Aggregate-Based Mandrels For Composite Part Production And Composite Part Production Methods
AssigneeAdvanced Ceramics Manufacturing LLC
InventorsJens Rossfeldt, Matt Wallen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for forming a composite structure, using a mandrel that is later removed from the composite structure, involves production of a mandrel by depositing a particulate mixture, including an aggregate and a binder, into a mold and removing the mandrel from the mold. The mandrel may be treated while still in the mold by heating, curing with an agent, microwave energy, or by some combination thereof. Once finished, the mandrel can be used in manufacturing polymer and/or composite components. The mandrel can also be include materials that can be easily removed from the finished composite structure by water, shakeout, chemically dissolving, or by some combination thereof.
Claims20
A mixture for use in manufacturing a mandrel, comprising:
- an organic binder material;
- an inorganic binder material;
- and
- an aggregate material.
A mixture for use in manufacturing a mandrel, comprising:
- an organic binder material that is water soluble after curing;
- an inorganic binder material that curable by at least one of acid gas curing and microwave curing;
- and
- an aggregate material.
A mixture for use in manufacturing a mandrel, consisting essentially of:
- from about 3% to about 10% polyvinylpyrollidone, from about 3% to about 10% alkali silicate, from about 7% to about 17% water, from about 70% to about 77% of an aggregate material, and at least one additive selected from the group consisting of:
- anhydrous salts, solvents, alkaline hydroxides, surfactants, humidity resistant additives, collapsibility enhancers, preservatives, dyes, bulking agents, hot strength additives, flow enhancers, and refractory coatings.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.