Composite articles comprising protective sheets and related methods
AssigneeEntrotech Composites, LLC
InventorsJames E. McGuire, Jr., Andrew C. Strange
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods of the invention include those for applying protective sheets to composite articles. According to these methods and resulting composite articles, a protective sheet is applied to at least a portion of an exterior surface formed from a composite material and where protection is desired. At least one exterior surface of the composite article to be protected can be integrally formed in the presence of the protective sheet. Improved bonding of the protective sheet to the composite article and improved processing efficiency are advantageously achieved according to the invention.
Claims33
A composite article comprising at least one composite material and further comprising an extensible protective sheet integrally bonded to at least one rigid surface thereof,
- wherein at least a portion of the protective sheet is crosslinked with at least a portion of the composite article, and
- wherein the extensible protective sheet is no greater than about 1.1 mm (0.045 inch) thick at its maximum thickness;
- and wherein the protective sheet comprises at least one elastomeric material.
A method of applying an extensible protective sheet to at least a portion of an exterior surface of a composite article comprising at least one composite material, the method comprising:
- providing the extensible protective sheet prior to forming the exterior surface of the composite article;
- and
- integrally forming the exterior surface of the composite article in the presence of the extensible protective sheet such that at least a portion of the exterior surface of the composite article and the extensible protective sheet become integrally bonded and wherein at least a portion of the extensible protective sheet is crosslinked with the at least a portion of the exterior surface of the article;
- and wherein the protective sheet comprises at least one elastomeric material.
A method of applying an extensible protective sheet to at least a portion of an exterior surface of a composite article comprising at least one composite material, the method comprising:
- providing the extensible protective sheet;
- forming the exterior surface of the composite article;
- and
- co-molding the extensible protective sheet to the exterior surface of the composite article such that at least a portion of the exterior surface of the composite article and the extensible protective sheet become integrally bonded;
- and wherein the protective sheet comprises at least one elastomeric material.
An article comprising an exterior protective sheet adhered to an underlying composite material surface of a composite article,
- wherein the article is essentially free of additional layers between the protective sheet and the underlying composite material surface, and
- wherein the protective sheet is no greater than about 1.1 mm (0.045 inch) thick at its maximum thickness;
- and wherein the protective sheet comprises at least one elastomeric material.
A composite article comprising at least one composite material and further comprising a protective sheet integrally bonded to at least one portion thereof,
- wherein the composite article is based on at least one thermoset resin, and
- wherein the protective sheet is no greater than about 1.1 mm (0.045 inch) thick at its maximum thickness;
- and wherein the protective sheet comprises at least one elastomeric material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.