Composite comprising unsaturated polyester-flexible polymer block copolymer coated fiber structures in a polyester or vinyl ester resin matrix
AssigneeGenCorp Inc.
InventorsFrederick J. McGarry, Douglas S. McBain
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A composite material having a coated fiber structure dispersed in a polyester matrix. The coating is a block copolymer having an elastomer block bonded to an ester block. The coating provides a flexible barrier between the fiber structure and the polyester matrix which results in a strong fiber reinforced composite having better crack resistance and improved toughness. The composite is particularly suited for use as a molding compound for use in the production of automotive body panels and structural components, aircraft components, sporting goods, housings for electrical and various other consumer goods, etc.
Claims19
A composite material, comprising:
- a fiber structure coated with a block copolymer of the formula AB or ABA, or mixtures thereof and optionally said block copolymer contains small amounts of A(BA).sub.n, where A is an unsaturated polyester having a molecular weight of from about 100 to about 5000, B is a flexible polymer having a Tg of about 0.degree. C. or less, and n is 2 to 5, the coated fiber structure being dispersed in a polyester or vinyl ester resin matrix and wherein the fiber structure is from 5 to 85 wt. % of the composite.
A molding compound which cures on exposure to elevated temperature comprising:
- a block copolymer coated fiber structure dispersed in a resin matrix, said block copolymer having the formula AB or ABA, or combinations thereof and optionally including small amounts of A(BA).sub.n, wherein A is an unsaturated polyester having a molecular weight of about 100 to about 5,000, B is a flexible polymer having a Tg of about 0.degree. C. or less, n is from 2 to 5,
- and said resin matrix is a polyester or vinyl ester resin containing a curing agent,
- and said fiber structure is from 5 to 85 wt. % of said molding compound.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.