Method for forming pre-impregnated fibers suitable for processing into a composite article
AssigneeOwens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
InventorsDavid R. Hartman, David L. Shipp, Andrew B. Woodside, Joan T. Muellerleile
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Abstract
A method is disclosed for forming coated fibers suitable for making a composite article. A plurality of fibers are coated with an aqueous- or non-aqueous-based chemical treatment containing a curable resin such that the resin on the fibers is in a partially cured or uncured state. The coated fibers may then be formed into a composite article in a subsequent forming operation, for example, by filament winding, pultrusion, weaving, knitting, or extrusion coating. The strand of fibers may also be shaped into a preform which can be used in resin transfer molding (RTM) and injection molding processes.
Claims6
A method of forming coated fibers suitable for making a composite article comprising the steps of:
- a) drawing a plurality of fibers from a source of molten glass
- b) applying, in-line with step a), a nonaqueous or aqueous chemical treatment comprising a curable thermosetting resin to said fibers
- c) heating on a contact plate, in-line with step b), the resultant fibers so that the following is preformed during said heating step:
- driving off water, if present;
- and partially curing said resin
- d) thereby forming coated fibers such that said coated fibers are loaded with about 30% by weight or more of said chemical treatment.
A method of forming coated fibers suitable for making a composite article comprising the steps of:
- a) drawing a plurality of fibers from a source of molten glass
- b) applying, in-line with step a), an aqueous based chemical treatment comprising a curable thermosetting resin to said fibers
- c) heating on a contact plate, in-line with step b), the resultant fibers so that the following is preformed during said heating step:
- driving off water;
- and partially curing said resin
- d) thereby forming coated fibers such that said coated fibers are loaded with about 25% by weight or more of said chemical treatment.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.