Lightweight polyester composites. [Microcellular structure of @ 10-. mu. m-size bubbles]
A new method of producing lightweight polyester composites (LPC) is developed to replace the conventional short-fiber composites such as SMC (Sheet Molding Compound) and BMC (Bulk Molding Compound). The LPC has a microcellular structure which consists of about 10-{mu}m-size bubbles. By substituting the microcells for the heavy particulate fillers, the weight of the composites is reduced by 30% to 40% without any loss in the strength of material. The specific modulus and strength are improved remarkably. The microcellular foam was produced by an uncoupled process: supersaturation of the polyester resin with nitrogen and dielectric curing of the resin. Bubble nucleation rate and bubble growth were controlled independently by the uncoupled process. Mechanical behavior of the microcellular composite was examined and compared to that of a conventional SMC. The flexural strength of the lightweight composite is almost the same as that of SMC. But specific flexural strength is about 80% larger than that of SMC because of the large weight reduction. Toughness is improved significantly and the specific toughness becomes even larger.
- Research Organization:
- Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Cambridge, MA (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 7110498
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Thesis (Ph.D.)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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