Fiber Reinforced Composite with Universal Sizing Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity in the reinforced polymer composite chain due to the wide variation in sizing compositions required for compatibility with specific matrix materials leads to increased costs and reduced mechanical properties of the end product.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a thermoset-compatible sizing composition coated on fibers, with a chemical treatment including polyamide and reactive compounds like primary amines or styrene-maleic anhydride, which increases compatibility with a broader range of matrix materials, including thermoplastic polyamides, thereby standardizing the forming process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If customized sizing compositions are designed for each specific matrix material, then compatibility between reinforcement fiber and matrix is improved, but device complexity and supply chain organization become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by developing a single thermoset-compatible sizing composition that can be used across multiple matrix material types (thermoset and thermoplastic). This eliminates the need for customized sizing compositions for each matrix material, thereby reducing plant and supply chain complexity while maintaining compatibility. The sizing composition acts as a universal interface between the glass fiber reinforcement and various matrix materials.
2Reliability
If multiple specialized sizing compositions are maintained in the supply chain, then specific compatibility requirements are met, but loss of substance and increased costs occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple specialized sizing compositions into a single thermoset-compatible sizing composition that serves multiple matrix material types. This consolidation reduces the variety of materials that need to be managed, stored, and applied, thereby reducing costs and material loss while maintaining the necessary compatibility through the chemical treatment layer.
3Device complexity
If a single standardized sizing composition is used for all matrix materials, then device complexity is reduced, but compatibility with specific matrix materials deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a chemical treatment as an intermediary layer between the thermoset-compatible sizing composition and the matrix material. This intermediary chemical treatment (containing reactive compounds like primary amines, primary amides, or styrene-maleic anhydride) enables the standardized sizing composition to be compatible with both thermoset and thermoplastic matrix materials, thus maintaining reliability while allowing simplification of the sizing composition variety.
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
This approach enhances the mechanical and chemical resistance of the composite, improving compatibility and reducing the number of required sizing compositions, resulting in improved mechanical performance and reduced costs.
Implementation Method 1
The chemical treatment includes one or more of a polyamide having a melting point less than 250 °C and a reactive compound selected from a primary amine, a primary amide, styrene-maleic anhydride and mixtures thereof. The chemical treatment may increase the compatibility between the sizing composition and the matrix material.
Implementation Method 2
The chemical treatment is coated on at least one of the first side and second side of the fiber reinforcement... The chemical treatment may increase the compatibility between the sizing composition and the matrix material.
Data Source
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AI summary
A reinforced composite is provided that includes at least one planar fiber reinforcement or fabric formed from a plurality of fibers. The fiber reinforcement or fabric has a first side and a second side. The reinforced composite further includes a chemical treatment coated on at least one of said first side and second side and a matrix material.