Julia M Thompson

US Patent:

20020137421, Sep 26, 2002

Filed:

Dec 13, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/021929

Inventors:

Katrina Desroches - Kannapolis NC, US
Gary Hennel - Troutman NC, US
Benjamin Nolan - Elmer NJ, US
Marlene Storzer - Woodlands NC, US
Julia Thompson - Los Alamos NM, US

International Classification:

D04H005/02
D04H001/46
D04H003/10
B29C035/08
B29C059/00
B29C043/22
D04H003/14

US Classification:

442/411000, 442/402000, 442/409000, 264/402000, 264/503000

Abstract:

A method is disclosed of controlling the thermohysteresis of a homogeneous or layered fibrous pre-form, comprised at least in part of thermoplastic staple length fibers, such that the physical properties of the resulting molded three-dimensional compound construct are significantly enhanced. In particular, the thermohysteresis is the result of a specific thermal history comprising the treatment of a fibrous pre-form with an elevated temperature incubation period followed by a cooling period. A so-treated fibrous pre-form can be subsequently molded by conventional thermomolding methods to render improved toughness, strength and structural stability to a resulting molded construct.