Insertion of catalyst into dry carbon fibers prior to resin impregnation
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsKeith Daniel Humfeld, Gwen Marie Lanphere Gross
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for fabrication of enhanced carbon fiber laminates that utilize encapsulated catalyst. One embodiment is a method that includes acquiring a batch of dry fibers, and acquiring a batch of catalyst capsules that each comprise catalyst that accelerates polymerization of monomers of a resin, and a shell that encapsulates the catalyst and liquefies at a curing temperature. The method further includes interspersing the catalyst capsules among the dry fibers, and impregnating the fibers with the resin after interspersing the catalyst capsules with the fibers.
Claims18
A method for fabricating prepreg for a composite part, the method comprising:
- acquiring a batch of dry fibers for composite materials;
- acquiring a batch of catalyst capsules for composite materials, wherein each catalyst capsule comprises:
- catalyst that accelerates polymerization of monomers of a resin;
- and
- a shell that encapsulates the catalyst and liquefies at a curing temperature;
- applying a charge to the catalyst capsules via an electron gun, prior to resin impregnation;
- interspersing the catalyst capsules among the dry fibers;
- and
- impregnating the fibers with the resin after interspersing the catalyst capsules with the fibers.
A method for fabricating and utilizing prepreg for a composite part, the method comprising:
- applying a charge to catalyst capsules for composite materials via an electron gun;
- forming a preform from dry carbon fibers for composite materials, the preform including the catalyst capsules, the catalyst capsules being interspersed among the dry carbon fibers and bonded with the dry carbon fibers;
- impregnating the preform with resin;
- liquefying shells of the catalyst capsules;
- and
- mixing catalyst from the catalyst capsules with the resin, thereby accelerating polymerization of the resin.
A method for fabricating prepreg for a composite part, the method comprising:
- acquiring a batch of dry fibers for composite materials;
- acquiring a batch of catalyst capsules for composite materials, wherein each catalyst capsule comprises:
- catalyst that accelerates polymerization of monomers of a resin;
- and
- a shell that encapsulates the catalyst and liquefies at a curing temperature;
- applying a charge to the catalyst capsules via an electron gun, prior to resin impregnation;
- bonding the catalyst capsules with the dry fibers;
- and
- impregnating the fibers with the resin after interspersing the catalyst capsules with the fibers.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.