Location History:
- Dupage County, IL (US) (1988)
- Warrenville, IL (US) (1990)
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1988-1990
Title: Innovations by Jay O Rakel in Composite Processing
Introduction
Jay O Rakel is an accomplished inventor based in Warrenville, IL (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of composite materials, particularly in the development of poly(amide-imide) prepregs and their processing methods. With a total of 2 patents, Rakel's work has implications for various industries, including aerospace.
Latest Patents
Rakel's latest patents include a method for forming poly(amide-imide) prepregs that allows for the creation of void-free composites with residual solvent contents of less than 0.2% by weight. This innovative method enhances the glass transition temperatures of the composites, bringing them closer to those of the pure polymer. In a preferred approach, the poly(amide-imide) prepreg, which contains residual N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone solvent, is rapidly heated to approximately 650°F to evaporate the residual solvent to below 1.0% by weight. The prepreg is then quickly cooled to prevent significant advancement in molecular weight of the thermoplastic poly(amide-imide) polymer. This prepreg can subsequently be layed up to form composite articles that can be consolidated through the application of additional heat and pressure.
Another notable patent involves a method for consolidating fiber-reinforced thermoplastic poly(amide-imide) components. This method is particularly suitable for fabricating large parts, such as aircraft wing skins. The process includes enclosing the part in a vacuum bag and placing it in an autoclave. The temperature of the part is elevated to ensure that volatile solvents are substantially evaporated. The temperature is then further increased until the resin viscosity is minimized. A pressure differential of at least 150 psig is applied rapidly, causing the resin to flow and consolidate the part, resulting in a void-free composite.
Career Highlights
Jay O Rakel is currently employed at The Boeing Company, where he continues to innovate in the field of composite materials. His work has been instrumental in advancing the technology used in aerospace applications.
Collaborations
Rakel has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Stephen Christensen and Donald J Ayers, contributing to the advancement of composite processing techniques.
Conclusion
Jay O Rakel's contributions to the field of composite materials through his innovative patents have significantly impacted the aerospace industry.