Fiber reinforced plastic enhanced by functionalized particle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber reinforced plastics (FRPs) face challenges in achieving high mechanical properties and additional functionalities due to the high cost of high-strength fibers and poor dispersibility of additives in epoxy resins, limiting the loading of strengthening additives and thus the attainable improvements in mechanical and functional properties.
Innovation Solution
Introducing functionalized particles that are chemically bonded to the polymer or epoxy resin, allowing for improved dispersibility and loading, enhancing mechanical properties and enabling functionalities like gas barrier and thermal conductivity, while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If high-strength fibers are used to improve mechanical properties, then the mechanical strength increases, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the strengthening function from the fiber component and transfers it to additive particles incorporated into the polymer matrix. This allows the use of standard, lower-cost fibers while achieving enhanced mechanical properties through the additive reinforcement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reinforcement approach by introducing particulate additives with specific size distributions and surface treatments into the polymer matrix, transforming the reinforcement mechanism from fiber-based to composite particulate-based, thereby reducing cost while maintaining or improving strength.
2Strength
If strengthening additives are incorporated into the polymer to improve mechanical properties, then the mechanical strength increases, but the dispersibility of additives in epoxy resins deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces surface treatment agents or coupling agents as intermediaries between the additive particles and the epoxy resin matrix. These intermediaries improve the wetting and adhesion of particles to the resin, enabling uniform dispersion and preventing agglomeration, thus resolving the dispersibility issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the surface properties of additive particles through chemical or physical treatments, changing parameters such as surface energy, roughness, or chemical functionality to enhance compatibility with the epoxy resin and improve dispersibility throughout the matrix.
3Adaptability or versatility
If high loading of additives is used to achieve additional functionalities, then the functional properties improve, but the specific mechanical properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multifunctional additive particles that simultaneously provide mechanical reinforcement and desired functional properties such as gas barrier, thermal conductivity, or electrical conductivity. This eliminates the need for separate additive systems and allows achieving multiple goals without compromising mechanical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure where functionalized particles are uniformly distributed within the polymer matrix, forming a synergistic composite material that combines the structural integrity of the polymer with the functional and reinforcing properties of the particles, achieving both mechanical strength and additional functionalities.
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 approach results in FRPs with significantly improved mechanical and thermal properties, including increased tensile strength, thermal conductivity, and reduced gas permeability, enabling multifunctional materials that can use less fiber or FRP while maintaining high strength and modulus.
Implementation Method 1
the polymer having dispersed functionalized particles chemically bonded to the polymer
Data Source
AI summary
A composition of matter has a fiber structure impregnated with a polymer, the polymer having dispersed functionalized particles chemically bonded to the polymer, wherein the functionalized particles contain one of either groups same as a precursor of the polymer, or groups reactive with a precursor. A composition of matter has a fiber structure impregnated with cured epoxy resin having dispersed functionalized particles chemically bonded to the cured epoxy, wherein the functionalized particles contain one of either groups same as the epoxy resin, or groups reactive with the epoxy resin.