Methods of making continuous fiber-polyolefin composites
AssigneeTDA Research, Inc.
InventorMichael D Diener
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a process for making polyolefin matrix composites reinforced with continuous carbon fibers. The polymer-fiber composite material comprises a plurality of continuous fibers; and a polyolefin matrix. The present invention also relates to articles of manufacture made substantially from polyolefin matrix composites reinforced with continuous carbon fibers as well as orthopedic implant devices having a wear surface, or bearing comprising a polyolefin matrix composite reinforced with continuous carbon fibers.
Claims17
A method of making a continuous fiber-reinforced polyolefin matrix composite, the method comprising:
- (a) providing a reaction vessel;
- (b) providing a plurality of continuous carbon fibers;
- (c) providing a solvent;
- (d) providing a polymerization catalyst;
- (e) providing an acyclic olefin monomer;
- (f) placing the plurality of continuous carbon fibers in the reaction vessel;
- (g) adding the solvent, the polymerization catalyst and the acyclic olefin monomer to the reaction vessel;
- (h) providing temperature and pressure inside the reaction vessel to promote polymerization of the acyclic olefin monomer to form a polyolefin matrix;
- and
- (i) isolating the continuous fiber-reinforced polyolefin matrix composite from the solvent and its dissolved contents.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.