Goodrich Corporation

Rohr, Inc.

John William Robinson

Anthony M Mazany

Craig Cartwright

David Murray McLarty

Jamie D Bauer

Ferdinand Wayne Bernard

A resin-infusion system for manufacture of a composite part includes an inflatable rigid bladder defining at least one infusion-flow medium and a preform lay-up formed on the bladder such that the infusion-flow medium defines space between the bladder and preform lay-up. The system also includes a mold into which the bladder and preform lay-up are placed such that the preform lay-up is constrained against the mold a resin injection system configured to feed resin into and to flow along the infusion-flow medium and then be infused into the preform lay-up. The bladder is configured to expand against the infused preform lay-up during curing such that the infusion-flow medium is smoothed resulting in a smooth surface of the finished part.

Resin-infusion process for composites manufacturing

Methods of creating thick composite structures are provided. The methods may be applied to two or more prepreg structures of composite materials to form laminate structures that are thicker than approximately five (5) inches without excessive exothermic events resulting in inconsistent cure and high residual stresses. The method may include heating a first sheet to achieve a specified increase in resin viscosity. In response to achieving the specified resin viscosity, a second portion of composite material may be applied to the first portion. The assembly may be heated to create a laminate structure which is chemically bonded with no interface.

Methods for creating thick laminate structures

A modified alkali silicate composition for forming an inorganic network matrix. The modified alkali silicate matrix is made by reacting an alkali silicate (or its precursors such as an alkali hydroxide, a SiOsource and water), an acidic inorganic composition, such as a reactive glass, water and optional fillers, additives and processing aids. An inorganic matrix composite can be prepared by applying a slurry of the modified aqueous alkali silicate composition to a reinforcing medium and applying the temperature and pressure necessary to consolidate the desired form. The composite can be shaped by compression molding as well as other known fabrication methods. A notable aspect of the invention is that, although composite and neat resin components prepared from the invention can exhibit excellent dimensional stability to 1000&#xb0; C. and higher, they can be prepared at the lower temperatures and pressures typical to organic polymer processing.

Inorganic matrix compositions and composites incorporating the matrix composition

A modified alkali silicate composition for forming an inorganic polymer matrix having improved mechanical properties. The modified alkali silicate matrix is made by reacting an alkali silicate (or its precursors such as an alkali hydroxide, a SiOsource and water), a non-silicate network former and/or reactive glass, water and optionally one or more multivalent cation(s) selected from Groups 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 of the periodic table such as an alkaline earth salt, water and optional processing aids. An inorganic matrix composite can be prepared by applying a slurry of the modified aqueous alkali silicate composition to a reinforcing medium and curing the composite at a temperature from about 15&#xb0; C. up to 1000&#xb0; C. and a pressure of up to 20,000 psi for typical high-performance organic polymer processing (temperatures about 15&#xb0; C. to about 200&#xb0; C. and pressures &#x3c;200 psi). The composite can be shaped by compression molding as well as other known fabrication methods.

Inorganic matrix compositions, composites incorporating the matrix, and process of making the same

Inorganic matrix composition and composites incorporating the matrix composition

A modified alkali silicate composition for forming an inorganic network. The modified alkali silicate matrix is made by reacting an alkali silicate (or its precursors such as an alkali hydroxide, a SiOsource and water), an acidic oxoanionic compound such as phosphoric acid, water and optionally one or more multivalent cation(s) selected from Groups 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 of the periodic table such as an alkaline earth salt, water and optional processing aids. An inorganic matrix composite can be prepared by applying a slurry of the modified aqueous alkali silicate composition to a reinforcing medium and curing the composite at a temperature from about 15&#xb0; C. up to 1000&#xb0; C. and a pressure of up to 20,000 psi for typical high-performance organic polymer processing (temperatures about 15&#xb0; C. to about 200&#xb0; C. and pressures &#x3c;200 psi). The composite can be shaped by compression molding as well as other known fabrication methods.

Inorganic matrix compositions, composites and process of making the same

An improved louver is comprised of a plastic louver frame and plastic chevrons, wherein slots having the profile of the chevrons are cut into the frame, the chevrons are disposed in the slots and bonded to the frame, and a resin impregnated in glass tape is wrapped around the frame to provide further support for the frame. The louver frame is fabricated using resin infused or resin transfer-molding process and the chevrons are fabricated utilizing a pultrusion process.

Growing community of inventors

Fernandina Beach, FL, United States of America

John William Robinson