Perforated Damping Laminate for Rigidity and Interlayer Adhesion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing composite substrates and prepregs lack sufficient damping performance and rigidity, and interlayer adhesiveness is inadequate.

Innovation Solution

A laminate comprising a thermoplastic elastomer sheet with through holes and a fiber-reinforced resin layer, where the elastomer contains specific copolymer blocks and additives, providing excellent damping performance, rigidity, and interlayer adhesiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a composite substrate using reinforcing fiber fabric and hydrogenated block copolymer is used, then structural strength is improved, but damping performance is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoiddamping performance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a composite structure combining thermoplastic elastomer sheet with fiber-reinforced resin layers. The thermoplastic elastomer provides damping through its viscoelastic properties, while the fiber-reinforced resin layers provide structural strength. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by having each material perform its optimal function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The thermoplastic elastomer sheet contains through holes that allow resin penetration and enhance the bonding between layers. The porous structure increases the surface area for adhesion and allows the resin to form mechanical interlocking, thereby improving both damping performance and interlayer adhesiveness simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

2Ease of manufacture

If a prepreg containing carbon-fiber-reinforced resin layer and nonwoven fabric is used, then manufacturing ease is improved, but damping performance is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing easeVSAvoiddamping performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the key parameter of the elastomer sheet from a solid nonwoven fabric structure to a perforated sheet structure. This parameter change enables the sheet to provide both the ease of manufacture associated with thermoplastic materials and significantly improved damping performance through the viscoelastic deformation of the perforated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If conventional composite structures are used, then structural rigidity is achieved, but interlayer adhesiveness is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverigidityVSAvoidinterlayer adhesiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The perforated thermoplastic elastomer sheet acts as a porous intermediate layer that enables resin penetration and mechanical interlocking. The through holes allow the resin to flow through and form anchors, creating strong mechanical bonding between the fiber-reinforced resin layers while maintaining the required rigidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The thermoplastic elastomer sheet serves as an intermediary layer between the fiber-reinforced resin layers. It provides a bonding interface that enhances adhesion through its perforated structure, allowing the resin to form strong mechanical connections while the elastomer itself contributes to the overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 laminate achieves high damping performance, excellent interlayer adhesiveness, and rigidity, with a loss factor of 0.016 or more at 1,000 Hz, and a flexural modulus of 30 MPa or more.

Implementation Method 1

a thermoplastic elastomer sheet comprising a thermoplastic elastomer (a) containing at least one copolymer block (A) with a glass transition temperature of 30° C. or lower

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Implementation Method 2

copolymer block (A) with a glass transition temperature of 30° C. or lower

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGlass transition:

Implementation Method 3

a fiber-reinforced resin layer disposed on one surface or each of both surfaces of the thermoplastic elastomer sheet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectComposite materials: Composite Materials

Implementation Method 4

a thermoplastic elastomer sheet comprising a thermoplastic elastomer (a) containing at least one copolymer block (A) with a glass transition temperature of 30° C. or lower, and having a plurality of through holes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking:

Data Source

PatentUS12508793B2Damping laminate
Publication Date: 2025.12.30 KURARAY PLAST CO LTD

AI summary

A damping laminate includes a thermoplastic elastomer sheet containing a thermoplastic elastomer (a) containing at least one copolymer block (A) with a glass transition temperature of 30° C. or lower, and having a plurality of through holes; and a fiber-reinforced resin layer disposed on one surface or each of both surfaces of the thermoplastic elastomer sheet.