Polymeric Paper Honeycomb Compression Strength via Resin Coating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing honeycombs used in aerospace and other applications, such as sandwich panels for aircraft and train flooring, require enhancement of compression strength to achieve weight and cost savings, as traditional manufacturing processes prioritize other mechanical properties over compression strength.

Innovation Solution

A honeycomb structure made from polymeric paper with a specific composition of 5 to 35 parts by volume solid polymeric material and 65 to 95 parts by volume voids, featuring a normalized peak load at bend of 0.33 mgf/(g/m2)^3 and Gurley air resistance of 50 seconds/100ml, optimized for maximum compression strength through resin coating and non-calendered paper processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional calendered aramid paper is used for honeycomb manufacturing, then shear and compression properties are balanced, but compression strength is not maximized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing process optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the paper by using non-calendered aramid paper with specific void content (65-95 parts by volume) and basis weight (20-80 g/m²), along with controlled resin coating (5-50 parts by weight resin per 100 parts paper), to maximize compression strength while maintaining manufacturability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure by combining aramid paper with resin coating to form a honeycomb core that achieves superior compression strength. The composite of paper fibers, voids, and resin works synergistically to enhance mechanical properties beyond what traditional calendered paper alone could provide

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If paper with high void content is used, then compression strength is enhanced, but paper density and structural integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression strengthVSAvoidpaper structural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent deliberately uses paper with high void content (65-95 parts by volume) as a porous material, where the controlled porosity is not a defect but a design feature that enhances compression strength by allowing resin penetration and creating an optimized cellular structure in the honeycomb core

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The resin acts as an intermediary that binds the paper fibers and fills the voids, maintaining structural integrity while allowing the high void content paper to provide compression strength benefits. The resin coats the paper at controlled levels to hold the porous structure together

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If non-calendered paper processing is used, then compression strength is maximized, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression strengthVSAvoidpaper processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies resin coating to the non-calendered paper before honeycomb formation, as a preliminary action that prepares the paper structure for optimal compression performance. This pre-treatment ensures proper resin distribution and bonding before the paper is formed into the honeycomb structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 significantly enhances the compression strength of honeycombs while maintaining a high weight-to-strength ratio, achieving superior performance in applications where compression strength is critical, such as in flooring, by utilizing a polymeric paper with a high void content and appropriate resin coating.

Implementation Method 1

The resistance of the cell wall to buckling, is a very good indicator of compression strength of a honeycomb

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuckling resistance:

Implementation Method 2

wherein the paper has a resin coating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResin coating and binding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2214900B1Honeycomb having a high mechanical strength and articles made from same
Publication Date: 2013.07.24 EI DU PONT DE NEMOURS & CO
  • EP2214900B1 patent drawing

AI summary

High mechanical strength honeycomb is made from polymer paper containing 5 to 35 parts by volume solid material and 65 to 95 parts by volume voids having a normalized peak load at bend equal or greater than 0.33 mgf/(g/m2)^3 and a Gurley air resistance equal or greater than 50 seconds /100ml.