Composites with interphases and methods of making the same
AssigneeExxon Research & Engineering Co.
InventorsLiza M. Monette, Arnold Lustiger, Michael P. Anderson, John P. Dismukes, H. Daniel Wagner, Cary N. Marzinsky, Russell R. Mueller
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A composite having fibers of relatively high elastic modulus embedded in a matrix of relatively low elastic modulus is provided with an interphase of elastic modulus less than the matrix modulus and cohesive energy higher than the matrix cohesive energy. The resulting composite has enhanced strength and toughness.
Claims20
A discontinuous-fiber composite comprising fibers formed from a fiber material having apparent elastic modulus E.sub.f,app and apparent cohesive energy U.sub.f,app embedded in a matrix material having apparent elastic modulus E.sub.m,app and apparent cohesive energy U.sub.m,app, there being an interphase surrounding said fibers and interposed between said fibers and said matrix, said interphase being formed from an interphase material having apparent elastic modulus E.sub.i,app and apparent cohesive energy U.sub.i,app, wherein:
- E.sub.i,app <E.sub.m,app ;
- and
- U.sub.i,app >U.sub.m,app.
A composite as claimed in claim wherein said fibers extend substantially unidirectionally.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.