficiency, and even affecting the stability of the filtration effect. Therefore, regular cleaning of the ultrafiltration membrane is necessary.
[0003] Currently, ultrafiltration membrane cleaning methods mainly include physical cleaning and chemical cleaning. While chemical cleaning can effectively remove some stubborn contaminants, frequent use of chemical reagents not only increases operating costs but may also cause oxidative damage to the membrane material, shortening its lifespan. Furthermore, the treatment of chemical waste also creates environmental pressure. Physical cleaning, due to its ease of operation, low cost, and minimal damage to the membrane, has become the primary method for routine maintenance. Common physical cleaning methods include backwashing, air wiping, and ultrasonic cleaning.
[0004] Ultrasonic cleaning utilizes the cavitation and vibration effects generated when ultrasound propagates in a liquid to effectively remove contaminants from the membrane surface. However, its cleaning effect is affected by factors such as the efficiency of ultrasonic energy transfer and the state of liquid flow. In traditional ultrasonic cleaning devices, the connection between the ultrasonic generator and the membrane module is relatively simple, resulting in uneven energy transfer and significant differences in cleaning effects across different areas of the membrane surface. Furthermore, the liquid is often in a laminar flow state during cleaning, making it easy for contaminants to re-adhere after detachment from the membrane surface, thus affecting cleaning efficiency.
[0005] Furthermore, existing cleaning inlet devices have shortcomings in their flow guidance structure design, making it difficult to create a stable turbulent state. This results in insufficient contact between the liquid and the membrane surface, failing to promptly remove detached contaminants and further hindering the improvement of cleaning efficiency. Therefore, optimizing the structural design of the cleaning device, improving the transmission efficiency of ultrasonic energy, and enhancing the turbulence effect of the liquid have become key issues in improving the cleaning efficiency of ultrafiltration membranes and extending their service life.
[0006] Therefore, we need to design an ultrafiltration membrane cleaning water inlet device with a turbulent flow guiding structure to solve these problems. Utility Model Content
[0007] The problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide an ultrafiltration membrane cleaning water inlet device with a turbulent flow guiding structure.
[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:
[0009] An ultrafiltration membrane cleaning water inlet device with a turbulent flow guiding structure includes a filter tank, an end cap sealing the open end of the filter tank, a filter element disposed inside the filter tank, the filter element being connected to the end cap, the filter element separating the inner cavity of the filter tank from the inner cavity of the end cap, a spiral guide plate fitted on the outside of the filter element, and an ultrasonic generator disposed on the outside of the closed end of the filter tank, the output end of the ultrasonic generator being connected to the spiral guide plate.
[0010] Preferably, an installation plate is fixedly provided on the inner side of the closed end of the filter canister. The installation plate has a plurality of installation grooves, which are radially arranged on the installation plate with the center of the installation plate as the vertex. The plurality of installation grooves are evenly distributed along the circumference of the installation plate. A connection hole is provided at the bottom of each installation groove. An installation rod is also slidably arranged in the installation groove. A transmission rod is fixedly provided on the installation rod. The free end of the transmission rod passes through the connection hole of the closed end of the filter canister and is connected to the output end of the ultrasonic generator. One end of the spiral guide plate is fixedly connected to the installation rod.
[0011] With this configuration, the mounting plate inside the closed end of the filter tank provides mounting support for the spiral guide plate; the radially distributed mounting grooves ensure that the mounting rod and the connected spiral guide plate are subjected to balanced forces, guaranteeing that the spiral guide plate is evenly distributed circumferentially on the outside of the filter element, thus ensuring stable water flow guidance; the mounting rod is slidably positioned within the mounting groove, accommodating the minute displacements generated by ultrasonic vibration, reducing stress damage caused by rigid connections, and protecting components; the transmission rod passes through the connecting hole to connect the ultrasonic generator and the mounting rod, efficiently transmitting ultrasonic vibration energy, ensuring that the vibration energy is fully applied to the area around the filter element through the spiral guide plate, enhancing the cleaning effect.
[0012] Preferably, a buffer pad is provided in the mounting groove, and the buffer pad is located between the mounting rod and the bottom surface of the mounting groove.
[0013] With this configuration, the buffer pad inside the mounting groove is located between the mounting rod and the bottom surface of the mounting groove. It can absorb the impact force generated by the ultrasonic vibration of the mounting rod, reduce the direct friction and collision wear between the mounting rod and the mounting groove, and extend the service life of both. At the same time, the buffer pad can buffer the transmission of vibration, prevent excessive vibration from spreading to other structures of the filter tank, and ensure the stability of the overall structure of the equipment.
[0014] Preferably, a sealing seat is provided in the inner cavity of the end cap, the filter element is connected to the end cap through the sealing seat, and a clean water outlet pipe is fixedly provided on the end cap, the clean water outlet pipe communicating with the inner cavity of the end cap.
[0015] With this design, the sealing seat inside the end cap enhances the connection and sealing between the filter element and the end cap, preventing unfiltered liquid from entering the end cap cavity through the connection gap between the filter element and the end cap, thus ensuring the purity of the filtered liquid. The clean water outlet pipe on the end cap is connected to the end cap cavity, allowing the filtered liquid to be directly discharged.
[0016] Preferably, the end cap is detachably connected to the opening end of the filter canister by clamps. There are two clamps, one end of each clamp is hinged to the other, and the other end is connected by a fastener.
[0017] With this configuration, the end cap and the filter tank opening are detachably connected by two clamps, with one end of the clamp hinged and the other end connected by a fastener. This design facilitates quick disassembly and installation of the end cap, making it convenient to replace, clean, or maintain components such as the filter element and spiral guide plate inside the filter tank. The symmetrical distribution of the two clamps can evenly apply clamping force, ensuring the sealing of the connection between the end cap and the filter tank. At the same time, the operation is simple, requiring no complicated tools, thus improving the convenience of maintenance.
[0018] Preferably, a pressure ring is fixedly provided on the sealing seat, and a vibration damping pad is attached to the pressure ring. The other end of the spiral guide plate is attached to the vibration damping pad.
[0019] With this configuration, the pressure ring on the sealing seat can fix the position of the vibration damping pad, ensuring its stable function; the vibration damping pad, which is attached to the pressure ring, can absorb some of the energy generated by the ultrasonic vibration of the spiral guide plate, reducing the transmission of vibration to the end cover and sealing seat, and reducing the overall vibration noise of the equipment; the other end of the spiral guide plate is attached to the vibration damping pad, avoiding rigid contact between the spiral guide plate and the sealing seat, reducing wear on both, and extending the service life of the components.
[0020] Preferably, a bracket, an inlet pipe, and a cleaning outlet pipe are fixedly installed on the outer wall of the filter tank, and both the inlet pipe and the cleaning outlet pipe are connected to the inner cavity of the filter tank.
[0021] With this design, the support on the outer wall of the filter tank provides stable support for the entire device, ensuring that the device will not shake or shift during operation and enhancing the stability of the device's operation. The water inlet pipe is directly connected to the inner cavity of the filter tank, allowing liquid to be introduced into the filter tank. The structure is simple and has low fluid resistance, ensuring water intake efficiency and providing a sufficient fluid source for the filtration or cleaning process. The cleaning outlet pipe and the water inlet pipe can form a water flow path for cleaning the filter element inside the filter tank.
[0022] Preferably, the closed end of the filter canister is also provided with a protective cover, the ultrasonic generator is located inside the protective cover, and a controller is also fixedly installed on the protective cover, the controller being electrically connected to the ultrasonic generator.
[0023] With this design, the protective cover at the closed end of the filter tank encloses the ultrasonic generator, effectively blocking external impacts on the ultrasonic generator, protecting its internal components, and extending its service life. The controller on the protective cover is electrically connected to the ultrasonic generator, allowing operators to directly adjust the working parameters of the ultrasonic generator, achieving intelligent control and improving operational convenience. The integrated design of the controller and the protective cover results in a compact layout, saving equipment space and making the overall structure simpler.
[0024] Preferably, the spiral guide plate is made of a high-rigidity, low-toughness material.
[0025] With this design, the spiral guide plate is made of high-rigidity material, which ensures that it is not easily deformed under the impact of water flow and ultrasonic vibration, and can stably maintain the spiral structure to ensure the consistency of turbulent flow guidance effect. The low toughness of the material makes it less prone to fatigue damage due to repeated bending during long-term vibration, thus extending its service life. At the same time, it can transmit ultrasonic vibration energy more efficiently and enhance the cleaning effect on pollutants on the filter element surface.
[0026] The advantages and positive effects of this utility model are:
[0027] This invention uses a spiral guide plate mounted on the outside of the filter element to guide the water flow along a spiral path, forming turbulence, which enhances the impact strength on the filter element surface and improves the cleaning effect. The ultrasonic generator on the outside of the closed end of the filter tank is connected to the spiral guide plate through the output end, which can transmit ultrasonic vibrations to the area around the filter element through the spiral guide plate. The cavitation effect of the ultrasonic waves is used to break up the contaminants on the surface of the filter element, and the turbulence further improves the cleaning efficiency and reduces the residue of contaminants. Attached Figure Description
[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the ultrafiltration membrane water purifier of this utility model;
[0030] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the internal structure of the ultrafiltration membrane water purifier of this utility model.
[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting plate and mounting groove structure of this utility model;
[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the spiral guide plate and mounting rod structure of this utility model;
[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the three spiral guide plates of this utility model on the mounting plate;
[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the pitch after the three spiral guide plates are combined in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0035] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic generator mounting structure in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0036] Figure 8 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of the structure at point A in the image;
[0037] Figure 9 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of the structure at point B in the image;
[0038] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of three superimposed water waves in an embodiment of this utility model.
[0039] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows:
[0040] 1. Filter tank; 2. Clamp; 3. End cap; 4. Fastening buckle; 5. Clean water outlet pipe; 6. Inlet pipe; 7. Bracket; 8. Protective cover; 9. Controller; 10. Mounting rod; 11. Spiral guide plate; 12. Mounting groove; 13. Mounting plate; 14. Buffer pad; 15. Connecting hole; 16. Transmission rod; 17. Ultrasonic generator; 18. Filter element; 19. Pressure ring; 20. Vibration damping pad; 21. Sealing seat; 22. Cleaning outlet pipe. Detailed Implementation
[0041] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.
[0042] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0043] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:
[0044] Example 1: As Figures 1-10 As shown, an ultrafiltration membrane cleaning water inlet device with a turbulent flow guiding structure includes a filter tank 1. The open end of the filter tank 1 is sealed with an end cap 3 to form a closed filtration and cleaning space. A filter element 18 is installed inside the filter tank 1 and is connected to the end cap 3. The end cap 3 fixes the filter element 18 and separates the inner cavity of the filter tank 1 from the inner cavity of the end cap 3, making the inner cavity of the filter tank 1 the area of liquid to be treated and the inner cavity of the end cap 3 the area of treated liquid. A spiral guide plate 11 is fitted on the outside of the filter element 18 to guide the direction of liquid flow. An ultrasonic generator 17 is installed on the outside of the closed end of the filter tank 1 to provide ultrasonic energy for the cleaning process. The output end of the ultrasonic generator 17 is connected to the spiral guide plate 11 so that the ultrasonic energy can be transmitted to the area around the filter element 18 through the spiral guide plate 11.
[0045] A mounting plate 13 is fixedly installed on the inner side of the closed end of the filter tank 1, serving as the mounting base for the spiral guide plate 11. Several mounting grooves 12 are provided on the mounting plate 13 to provide mounting space for the mounting rod 10. The mounting grooves 12 are radially arranged on the mounting plate 13 with the center as the apex, and are evenly distributed around the circumference of the mounting plate 13 to ensure that the spiral guide plate 11 can be evenly distributed on the outer side of the filter element 18. A connecting hole 15 is provided at the bottom of each mounting groove 12 to provide a passage for the drive rod 16. An installation rod 10 is slidably installed in the groove 12 for installing the spiral guide plate 11 and for making slight movements with vibration. A transmission rod 16 is fixedly installed on the installation rod 10 for transmitting the vibration of the ultrasonic generator 17. The free end of the transmission rod 16 passes through the connection hole 15 and the closed end of the filter canister 1 in sequence and is connected to the output end of the ultrasonic generator 17, thereby connecting the ultrasonic generator 17 and the installation rod 10. One end of the spiral guide plate 11 is fixedly connected to the installation rod 10, so that the spiral guide plate 11 can receive vibration together with the installation rod 10.
[0046] A buffer pad 14 is provided in the mounting groove 12. The buffer pad 14 is located between the mounting rod 10 and the bottom surface of the mounting groove 12. When the mounting rod 10 is displaced due to ultrasonic vibration, the buffer pad 14 can buffer the impact of the mounting rod 10 on the bottom surface of the mounting groove 12.
[0047] A sealing seat 21 is provided in the inner cavity of the end cap 3 to enhance the sealing of the connection between the filter element 18 and the end cap 3. The filter element 18 is connected to the end cap 3 through the sealing seat 21 to achieve stable installation of the filter element 18 on the end cap 3. A clean water outlet pipe 5 is fixedly provided on the end cap 3 for discharging the clean water filtered by the filter element 18. The clean water outlet pipe 5 is connected to the inner cavity of the end cap 3 so that the clean water in the inner cavity of the end cap 3 can flow out smoothly through the clean water outlet pipe 5.
[0048] The end cap 3 and the open end of the filter tank 1 are detachably connected by clamps 2, which facilitates the disassembly and assembly of the end cap 3. There are two clamps 2, one end of the two clamps 2 is hinged to each other, and the other end is connected by fastening buckles 4. The clamps 2 clamp the end cap 3 and the filter tank 1 by opening and closing the fastening buckles 4.
[0049] A pressure ring 19 is fixedly installed on the sealing seat 21 to fix the position of the vibration damping pad 20. The vibration damping pad 20 is attached to the pressure ring 19 to reduce the impact of the vibration of the spiral guide plate 11 on the sealing seat 21. The other end of the spiral guide plate 11 is attached to the vibration damping pad 20 so that the vibration of the spiral guide plate 11 can be buffered by the vibration damping pad 20.
[0050] A bracket 7 is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the filter tank 1 to support the entire filter tank 1 and keep it stable. It is equipped with an inlet pipe 6 and a cleaning outlet pipe 22. The inlet pipe 6 is used to introduce the liquid to be filtered, and the cleaning outlet pipe 22 is used to discharge the waste liquid after cleaning. Both the inlet pipe 6 and the cleaning outlet pipe 22 are connected to the inner cavity of the filter tank 1 to ensure that the liquid can enter and exit the inner cavity of the filter tank 1.
[0051] The closed end of the filter tank 1 is also provided with a protective cover 8 to protect the ultrasonic generator 17. The ultrasonic generator 17 is located inside the protective cover 8 to avoid damage to it from external factors. A controller 9 is also fixedly installed on the protective cover 8 to control the working state of the ultrasonic generator 17. The controller 9 is electrically connected to the ultrasonic generator 17 to realize the regulation of the ultrasonic generator 17.
[0052] When multiple spiral guide plates 11 are installed on the mounting plate 13, the vibration frequency of the ultrasonic generator 17 can be adjusted by the controller 9 to change the wavelength of the generated vibration wave, so that the pitch L of two adjacent spiral guide plates 11 is an integer multiple of the wavelength λ. In this way, the water waves generated by two adjacent spiral guide plates 11 in the water can be superimposed. Figure 5 As shown, taking three spiral guide plates 11 as an example, the three spiral guide plates 11 are evenly arranged on the mounting plate 13, and the three ultrasonic generators 17 are respectively connected to the three spiral guide plates 11. When the three spiral guide plates 11 vibrate, the peaks of the water waves generated will overlap, and the troughs will overlap, as shown in the diagram. Figure 10As shown in the figure, area I is a schematic diagram of the state before the water waves are superimposed, and area II is a schematic diagram of the state after the water waves are superimposed. This strengthens the generated vibration waves and works in conjunction with the turbulence to clean the dirt on the filter element 18.
[0053] The spiral guide plate 11 is made of a high-rigidity, low-toughness material. The high rigidity ensures that it maintains its spiral structure under the impact and vibration of water flow, while the low toughness enables it to efficiently transmit vibration energy.
[0054] The working process of this embodiment is as follows: When purifying water, close the cleaning outlet pipe 22, open the purified water outlet pipe 5, and pass the water to be purified into the filter tank 1 through the inlet pipe 6. The water entering the filter tank 1 will enter the inner cavity of the cover plate after passing through the filter element 18, and then flow out through the purified water outlet pipe 5. During this process, impurities in the water will be blocked by the filter element 18 and thus remain in the filter tank 1 or adhere to the surface of the filter element 18.
[0055] When cleaning is required, close the clean water outlet pipe 5, open the cleaning outlet pipe 22, and then turn on the ultrasonic generator 17. The ultrasonic generator 17 will drive the spiral guide plate 11 to vibrate through the transmission rod 16 and the mounting rod 10. When the water flows into the filter tank 1 through the inlet pipe 6, since the clean water outlet pipe 5 is closed, the water will not pass through the filter element 18, but will flow towards the cleaning outlet pipe 22. During this process, the spiral guide plate 11 will guide the water flow, making the water flow turbulent, and flushing and cleaning the dirt attached to the surface of the filter element 18. At the same time, the vibration of the spiral guide plate 11 will also make the water flow fluctuate, improving the cleaning effect on the surface of the filter element 18. Moreover, by adjusting the vibration frequency of the ultrasonic generator 17, the wavelength is changed, and two adjacent water waves are superimposed, further improving the rinsing effect of the water waves.
[0056] The above description provides a detailed account of one embodiment of the present invention. However, this description is merely a preferred embodiment and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. All equivalent variations and improvements made within the scope of the claims of the present invention should still fall within the patent coverage of the present invention.
Claims
1. An ultrafiltration membrane cleaning water inlet device with a turbulent flow guiding structure, comprising a filter tank (1), wherein an end cap (3) is sealed at the open end of the filter tank (1), a filter element (18) is disposed inside the filter tank (1), the filter element (18) is connected to the end cap (3), and the filter element (18) separates the inner cavity of the filter tank (1) from the inner cavity of the end cap (3), characterized in that: The filter element (18) is fitted with a spiral guide plate (11) on the outside, and an ultrasonic generator (17) is provided on the outside of the closed end of the filter canister (1). The output end of the ultrasonic generator (17) is connected to the spiral guide plate (11).
2. The ultrafiltration membrane cleaning water inlet device with a turbulent flow guiding structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: An installation plate (13) is fixedly provided on the inner side of the closed end of the filter tank (1). Several installation grooves (12) are provided on the installation plate (13). The installation grooves (12) are radially provided on the installation plate (13) with the center of the installation plate (13) as the vertex. Several installation plates (13) are evenly distributed around the circumference of the installation plate (13). A connection hole (15) is provided at the bottom of each installation groove (12). An installation rod (10) is also slidably provided in the installation groove (12). A transmission rod (16) is fixedly provided on the installation rod (10). The free end of the transmission rod (16) passes through the connection hole (15) of the closed end of the filter tank (1) and is connected to the output end of the ultrasonic generator (17). One end of the spiral guide plate (11) is fixedly connected to the installation rod (10).
3. The ultrafiltration membrane cleaning water inlet device with a turbulent flow guiding structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: A buffer pad (14) is provided in the mounting groove (12), and the buffer pad (14) is located between the mounting rod (10) and the bottom surface of the mounting groove (12).
4. The ultrafiltration membrane cleaning water inlet device with a turbulent flow guiding structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sealing seat (21) is provided in the inner cavity of the end cap (3). The filter element (18) is connected to the end cap (3) through the sealing seat (21). A clean water outlet pipe (5) is fixedly provided on the end cap (3). The clean water outlet pipe (5) is connected to the inner cavity of the end cap (3).
5. The ultrafiltration membrane cleaning water inlet device with a turbulent flow guiding structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end cap (3) is detachably connected to the opening end of the filter tank (1) by a clamp (2). There are two clamps (2), one end of each clamp (2) is hinged to the other end, and the other end is connected by a fastener (4).
6. The ultrafiltration membrane cleaning water inlet device with a turbulent flow guiding structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: A pressure ring (19) is fixedly provided on the sealing seat (21), and a vibration damping pad (20) is attached to the pressure ring (19). The other end of the spiral guide plate (11) is attached to the vibration damping pad (20).
7. The ultrafiltration membrane cleaning water inlet device with a turbulent flow guiding structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filter tank (1) is fixedly provided with a bracket (7), a water inlet pipe (6) and a cleaning water outlet pipe (22), and the water inlet pipe (6) and the cleaning water outlet pipe (22) are both connected to the inner cavity of the filter tank (1).
8. The ultrafiltration membrane cleaning water inlet device with a turbulent flow guiding structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The closed end of the filter tank (1) is also provided with a protective cover (8), the ultrasonic generator (17) is located inside the protective cover (8), and a controller (9) is also fixedly installed on the protective cover (8), the controller (9) being electrically connected to the ultrasonic generator (17).
9. The ultrafiltration membrane cleaning water inlet device with a turbulent flow guiding structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spiral guide plate (11) is made of a high-rigidity, low-toughness material.