Composite Laminate Dye Transfer for Durable Color Infusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laminated reinforced materials are typically plain in color and not easily colorable, with existing methods like painting resulting in fading and flaking issues, especially in flexible materials, lacking visual appeal and durability.
Innovation Solution
A method involving applying dye to a transfer media, contacting it with the composite material, and using heat, pressure, or vacuum in an autoclave to infuse the dye, with optional UV or electron beam radiation curing, and adding coatings like polyimide or PVF films to create a colored, patterned, and durable composite material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If painting is used to add color to laminated material, then coloration is achieved, but the paint flakes off through use and fades in sunlight over time
Solution Approach 1:
The color is incorporated into the laminate material during the manufacturing process itself, rather than applying paint afterwards. The resin system includes colorants and pigments that are integrated into the laminate structure before it is formed, ensuring the color becomes an intrinsic part of the material that cannot flake or fade.
Solution Approach 2:
The resin system acts as an intermediary carrier that binds the colorants and pigments to the laminate structure. The resin matrix embeds the color particles within the material during curing, creating a durable bond that prevents flaking while maintaining colorfastness against sunlight and weathering.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional layers of films or woven cloth are combined with laminated reinforced materials to produce dyable fabric, then the material becomes colorable, but the complexity of the material structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resin system provides multiple functions simultaneously: it binds the laminate layers together, provides structural integrity, and serves as a vehicle for delivering colorants and pigments. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dyeing processes or additional woven cloth layers, maintaining material simplicity while achieving full colorability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the resin system to enable coloration. By selecting resins with appropriate properties and incorporating specific colorants and pigments, the material achieves versatility in color options without altering the fundamental laminate structure or adding complex layers.
3Strength
If conventional laminated materials are used, then structural performance is maintained, but visual appeal and cosmetic appearance are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the structural function of the laminate with the cosmetic function of coloration in a single integrated material system. The resin-bonded colorants and pigments are incorporated directly into the laminate layers, so the same material that provides structural strength also delivers visual appeal, eliminating the need for separate cosmetic treatments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite resin system that combines the laminate structure with colorants and pigments. This composite approach integrates multiple functional components (structural fibers, resin matrix, colorants) into a unified material that simultaneously achieves structural performance and visual appeal without compromising either property.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method allows for efficient, long-lasting color infusion and patterning on composite materials, enhancing their visual appeal and durability while maintaining performance, suitable for various applications including military and consumer textiles.
Implementation Method 1
applying, using an autoclave, at least one of heat, external pressure, vacuum pressure to infuse the dye to the composite material
Implementation Method 2
applying, using an autoclave, at least one of heat, external pressure, vacuum pressure to infuse the dye to the composite material
Implementation Method 3
applying, using an autoclave, at least one of heat, external pressure, vacuum pressure to infuse the dye to the composite material
Implementation Method 4
curing the dye, by applying at least one ultraviolet or electron beam radiation, to the composite material
Implementation Method 5
curing the dye, by applying at least one ultraviolet or electron beam radiation, to the composite material
Data Source
AI summary
A method of transferring a dye to a composite material comprising applying the dye to a transfer media to create a colored transfer media, placing the colored transfer media into contact with the composite material, and applying, using an autoclave, at least one of heat, external pressure, vacuum pressure to infuse the dye to the composite material to create a colored composite material.