Fiber reinforced structural material and method of manufacture
AssigneeEdward C. Levy Company
InventorTerrence M. Shaw
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Abstract
A formable matrix used as structural material and having an admixture of reinforcing non-metallic meltable fibers. The fibers have enlarged knob-like ends serving as anchors to enhance the bonding action between the fiber and the matrix. The admixture reduces freeze-thaw losses and improves flexural strength of the matrix. Several methods of forming the fiber end knobs are disclosed.
Claims9
A structural material comprising a hardenable matrix, and a plurality of randomly arranged fibers admixed in said matrix, said fibers being fabricated of a non-metallic substance, the major portions of said fibers being of constant thickness, the opposite ends of such fiber having knobs formed thereon, the average thickness of said knobs being at least ten percent greater than said constant thickness, whereby said knobs will serve to anchor the ends of each fiber in the matrix.
A method for forming a structural material comprising the steps forming a hardenable matrix chosen from the group consisting of hydraulic-setting matrices and organic thermosetting-type plastics and resins, forming a plurality of fibers fabricated of a non-metallic meltable substance, the major portions of said fibers being of constant thickness, heat forming the opposite ends of each fiber so as to create knobs, the average thickness of said knobs being at least ten percent greater than said constant thickness, randomly admixing said knob-ended fibers in said matrix, and permitting the matrix to harden, whereby said knobs will serve to anchor the ends of each fiber in the matrix.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.