FRP Intermediate Material Composition for Void-Free Fiber Impregnation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) production methods face issues such as insufficient mechanical properties, voids in molded products, and limitations in achieving balanced curability, storability, and dimensional stability, particularly with current matrix resins and intermediate base materials.

Innovation Solution

A liquid composition for fiber reinforced plastic intermediate base materials, characterized by blending specific compounds with isocyanate or epoxy groups, along with polymerization inhibitors and initiators, to enhance impregnation, reduce voids, and improve mechanical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If epoxy resin is used as matrix resin, then mechanical properties are improved, but curing time and temperature requirements increase and storability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical propertiesVSAvoidcuring time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the matrix resin by incorporating specific ratios of epoxy resin, polyester resin, and vinyl ester resin, along with particular curing agents and promoters, to achieve a balance between mechanical properties and curing characteristics that differs from conventional single-resin systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite resin system combining multiple resin types (epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester) and multiple curing mechanisms to achieve synergistic effects that simultaneously improve mechanical properties while reducing curing time and improving storability compared to individual resin systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If vinyl ester resin or unsaturated polyester resin is used as matrix resin, then curability and storability are improved, but mechanical properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurability and storabilityVSAvoidmechanical properties
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the compositional parameters by incorporating epoxy resin alongside vinyl ester and polyester resins, and by selecting specific curing agents and promoters, to enhance mechanical properties while preserving the good curability and storability characteristics of the vinyl ester and polyester resin base

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent develops a composite resin formulation that integrates multiple resin systems and curing mechanisms, where the combination of epoxy, polyester, and vinyl ester resins with dual curing agents creates a material that achieves both excellent curability/storability and superior mechanical properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Manufacturing precision

If intermediate base material with large unit area weight is used, then void reduction is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoid reductionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the resin viscosity parameters and compositional ratios to achieve optimal flow characteristics that enable complete fiber impregnation with a single layer of intermediate base material, eliminating voids without requiring multiple laminations or complex manufacturing procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution provides intermediate base materials with reduced shrinkage, excellent dimensional stability, and high mechanical characteristics, enabling the production of high-strength FRP with minimal voids and improved curability.

Implementation Method 1

a liquid composition for a fiber reinforced plastic intermediate base material... having particularly excellent impregnation property

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

a liquid composition for a fiber reinforced plastic intermediate base material... characterized by blending specific compounds with isocyanate or epoxy groups

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 3

a liquid composition for a fiber reinforced plastic intermediate base material, characterized by blending specific compounds with isocyanate or epoxy groups, along with polymerization inhibitors and initiators

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymerization inhibition:

Implementation Method 4

along with polymerization inhibitors and initiators, to enhance impregnation, reduce voids, and improve mechanical properties

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS12606663B2Liquid composition for a fiber reinforced plastic intermediate base material, a fiber reinforced plastic intermediate base material, and a method of producing the fiber reinforced plastic intermediate base material
Publication Date: 2026.04.21 MITSUBISHI GAS CHEMICAL NEXT CO INC

AI summary

The objective of the present invention is to provide a liquid composition which is for a fiber reinforced plastic intermediate base material, and which imparts excellent FRP mechanical properties and can suppress voids as much as possible.The liquid composition for a fiber reinforced plastic intermediate base material according to the present invention is characterized by being obtained by mixing (A) and (B). (A): a composition including a compound (a) having at least two isocyanate groups, and (B): a composition which includes (b1) as an essential component and may include (b2) and (b3).(b1): a monoalcohol compound having an ethylenically unsaturated group,(b2): a compound having at least two reactive groups with isocyanate groups,and (b3): a polymerization inhibitor.