Abstract:
A fiber-reinforced polymer composition that contains a polymer matrix and a plurality of long reinforcing fibers that are distributed within the polymer matrix is provided. The polymer matrix contains a thermoplastic polymer and the polymer matrix constitutes from about 30 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of the composition. The fibers have a nominal diameter of from about 20 micrometers to about 40 micrometers and constitute from about 10 wt. % to about 70 wt. % of the composition. Furthermore, the polymer composition defines a surface that exhibits a ΔE value of from about 0.6 to about 3 after being exposed to UV light at a total exposure level of 2,500 kJ/m2 according to SAE J2412_201508.
Abstract:
A composite core for use in electrical cables, such as high voltage transmission cables is provided. The composite core contains at least one rod that includes a continuous fiber component surrounded by a capping layer. The continuous fiber component is formed from a plurality of unidirectionally aligned fiber rovings embedded within a thermoplastic polymer matrix. The present inventors have discovered that the degree to which the rovings are impregnated with the thermoplastic polymer matrix can be significantly improved through selective control over the impregnation process, and also through control over the degree of compression imparted to the rovings during formation and shaping of the rod, as well as the calibration of the final rod geometry. Such a well impregnated rod has a very small void fraction, which leads to excellent strength properties. Notably, the desired strength properties may be achieved without the need for different fiber types in the rod.
Abstract:
An asymmetric tape and a system and method for impregnating at least one fiber roving with a polymer resin to form an asymmetric tape are provided. The asymmetric tape includes a polymer resin, and a plurality of fibers embedded in the polymer resin to form a fiber reinforced polymer material. The fiber reinforced polymer material includes a first surface and an opposing second surface. The fibers are disposed in the fiber reinforced polymer material to form a resin rich portion and a fiber rich portion. The resin rich portion includes the first surface and the fiber rich portion includes the second surface.
Abstract:
Sucker rod assemblies are provided. A sucker rod assembly includes one or more continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic rods. Each rod has a core comprising a plurality of generally unidirectionally oriented continuous fibers embedded in a thermoplastic resin. A sucker rod assembly further includes a first end fitting and a second end fitting, at least one of which is connected to the plurality of continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic rods. Each rod has an ultimate tensile strength of between approximately 280,000 pounds per square inch and approximately 370,000 pounds per square inch, and the continuous fibers have a ratio of ultimate tensile strength to mass per unit length of greater than about 1,000 Megapascals per gram per meter. The continuous fibers constitute from about 25 wt. % to about 80 wt. % of each rod, and the thermoplastic resin constitutes from about 20 wt. % to about 75 wt. % of each rod.
Abstract:
An impregnation section of a die and a method for impregnating at least one fiber roving with a polymer resin are disclosed. The impregnation section includes an impregnation zone configured to impregnate the roving with the resin. The impregnation zone includes a plurality of contact surfaces, at least one of the plurality of contact surfaces defining a cut-away portion downstream in a run direction of the roving of a point-of-contact for the at least one of the plurality of contact surfaces. The at least one of the plurality of contact surfaces further includes an edge defined by the cut-away portion. Excess material build up is reduced by the cut-away portion.
Abstract:
A fiber-reinforced polymer composition comprising from about 60 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of a polymer matrix that contains a propylene polymer and from about 10 wt. % to about 40 wt. % of a plurality of long reinforcing fibers that are distributed within the polymer matrix, is provided. The polymer composition exhibits a dielectric constant of about 4 or less and dissipation factor of about 0.01 or less at a frequency of 2 GHz. Further, the polymer composition exhibits a Charpy unnotched impact strength of about 20 kJ/m2 or more as determined in accordance with ISO Test No. 179-1:2010 at a temperature of about 23° C., and a Limiting Oxygen Index of about 25 or more as determined in accordance with ISO 4589:2017.
Abstract:
An impregnation section and a method for impregnating fiber rovings with a polymer resin are disclosed. The impregnation section includes an impregnation zone and a gate passage. The impregnation zone is configured to impregnate the plurality of rovings with the resin. The gate passage is in fluid communication with the impregnation zone for flowing the resin therethrough such that the resin impinges on a surface of each of the plurality of rovings facing the gate passage and substantially uniformly coats the plurality of rovings. The method includes impinging a polymer resin onto a surface of a plurality of fiber rovings, and substantially uniformly coating the plurality of rovings with the resin. The method further includes traversing the plurality of coated rovings through an impregnation zone. Each of the plurality of rovings is under a tension of from about 5 Newtons to about 300 Newtons within the impregnation zone.
Abstract:
A die and method for impregnating at least one fiber roving with a polymer resin are disclosed. The die includes an impregnation section. The impregnation section includes an impregnation zone configured to impregnate the roving with the resin. The impregnation zone includes a plurality of contact surfaces. At least one of the plurality of contact surfaces is configured such that a normal force of the roving is less than or equal to a lift force of the resin at an impregnation location on the contact surface during impregnation of the roving with the resin by the contact surface.
Abstract:
Pipe sections and methods for forming pipe sections are disclosed. A pipe section includes a hollow body formed from a metal material, the hollow body having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining an interior. The pipe section further includes a barrier layer surrounding and bonded to the hollow body, the barrier layer having an inner surface and an outer surface. The barrier layer is formed from a continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic material. Such pipe sections may be lightweight and flexible while exhibiting improved strength characteristics.
Abstract:
Pipe sections and methods for forming pipe sections are disclosed. A pipe section includes a hollow body, the hollow body having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining an interior. The pipe section further includes a barrier layer surrounding the hollow body, the barrier layer having an inner surface and an outer surface. The barrier layer is formed from a polyarylene sulfide composition. The polyarylene sulfide composition includes a polyarylene sulfide and a crosslinked impact modifier. Such pipe sections exhibit high strength characteristics and flexibility as well as resistance to degradation, even in extreme temperature environments, while maintaining desirable processing characteristics.