Exxon Research and Engineering Company

Cary N Marzinsky

Arnold Lustiger

Michael Paul Anderson

Liza M Monette

Russell R Mueller

John P Dismukes

H Daniel Wagner

Yann Devorest

Allen S Chiu

A composite having fibers of relatively high elastic modulus embedded in a matrix of relatively low elastic modulus is provided with an interphase of elastic modulus less than the matrix modulus and cohesive energy higher than the matrix cohesive energy. The resulting composite has enhanced strength and toughness.

Composites with interphases and methods of making the same

Composite fiber reinforced structures, such as pipes or storage tanks, having improved resistance to microcracking and delamination and improved containment strength are disclosed. The walls of the structures comprise at least one layer comprising a plurality of continuous reinforcing glass fibers having an average diameter of &lE;about 10 microns impregnated in a resinous binder such as a thermoset epoxy resin.

Composite structures having improved containment strength

A composite is provided having improved toughness without reduction in stiffness comprising a polymer matrix having fibers embedded therein wherein the polymer of the matrix is substantially beta polypropylene or a beta polypropylene-olefin copolymer. The composite is made by combining a nucleating agent with a polymer composition selected from the group consisting of alpha polypropylene, an alpha polypropylene-olefin copolymer, alpha polypropylene containing fibers therein and an alpha polypropylene-olefin copolymer having fibers therein, and when the polymer is polypropylene or polypropylene-olefin copolymer, also independently adding fiber to the polymer or copolymer and thereafter inducing nucleation whereby a composite of improved stiffness with no reduction in toughness is formed.

Polypropylene/fiber composites

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Stockton, NJ, United States of America

Cary N Marzinsky