Abstract:
A prepreg that contains a plurality of unidirectionally aligned continuous fibers (142) embedded within a thermoplastic matrix (127) is provided. In addition to continuous fibers, the prepreg also contains a plurality of long fibers so that they are randomly distributed within the thermoplastic matrix. As a result, at least a portion of the long fibers become oriented at an angle relative to the direction of the continuous fibers. The long fibers can substantially increase the mechanical properties of the prepreg in the transverse direction.
Abstract:
Insulated pipe systems or assemblies include a particulate, composite or monolithic insulating aerogel material. Techniques for installing or manufacturing such systems or assemblies are described, as are components useful in the installation or manufacture processes.
Abstract:
The invention provides an insulated pipe-in-pipe assembly comprising (a) at least one inner pipe, (b) an outer pipe disposed around the at least one inner pipe so as to create an annular space between the outer and inner pipes, (c) porous, resilient, compressible material disposed in the annular space, and (d) a remnant of a container that previously was positioned in the annular space and previously held the compressible material in a volume less than the volume of the compressible material in the annular space. The invention also provides a method for making such an insulated pipe-in-pipe assembly.
Abstract:
The invention provides an insulated pipe-in-pipe assembly comprising (a) at least one inner pipe, (b) an outer pipe disposed around the at least one inner pipe so as to create an annular space between the outer and inner pipes, (c) porous, resilient, compressible material disposed in the annular space, and (d) a remnant of a container that previously was positioned in the annular space and previously held the compressible material in a volume less than the volume of the compressible material in the annular space. The invention also provides a method for making such an insulated pipe-in-pipe assembly.
Abstract:
A die and a method for impregnating fiber rovings with a polymer resin are disclosed. The die includes a manifold assembly (220), an impregnation zone (250), and a gate passage (270). The manifold assembly (220) flows the resin therethrough, and includes a channel (222). The impregnation zone (250) is in fluid communication with the manifold assembly (220), and is configured to impregnate the roving with the resin. The gate passage (270) is between the manifold assembly (220) and the impregnation zone (250), and flows the resin from the manifold assembly (220) such that the resin coats the roving. The gate passage (270) includes a projection (300). The projection (300) is configured to diffuse resin flowing through the gate passage (270).
Abstract:
Insulated pipe systems or assemblies include a particulate, composite or monolithic insulating aerogel material. Techniques for installing or manufacturing such systems or assemblies are described, as are components useful in the installation or manufacture processes.
Abstract:
An extruder (1) and a method for producing high-fiber volume reinforced thermoplastic resin structures (50), as well as a tape (156) having opposing resin rich portions (302) and a fiber rich portion (304) disposed therebetween and a method for impregnating at least one fiber roving (142) with a polymer resin to form a tape (156. The extruder (1) includes an impregnation die (3) having a channel (4) that applies pressurized molten thermoplastic resin to a plurality of rovings (142) drawn through the channel (4), and a die (3) faceplate (5) facing the downstream side (34) of said die (3). The faceplate (5) has a plurality of sizing holes (42) or a slot (75) arranged along a line that the resin-impregnated rovings (142) are simultaneously drawn through that remove excess resin and pultrude the resin-impregnated rovings (142) into rod-shaped or sheet-shaped structures. The faceplate (5) is spaced apart from the downstream side (34) of the die (4) to provide a gap (6) between the die (4) and a back side of the faceplate (5).
Abstract:
A prepreg that contains a plurality of unidirectionally aligned continuous fibers embedded within a thermoplastic polymer matrix is provided. In addition to continuous fibers, the prepreg also contains a plurality of long fibers that are combined with the continuous fibers so that they are randomly distributed within the thermoplastic matrix. As a result, at least a portion of the long fibers become oriented at an angle (e.g., perpendicular) relative to the direction of the continuous fibers. Through such orientation, the long fibers can substantially increase the mechanical properties of the prepreg in the transverse direction (e.g., strength) and thus achieve a more isotropic material. Although unique isotropic prepregs are one aspect of the present invention, it should be understood that this is not a requirement. In fact, one notable feature of the present invention is the ability to tailor the mechanical properties of the prepreg for an intended application by selectively controlling certain process parameters, such as the type of long fibers employed, the type of continuous fibers employed, the concentration of the long fibers, the concentration of the continuous fibers, the thermoplastic resin(s) employed, etc.
Abstract:
An impregnation section of a die (150) and a method for impregnating at least one fiber roving with a polymer resin are disclosed. The impregnation section includes an impregnation zone (250) configured to impregnate the roving with the resin. The impregnation zone (250) includes a plurality of contact surfaces (252). The impregnation section further includes a device (300) positioned upstream of the impregnation zone (250) in a run direction of the roving. The device (300) is configured to reduce tension in the roving. The method includes tensioning a fiber roving, reducing the tension in the roving, coating the roving with a polymer resin, and traversing the coated roving through an impregnation zone (250) to impregnate the roving with the resin.
Abstract:
An impregnation section of a die (150) and a method for impregnating at least one fiber roving with a polymer resin are disclosed. The impregnation section includes an impregnation zone (250) configured to impregnate the roving with the resin. The impregnation zone (250) includes a plurality of contact surfaces (252). The impregnation section further includes a roller (300) configured to impregnate the roving with the resin. The roller (300) is rotatable about a central axis. The method includes coating a fiber roving with a polymer resin. The method additionally includes traversing the coated roving through a impregnation zone (250) to impregnate the roving with the resin. The impregnation zone (250) includes a plurality of contact surfaces (252). The method further includes traversing the coated roving past a roller (300) to impregnate the roving with the resin.