WO2021244750A1 - Improved pultrusion - Google Patents

Improved pultrusion Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021244750A1
WO2021244750A1 PCT/EP2020/065552 EP2020065552W WO2021244750A1 WO 2021244750 A1 WO2021244750 A1 WO 2021244750A1 EP 2020065552 W EP2020065552 W EP 2020065552W WO 2021244750 A1 WO2021244750 A1 WO 2021244750A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fiber
fibers
polymer matrix
reinforced
cured polymer
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2020/065552
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Martin Kerschbaum
Original Assignee
Toyota Motor Europe
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Toyota Motor Europe filed Critical Toyota Motor Europe
Priority to PCT/EP2020/065552 priority Critical patent/WO2021244750A1/en
Publication of WO2021244750A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021244750A1/en

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Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C35/00Heating, cooling or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanising; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C35/02Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould
    • B29C35/08Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould by wave energy or particle radiation
    • B29C35/0805Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould by wave energy or particle radiation using electromagnetic radiation
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C35/00Heating, cooling or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanising; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C35/02Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould
    • B29C35/08Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould by wave energy or particle radiation
    • B29C35/10Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould by wave energy or particle radiation for articles of indefinite length
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C70/00Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
    • B29C70/04Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts comprising reinforcements only, e.g. self-reinforcing plastics
    • B29C70/28Shaping operations therefor
    • B29C70/40Shaping or impregnating by compression not applied
    • B29C70/50Shaping or impregnating by compression not applied for producing articles of indefinite length, e.g. prepregs, sheet moulding compounds [SMC] or cross moulding compounds [XMC]
    • B29C70/52Pultrusion, i.e. forming and compressing by continuously pulling through a die
    • B29C70/525Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C70/527Pulling means
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C35/00Heating, cooling or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanising; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C35/02Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould
    • B29C35/08Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould by wave energy or particle radiation
    • B29C35/0805Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould by wave energy or particle radiation using electromagnetic radiation
    • B29C2035/0827Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould by wave energy or particle radiation using electromagnetic radiation using UV radiation

Definitions

  • the present disclosure is related to pultrusion, and more particularly to manufacturing of fiber reinforced UV cured resin parts comprising curved parts.
  • thermoset resin coated fibers are pulled through a heated die.
  • pultrusion allows only producing straight parts and may require significant pulling force as the resin is curing within the heated die.
  • pultrusion equipment is generally large and expensive.
  • an apparatus for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile includes a die having an inlet and an outlet, an injector of UV-curable polymer, a fiber positioning part including a core and configured to position fibers at non-0° angle relative to a lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile around the core, the non- 0° angle fibers consisting of mats of randomly oriented fibers, braided fibers and/or winded fibers, the fiber positioning part being disposed upstream of the die, a UV-light source disposed downstream of the die and configured to polymerize a UV-curable polymer to form the UV-cured polymer matrix, and a gripper configured to pull the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile out of the die and to shape the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile in the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix
  • the pulling force requested is lower than the pulling force requested when curing the polymer matrix within the die.
  • the fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile presents high values of stiffness and strength allowing the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile to be used as reinforcement profile in automotive vehicle, thereby reducing the mass of the reinforcement profile compared to a reinforcement profile made of metallic alloy.
  • the resistance of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile against torsional load and axial cracking is improved compared to 0° angle fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile.
  • the curved portions of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile may have a reduced amount of fibers buckling compared to fiber- reinforced polymer matrix profile having only lengthwise fibers, i.e., 0° angle fiber-reinforced polymer matrix profile with no non-0° angle fibers.
  • non-0° angle fibers are fibers that present an angle at least equal to or greater than 5° relative to the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforce UV-cured polymer matrix profile.
  • the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile in the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile being shaped the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile in the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile is not formed of only a straight portion.
  • Thanks to the shape of the core of the fiber positioning part it is possible to give a sectional shape to the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile.
  • non-0° angle relative to the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile may be 45°.
  • the fibers may be UV-transparent material, such as glass fibers.
  • fibers may include glass fibers and carbon fibers, aramid fibers, polymer fibers, and/or basalt fibers in amount allowing the curing of the UV-curable polymer with the UV-light source.
  • the content of non UV-transparent fibers may be between 5 vol% to 50 vol% of the UV-transparent fibers.
  • UV-curable polymer may include vinylester resin or acrylic resins with photo-initiators.
  • the fiber positioning part may include a positioning plate comprising openings for positioning the fibers.
  • the openings may include first openings configured to position a mat of randomly oriented fibers and/or second openings configured to position bundles of unidirectional fibers.
  • mat of randomly oriented fibers may be a mat of chopped fibers.
  • mat of chopped fibers may include fibers having length equal to or greater than 10 mm (millimeter) and equal to or smaller than 50 mm.
  • the fiber positioning part may include a braiding unit and/or a winding unit.
  • the UV-light source may be disposed outside the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile.
  • inside and outside refer to the area inside and outside the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile when the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile is a closed fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile.
  • the UV-light source may be disposed inside the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile.
  • the apparatus may include an additional UV-light source disposed in the die at the outlet of the die.
  • the UV-light source disposed in the die at the outlet of the die may allow for curing to initiate into the die.
  • the pulling force may not be increased as much as when curing is completed in the die and it may help avoiding buckling of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile when shaping the curved portions of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile.
  • the apparatus may include a flexible part having a section corresponding to an internal section of the fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile, the flexible part being disposed at the outlet of the die.
  • the flexible part may help controlling the deformation of the fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile, especially during the shaping step of the curved portions of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile.
  • the flexible part may allow supporting the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile during the step of shaping the curved portions of the fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile and reducing buckling of the fibers in the UV-curable polymer for forming the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile.
  • the flexible part may be a flexible metal pipe with a polytetrafluoroethylene coating.
  • the flexible part may be made of UV-light transparent material.
  • the injector may be disposed upstream of the fiber positioning part.
  • the injector may be disposed downstream of the positioning part.
  • a method of manufacturing a fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile includes:
  • the non-0° angle fibers consisting of mats of randomly oriented fibers, braided fibers and/or winded fibers;
  • Positioning the fibers at non-0° angle may be carried out before, after or during coating of the fibers.
  • positioning the fibers in the fiber positioning part may include positioning mats of randomly oriented fibers so as to have at least partial overlaps between the mats of randomly oriented fibers.
  • the curved portions of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile may have a reduced amount of fibers buckling as the amount of mat that may be disposed in the fiber positioning part may take into account the inner and outer radius of the curved part of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile.
  • mat of randomly oriented fibers may be a mat of chopped fibers.
  • mat of chopped fibers may include fibers having length equal to or greater than 10 mm (millimeter) and equal to or smaller than 50 mm.
  • positioning the fibers in the fiber positioning part may include positioning bundles of unidirectional fibers.
  • the mats of randomly oriented fibers may be disposed inside relative to the bundles of unidirectional fibers.
  • the bundles of unidirectional fibers may be disposed inside relative to the mats of randomly oriented fibers.
  • positioning the fibers in the fiber positioning part may include braiding or winding bundles of unidirectional fibers.
  • the mats of randomly oriented fibers may be disposed inside relative to the braided or winded bundles of unidirectional fibers.
  • the braided or winded bundles of unidirectional fibers may be disposed inside relative to the mats of randomly oriented fibers.
  • a fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile is provided.
  • the fiber-reinforced UV- cured polymer matrix profile is obtained by the above-defined method and the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile includes straight portions and curved portions, the straight portions being integral with the curved portions.
  • the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile may be a reinforcement profile for automotive vehicle.
  • the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile may be a reinforcement profile for seats, doors, closures and/or body parts of an automotive vehicle.
  • the curved portions may present a radius of curvature equal to or greater than 20 mm.
  • the curved portions may present a radius of curvature equal to or greater than 40 mm.
  • the curved portions may present a radius of curvature equal to or greater than 60 mm.
  • the curved portions may present a radius of curvature equal to or greater than 70 mm.
  • the curved portions may present a radius of curvature equal to or greater than 80 mm.
  • the fiber content in the mats layer may be up to 50 vol% of the layer.
  • the fiber content in the bundle of unidirectional fibers layer may be up to 70 vol% of the layer.
  • FIG. 1 shows a representation of an exemplary apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 2-4 show exemplary apparatus according to other embodiments of the present disclosure
  • Figs. 5A-5C show steps of the method according to embodiments of the present disclosure
  • Figs. 6-8 show exemplary apparatus according to other embodiments of the present disclosure
  • Figs. 9 and 10 show a perspective view of a die and a fiber positioning part according to embodiments of the present disclosure
  • Figs. 11A and 11B show positioning of UV-light source relative to the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile according to embodiments of the present disclosure; [0064] Figs. 12A and 12B show exemplary cross-sections of fiber-reinforced
  • UV-cured polymer matrix profile according to embodiments of the present disclosure
  • Fig. 13 shows positioning of mats according to embodiments of the present disclosure
  • Fig. 14 shows another exemplary cross-section of fiber-reinforced
  • UV-cured polymer matrix profile according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 15 shows an exemplary reinforcement profile for seats for automotive vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 16 shows a cross-section of the reinforcement profile of Fig. 15.
  • Fig. 17 a flow chart of the method according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 1 shows a representation of an exemplary apparatus 10 for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • the apparatus 10 includes a die 12 having an inlet 12A and an outlet 12B, an injector 16 of UV-curable polymer 18 and a fiber positioning part 14 comprising a core 16.
  • the fiber positioning part 14 is configured to position fibers 28 at non-0° angle relative to a lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 around the core 14A.
  • the fiber positioning part 14 and the injector 16 are disposed upstream of the die 12.
  • the apparatus 10 includes a UV-light source 20 disposed downstream of the die 12 and configured to polymerize a UV-curable polymer to form the UV-cured polymer matrix.
  • the UV-light source 20 being disposed downstream of the die 12, the UV-light source 20 is disposed outside of the die 12.
  • the apparatus 10 includes a gripper 22 configured to pull the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 out of the die 12 and to shape the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 in the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 during polymerization of the UV-curable polymer into UV-cured polymer matrix.
  • the fibers 28 may come from spools 26 and be a unidirectional bundle of fibers.
  • the injector 16 may be disposed upstream of the fiber position part 14.
  • the injector 16 may be an impregnation bath in which the fibers 28 are immersed in the UV-curable polymer 18, the fibers 28 being coated with the UV-curable polymer 18 before being introduced in the fiber positioning part 14.
  • the UV-light source 20 may be a circular UV-light source disposed outside the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, as shown in Fig. 1.
  • the UV-light source 20 may surround the fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24.
  • the UV-light source 20 may be a LED UV- light source.
  • the method 150 includes a step of positioning 152 fibers 28 at non- 0° angle in the fiber positioning part 14 of the apparatus 10 and a step of coating 154 the fibers 28 with the UV-curable polymer 18 in the injector 16.
  • the step of positioning 152 fibers 28 at non-0° angle in the fiber positioning part 10 may take place after the step of coating 154 the fibers 28 with the UV-curable polymer 18 in the injector 16.
  • the method 150 includes a step of passing 156 the fibers 28 and the UV-curable polymer 18 into the die 12 for adapting the fibers 28 and the UV-curable polymer 18 and pressing the fibers 28 and the UV-curable polymer 18 together.
  • the method 150 includes a step of pulling 158 the fibers 28 and the UV-curable polymer 18 out of the die 12 with the gripper 22.
  • the method 150 includes a step of irradiating 160 the UV-curable polymer 18 with the UV-light source 20 so as to form the UV-cured polymer matrix at the outlet 12B of the die 12.
  • the method 150 includes a step of shaping 162 the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 in the lengthwise direction of the fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 with the gripper 22 during polymerization of the UV-curable polymer 18 into UV-cured polymer matrix.
  • the gripper 22 may exert a pulling force on the fiber-reinforced UV- cured polymer matrix profile 24 along direction shown by arrow 32 in Fig. 5A, so as to obtain a straight portion.
  • the gripper 22 may exert a pulling force on the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 along direction shown by arrow 34 in Fig. 5B.
  • the gripper 22 may exert a pulling force on the fiber-reinforced UV- cured polymer matrix profile 24 along direction shown by arrow 36 in Fig. 5C, so as to obtain a new straight portion.
  • the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 in Fig. 5C presents one curved portions between two straight portions, the straight portions being integral with the curved portion.
  • FIGs. 2-4 and 6-8 show exemplary apparatus 10 according to other embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • the injector 16 may be disposed downstream of the fiber positioning part 14. In the embodiment of Figs. 2-4, the injector may be disposed at the inlet 12A of the die 12.
  • the apparatus 10 the fiber positioning part 14 may include, starting upstream and going downstream, a set of spools 26A and a braiding unit 30A having spools 26B.
  • the fibers 28 may come from the set of spools 26A and from the spools 26B of the braiding unit 30A, the fibers 28 coming from the braiding unit 30A being outside relative to the fibers 28 coming from the set of spools 26A, i.e., in the fiber positioning part 14, the fibers 28 coming from the spools 26A may be sandwiched between the core 14A of the fiber positioning part 14 and the fibers 28 coming from the braiding unit 30A.
  • the fibers 28 coming from the set of spools 26A may be aligned in the lengthwise direction of the fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, i.e., having essentially a 0° angle relative to the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 and the fibers 28 coming from the braiding unit 30A may be disposed with non-0° angle relative to the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24.
  • the step of positioning 152 fibers 28 at non-0° angle in the fiber positioning part 14 may take place before the step of coating 154 the fibers 28 with the UV-curable polymer 18 in the injector 16.
  • the step of positioning 152 fibers 28 at non-0° angle in the fiber positioning part 14 may be carried out with the braiding unit 30A.
  • the fiber positioning part 14 may include, starting upstream and going downstream, an upstream set of spools 26A, a plurality of winding units 30B having spools 26B and a downstream set of spools 26C.
  • the fiber positioning part 14 may include three winding units 30B.
  • the fibers 28 may come from the upstream set of spools 26A, from the spools 26B of the winding unit 30B and form the downstream set of spools 26C.
  • the fibers 28 coming from the winding unit 30B may be outside relative to the fibers 28 coming from the upstream set of spools 26A, i.e., in the fiber positioning part 14, the fibers 28 coming from the upstream set of spools 26A may be sandwiched between the core 14A of the fiber positioning part 14 and the fibers 28 coming from the winding unit 30B.
  • the fibers 28 coming for the downstream set of spools 26C may be outside relative to the fibers 28 coming from the winding unit 30B, i.e., in the fiber positioning part 14, the fibers 28 coming from the winding unit 30B may be sandwiched between the fibers coming from the upstream set of spools 26A and the fibers 28 coming from the downstream spools 26C.
  • the fibers 28 coming from the set of spools 26A may be aligned in the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, i.e., having essentially a 0° angle relative to the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 and the fibers 28 coming from the winding units 30B may be disposed with non-0° angle relative to the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24.
  • the step of positioning 152 fibers 28 at non-0° angle in the fiber positioning part 14 may take place before the step of coating 154 the fibers 28 with the UV-curable polymer 18 in the injector 16.
  • the step of positioning 152 fibers 28 at non-0° angle in the fiber positioning part 14 may be carried out with the winding units 30B.
  • the fiber positioning part 14 may include, starting upstream and going downstream, an upstream set of spools 26A, a plurality of fiber mat rolls 26D and a downstream set of spools 26C.
  • the fiber positioning part 14 may include two fiber mat rolls 26D.
  • the fibers 28 may come from the upstream set of spools 26A, from the fiber mat rolls 26D and form the downstream set of spools 26C.
  • the fibers 28 coming from the fiber mat rolls 26D may be outside relative to the fibers 28 coming from the upstream set of spools 26A, i.e., in the fiber positioning part 14, the fibers 28 coming from the upstream set of spools 26A may be sandwiched between the core 14A of the fiber positioning part 14 and the fibers 28 coming from fiber mat rolls 26D.
  • the fibers 28 coming for the downstream set of spools 26C may be outside relative to the fibers 28 coming from the fiber mat rolls 26D, i.e., in the fiber positioning part 14, the fibers 28 coming from the fiber mat rolls 26D may be sandwiched between the fibers coming from the upstream set of spools 26A and the fibers 28 coming from the downstream spools 26C.
  • the fibers 28 coming from the upstream set of spools 26A and/or the downstream set of spools 26C may be aligned in the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, i.e., having essentially a 0° angle relative to the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 and the fibers 28 coming from the fiber mat rolls 26C may be disposed with non-0° angle relative to the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV- cured polymer matrix profile 24.
  • fiber mat rolls 26D may include fibers randomly oriented.
  • the step of positioning 152 fibers 28 at non-0° angle in the fiber positioning part 14 may take place before the step of coating 154 the fibers 28 with the UV-curable polymer 18 in the injector 16.
  • the step of positioning 152 fibers 28 at non-0° angle in the fiber positioning part 14 may be carried out by positioning the mats from the fiber mat rolls 26D.
  • the UV-light source 20 may include an outside UV-light source 20A and an inside UV-light source 20B; the outside UV-light source 20A and the inside UV-light source 20B being disposed outside the die 12, at the outlet 12B of the die 12, the outside UV-light source 20A being outside of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 and the inside UV-light source 20B being inside of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24.
  • This embodiment allows for better UV irradiation of the UV-curable polymer 18 and pulling speed of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 may be increased.
  • This setting of UV-light source may be used with any fiber positioning part 14 allowing positioning of at least one layer of fibers at non-0° angle relative to the lengthwise direction of the fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24.
  • the apparatus 10 may include a flexible part 38 having a section corresponding to an internal section of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, the flexible part 38 being disposed outside the die 12, at the outlet 12B of the die 12.
  • the flexible part 38 may help controlling the deformation of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, especially during the shaping step 162.
  • the flexible part 38 may be used with any fiber positioning part 14 allowing positioning of at least one layer of fibers at non-0° angle relative to the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24.
  • the flexible part 38 may be a flexible metal pipe with a polytetrafluoroethylene coating.
  • the UV-light source 20 may include an outside UV-light source 20A and the apparatus 10 may include an additional UV-light source 20C disposed in the die 12 at the outlet 12B of the die 12; the outside UV-light source 20A being disposed outside the die 12, at the outlet 12B of the die 12, the outside UV-light source 20A being outside of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 and the additional UV- light source 20C being inside the die 12, at the outlet 12B of the die 12.
  • This embodiment allows for partial UV irradiation of the UV-curable polymer 18 in the die 12.
  • This setting of UV-light source may be used with any fiber positioning part 14 allowing positioning of at least one layer of fibers at non-0° angle relative to the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24.
  • Figs. 11A and 11B show exemplary embodiments of UV-light sources
  • two UV-light sources 20 may be disposed on two opposite sides of the fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, at distances D1 and D2 of the fiber-reinforced UV- cured polymer matrix profile 24. It is understood that distance D1 may be equal to distance D2. As another non-limiting example and as shown on Fig. 11B, two UV-light sources 20 may be disposed at 90° from each other at distances D1 and D2 of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24. It is understood that distance D1 may be equal to distance D2. It is understood that the number of UV-light sources 20 may be greater than two. As a non-limiting example, there may be three UV-light sources 20 disposed at 90° from each other at distances Dl, D2 and D3 of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24.
  • Figs. 9 and 10 show an exemplary embodiment of the die 12 and the fiber positioning part 14 for making a fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 as shown in Fig. 12A.
  • the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 may include mats 50 of randomly oriented fibers and bundles 52 of unidirectional fibers, the mats 50 of randomly oriented fibers being sandwiched between the core 14A of the fiber positioning part 14 and the layer of bundles 52 of unidirectional fibers, i.e., the mats 50 of randomly oriented fibers may be disposed inside relative to the bundles 52 of unidirectional fibers.
  • the bundles 52 of unidirectional fibers may come from a set of spools, similar to the downstream set of spools 26C of the embodiment of Fig. 4.
  • the fibers 28 of the bundles 52 of unidirectional fibers may be aligned in the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, i.e., having essentially a 0° angle relative to the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24.
  • the mats 50 of randomly oriented fibers may come from rolls, similar to the fiber mat rolls 26D of the embodiment of Fig. 4.
  • the fibers 28 of the mats 50 of randomly oriented fiber may be disposed with non-0° angle relative to the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24.
  • the die 12 may have a hexagonal shape 48 and the core 14A of the positioning part 14 may have a hexagonal shape so as to produce a fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 having a hexagonal shape, as shown in Figs. 12A and 12B.
  • the fiber positioning part 14 may include three positioning plates disposed along the core 14A of the fiber positioning part 14, in the upstream to downstream direction, a first positioning plate 40A, a second positioning plate 40B and a third positioning plate 40C.
  • Each positioning plate 40A-40C may include a plurality of openings for positioning the fibers 28.
  • each positioning plate may include four first openings 44 configured to position four mats 50 of randomly oriented fibers, i.e., a first mat 50A, a second mat 50B, a third mat 50C and a fourth mat 50D (see Fig. 13), and a plurality of second openings 46 configured to position a plurality of bundles 52 of unidirectional fibers, the number of bundles 52 preferably corresponding to the number of second openings 46, the second openings 46 being disposed outside the first openings 44 relative to the core 14A of the fiber positioning part 14.
  • the first openings 44 of the positioning plates 40A-40C may be disposed so that the mats 50A-50D of randomly oriented fibers may have at least partial overlaps between the mats 50A-50D of randomly oriented fibers in the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, as shown in Fig. 13 where the bundles 52 of unidirectional fibers have been omitted.
  • the fiber positioning part 14 may include pressing parts 42 for pressing the mats 50A- 50D onto the core 14A of the fiber positioning part 14.
  • the first openings 44 of the first positioning plate 40A may have a different shape than the first openings 44 of the second positioning plate 40B and the first openings 44 of the third positioning plate 40C may have a different shape than the first openings 44 of the first and second positioning plate 40A, 40B.
  • the pressing parts 42 of the second positioning plate 40B may be configured to press the first and second mats 50A, 50B of randomly oriented fibers onto the core 14A of the fiber positioning part 14 and the pressing parts
  • the third positioning plate 40C may be configured to press the third and fourth mats 50C, 50D onto the first and second mats 50A, 50B which may be pressed onto the core 14A of the fiber positioning part 14.
  • the first and second mats 50A, 50B may present a partial overlap of each other
  • the third mat 50C may overlap the first and second mats 50A, 50B
  • the fourth mat 50D may overlap the first and second mats 50A, 50B.
  • the third and fourth mats 50C, 50D may present a partial overlap of each other.
  • the second openings 46 may be configured to position a plurality of bundles 52 of unidirectional fibers in the lengthwise direction of the fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, i.e., at 0° angle relative to the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24.
  • the 152 fibers 28 at non-0° angle in the fiber positioning part 14 may take place after the step of coating 154 the fibers 28 with the UV-curable polymer 18 in the injector 16.
  • the step of positioning 152 fibers 28 at non-0° angle in the fiber positioning part 14 may be carried out by positioning the mats 50A-50D of randomly oriented fibers in the positioning part 14.
  • the embodiment of Fig. 12B is similar to the embodiment of Fig. 12A, the layer of bundles 52 of unidirectional fibers being sandwiched between the core 14A of the fiber positioning part 14 and the mats 50 of randomly oriented fibers, i.e., the mats 50 of randomly oriented fibers may be disposed outside relative to the bundles 52 of unidirectional fibers.
  • the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24of Fig. 12B may be produced with a fiber positioning part 14 similar to the fiber positioning part 14 of Figs. 9 and 10, the first openings 44 being disposed outside the second openings 46 relative to the core 14A of the fiber positioning part 14.
  • the embodiment of Fig. 14 shows a fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 similar to the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 of Fig. 12A, the cross-section of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 presenting a different shape.
  • the core 14A of the fiber positioning part 14 may have a cross-section corresponding to the cross- section of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24.
  • the fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 may be a reinforcement profile for automotive vehicle, in the embodiment of Fig. 15, a reinforcement profile 100 for seats of an automotive vehicle.
  • the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 may be a reinforcement profile for doors, closures and/or body parts of automotive vehicle.
  • the reinforcement profile 100 for seats of the automotive vehicle may include a frame set 102 made of the fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, a base 106 made of metal and attachments 104 for attaching the frame set 102 to the base 106.
  • the reinforcement profile 100 may include a headset profile 108.
  • the frame set 102 i.e., the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, may include straight portions 102A and curved portions 102B, the straight portions 102A being integral with the curved portions 102B.
  • the use of a fiber-reinforced UV- cured polymer matrix profile 24 for the frame set 102 instead of a steel frame set may allow reducing the weight of the reinforcement profile by 30% with the same performances.
  • Fig. 16 shows a non-limiting example of the cross-section of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 taken along XVI-XVI of Fig. 15.
  • the cross-section of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 is similar to the cross-section of the embodiment of Fig. 14.
  • the cross-section of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 may present a straight wall 24A attached to a wall having the general shape of the letter "U", i.e., having a web 24B extended by two flanges 24C, the two flanges 24C being parallel to each other.
  • the straight wall 24A may have a thickness E4 which is greater than the thickness El, E3 of the two flanges 24C and which is greater than the thickness E2 of the web 24B.
  • the thickness El, E3 of the two flanges 24C and the thickness E2 of the web 24B may be equal to each other.
  • Thickness E4 may be obtained by applying more bundles 52 of unidirectional fibers for forming the straight wall 24A.
  • the straight wall 24A of the cross-section of the fiber-reinforced UV- cured polymer matrix profile 24 may be disposed on the inside of the frame set 102 and the web 24B may be disposed on the outside of the frame set 102.
  • Photo-DSC results of the UV-curable polymer may be used for determining UV-curable polymer suitable for the application; the higher the curing kinetic of the UV-curable polymer the better.
  • UV-curable polymer may also be a parameter used for determining UV-curable polymer suitable for the application; the higher the transmitted light, the better. Indeed, high value of light transmission in the UV-curable polymer in the UV range may allow curing thicker profile and/or reduce the curing time.
  • the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 of Fig. 12A may be obtained as follows using the die 12 and the fiber positioning part 14 of Figs. 9 and 10.
  • Unidirectional glass fiber E-glass unidirectional fibers, 4800 TEX.
  • PULSTRANDTM 4100 from Owens Corning.
  • Mat of randomly oriented fibers randomly dispersed E-glass fibers stitched with polyester thread having 309.5 g/m 2 (gram per square meter) (300 g/m 2 chop density; 9.5 g/m 2 yarn density).
  • E-glass Stitched Chopped Strand Mat from Hegardt S.L.
  • UV-curable polymer UV-curable vinylester mixed with photo- initiators.
  • Viscosity measured according to ISO 2555:2018 with PCE-RVI 2 viscometer at room temperature 711 mPa.s (millipascal second)
  • UV-light source LED UV-light sources according to Fig. 11A having a peak wavelength of 395 nm (nanometer) and intensity of 8 W/cm 2 (Watt per square centimeter).
  • Cross-section hexagonal with inscribe circle diameter of 30 mm and wall thickness of 2 mm.
  • Pulling speed linear movement: 0.3 m/min (meter per minute)
  • the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 may include four mats and forty-eight bundles of unidirectional fibers.
  • the fiber content in the mats layer is equal to 50 vol% and the fiber content in the unidirectional fibers layer is equal to 50 vol%.
  • the layer with mats and cured polymer content is 23 vol% and the layer with unidirectional fibers and cured polymer content is 77 vol% of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24.
  • Example 2
  • the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 of Fig. 12A may be obtained as follows using the die 12 and the fiber positioning part 14 of Figs. 9 and 10.
  • Unidirectional glass fiber E-glass unidirectional fibers, 4800 TEX.
  • PULSTRANDTM 4100 from Owens Corning.
  • Mat of randomly oriented fibers randomly dispersed E-glass fibers stitched with polyester thread having 309.5 g/m 2 (gram per square meter) (300 g/m 2 chop density; 9.5 g/m 2 yarn density).
  • E-glass Stitched Chopped Strand Mat from Hegardt S.L.
  • UV-curable polymer SN190924 acrylic resin with photo-initiator.
  • Viscosity measured according to ISO 2555:2018 at room temperature 644 mPa.s.
  • Temperature of the die room temperature.
  • UV-light source LED UV-light sources according to Fig. 11A having a peak wavelength of 395 nm and intensity of 8 W/cm 2 .
  • Pulling speed linear movement: from 0.72 m/min to 1.80 m/min
  • the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 may include four mats and fifty-two bundles of unidirectional fibers.
  • fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 the fiber content in the mats layer is equal to 35 vol% and the fiber content in the unidirectional fibers layer is equal to 38 vol%. [0145] The layer with mats and cured polymer content is 23 vol% and the layer with unidirectional fibers and cured polymer content is 77 vol% of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24.
  • the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 of Fig. 12A may be obtained as follows using the die 12 and the fiber positioning part 14 of Figs. 9 and 10.
  • Unidirectional glass fiber E-glass unidirectional fibers, 4800 TEX.
  • PULSTRANDTM 4100 from Owens Corning.
  • Mat of randomly oriented fibers randomly dispersed E-glass fibers stitched with polyester thread having 309.5 g/m 2 (gram per square meter) (300 g/m 2 chop density; 9.5 g/m 2 yarn density).
  • E-glass Stitched Chopped Strand Mat from Flegardt S.L.
  • Temperature of the die room temperature.
  • UV-light source LED UV-light sources according to Fig. 11A having a peak wavelength of 395 nm and intensity of 8 W/cm 2 .
  • Pulling speed linear movement: from 0.24 m/min to 1.08 m/min (meter per minute)
  • the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 may include four mats and fifty-two bundles of unidirectional fibers. [0158] In fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, the fiber content in the mats layer is equal to 35 vol% and the fiber content in the unidirectional fibers layer is equal to 38 vol%.
  • the layer with mats and cured polymer content is 33 vol% and the layer with unidirectional fibers and cured polymer content is 67 vol% of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24.
  • the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 of Figs. 14 and 16 may be obtained as follows.
  • Unidirectional glass fiber E-glass unidirectional fibers, 4800 TEX.
  • PULSTRANDTM 4100 from Owens Corning.
  • Mat of randomly oriented fibers randomly dispersed E-glass fibers stitched with polyester thread having 309.5 g/m 2 (gram per square meter) (300 g/m 2 chop density; 9.5 g/m 2 yarn density).
  • E-glass Stitched Chopped Strand Mat from Flegardt S.L.
  • UV-light source three LED UV-light sources having a peak wavelength of 395 nm (nanometer), one LED UV-light source on top (side 24C) and one LED UV-light source on the bottom (side 24C) having an intensity of 12 W/cm 2 (similar to Fig. 11A), the top side LED UV-light source running at 100% of the nominal maximum power, the bottom side LED UV-light source running at 85% of the nominal maximum power and one LED UV-light source on the side (side 24A) having an intensity of 8 W/cm 2 and running at 65% of the nominal maximum power.
  • the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 may include four mats and eighty-eight bundles of unidirectional fibers.
  • the fiber content in the mats layer is equal to 32 vol% and the fiber content in the unidirectional fibers layer is equal to 32 vol%.
  • the layer with mats and cured polymer content is 37 vol% and the layer with unidirectional fibers and cured polymer content is 64 vol% of the of the U-shape part of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, i.e., web 24B and two flanges 24C.
  • the layer with mats and cured polymer content is 31 vol% and the layer with unidirectional fibers and cured polymer content is 69 vol% of the straight wall 24A of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24.
  • winding units 30B may be different, braiding and winding units may be used together, braiding and/or winding units may be used together with mats of randomly oriented fibers.

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Abstract

An apparatus (10) for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer 5 matrix profile (24), the apparatus (10) comprising a die (12) having an inlet (12A) and an outlet (12B) and comprising an injector (16) of UV-curable polymer (18), a fiber positioning part (14) comprising a core (14A) and configured to position fibers (28) at non-0° angle relative to a lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile (24) around 10 the core (14A), the non-0° angle fibers consisting of mats of randomly oriented fibers, braided fibers and/or winded fibers, the fiber positioning part (14) being disposed at the inlet of the die (12), a UV-light source (20) disposed at the outlet of the die (12) and configured to polymerize a UV-curable polymer (18) to form the UV-cured polymer matrix, and a gripper (22) configured to pull the 15 fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile (24) out of the die (12) and to shape the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile (24) in the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile during polymerization of the UV-curable polymer (18) into UV-cured polymer matrix. 20 A method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile (24).

Description

IMPROVED PULTRUSION
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure is related to pultrusion, and more particularly to manufacturing of fiber reinforced UV cured resin parts comprising curved parts.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Pultrusion is known wherein the thermoset resin coated fibers are pulled through a heated die. However, such pultrusion allows only producing straight parts and may require significant pulling force as the resin is curing within the heated die. As a consequence, pultrusion equipment is generally large and expensive.
SUMMARY
[0003] Therefore, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, an apparatus for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile is provided. The apparatus includes a die having an inlet and an outlet, an injector of UV-curable polymer, a fiber positioning part including a core and configured to position fibers at non-0° angle relative to a lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile around the core, the non- 0° angle fibers consisting of mats of randomly oriented fibers, braided fibers and/or winded fibers, the fiber positioning part being disposed upstream of the die, a UV-light source disposed downstream of the die and configured to polymerize a UV-curable polymer to form the UV-cured polymer matrix, and a gripper configured to pull the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile out of the die and to shape the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile in the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile during polymerization of the UV-curable polymer into UV-cured polymer matrix.
[0004] By providing such a configuration, it is possible to obtain a fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile which includes straight portions and curved portions, the straight portions being integral with the curved portions, i.e., there is no assembling parts used to join the straight portions with the curved portions. Some fibers may be continuous from a straight portion to a curved portion.
[0005] As the polymer matrix is cured outside the die, the pulling force requested is lower than the pulling force requested when curing the polymer matrix within the die.
[0006] Thanks to the fibers being positioned at non-0° angle relative to a lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile and the straight portions being integral with the curved portions, the fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile presents high values of stiffness and strength allowing the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile to be used as reinforcement profile in automotive vehicle, thereby reducing the mass of the reinforcement profile compared to a reinforcement profile made of metallic alloy. The resistance of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile against torsional load and axial cracking is improved compared to 0° angle fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile.
[0007] Thanks to at least one layer of fibers being positioned at non-0° angle relative to a lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile, the curved portions of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile may have a reduced amount of fibers buckling compared to fiber- reinforced polymer matrix profile having only lengthwise fibers, i.e., 0° angle fiber-reinforced polymer matrix profile with no non-0° angle fibers.
[0008] It is understood that non-0° angle fibers are fibers that present an angle at least equal to or greater than 5° relative to the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforce UV-cured polymer matrix profile. [0009] It is understood that the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile in the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile being shaped, the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile in the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile is not formed of only a straight portion. [0010] Thanks to the shape of the core of the fiber positioning part, it is possible to give a sectional shape to the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile.
[0011] Depending upon the setting of fibers in the fiber positioning part, it is possible to modify the thickness of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile.
[0012] In the following description, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are defined in relation to the movement of the fibers in the apparatus. [0013] As non-limiting examples, non-0° angle relative to the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile may be 45°.
[0014] As non-limiting example, the fibers may be UV-transparent material, such as glass fibers.
[0015] As non-limiting example, fibers may include glass fibers and carbon fibers, aramid fibers, polymer fibers, and/or basalt fibers in amount allowing the curing of the UV-curable polymer with the UV-light source. When including non UV-transparent fibers, the content of non UV-transparent fibers may be between 5 vol% to 50 vol% of the UV-transparent fibers.
[0016] As non-limiting examples, UV-curable polymer may include vinylester resin or acrylic resins with photo-initiators.
[0017] According to some embodiments, the fiber positioning part may include a positioning plate comprising openings for positioning the fibers.
[0018] According to some embodiments, the openings may include first openings configured to position a mat of randomly oriented fibers and/or second openings configured to position bundles of unidirectional fibers.
[0019] As non-limiting example, mat of randomly oriented fibers may be a mat of chopped fibers.
[0020] As non-limiting example, mat of chopped fibers may include fibers having length equal to or greater than 10 mm (millimeter) and equal to or smaller than 50 mm.
[0021] According to some embodiments, the fiber positioning part may include a braiding unit and/or a winding unit.
[0022] According to some embodiments, the UV-light source may be disposed outside the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile.
[0023] In the following description, the terms "inside" and "outside" refer to the area inside and outside the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile when the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile is a closed fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile.
[0024] According to some embodiments, the UV-light source may be disposed inside the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile.
[0025] According to some embodiments, the apparatus may include an additional UV-light source disposed in the die at the outlet of the die.
[0026] The UV-light source disposed in the die at the outlet of the die may allow for curing to initiate into the die. The pulling force may not be increased as much as when curing is completed in the die and it may help avoiding buckling of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile when shaping the curved portions of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile.
[0027] According to some embodiments, the apparatus may include a flexible part having a section corresponding to an internal section of the fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile, the flexible part being disposed at the outlet of the die.
[0028] The flexible part may help controlling the deformation of the fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile, especially during the shaping step of the curved portions of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile. The flexible part may allow supporting the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile during the step of shaping the curved portions of the fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile and reducing buckling of the fibers in the UV-curable polymer for forming the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile. [0029] As a non-limiting example, the flexible part may be a flexible metal pipe with a polytetrafluoroethylene coating.
[0030] As a non-limiting example, the flexible part may be made of UV-light transparent material.
[0031] According to some embodiments, the injector may be disposed upstream of the fiber positioning part.
[0032] According to some embodiments, the injector may be disposed downstream of the positioning part.
[0033] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of manufacturing a fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile is provided. The method includes:
- positioning fibers at non-0° angle in the fiber positioning part of the above-defined apparatus, the non-0° angle fibers consisting of mats of randomly oriented fibers, braided fibers and/or winded fibers;
- coating the fibers with UV-curable polymer; - passing the fibers and the UV-curable polymer into the die;
- pulling the fibers and the UV-curable polymer out of the die with the gripper;
- irradiating the UV-curable polymer with the UV-light source so as to form the UV-cured polymer matrix at the outlet of the die; - shaping the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile in the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile with the gripper during polymerization of the UV-curable polymer into UV-cured polymer matrix.
[0034] Positioning the fibers at non-0° angle may be carried out before, after or during coating of the fibers. [0035] According to some embodiments, positioning the fibers in the fiber positioning part may include positioning mats of randomly oriented fibers so as to have at least partial overlaps between the mats of randomly oriented fibers.
[0036] Thanks to mats of randomly oriented fibers with partial overlapping, the curved portions of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile may have a reduced amount of fibers buckling as the amount of mat that may be disposed in the fiber positioning part may take into account the inner and outer radius of the curved part of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile.
[0037] As non-limiting example, mat of randomly oriented fibers may be a mat of chopped fibers.
[0038] As non-limiting example, mat of chopped fibers may include fibers having length equal to or greater than 10 mm (millimeter) and equal to or smaller than 50 mm.
[0039] According to some embodiments, positioning the fibers in the fiber positioning part may include positioning bundles of unidirectional fibers.
[0040] According to some embodiments, the mats of randomly oriented fibers may be disposed inside relative to the bundles of unidirectional fibers.
[0041] According to some embodiments, the bundles of unidirectional fibers may be disposed inside relative to the mats of randomly oriented fibers. [0042] According to some embodiments, positioning the fibers in the fiber positioning part may include braiding or winding bundles of unidirectional fibers.
[0043] According to some embodiments, the mats of randomly oriented fibers may be disposed inside relative to the braided or winded bundles of unidirectional fibers.
[0044] According to some embodiments, the braided or winded bundles of unidirectional fibers may be disposed inside relative to the mats of randomly oriented fibers.
[0045] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile is provided. The fiber-reinforced UV- cured polymer matrix profile is obtained by the above-defined method and the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile includes straight portions and curved portions, the straight portions being integral with the curved portions.
[0046] According to some embodiments, the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile may be a reinforcement profile for automotive vehicle.
[0047] As non-limiting examples the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile may be a reinforcement profile for seats, doors, closures and/or body parts of an automotive vehicle.
[0048] According to some embodiments, the curved portions may present a radius of curvature equal to or greater than 20 mm.
[0049] According to some embodiments, the curved portions may present a radius of curvature equal to or greater than 40 mm.
[0050] According to some embodiments, the curved portions may present a radius of curvature equal to or greater than 60 mm.
[0051] According to some embodiments, the curved portions may present a radius of curvature equal to or greater than 70 mm.
[0052] According to some embodiments, the curved portions may present a radius of curvature equal to or greater than 80 mm.
[0053] According to some embodiments, the fiber content in the mats layer may be up to 50 vol% of the layer.
[0054] According to some embodiments, the fiber content in the bundle of unidirectional fibers layer may be up to 70 vol% of the layer.
[0055] It is intended that combinations of the above-described elements and those within the specification may be made, except where otherwise contradictory.
[0056] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosure, as claimed.
[0057] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain the principles thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0058] Fig. 1 shows a representation of an exemplary apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0059] Figs. 2-4 show exemplary apparatus according to other embodiments of the present disclosure; [0060] Figs. 5A-5C show steps of the method according to embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0061] Figs. 6-8 show exemplary apparatus according to other embodiments of the present disclosure; [0062] Figs. 9 and 10 show a perspective view of a die and a fiber positioning part according to embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0063] Figs. 11A and 11B show positioning of UV-light source relative to the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile according to embodiments of the present disclosure; [0064] Figs. 12A and 12B show exemplary cross-sections of fiber-reinforced
UV-cured polymer matrix profile according to embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0065] Fig. 13 shows positioning of mats according to embodiments of the present disclosure; [0066] Fig. 14 shows another exemplary cross-section of fiber-reinforced
UV-cured polymer matrix profile according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0067] Fig. 15 shows an exemplary reinforcement profile for seats for automotive vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [0068] Fig. 16 shows a cross-section of the reinforcement profile of Fig. 15.
[0069] Fig. 17 a flow chart of the method according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0070] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. [0071] Fig. 1 shows a representation of an exemplary apparatus 10 for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The apparatus 10 includes a die 12 having an inlet 12A and an outlet 12B, an injector 16 of UV-curable polymer 18 and a fiber positioning part 14 comprising a core 16. The fiber positioning part 14 is configured to position fibers 28 at non-0° angle relative to a lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 around the core 14A. The fiber positioning part 14 and the injector 16 are disposed upstream of the die 12. The apparatus 10 includes a UV-light source 20 disposed downstream of the die 12 and configured to polymerize a UV-curable polymer to form the UV-cured polymer matrix. The UV-light source 20 being disposed downstream of the die 12, the UV-light source 20 is disposed outside of the die 12. The apparatus 10 includes a gripper 22 configured to pull the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 out of the die 12 and to shape the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 in the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 during polymerization of the UV-curable polymer into UV-cured polymer matrix.
[0072] As shown in the embodiment of Fig. 1, the fibers 28 may come from spools 26 and be a unidirectional bundle of fibers.
[0073] As shown in the embodiment of Fig. 1, the injector 16 may be disposed upstream of the fiber position part 14.
[0074] As shown in the embodiment of Fig. 1, the injector 16 may be an impregnation bath in which the fibers 28 are immersed in the UV-curable polymer 18, the fibers 28 being coated with the UV-curable polymer 18 before being introduced in the fiber positioning part 14.
[0075] As a non-limiting example, the UV-light source 20 may be a circular UV-light source disposed outside the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, as shown in Fig. 1. The UV-light source 20 may surround the fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24.
[0076] As a non-limiting example, the UV-light source 20 may be a LED UV- light source.
[0077] With reference to Figs. 5A-5C and 17, a method 150 of manufacturing a fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 with the apparatus 10 of Fig. 1 will be described.
[0078] The method 150 includes a step of positioning 152 fibers 28 at non- 0° angle in the fiber positioning part 14 of the apparatus 10 and a step of coating 154 the fibers 28 with the UV-curable polymer 18 in the injector 16.
[0079] As shown in the embodiment of Fig. 1, the step of positioning 152 fibers 28 at non-0° angle in the fiber positioning part 10 may take place after the step of coating 154 the fibers 28 with the UV-curable polymer 18 in the injector 16.
[0080] After positioning 152 and coating 154, i.e., impregnating the fibers 28 with the UV-curable polymer 18, the method 150 includes a step of passing 156 the fibers 28 and the UV-curable polymer 18 into the die 12 for adapting the fibers 28 and the UV-curable polymer 18 and pressing the fibers 28 and the UV-curable polymer 18 together.
[0081] When exiting the die 12 by the outlet 12B, the method 150 includes a step of pulling 158 the fibers 28 and the UV-curable polymer 18 out of the die 12 with the gripper 22.
[0082] When exiting the 12 by the outlet 12B, the method 150 includes a step of irradiating 160 the UV-curable polymer 18 with the UV-light source 20 so as to form the UV-cured polymer matrix at the outlet 12B of the die 12.
[0083] The method 150 includes a step of shaping 162 the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 in the lengthwise direction of the fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 with the gripper 22 during polymerization of the UV-curable polymer 18 into UV-cured polymer matrix.
[0084] During shaping 162 of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, the gripper 22 may exert a pulling force on the fiber-reinforced UV- cured polymer matrix profile 24 along direction shown by arrow 32 in Fig. 5A, so as to obtain a straight portion. When a curved portion of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 is desired, the gripper 22 may exert a pulling force on the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 along direction shown by arrow 34 in Fig. 5B. Once the desired curved portion is obtained, the gripper 22 may exert a pulling force on the fiber-reinforced UV- cured polymer matrix profile 24 along direction shown by arrow 36 in Fig. 5C, so as to obtain a new straight portion. The fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 in Fig. 5C presents one curved portions between two straight portions, the straight portions being integral with the curved portion.
[0085] Figs. 2-4 and 6-8 show exemplary apparatus 10 according to other embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0086] As shown in the embodiments of Figs. 2-4, the injector 16 may be disposed downstream of the fiber positioning part 14. In the embodiment of Figs. 2-4, the injector may be disposed at the inlet 12A of the die 12.
[0087] As shown in the embodiment of Fig. 2, the apparatus 10 the fiber positioning part 14 may include, starting upstream and going downstream, a set of spools 26A and a braiding unit 30A having spools 26B. The fibers 28 may come from the set of spools 26A and from the spools 26B of the braiding unit 30A, the fibers 28 coming from the braiding unit 30A being outside relative to the fibers 28 coming from the set of spools 26A, i.e., in the fiber positioning part 14, the fibers 28 coming from the spools 26A may be sandwiched between the core 14A of the fiber positioning part 14 and the fibers 28 coming from the braiding unit 30A. In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the fibers 28 coming from the set of spools 26A may be aligned in the lengthwise direction of the fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, i.e., having essentially a 0° angle relative to the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 and the fibers 28 coming from the braiding unit 30A may be disposed with non-0° angle relative to the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24.
[0088] In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the step of positioning 152 fibers 28 at non-0° angle in the fiber positioning part 14 may take place before the step of coating 154 the fibers 28 with the UV-curable polymer 18 in the injector 16. The step of positioning 152 fibers 28 at non-0° angle in the fiber positioning part 14 may be carried out with the braiding unit 30A.
[0089] As shown in the embodiment of Figs. 3, the fiber positioning part 14 may include, starting upstream and going downstream, an upstream set of spools 26A, a plurality of winding units 30B having spools 26B and a downstream set of spools 26C. As a non-limiting example, the fiber positioning part 14 may include three winding units 30B. The fibers 28 may come from the upstream set of spools 26A, from the spools 26B of the winding unit 30B and form the downstream set of spools 26C. The fibers 28 coming from the winding unit 30B may be outside relative to the fibers 28 coming from the upstream set of spools 26A, i.e., in the fiber positioning part 14, the fibers 28 coming from the upstream set of spools 26A may be sandwiched between the core 14A of the fiber positioning part 14 and the fibers 28 coming from the winding unit 30B. The fibers 28 coming for the downstream set of spools 26C may be outside relative to the fibers 28 coming from the winding unit 30B, i.e., in the fiber positioning part 14, the fibers 28 coming from the winding unit 30B may be sandwiched between the fibers coming from the upstream set of spools 26A and the fibers 28 coming from the downstream spools 26C. In the embodiment of Fig. 3, the fibers 28 coming from the set of spools 26A may be aligned in the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, i.e., having essentially a 0° angle relative to the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 and the fibers 28 coming from the winding units 30B may be disposed with non-0° angle relative to the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24. [0090] In the embodiment of Fig. 3, the step of positioning 152 fibers 28 at non-0° angle in the fiber positioning part 14 may take place before the step of coating 154 the fibers 28 with the UV-curable polymer 18 in the injector 16. The step of positioning 152 fibers 28 at non-0° angle in the fiber positioning part 14 may be carried out with the winding units 30B.
[0091] As shown in the embodiment of Figs. 4, the fiber positioning part 14 may include, starting upstream and going downstream, an upstream set of spools 26A, a plurality of fiber mat rolls 26D and a downstream set of spools 26C. As a non-limiting example, the fiber positioning part 14 may include two fiber mat rolls 26D. The fibers 28 may come from the upstream set of spools 26A, from the fiber mat rolls 26D and form the downstream set of spools 26C. The fibers 28 coming from the fiber mat rolls 26D may be outside relative to the fibers 28 coming from the upstream set of spools 26A, i.e., in the fiber positioning part 14, the fibers 28 coming from the upstream set of spools 26A may be sandwiched between the core 14A of the fiber positioning part 14 and the fibers 28 coming from fiber mat rolls 26D. The fibers 28 coming for the downstream set of spools 26C may be outside relative to the fibers 28 coming from the fiber mat rolls 26D, i.e., in the fiber positioning part 14, the fibers 28 coming from the fiber mat rolls 26D may be sandwiched between the fibers coming from the upstream set of spools 26A and the fibers 28 coming from the downstream spools 26C. In the embodiment of Fig. 4, the fibers 28 coming from the upstream set of spools 26A and/or the downstream set of spools 26C may be aligned in the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, i.e., having essentially a 0° angle relative to the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 and the fibers 28 coming from the fiber mat rolls 26C may be disposed with non-0° angle relative to the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV- cured polymer matrix profile 24. Indeed, fiber mat rolls 26D may include fibers randomly oriented.
[0092] In the embodiment of Fig. 4, the step of positioning 152 fibers 28 at non-0° angle in the fiber positioning part 14 may take place before the step of coating 154 the fibers 28 with the UV-curable polymer 18 in the injector 16. The step of positioning 152 fibers 28 at non-0° angle in the fiber positioning part 14 may be carried out by positioning the mats from the fiber mat rolls 26D.
[0093] As shown in the embodiment of Figs. 6, the UV-light source 20 may include an outside UV-light source 20A and an inside UV-light source 20B; the outside UV-light source 20A and the inside UV-light source 20B being disposed outside the die 12, at the outlet 12B of the die 12, the outside UV-light source 20A being outside of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 and the inside UV-light source 20B being inside of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24. This embodiment allows for better UV irradiation of the UV-curable polymer 18 and pulling speed of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 may be increased. This setting of UV-light source may be used with any fiber positioning part 14 allowing positioning of at least one layer of fibers at non-0° angle relative to the lengthwise direction of the fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24.
[0094] As shown in the embodiment of Figs. 7, the apparatus 10 may include a flexible part 38 having a section corresponding to an internal section of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, the flexible part 38 being disposed outside the die 12, at the outlet 12B of the die 12. The flexible part 38 may help controlling the deformation of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, especially during the shaping step 162. The flexible part 38 may be used with any fiber positioning part 14 allowing positioning of at least one layer of fibers at non-0° angle relative to the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24.
[0095] As a non-limiting example, the flexible part 38 may be a flexible metal pipe with a polytetrafluoroethylene coating.
[0096] As shown in the embodiment of Fig. 8, the UV-light source 20 may include an outside UV-light source 20A and the apparatus 10 may include an additional UV-light source 20C disposed in the die 12 at the outlet 12B of the die 12; the outside UV-light source 20A being disposed outside the die 12, at the outlet 12B of the die 12, the outside UV-light source 20A being outside of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 and the additional UV- light source 20C being inside the die 12, at the outlet 12B of the die 12. This embodiment allows for partial UV irradiation of the UV-curable polymer 18 in the die 12. This setting of UV-light source may be used with any fiber positioning part 14 allowing positioning of at least one layer of fibers at non-0° angle relative to the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24. [0097] Figs. 11A and 11B show exemplary embodiments of UV-light sources
20. As non-limiting example and as shown on Fig. 11A, two UV-light sources 20 may be disposed on two opposite sides of the fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, at distances D1 and D2 of the fiber-reinforced UV- cured polymer matrix profile 24. It is understood that distance D1 may be equal to distance D2. As another non-limiting example and as shown on Fig. 11B, two UV-light sources 20 may be disposed at 90° from each other at distances D1 and D2 of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24. It is understood that distance D1 may be equal to distance D2. It is understood that the number of UV-light sources 20 may be greater than two. As a non-limiting example, there may be three UV-light sources 20 disposed at 90° from each other at distances Dl, D2 and D3 of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24.
[0098] Figs. 9 and 10 show an exemplary embodiment of the die 12 and the fiber positioning part 14 for making a fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 as shown in Fig. 12A.
[0099] In the embodiment of Figs. 9, 10, 12A and 13, the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 may include mats 50 of randomly oriented fibers and bundles 52 of unidirectional fibers, the mats 50 of randomly oriented fibers being sandwiched between the core 14A of the fiber positioning part 14 and the layer of bundles 52 of unidirectional fibers, i.e., the mats 50 of randomly oriented fibers may be disposed inside relative to the bundles 52 of unidirectional fibers. The bundles 52 of unidirectional fibers may come from a set of spools, similar to the downstream set of spools 26C of the embodiment of Fig. 4. The fibers 28 of the bundles 52 of unidirectional fibers may be aligned in the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, i.e., having essentially a 0° angle relative to the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24. The mats 50 of randomly oriented fibers may come from rolls, similar to the fiber mat rolls 26D of the embodiment of Fig. 4. The fibers 28 of the mats 50 of randomly oriented fiber may be disposed with non-0° angle relative to the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24.
[0100] As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the die 12 may have a hexagonal shape 48 and the core 14A of the positioning part 14 may have a hexagonal shape so as to produce a fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 having a hexagonal shape, as shown in Figs. 12A and 12B.
[0101] In the embodiment of Figs. 9 and 10 and as non-limiting example, the fiber positioning part 14 may include three positioning plates disposed along the core 14A of the fiber positioning part 14, in the upstream to downstream direction, a first positioning plate 40A, a second positioning plate 40B and a third positioning plate 40C.
[0102] Each positioning plate 40A-40C may include a plurality of openings for positioning the fibers 28.
[0103] In the embodiment of Figs. 9 and 10 and as non-limiting example, each positioning plate may include four first openings 44 configured to position four mats 50 of randomly oriented fibers, i.e., a first mat 50A, a second mat 50B, a third mat 50C and a fourth mat 50D (see Fig. 13), and a plurality of second openings 46 configured to position a plurality of bundles 52 of unidirectional fibers, the number of bundles 52 preferably corresponding to the number of second openings 46, the second openings 46 being disposed outside the first openings 44 relative to the core 14A of the fiber positioning part 14.
[0104] The first openings 44 of the positioning plates 40A-40C may be disposed so that the mats 50A-50D of randomly oriented fibers may have at least partial overlaps between the mats 50A-50D of randomly oriented fibers in the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, as shown in Fig. 13 where the bundles 52 of unidirectional fibers have been omitted. The fiber positioning part 14 may include pressing parts 42 for pressing the mats 50A- 50D onto the core 14A of the fiber positioning part 14.
[0105] As shown in the embodiment of Figs. 9 and 10 and as non-limiting example, the first openings 44 of the first positioning plate 40A may have a different shape than the first openings 44 of the second positioning plate 40B and the first openings 44 of the third positioning plate 40C may have a different shape than the first openings 44 of the first and second positioning plate 40A, 40B. The pressing parts 42 of the second positioning plate 40B may be configured to press the first and second mats 50A, 50B of randomly oriented fibers onto the core 14A of the fiber positioning part 14 and the pressing parts
42 of the third positioning plate 40C may be configured to press the third and fourth mats 50C, 50D onto the first and second mats 50A, 50B which may be pressed onto the core 14A of the fiber positioning part 14. [0106] As shown in Fig. 13, the first and second mats 50A, 50B may present a partial overlap of each other, the third mat 50C may overlap the first and second mats 50A, 50B and the fourth mat 50D may overlap the first and second mats 50A, 50B. Although not represented in Fig. 13, the third and fourth mats 50C, 50D may present a partial overlap of each other. [0107] As shown in the embodiment of Figs. 9 and 10 and as non-limiting example, the second openings 46 may be configured to position a plurality of bundles 52 of unidirectional fibers in the lengthwise direction of the fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, i.e., at 0° angle relative to the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24. [0108] In the embodiment of Figs. 9, 10, 12A and 13, the step of positioning
152 fibers 28 at non-0° angle in the fiber positioning part 14 may take place after the step of coating 154 the fibers 28 with the UV-curable polymer 18 in the injector 16. The step of positioning 152 fibers 28 at non-0° angle in the fiber positioning part 14 may be carried out by positioning the mats 50A-50D of randomly oriented fibers in the positioning part 14.
[0109] The embodiment of Fig. 12B is similar to the embodiment of Fig. 12A, the layer of bundles 52 of unidirectional fibers being sandwiched between the core 14A of the fiber positioning part 14 and the mats 50 of randomly oriented fibers, i.e., the mats 50 of randomly oriented fibers may be disposed outside relative to the bundles 52 of unidirectional fibers. The fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24of Fig. 12B may be produced with a fiber positioning part 14 similar to the fiber positioning part 14 of Figs. 9 and 10, the first openings 44 being disposed outside the second openings 46 relative to the core 14A of the fiber positioning part 14.
[0110] The embodiment of Fig. 14 shows a fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 similar to the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 of Fig. 12A, the cross-section of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 presenting a different shape. The core 14A of the fiber positioning part 14 may have a cross-section corresponding to the cross- section of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24.
[0111] In the embodiment of Fig. 15 and as non-limiting example, the fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 may be a reinforcement profile for automotive vehicle, in the embodiment of Fig. 15, a reinforcement profile 100 for seats of an automotive vehicle. The fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 may be a reinforcement profile for doors, closures and/or body parts of automotive vehicle. [0112] As non-limiting example, the reinforcement profile 100 for seats of the automotive vehicle may include a frame set 102 made of the fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, a base 106 made of metal and attachments 104 for attaching the frame set 102 to the base 106. The reinforcement profile 100 may include a headset profile 108. The frame set 102, i.e., the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, may include straight portions 102A and curved portions 102B, the straight portions 102A being integral with the curved portions 102B. The use of a fiber-reinforced UV- cured polymer matrix profile 24 for the frame set 102 instead of a steel frame set may allow reducing the weight of the reinforcement profile by 30% with the same performances.
[0113] Fig. 16 shows a non-limiting example of the cross-section of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 taken along XVI-XVI of Fig. 15. The cross-section of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 is similar to the cross-section of the embodiment of Fig. 14. The cross-section of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 may present a straight wall 24A attached to a wall having the general shape of the letter "U", i.e., having a web 24B extended by two flanges 24C, the two flanges 24C being parallel to each other. As non-limiting example, the straight wall 24A may have a thickness E4 which is greater than the thickness El, E3 of the two flanges 24C and which is greater than the thickness E2 of the web 24B. As non-limiting example, the thickness El, E3 of the two flanges 24C and the thickness E2 of the web 24B may be equal to each other.
[0114] Thickness E4 may be obtained by applying more bundles 52 of unidirectional fibers for forming the straight wall 24A.
[0115] The straight wall 24A of the cross-section of the fiber-reinforced UV- cured polymer matrix profile 24 may be disposed on the inside of the frame set 102 and the web 24B may be disposed on the outside of the frame set 102.
[0116] Photo-DSC results of the UV-curable polymer may be used for determining UV-curable polymer suitable for the application; the higher the curing kinetic of the UV-curable polymer the better.
[0117] Light transmission of the UV-curable polymer may also be a parameter used for determining UV-curable polymer suitable for the application; the higher the transmitted light, the better. Indeed, high value of light transmission in the UV-curable polymer in the UV range may allow curing thicker profile and/or reduce the curing time.
[0118] Example 1 [0119] As non-limiting example, the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 of Fig. 12A may be obtained as follows using the die 12 and the fiber positioning part 14 of Figs. 9 and 10.
[0120] Unidirectional glass fiber: E-glass unidirectional fibers, 4800 TEX. For example PULSTRAND™ 4100 from Owens Corning. [0121] Mat of randomly oriented fibers: randomly dispersed E-glass fibers stitched with polyester thread having 309.5 g/m2 (gram per square meter) (300 g/m2 chop density; 9.5 g/m2 yarn density). For example E-glass Stitched Chopped Strand Mat from Hegardt S.L.
[0122] UV-curable polymer: UV-curable vinylester mixed with photo- initiators. For example IRUVIOL GFR-17 LED from IRURENA Group with 0.8 phr (part per hundred of resin) Irgacure 819 and 0.6 phr Irgacure 379. Viscosity measured according to ISO 2555:2018 with PCE-RVI 2 viscometer at room temperature = 711 mPa.s (millipascal second)
[0123] Temperature of the die: room temperature.
[0124] UV-light source: LED UV-light sources according to Fig. 11A having a peak wavelength of 395 nm (nanometer) and intensity of 8 W/cm2 (Watt per square centimeter).
[0125] Distances D1 and D2 = 70 mm.
[0126] Cross-section: hexagonal with inscribe circle diameter of 30 mm and wall thickness of 2 mm. [0127] Pulling speed: linear movement: 0.3 m/min (meter per minute)
[0128] Pulling speed: curving: 0.06 m/min.
[0129] The fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 may include four mats and forty-eight bundles of unidirectional fibers.
[0130] In fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, the fiber content in the mats layer is equal to 50 vol% and the fiber content in the unidirectional fibers layer is equal to 50 vol%.
[0131] The layer with mats and cured polymer content is 23 vol% and the layer with unidirectional fibers and cured polymer content is 77 vol% of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24. [0132] Example 2
[0133] As non-limiting example, the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 of Fig. 12A may be obtained as follows using the die 12 and the fiber positioning part 14 of Figs. 9 and 10.
[0134] Unidirectional glass fiber: E-glass unidirectional fibers, 4800 TEX. For example PULSTRAND™ 4100 from Owens Corning.
[0135] Mat of randomly oriented fibers: randomly dispersed E-glass fibers stitched with polyester thread having 309.5 g/m2 (gram per square meter) (300 g/m2 chop density; 9.5 g/m2 yarn density). For example E-glass Stitched Chopped Strand Mat from Hegardt S.L. [0136] UV-curable polymer: SN190924 acrylic resin with photo-initiator.
Viscosity measured according to ISO 2555:2018 at room temperature = 644 mPa.s.
[0137] Temperature of the die: room temperature.
[0138] UV-light source: LED UV-light sources according to Fig. 11A having a peak wavelength of 395 nm and intensity of 8 W/cm2.
[0139] Distances D1 and D2 = 70 mm. [0140] Cross-section: hexagonal with inscribe circle diameter of 30 mm and wall thickness of 2 mm.
[0141] Pulling speed: linear movement: from 0.72 m/min to 1.80 m/min
[0142] Pulling speed: curving: from 0.72 m/min to 0.96 m/min. [0143] The fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 may include four mats and fifty-two bundles of unidirectional fibers.
[0144] In fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, the fiber content in the mats layer is equal to 35 vol% and the fiber content in the unidirectional fibers layer is equal to 38 vol%. [0145] The layer with mats and cured polymer content is 23 vol% and the layer with unidirectional fibers and cured polymer content is 77 vol% of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24.
[0146] Example 3
[0147] As non-limiting example, the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 of Fig. 12A may be obtained as follows using the die 12 and the fiber positioning part 14 of Figs. 9 and 10.
[0148] Unidirectional glass fiber: E-glass unidirectional fibers, 4800 TEX. For example PULSTRAND™ 4100 from Owens Corning.
[0149] Mat of randomly oriented fibers: randomly dispersed E-glass fibers stitched with polyester thread having 309.5 g/m2 (gram per square meter) (300 g/m2 chop density; 9.5 g/m2 yarn density). For example E-glass Stitched Chopped Strand Mat from Flegardt S.L.
[0150] UV-curable polymer: SN190926 acrylic resin with photo-initiator. Viscosity measured according to ISO 2555:2018 at room temperature = 426 mPa.s.
[0151] Temperature of the die: room temperature.
[0152] UV-light source: LED UV-light sources according to Fig. 11A having a peak wavelength of 395 nm and intensity of 8 W/cm2.
[0153] Distances D1 and D2 = 70 mm. [0154] Cross-section: hexagonal with inscribe circle diameter of 30 mm and wall thickness of 2 mm.
[0155] Pulling speed: linear movement: from 0.24 m/min to 1.08 m/min (meter per minute)
[0156] Pulling speed: curving: form 0.12 m/min to 0.24 m/min. [0157] The fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 may include four mats and fifty-two bundles of unidirectional fibers. [0158] In fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, the fiber content in the mats layer is equal to 35 vol% and the fiber content in the unidirectional fibers layer is equal to 38 vol%.
[0159] The layer with mats and cured polymer content is 33 vol% and the layer with unidirectional fibers and cured polymer content is 67 vol% of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24.
[0160] Example 4
[0161] As non-limiting example, the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 of Figs. 14 and 16 may be obtained as follows. [0162] Unidirectional glass fiber: E-glass unidirectional fibers, 4800 TEX. For example PULSTRAND™ 4100 from Owens Corning.
[0163] Mat of randomly oriented fibers: randomly dispersed E-glass fibers stitched with polyester thread having 309.5 g/m2 (gram per square meter) (300 g/m2 chop density; 9.5 g/m2 yarn density). For example E-glass Stitched Chopped Strand Mat from Flegardt S.L.
[0164] UV-curable polymer: SN190924/SN 190926 acrylic resin with photo¬ initiator. Viscosity measured according to ISO 2555:2018 at room temperature = 644/426 mPa.s.
[0165] Temperature of the die: room temperature. [0166] UV-light source: three LED UV-light sources having a peak wavelength of 395 nm (nanometer), one LED UV-light source on top (side 24C) and one LED UV-light source on the bottom (side 24C) having an intensity of 12 W/cm2 (similar to Fig. 11A), the top side LED UV-light source running at 100% of the nominal maximum power, the bottom side LED UV-light source running at 85% of the nominal maximum power and one LED UV-light source on the side (side 24A) having an intensity of 8 W/cm2 and running at 65% of the nominal maximum power.
[0167] Distances D1 = 95 mm, D2 = 75 mm, and D3 = 65 mm, D3 being the distance between the LED UV-light source on the side and the side 24A of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 of Fig.16.
[0168] Cross-section: El = 1.91 mm+/-0.02 mm; E2 = 1.93 mm+/- 0.01 mm; E3 = 1.89 mm+/-0.03 mm; E4 = 2.38 mm+/-0.03 mm; outside dimensions: width (measured parallel to E2, E4 direction) = 65 mm; height (measured parallel to El, E3 direction) = 35.4 mm. [0169] Pulling speed: linear movement: 0.2 m/min (meter per minute)
[0170] Pulling speed: curving: 0.2 m/min. [0171] The fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24 may include four mats and eighty-eight bundles of unidirectional fibers.
[0172] In fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, the fiber content in the mats layer is equal to 32 vol% and the fiber content in the unidirectional fibers layer is equal to 32 vol%.
[0173] The layer with mats and cured polymer content is 37 vol% and the layer with unidirectional fibers and cured polymer content is 64 vol% of the of the U-shape part of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24, i.e., web 24B and two flanges 24C. The layer with mats and cured polymer content is 31 vol% and the layer with unidirectional fibers and cured polymer content is 69 vol% of the straight wall 24A of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile 24.
[0174] Throughout the description, including the claims, the term "comprising a" should be understood as being synonymous with "comprising at least one" unless otherwise stated. In addition, any range set forth in the description, including the claims should be understood as including its end value(s) unless otherwise stated. Specific values for described elements should be understood to be within accepted manufacturing or industry tolerances known to one of skill in the art, and any use of the terms "substantially" and/or "approximately" and/or "generally" should be understood to mean falling within such accepted tolerances.
[0175] Where any standards of national, international, or other standards body are referenced (e.g., ISO, etc.), such references are intended to refer to the standard as defined by the national or international standards body as of the priority date of the present specification. Any subsequent substantive changes to such standards are not intended to modify the scope and/or definitions of the present disclosure and/or claims.
[0176] Although the present disclosure herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure. For example, the number of winding units 30B may be different, braiding and winding units may be used together, braiding and/or winding units may be used together with mats of randomly oriented fibers.
[0177] It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus (10) for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile (24), the apparatus (10) comprising a die (12) having an inlet (12A) and an outlet (12B), an injector (16) of UV-curable polymer (18), a fiber positioning part (14) comprising a core (14A) and configured to position fibers (28) at non-0° angle relative to a lengthwise direction of the fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile (24) around the core (14A), the non-0° angle fibers consisting of mats of randomly oriented fibers, braided fibers and/or winded fibers, the fiber positioning part (14) being disposed upstream of the die (12), a UV-light source (20) disposed downstream of the die (12) and configured to polymerize a UV-curable polymer (18) to form the UV-cured polymer matrix, and a gripper (22) configured to pull the fiber- reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile (24) out of the die (12) and to shape the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile (24) in the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile (24) during polymerization of the UV-curable polymer (18) into UV-cured polymer matrix.
2. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, wherein the fiber positioning part (14) comprises a positioning plate (40A-40C) comprising openings (44, 46) for positioning the fibers (28).
3. The apparatus (10) according to claim 2, wherein the openings (44, 46) comprise first openings (44) configured to position a mat (50) of randomly oriented fibers and/or second openings (46) configured to position bundles (52) of unidirectional fibers.
4. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, wherein the fiber positioning part (14) comprises a braiding unit (30A) and/or a winding unit (30B).
5. The apparatus (10) according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the UV- light source (20; 20A) is disposed outside the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile (24).
6. The apparatus (10) according to claim 5, wherein the UV-light source (20B) is disposed inside the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile (20).
7. The apparatus (10) according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the apparatus (10) comprises a flexible part (38) having a section corresponding to an internal section of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile (24), the flexible part (38) being disposed at the outlet (12B) of the die (12).
8. The apparatus (10) according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the injector (16) is disposed upstream of the fiber positioning part (14). 9. A method (150) of manufacturing a fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile (24) comprising:
- positioning (152) fibers (28) at non-0° angle in the fiber positioning part (14) of the apparatus (10) according to any of claims 1-8, the non-0° angle fibers consisting of mats of randomly oriented fibers, braided fibers and/or winded fibers,;
- coating (154) the fibers (28) with UV-curable polymer (18);
- passing (156) the fibers (28) and the UV-curable polymer (18) into the die (12);
- pulling (158) the fibers (12) and the UV-curable polymer (18) out of the die (12) with the gripper (22);
- irradiating (160) the UV-curable polymer (18) with the UV-light source (20; 20A, 20B, 20C) so as to form the UV-cured polymer matrix at the outlet (21 B) of the die (12);
- shaping (162) the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile (24) in the lengthwise direction of the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile (24) with the gripper (22) during polymerization of the UV-curable polymer (18) into UV-cured polymer matrix.
10. The method (150) according to claim 9, wherein positioning (152) the fibers (28) in the fiber positioning part (14) comprises positioning mats (50) of randomly oriented fibers so as to have at least partial overlaps between the mats (50) of randomly oriented fibers.
11. The method (150) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein positioning (152) the fibers (28) in the fiber positioning part (14) comprises positioning bundles (52) of unidirectional fibers. 12. The method (150) according to claims 10 and 11, wherein the mats
(50) of randomly oriented fibers are disposed inside relative to the bundles (52) of unidirectional fibers.
13. The method (150) according to claim 10 and 11, wherein the bundles (52) of unidirectional fibers are disposed inside relative to the mats (50) of randomly oriented fibers.
14. The method (150) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein positioning (152) the fibers (28) in the fiber positioning part (14) comprises braiding or winding bundles of unidirectional fibers.
15. The method (150) according to claims 10 and 14, wherein the mats (50) of randomly oriented fibers are disposed inside relative to the bundles (52) of unidirectional fibers.
16. The method (150) according to claim 10 and 14, wherein the bundles (52) of unidirectional fibers are disposed inside relative to the mats (50) of randomly oriented fibers. 17. A fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile (24) obtained by the method of any of claims 9-16, wherein the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile (24) comprises straight portions (102A) and curved portions (102B), the straight portions (102A) being integral with the curved portions (102B). 18. The fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile (24) according to claim 17, wherein the fiber-reinforced UV-cured polymer matrix profile (24) is a reinforcement profile (100) for automotive vehicle.
PCT/EP2020/065552 2020-06-04 2020-06-04 Improved pultrusion WO2021244750A1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH06106631A (en) * 1992-09-28 1994-04-19 Sekisui Chem Co Ltd Manufacture of fiber reinforced resin molded body
EP1954469A1 (en) * 2005-08-26 2008-08-13 Exel Oyj Method for manufacturing an antenna radome from composite materials in continuous action
DE102010034386A1 (en) * 2010-08-13 2012-02-16 Thomas Gmbh + Co. Technik + Innovation Kg Method for producing and monitoring an article formed at least partially from plastic and a component
US20160107401A1 (en) * 2013-06-12 2016-04-21 Ge Oil & Gas Uk Limited Windable Body, Apparatus and Method for Its Production
US9950452B1 (en) * 2002-06-05 2018-04-24 Benjamin V. Booher Composite friction elements and pultrusion method of making same
EP3315296A1 (en) * 2016-07-18 2018-05-02 CQFD Composites Improved method for obtaining a curved profiled part made of thermoplastic composite material, and facility for carrying out said method

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH06106631A (en) * 1992-09-28 1994-04-19 Sekisui Chem Co Ltd Manufacture of fiber reinforced resin molded body
US9950452B1 (en) * 2002-06-05 2018-04-24 Benjamin V. Booher Composite friction elements and pultrusion method of making same
EP1954469A1 (en) * 2005-08-26 2008-08-13 Exel Oyj Method for manufacturing an antenna radome from composite materials in continuous action
DE102010034386A1 (en) * 2010-08-13 2012-02-16 Thomas Gmbh + Co. Technik + Innovation Kg Method for producing and monitoring an article formed at least partially from plastic and a component
US20160107401A1 (en) * 2013-06-12 2016-04-21 Ge Oil & Gas Uk Limited Windable Body, Apparatus and Method for Its Production
EP3315296A1 (en) * 2016-07-18 2018-05-02 CQFD Composites Improved method for obtaining a curved profiled part made of thermoplastic composite material, and facility for carrying out said method

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