U.S. patent application number 16/246477 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-24 for method of producing composite members having increased strength.
The applicant listed for this patent is ECOPURO, LLC. Invention is credited to WILLIAM L. JOHNSON, SR..
Application Number | 20190322010 16/246477 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39043174 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190322010 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JOHNSON, SR.; WILLIAM L. |
October 24, 2019 |
METHOD OF PRODUCING COMPOSITE MEMBERS HAVING INCREASED STRENGTH
Abstract
This invention relates to extruded composite materials
specifically focusing on the increasing load bearing capacity and
the overall strength of composites. Injectable conformable
structural core materials are used to replace foam cells inside
extruded composite materials thereby increasing the overall load
bearing stability and strength. The core materials are tailored to
have a desired CTE with respect to the structural materials. The
core materials may also incorporate fibers and solid structural
fillers for increasing the strength of the composite member. The
objective is to enable composite materials to have the highest
structural load bearing capability possible so that these
technologies can be used as the replacement of wood, in aerospace
applications and for other purposes.
Inventors: |
JOHNSON, SR.; WILLIAM L.;
(Grove, OK) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ECOPURO, LLC |
Denver |
CO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
39043174 |
Appl. No.: |
16/246477 |
Filed: |
January 12, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13111680 |
May 19, 2011 |
10357906 |
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16246477 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29C 2948/9298 20190201;
B29C 44/128 20130101; B29C 44/186 20130101; B29K 2105/04 20130101;
B29L 2031/60 20130101; B29C 2948/92952 20190201; B29C 44/3411
20130101; B29C 2948/92561 20190201; B29C 48/11 20190201; B29C
2948/92761 20190201; B29C 2948/926 20190201; B29C 48/304 20190201;
B29C 48/30 20190201 |
International
Class: |
B29C 44/18 20060101
B29C044/18; B29C 44/34 20060101 B29C044/34; B29C 48/11 20060101
B29C048/11; B29C 48/30 20060101 B29C048/30; B29C 44/12 20060101
B29C044/12 |
Claims
1-25. (canceled)
26. A method of making a foam member comprising the steps of:
determining a volume expansion of an unexpanded foam material from
a liquid to a solid; incorporating chopped fibers and substantially
incompressible filler material into said foam material to form a
foam mixture in an amount wherein said incompressible filler
material comprises a volume ratio of 20% to 80% with respect to an
expanded volume of said foam mixture; feeding said foam mixture
through a die, wherein said foam mixture locates in a deformable
structural material, said step of feeding after said step of
determining said volume expansion of said foam material for
preventing swelling of said deformable structure; wherein said step
of feeding is after said step of determining; expanding said foam
mixture; wherein said fibers contact and adhere to at least some of
said filler material to act as anchoring members to said fibers;
adjusting a selected amount of said filler material in said foam
material to achieve a coefficient of thermal expansion of said foam
material that more closely matches a coefficient of thermal
expansion of a durable outer shell said structural material for
significantly reducing or preventing delamination of said foam
material from said durable outer shell structural material.
27. The method according to claim 26 wherein said fibers are
selected from a group consisting of natural, man-made, synthetic
and mineral fibers.
28. The method according to claim 26 wherein: said fibers comprise
greater than approximately 4% by weight of said foam material.
29. The method according to claim 26 wherein: said volume ratio is
20% to 50%.
30. The method according to claim 26 wherein: said volume ratio is
40% to 80%.
31. The method according to claim 26 wherein: said deformable
structural material is an outer shell created by said foam upon
curing.
32. A method of making a member comprising the steps of:
determining a volume expansion of a foam material from a liquid to
a solid; incorporating fibers and rigidly solid substantially
incompressible filler material into said foam material to form a
foam mixture in an amount wherein said filler material comprises a
volume ratio that adjusts said volume expansion of said foam
mixture to more closely match a coefficient of thermal expansion of
a deformable structure material; introducing said foam mixture
through a die, wherein said foam mixture located in said deformable
structural material, said step of introducing after said step of
determining said volume expansion of said foam material for
preventing swelling of said deformable structure; wherein said
fibers contact and interact with at least some of said filler
material, said filler material acting as anchoring members to
anchor said fibers in said foam mixture, thereby strengthening the
member; wherein said rigidly solid incompressible filler material
interacts with said fiber throughout said foam mixture.
33. The method according to claim 32 wherein: said volume ratio of
said filler material is 20% to 80% with regard to said volume
expansion of said foam mixture.
34. The method according to claim 32 wherein said filler material
comprises microspheres.
35. The method according to claim 32 wherein said fibers are
selected from a group consisting of natural, man-made, synthetic
and mineral fibers.
36. The method according to claim 32 wherein said foam material is
a polyurethane composite foam.
37. The method according to claim 32 further comprising the steps
of: extruding a structural material through a die to form an
elongate structure that defines a durable outer shell; filling said
durable outer shell with said foam material for forming a
strengthened extruded composite member; wherein said fibers contact
and interact with at least some of said filler material to act as
anchoring members to said fibers.
38. The method according to claim 37 further comprising the steps
of: determining the coefficient of thermal expansion of said
structural material; and adjusting an amount of said filler
material in said foam material to achieve a coefficient of thermal
expansion of said foam material that more closely matches a
coefficient of thermal explanation of said structural material.
39. The method according to claim 37 further comprising the steps
of: determining the coefficient of thermal expansion of said
structural material; adding a selected amount of said filler
material to said foam material to achieve a desirable coefficient
of thermal expansion of said foam material that more closely
matches a coefficient of thermal explanation of said structural
material.
40. The method according to claim 38 wherein said desirable
coefficient of thermal expansion of said foam material is a
coefficient of thermal expansion selected to reduce shear stress
between said foam material and said structural material.
41. The method according to claim 32 wherein said rigidly solid
incompressible filler material is selected from glass microspheres,
ceramic microspheres, and mixtures thereof.
42. The method according to claim 32 wherein said rigidly solid
incompressible filler material is selected from glass
microspheres.
43. The method according to claim 32 wherein said rigidly solid
incompressible filler material is selected from ceramic
microspheres.
44. The method according to claim 32 wherein said rigidly solid
incompressible material has a density of less than 40 lb./ft3.
45. The method according to claim 32 wherein: said step of
introducing comprises injection molding.
46. The method according to claim 32 wherein: said step of
introducing comprises cast molding.
47. The method according to claim 32 further comprising the steps
of: adding a selected amount of said filler material to said foam
material to achieve a coefficient of thermal expansion of said foam
material that more closely matches a coefficient of thermal
explanation of said deformable structural material.
48. A method of making a foam member comprising the steps of:
determining an expanded foam volume of an unexpanded mixture of an
unexpanded polymer material, chopped fibers and substantially
incompressible filler material; calculating an optimal feed rate of
said unexpanded mixture for preventing a volume mismatch with
respect to a deformable structural material; feeding said
unexpanded mixture through a die and expanding said unexpanded
mixture to form an expanded foam mixture, wherein said filler
material comprises a volume ratio of 20% to 80% with respect to a
volume of said expanded foam mixture, wherein said expanded foam
mixture locates in said deformable structural material; wherein
said step of feeding is after said step of determining said
expanded foam volume for preventing swelling of said deformable
structural material; wherein said fibers contact and adhere to at
least some of said filler material, said filler material acting as
anchoring members to said fibers.
49. A method of making a member comprising the steps of:
determining an expanded foam volume of an unexpanded mixture of
unexpanded polymer material, chopped fibers and substantially
incompressible filler material; calculating an optimal feed rate of
said unexpanded mixture comprising said unexpanded polymer
material, said fibers and said filler material for preventing a
volume mismatch with respect to a deformable structural material;
introducing said unexpanded mixture through a die, wherein said
unexpanded mixture expands to form an expanded foam mixture,
wherein said filler material comprises a volume ratio that adjusts
a volume of said expanded foam mixture, to more closely match a
coefficient of thermal explanation of a deformable structural
material wherein said expanded mixture locates in said deformable
structural material; said step of introducing is after said step of
determining said expanded foam volume for preventing swelling of
said deformable structural material; wherein said fibers contact
and interact with at least some of said filler material, said
filler material acting as anchoring members to anchor said fibers
in said expanded foam mixture, for strengthening the member;
wherein said filler material interacts with said fibers throughout
said expanded foam mixture; adjusting a selected amount of said
filler material in said unexpanded mixture to achieve a desirable
coefficient of thermal expansion of said expanded foam mixture with
respect to said deformable structural material for reducing a
difference in a coefficient of thermal expansion between the
expanded foam mixture and the deformable structural material for
significantly reducing or preventing delamination of said expanded
foam mixture from said deformable structural material.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/111,680, titled, "METHOD OF PRODUCING
COMPOSITE MEMBERS HAVING INCREASED STRENGTH", filed May 19, 2011,
which is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/507,358, titled, "METHOD OF PRODUCING COMPOSITE MEMBERS HAVING
INCREASED STRENGTH," filed Aug. 21, 2006, which claims the benefit
of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/709,628, titled, "EXTRUDED
COMPOSITE STRUCTURAL MATERIAL WITH INTEGRATED EXTRUDED FOAM CORE"
filed Aug. 19, 2005, all of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to structures having
structural core materials inside of a composite matrix. More
particularly, the invention relates to extruded composite building
materials having a selected core material tailored to increase the
strength of the extruded member.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] An extrusion process is one of the most economic methods of
manufacturing to produce engineering structural materials.
Typically, an extrusion process is used to manufacture lengths of
extruded members having a uniform cross-section. The cross-section
of the members may be of various simple shapes such as circular,
annular, or rectangular. The cross-section of the members may also
be very complex, including internal support structures and/or
having an irregular periphery.
[0004] Typically, an extrusion process utilizes thermoplastic
polymer compounds that are introduced into a feed hopper.
Thermoplastic polymer compounds can be in powder, liquid, cubed,
pelletized and/or any other extrudable form. The thermoplastic
polymer can be virgin, recycled, or a mixture of both. Furthermore,
the thermoplastic material can be incorporated with a blowing
agent(s) or mechanically injected gas during the extrusion process
to make a cellular foam structure core.
[0005] A preferred material used to form the core is a rigid PVC
powder compound that is easy to process, good impact strength, a
high extrusion rate, good surface properties, good dimensional
stability, and indentation resistance.
[0006] In addition, a preferred extrusion formulation may contain
one or more processing aids. One example of a preferred processing
aid is an acrylic based resin having a low molecular weight, such
as Acryloid K-125 or K-175 from Rohm and Haas. Also, one or more
lubricants may be used. An internal lubricant and an external
lubricant may be provided. Preferred internal lubricants include
metallic stearates such as calcium and zinc salts of stearic acid.
Preferred external lubricants include paraffins.
[0007] Additionally, fillers may be added to the thermoplastic
formulation to reduce product cost and to improve impact
properties. Although many types of filler are compatible with the
thermoplastic resin, a typical filler is calcium carbonate.
[0008] Examples of uses for extruded members include extruded
composite building materials. Extruded composite building materials
have been used in applications of house siding, architectural
moldings, fencing, decking, and other applications. One drawback
associated with existing extruded composite structural building
materials is that existing materials lack the strength necessary to
directly compete with or replace structural wood, e.g., various
sized wood beams, i.e., 2.times.4, 2.times.6, 2.times.8, 4.times.4,
4.times.6, 4.times.8, etc. The environmental stability of composite
materials, i.e., no dry rot, no termite, no warping, no splitting,
etc., has resulted in increased popularity of composite decking and
fencing materials. However, composite materials typically still
require wood support structures for structural strength.
[0009] For example, composite lumber is currently used for decking,
railing systems and playground equipment. Sources indicate that
there currently exists a $300 million per year market for composite
lumber in the United States. It is estimated that 80% of the
current market uses a form of wood plastic composite (WPC). It is
estimated that the other 30% is solid plastic. A wood plastic
composite (WPC) refers to any composite that contains wood
particles mixed with a thermaloset or thermoplastic. The WPC
industry uses common wood species related to their region for the
United States including pine, maple, oak and others. Particle sizes
that are typically incorporated into WPC's range from 10 to 80%
mesh. The presence of wood fiber increases the internal strength
and mechanical properties of the composite as compared to, e.g.,
wood flower. WPC uses approximately 20% to 70% by mass wood to
plastic ratios in a typical manufacturing process.
[0010] WPC's have desirable characteristics as compared to plastic
systems. For example, the addition of wood fillers into plastic
generally improves stiffness, reduces the coefficient of thermal
expansion, reduces cost, helps to simulate the feel of real wood,
produces a rough texture improving skid resistance, and allows WPC
to be cut, shaped and fastened in a manner similar to wood.
[0011] The addition of wood particles to plastic also results in
some undesirable characteristics. For example, wood particles may
rot and are susceptible to fungal attack, wood particles can absorb
moisture, wood particles are on the surface of a WPC member can be
destroyed by freeze and thaw cycling, wood particles are
susceptible to absorbing environmental staining, e.g., from tree
leaves, wood particles can create pockets if improperly distributed
in a WPC material, which may result in a failure risk that cannot
be detected by visual inspection, and wood particles create
manufacturing difficulties in maintaining consistent colors because
of the variety of wood species color absorption is not consistent.
Plastics use UV stabilizers that fade over time. As a result, the
wood particles on the surface tend to undergo environmental
bleaching. Consequently, repairing a deck is difficult due to color
variation after 6 months to a year of sun exposure.
[0012] In a typical extrusion composite design, increased load
bearing capacity capability may be increased while minimizing
weight by incorporating internal support structures with internal
foam cores. Examples of such designs are taught in U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,795,666; 5,728,330; 5,972,475; 6,226,944; and 6,233,892.
[0013] Increased load bearing capacity, stability and strength of
non-extruded composites has been accomplished by locating
geometrically shaped core material in between structural layers.
Examples of pre-formed geometrically shaped core materials include
hexagon sheet material and lightweight woods and foam. Problems
associated with typical pre-formed core materials include
difficulties associated with incorporating the materials into the
extrusion process due to the pre-formed shape of the materials.
[0014] Other efforts to increase strength with composite fiber
design have focused on fiber orientation in the composite to obtain
increased strength to flex ratios. In a typical extrusion composite
process, the fiber/fillers are randomly placed throughout the
resin/plastic. Therefore increasing strength by fiber orientation
is not applicable to an extrusion process.
[0015] Foam core material has been used in composites for composite
material stiffening, e.g., in the marine industry, since the late
1930's and 1940's and in the aerospace industry since the
incorporation of fiber reinforced plastics.
[0016] Recently, structural foam for core materials has greatly
improved in strength and environmental stability. Structural core
material strengths can be significantly improved by adding fibers.
Polyurethane foams can be modified with chopped glass fibers to
increase flexible yield strength from 8,900 psi-62,700 psi.
[0017] Prior art patents tend to describe foam core materials as
rigid or having a high-density. However structural mechanical
properties of the foam core tend not to be addressed. A common
method to obtain a change in load capacity is to change the density
of the material. For example, this can be done in a polyurethane in
which water is being used as a blowing agent. The density of a
polyurethane decreases with the increase in water
concentration.
[0018] One problem that may occur when a core material and a
structural material are not compatible both chemically and
physically is delamination. Chemical and physical incompatibility
can result in composite structures that suffer structural failures
when the core material and the structural material separate from
one another.
[0019] As discussed above, even though increasing load bearing
capacity, stability and strength can be increased by engineering
improvements with new resins/plastics, fibers/fillers and internal
structural support members, load bearing capacity is still limited
by the mechanics of the extrusion process. Despite the advantages
associated with engineered building materials, i.e., elimination of
problems associated with dry rot, termite, warping, splitting,
etc., the failure of extruded composite structural materials to
achieve the mechanical attributes of wood has detracted from the
potential economic market value of engineered building
materials.
[0020] Additionally, other applications, such as aerospace
applications, utilize composite structures and have had to contend
with problems associated with delamination of core materials and
structural materials.
[0021] Therefore, it is desirable to bring structural core
materials to the highest structural load bearing capability
possible so that these technologies can be incorporated into
extruded composites to replace wood load bearing structures and
improve the composite industry as a whole by stabilizing the
composite core to help improve composite core materials from
delamination.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0022] This invention relates to extruded composite materials,
specifically focusing on increasing load bearing capacity and
increasing the overall strength of composites. One aspect of the
invention relates to tailoring a core material to have a desired
coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) with respect to the
mechanical properties of the structural material.
[0023] One aspect of the invention is directed towards
manufacturing processes that incorporate tailored core materials
into an extruded structural member. In one embodiment, the
invention relates to composite members that have an increased load
bearing capacity and overall strength to allow the composite member
to compete with wood for use in construction projects, e.g., planks
and posts for use with household deck construction and in other
projects. In another embodiment, the processes of the invention may
be used to construct aerospace components having increased
strength. Additional uses are also contemplated as falling within
the scope of the invention.
[0024] One objective of the invention is to increase the load
bearing capacity and strength of an extruded member by injecting a
conformable core material, such as foam, into the extruded member.
The invention contemplates an extrusion die that utilizes an
injection system that may be incorporated into a manufacturer's
existing extrusion equipment.
[0025] The conformable core material is injected into and around
internal structural support members of an extruded member.
Preferably, while the member is being extruded, the core material
is injected to replace air voids within the member. The injection
of conformable structural core material at the same time and same
rate as the structural member is being extruded produces
significant improvements by increasing load bearing capacity,
stability and overall strength and by improving economic
feasibility. For example, a rigid polyurethane foam is
approximately 10 times less expensive per volume than PVC.
Therefore, by replacing some interior volume of an extruded member
with foam, the PVC volume is reduced while maintaining the same
structural strength or greater. Therefore, the injection of a
conformable foam results in a significant cost savings. In some
applications, the injectable conformable structural core material
may be applied to an extruded member that has been previously
cured.
[0026] One benefit of an injectable conformable structural core
material is that the core material is not limited by the structural
design of the composite member because the core material conforms
to the geometric shapes present in structure.
[0027] Although a core material and a structural material may be
initially combined into a composite member without regard to the
CTE's of each, this does not guarantee structural integrity over
time. Therefore, the invention of the application involves
tailoring of the conformable structural core material by the
selection of optimal amounts of structural fillers to achieve a
desired CTE of the materials. The step of tailoring the structural
core material provides a solution for composite structural design
regardless of the composition of the materials.
[0028] One aspect of the invention is directed towards the
mechanical interaction and the relationship between a selected
thermal plastic and a selected foam core material. Thermal plastics
have mechanical properties that are influenced by environmental
temperatures. For example, thermal plastics are stronger at colder
temperatures but are more brittle. Thermal plastics are weaker in
warmer weather, but are more flexible.
[0029] Foam for an internal core material inside a thermal plastic
material may be tailored to overcome variations in structural
strengths of thermal plastics. For example, an ideal core material
is selected to possess thermal expansion properties that offset the
thermal sag characteristics of thermal plastic structural material
that the structural material experiences due to thermal heating in
the environment. The thermal expansion of the core and mechanical
stiffness of the composite may be tailored to achieve desired
strength and internal pressure, resulting in mechanical stiffening
of the composite.
[0030] The interaction of thermal sag of the thermal plastic
material in relationship to the thermal expansion of the internal
core material may be considered to select an ideal foam for use
with a particular plastic. Ideally, the materials will function as
a true composite. Because of the enormous uses of this invention
associated with composite design and their applications with the
overwhelming selection of materials and their combinations, the
method described herein allows for optimal material pairings to be
determined. As internal cross members of a structural member and
the exterior structure undergo mechanical weakening as the
temperature increases, a selected internal core material having an
optimal thermal expansion with enhanced thermal mechanical
properties will improve the rigidity and the mechanical strength of
the combined composite in a manner similar to inflating an
automobile tire to increase mechanical rigidity of the rubber.
[0031] A further advantage associated with the use of core
materials such as foams are thermal insulation properties of the
foam. A significant mechanical advantage is achieved by reducing
the heat transfer rate from the surface of a structural member to
an internal support structure of the composite, thereby thermally
shielding the internal support structure from heat fluctuations and
maintaining increased internal strengths of the cell structures in
the composite during elevated temperatures.
[0032] CTE can be tailored in a composite matrix to improve surface
functionality between the structural material and the core, thereby
reducing the shear stresses that are created by thermal cycling at
the contact interface of the two materials. Polyurethane foam
densities are directly proportional to the blowing agent, typically
water. The less water, the tighter the cell structure, which
results in higher density foams.
[0033] In a closed cell structure, controlling internal forces
caused by thermal cycling produced by the core material can be
accomplished by tailoring the CTE. The CTE of a core material may
be tailored by adjusting an amount of filler in the core material.
For example, fillers such as chop fibers and micro spheres will
have much lower CTE in the structural foam. The CTE of glass
spheres is approximately 100 times smaller than most resin
materials.
[0034] Glass spheres or ceramic spheres have enormous compression
strength in comparison to the foam cells created by blowing agents.
Therefore, the addition of micro spheres will not only provide the
ability to tailor the CTE of the foam but it will replace low
compression strength cell structures with higher strength cell
structures.
[0035] The incorporation of chop fibers adds dramatic cross
structural strength throughout the foam. Applicant's mechanical
model analysis clearly illustrates an increased strength of
materials resulting from the presence of core material regardless
of the mechanical structure. The analysis was directed to extruded
PVC. Some of the extruded PVC members were filled with chopped
fibers and some were not. The chopped fibers increased strength of
the structural member and decreased the CTE. The additives of
selected fillers to the foam core materials illustrate similar
characteristics. Selecting appropriate materials for a composite is
complicated because composites are not homogeneous materials.
However, composites are required to function as a homogeneous
structure without structural deviation. The models clearly show how
reinforcing fibers increases load bearing capabilities in the
composite materials.
[0036] Man-made fibers and fillers can be used to improve
mechanical properties as well as to lower CTE's of a core material.
Ideally, filler materials should be environmentally stable and
manipulatable into desired geometric configurations so that they
may be incorporated into a structural design. Examples of fiber
materials include fiberglass, carbon and nylon. These fibers can be
cut to a specific length with a desired diameter that can be
incorporated into an injection molding process either from the
plastics manufacturer if the desired material is a foam plastic. If
the resin is a reactive material such as polyurethane foam, the
fillers and fibers can be combined either in the liquid stage prior
to mixing the reactive components or in the foam mixing chamber
prior to being extruded. The coefficient of thermal expansion is
directly related to the volume fillers to plastics ratio.
[0037] Solid core materials can be made from high-density
polyurethane, polyureas and epoxy materials etc., having high
strength and fast cure times. These materials may be filled with
fillers or micro spheres to produce high strength injectable core
materials.
[0038] In one embodiment, the method of the invention is used to
form composite planks for decking and construction purposes. The
top surface of the plank may be treated or formed to have a
textured finish such as a roughed, grooved, cross-hatched,
striated, pitted, cracked, or wood grain texture. A mechanical
embossing roller can be located behind the cooling calibrator and
after the extrusion die to achieve surface texturing of the
extruded core. Any variety of textures can be created by this
method on the core such as wood grains and the like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an extrusion die with
internal support structures for added mechanical stability and
strength;
[0040] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an extruded member
extruded from the die of FIG. 1;
[0041] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an extrusion die having
an injection system for filling void areas of an extruded member
with a conformable core structural material;
[0042] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an extruded member that
has void areas filled by injectable conformable structural core
material;
[0043] FIGS. 5a & 5b are cross-sectional views of extruded
members having a configuration labeled "model 1". FIG. 5a shows the
extruded member with empty voids, while FIG. 5b shows the extruded
member having voids filled with a conformable core material.
[0044] FIGS. 6a & 6b are cross-sectional views of extruded
members having a configuration labeled "model 2". FIG. 6a shows the
extruded member with empty voids, while FIG. 6b shows the extruded
member having voids filled with a conformable core material.
[0045] FIGS. 7a & 7b are cross-sectional views of extruded
members having a configuration labeled "model 3". FIG. 7a shows the
extruded member with empty voids, while FIG. 7b shows the extruded
member having voids filled with a conformable core material.
[0046] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an extruded member
suitable for use as a support post, wherein the post has voids
filled with a conformable core material.
[0047] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an extruded member
suitable for use as a support post, wherein the post has voids
filled with a conformable core material.
[0048] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an extruded member
suitable for use as a support post, wherein the post has voids
filled with a conformable core material.
[0049] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an extruded member
suitable for use as a support post, wherein the post has voids
filled with a conformable core material.
[0050] FIG. 12 is a stress analysis representation of the solid
beam of FIG. 8.
[0051] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a structural core
material with the presence of fiber interaction throughout a
microsphere foam matrix.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0052] Before explaining the present invention in detail, it is
important to understand that the invention is not limited in its
application to the details of the embodiments and steps described
herein. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being
practiced or carried out in a variety of ways. It is to be
understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is
for the purpose of description and not of limitation.
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 1, a cross-section of prior art
extrusion die 10 is shown. Extrusion die 10 includes external die
element 12 and internal die elements 14 that define die walls 16.
Die walls 16 define channels 18 through which a molten material is
forced. Once the molten material is forced out of the die 10, the
material cools, resulting in an extruded member, e.g., extruded
member 19, shown in cross-section in FIG. 2.
[0054] Referring now to FIG. 3, an improved extrusion die 20 is
shown. Extrusion die 20 includes external die element 22 and
internal die elements 24 that define die walls 26. Die walls 26
define channels 28, through which material is forced. Injector
paths 30 are provided in internal die elements 24 for facilitating
the introduction of a core material, such as a foam or other
material. Therefore, molten material is forced through channels 28
and out of die 20 while the extruded member is simultaneously
filled with core material. The result is extruded member 32 (FIG.
4) having core material 34 located therein.
[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 5a-7b, composite members 36, 38, 40
and 42 are shown in FIGS. 5b, 6b and 7b with voids filled with core
material 34. Composite members 36, 38, 40 and 42 may be extruded
having various internal support configurations. For example,
composite member 36 is shown with an internal structure having both
vertical supports 42 and diagonal supports 44 wherein voids are
filled with core material 34 (FIG. 5b). Composite member 38 is
shown having diagonal supports 46 forming voids that are filled
with core material 34 (FIG. 6b). Composite member 40 is shown
having a plurality of vertical internal supports 48 filled with
core material 34 (FIG. 7b). Other configurations are also
possible.
[0056] As may be seen in FIGS. 8-11, composite structural beams 50,
52, 54 and 56 are shown having various internal support structures,
wherein the beams are filled with core material 34. For example,
beam 50 is shown with no internal supports and is filled with core
material 34 (FIG. 8). Beam 52 is shown having diagonal supports 58
and right angled supports 60 and is filled with core material 34
(FIG. 9). Beam 54 is shown having a first and second right angled
support 62, which define four equal sized voids filled with core
material 34 (FIG. 10). Beam 56 is shown having four right angled
supports 64, which define nine voids filled with core material 34
(FIG. 11). Other internal support configurations are possible.
[0057] In one embodiment, e.g. the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 4,
injectable conformable structural core material 34 is fed into
extrusion die 20 (FIG. 3) through injector paths 30 while
structural material is forced through die 20. During an extrusion
process, an optimal feed rate must be determined. As an example,
the structural geometry of an extruded member is an exemplary
square tube having dimensions of 1 inch by 1 inch and a wall
thickness of 0.2 in. In a preferred extrusion process, the feed
rate of injectable conformable structural core material is
calculated to allow optimum performance without detrimentally
increasing stress on the composite member. As an example, a rigid
polyurethane foam or Styreenfoam may be used as the injectable
conformable structural core material, i.e., a foam manufactured by
Bayer, Baydur 726 IBS. Other materials may also be used as
discussed below. To calculate the optimum feed rate, the following
steps are followed.
[0058] Step 1 calculates the expansion rate of foam from liquid to
solid. The following assumptions may be used with respect to foam
properties:
1 g=4.0 cm.sup.3 approximately based on free rise density of the
foam
1 g=(4.0 cm.sup.3(1 in.sup.3/(2.45 cm).sup.3))=0.27 in.sup.3
[0059] Step 2 calculates the void volumes that are being filled per
linear foot basis.
1 ft=12 in
Void Volume per foot=(12 in)(1 in)(1 in)=12 in.sup.3
[0060] Step 3 calculates the extrusion rate per foot of the
composite material. This calculation is based on equipment driven
parameters. For purposes of this example the extrusion rate of the
composite material is assumed to be 10 ft/min.
[0061] Step 4 determines the liquid injection rate of the
unexpanded foam to match the extrusion rate of the composite. The
expansion calculations in Step 1, the void volume calculation in
Step 2 and the extrusion rate calculated in Step 3 are used in
determining Step 4. The calculated liquid flow rate will allow the
composite material to fill the structure completely without
swelling resulting from volume expansion mismatch or creating voids
in the internal structure. The expansion calculations in Step 1,
the calculation in Step 2 and the extrusion rate in Step 3 allows
the calculation of the liquid injection rate of the unexpanded foam
to match the extrusion rate of the composite.
10 ft/min(12 in.sup.3/1 ft)(1 g/0.27 in.sup.3)=444 g/min
[0062] The calculated liquid flow rate of 444 g/min of unreacted
foam material to fill 10 extruded board feet per minute allows the
composite material to fill the structure completely without
swelling resulting from volume expansion mismatch and without
creating voids in the structural composite material. This example
focused on the expansion characteristics of a foam without fiber
and structural fillers because they do not change physical volume
upon injection.
[0063] Most foams are two-part and are highly reactive. Therefore,
mass flow controllers or volume flow controllers may be used in
conjunction with the extruded material to control the injection
system so that the process can be controlled or stopped at any
time.
[0064] In one embodiment, the core material 34 is manually injected
into structural voids or channels of an extruded member and excess
core material 34 is trimmed off at the end of the process. If a
closed structure is manually filled, there exists a possibility
that the extruded member will be deformed by over expansion of
injectable core material 34 inside the extruded member. While
reactive materials like foam may be used as injectable conformable
structural core material 34, non-active materials, such as gels,
are also contemplated to fall within the scope of the
invention.
[0065] Referring now to Tables 1-12, stress tests were conducted on
extruded members of various structural materials and, various
configurations, with and without a core material. The planks were
supported with supports spaced 16 inches apart. The members each
have outside dimensions of 51/2 inches by 11/2 inches. The internal
structures and walls of the members have a wall thickness of 0.2
inches. The extruded members were secured with rigidly fixed ends
and subjected to a test load of 500 lbf delivered by a 51/2 inches
long by 11/2 wide inches member over the width of the plank
centered between the supports.
[0066] Table 1 shows data for an extruded member for Model 1, i.e.,
an extruded member having both vertical and diagonal internal
support members (see, FIGS. 5a, 5b). The structural material of the
extruded member consists of PolyOne Duraflec LD800 Vinyl
compound-Rigid (RPVC). In case 1, the member was tested with no
core material present (see FIG. 5a). As can be seen from Table 1,
the maximum deflection experienced by the member during testing was
0.0229 inches. In case 25, a member having identical construction
but filled with a core material of Bayer material Science Baydure
STR/C-405 IMR, Polyurethane Composite SRIM Foam, 45% Glass Filled
experienced a deflection of only 0.00944. In case 45, a member
having identical construction but filled with a core material of
Bayer material Science Baydure STR/C-405 IMR, Polyurethane
Composite SRIM Foam, 60% Glass Filled experienced a deflection of
only 0.00706. Therefore, it can be seen that the foam filled
structures exhibit an increased resistance to deflection, i.e.,
exhibit greater strength. Further, it can be seen that by
increasing the glass fiber content, the amount of deflection
decreases further, i.e., the strength of the member further
increases. This trend may be observed for each of the geometric
configurations of the extruded members, i.e., by reference to each
of Tables 1-12. For certain materials and configurations, e.g.,
materials and configurations referenced by Tables 2 and 9, the
performance increase by increasing the percentage of glass filler
was negligible. It is believed that further increases in testing
force would have brought out strength differences in the members
having foams of 45% glass filled and 60% glass filled. This
illustrates also where cost savings can be applied by decreasing
the wall thickness of the PVC and increasing the void volume with
foam.
[0067] In summary, Tables 1-12 illustrate that improved strength of
a composite member may be achieved by incorporating fibers into the
core material.
[0068] The interaction of thermal sag of the thermal plastic
material in relationship to the thermal expansion of the internal
core material may be considered to select an ideal foam for use
with a particular plastic. As internal cross members of a
structural member and the exterior structure undergo mechanical
weakening as the temperature increases, a selected internal core
material having an optimal coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE)
with a high deflection temperature will improve the rigidity and
the mechanical strength of the combined composite.
[0069] One method of controlling CTE is by adding structural
fillers. For example, adding microspheres to be mixed with the
foam. The addition of 40%-50% by volume glass microspheres will
lower the weight of the core material and will decrease the CTE by
approximately 40% to 50%. Glass microspheres have advantageous
properties including the fact that the microspheres are rigidly
solid, i.e., substantially incompressible, and have excellent
adhesion inside a polyurethane matrix. Glass microspheres are
chemically and thermally stable with near zero water absorption
depending on the manufacture. Glass microsphere particle size
allows excellent machining capability with smooth surfaces.
[0070] The addition of a selected amount of glass microspheres
allows the resulting foam core to be tailored to have a desired CTE
with respect to the CTE of the structural material. Examples of
CTEs of known materials may be found in Table A, below.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE A CTE, linear Category 20.degree. C. PolyOne
Duraflex LD800 Vinyl Compound- 61.2 .mu.m/m-.degree. C. Rigid
(RPVC) Bayer 90 .mu.m/m-.degree. C. Generic Advantage 5.8
.mu.m/m-.degree. C. PolyOne Fiberloc 97510 Vinyl Compound - 39.6
.mu.m/m-.degree. C. Rigid (RPVC), Glass Filled PolyOne Fiberloc
97520 Vinyl Compound - 30.6 .mu.m/m-.degree. C. Rigid (RPVC), Glass
Filled PolyOne Fiberloc 97530 Vinyl Compound - Rigid (RPVC), Glass
Filled Bayer Material Science Baydur STR/C-400 BB, 14
.mu.m/m-.degree. C. Polyurethane Composite SRIM Foam, 60% Glass
Filled, MDI-based 2-Component Liquid System Bayer Material Science
Baydur STR/C-405 IMR, 26 .mu.m/m-.degree. C. Polyurethane Composite
SRIM Foam, 45% Glass Filled, MDI-based 2-Component Liquid System
North Wood Plastics HDPE with 20% Wood Fiber North Wood Plastics
HDPE with 40% Wood Fiber 58 .mu.m/m-.degree. C. North Wood Plastics
HDPE with 60% Wood Fiber 36 .mu.m/m-.degree. C. North Wood Plastics
HDPE + UNIFILL 60% (20% Wood Fiber) North Wood Plastics HDPE +
UNIFILL 60% (40% Wood Fiber) PolyOne Duraflec LD800 Vinyl Compound-
61.2 .mu.m/m-.degree. C. Rigid (RPVC) Bayer Material Science Baydur
726 IBS, 90 .mu.m/m-.degree. C. Polyurethane Structural Foam RIM,
Density 55 pcf, MDI-based 2-Component Liquid System Generic
Advantex Glass Fiber 5.8 .mu.m/m-.degree. C.
[0071] In the below example, structural fillers are used to reduce
the CTE and the density of a composite core material. Table B,
below, shows microsphere foam ratios and the CTE of the foam
material at different microsphere concentrations.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE B Particle Isostatic Crush 20% filled 30%
filled 40% filled 50% filled Size/microns Strength CTE um/mC 73 64
55.5 47 K1 0.728 0.625 0.576 0.5 120: 250 psi K15 0.734 0.661 0.588
0.515 115: 300 psi K20 0.744 0.676 0.608 0.54 120: 500 psi K25
0.754 0.691 0.628 0.565 105: 750 psi K37 0.778 0.723 0.676 0.625
85: 3,000 psi K46 0.796 0.754 0.712 0.67 80: 6,000 psi
[0072] The CTE of a known PVC material, e.g., PolyOne Duraflec.RTM.
LD800 Vinyl Compound--Rigid (RPVC) is known to be 61.2:m/m-.degree.
C. according to ASTM D696 (from Table A, above). Table B,
immediately above, shows properties of a particular example foam,
i.e., Bayer Bayder 726IBS Rigid Polyeurathane Foam having a
starting reference of a density of 0.88 g/cc prior to structural
fillers being added and has a CTE of 90:m/m-.degree. C. By
tailoring the amount of structural fillers, in this case 3M
Scotchlite Glass Bubbles K Series having a CTE of 3.3:m/m-.degree.
C., a selected amount of structural filler can be incorporated into
the foam to create a resulting foam wherein the CTE of the PVC
structural material and the CTE of the foam core may be optimized.
In this example, the amount of filler required to optimize CTEs is
between 30% or 40% filled. In this example, a 40% fill using K20
microspheres results in a foam CTE of 55.5:m/m-.degree. C. The new
combined density is 0.608 g/cc.
[0073] Although the above example shows how the CTE of the
structural material and the foam core may be selected to reduce CTE
differences, it is contemplated that any desired relationship of
the CTE of the structural material and the foam core may be
selected to achieve a desired result.
[0074] Referring now to FIG. 13, shown are microspheres 100
combined with chopped fibers 102 to allow new innovations and
further enhance structural stability within composite foam 104.
Cellular foam structure 104 of polyurethane can be tailored by
varying the blowing agent. The influence of solid fillers, such as
microspheres 100, combined with the presence of fibers 102 will
greatly strengthen the overall composite. For example, an 1/8 inch
chopped fiber 102 having a diameter of 7 microns may be located
inside of foam 104 having a volume ratio of 50% microspheres 100
and 50% foam 104 by volume. The fiber 102 will contact and adhere
to the microspheres 100. The largest microsphere 100 that 3M.RTM.
makes is 120 microns. The 1/8 inch fiber 102 inside of the 50%
solid foam matrix would therefore have a possibility of contacting
and adhering to the surface of 5,200 microspheres 100. The foam
material 104 has elastomeric properties and the solid particles 100
do not. Therefore, solid particles 100 will act like an anchoring
system with a fiber 102 in the foam matrix, which will limit the
degree of freedom that the fiber 102 has to move inside the resin
matrix. This phenomenon reduces the amount of fibers 102 necessary
to increase the stiffness because of the anchoring nature of the
solid material 100 interacting with the fibers 102 inside the
micron structural geometry.
[0075] Utilizing the above described method, it can be seen that
structural foams may be tailored to meet the needs of the aerospace
industry. Generally, the criteria for aerospace structural foam
composites include thermal stability and low CTE, low density and
lightweight (10 to 15 lbs/ft.sup.3), structural rigidity, good
internal strength, operating temperatures above 170.degree. F.,
machineable, closed cell, low water absorption, controllable cure
time, chemically stable, excellent adhesion for epoxies, and
materials that can be cast molded to any length.
[0076] When designing structural core materials for aerospace, the
microspheres will need to be added at a high percentage rate, e.g.,
40%-80% by volume in order to lower the CTE and the overall density
of the structural core material.
[0077] Fiber additives may be incorporated into this design
application in small amounts if necessary to increase mechanical
dimensional stability throughout the core material. The drawback of
adding fiber is that the addition of fiber increases the weight of
the composite member. Therefore, small amounts of appropriately
selected chopped fibers may be used, i.e., from 4% to 10% by mass,
as a starting point, should be sufficient, to achieve desired
structural performance. Short chopped glass fibers with a small
diameter in the micron range provide benefits of low moisture
absorption with chemical, mechanical, and thermally stability.
Further, the resulting composite is machinable, and chopped glass
fibers provide excellent adhesion with urethanes.
[0078] The above described methods may be used to produce composite
lumber having desirable attributes. Composite lumber utilizing the
methods of the invention may be produced having excellent thermal
mechanical stability up to or higher then 170.degree. F., low
moisture absorption, cost savings reducing structural materials, a
controllable cure time to maximize production, fire retardant
properties, insect resistant properties, fungal resistant
properties, and that cut easily with a circular saw.
[0079] Polyurethane structural foam is the most cost-efficient foam
matrix currently available. Polyurethane foam can be formulated to
be fire, insect and fungal resistant based on additives which have
been proven successful. Depending on the selection of extruded
structural chemical materials and whether the foam is filled or
unfilled significantly changes the structural integrity of the core
material. However, PVC materials rather than polyethylene or
polypropylene are preferred because of the superior mechanical and
thermal properties.
[0080] Structural additives may be utilized for cost savings.
Natural fibers as well as chopped glass fibers may be used because
PVC is moisture resistant, which protects the natural fibers from
degradation. A higher percentage of fibers will result in a higher
structural stiffness. 30% to 50% by weight with a ratio of 50% hemp
fiber and 50% glass is preferred. Glass fibers are more thermally
stable but natural fibers are more cost-efficient. By using the
above listed high fiber ratios, increased amounts of blowing agents
may be used, which will lower the density of the foam without
sacrificing structural integrity. Small amounts of solid particles
such as glass microspheres or fumed silica can also be added to
tailor the CTE. This tailoring will allow the materials to function
homogeneously promoting the best mechanical thermal stability
between composite components.
[0081] In the case of foam plastics the same structural enhancement
previously mentioned can be used. The introduction of the
structural fillers and fibers can be introduced in the thermo
plastic material prior to the extrusion from the raw material
supplier or in the compounding step before contact with a blowing
agent(s) or mechanically injected gas. In the case of mechanically
injected gases, the structural fillers and fibers can be
incorporated into the plastic through the introduction of the
pressurized gas, which contains the appropriate mixture ration of
the structural particles and fibers.
[0082] Plastics may also incorporate UV stabilizers. UV stabilizers
tend to decreased with time. UV stabilizer may be incorporated into
the plastic as an additive throughout the entire thickness of the
plastic. In use, UV attack typically comes from sunlight.
Therefore, the plastic composite needs a protective UV coating
rather than internal UV stability.
[0083] A non-skid surface with excellent abrasion resistance and a
UV coating that does not lose UV stability with time would be a
benefit to the above described composite system, particularly when
employed in a method to create composite wood planks for use in
household decking. The non-skid coating may be made by adding
fillers such as sand, micro spheres or other small hard particles.
These particles will be added to different areas of the
manufacturing processes. The first application will apply a dust
coating prior to an embossing wheel thereby embedding small
particles into the surface of the composite. The excess material
may then be vacuumed off the surface and recycled. A spray applied
sealant with a UV additive as well as an abrasion resistant
particle may then be applied. This coating will have the appearance
of a translucent stain giving the embossed wood grain a natural
stain look of wood. An embossing tool is deployed to leave grooves
similar to wood grain characteristics, which makes the coating
thicker and darker in the wood grain pattern to simulate the
appearance of real wood. Selecting the appropriate coating system
with the appropriate pigment level can help seal the wood particles
into the composite as well as even out inconsistent color
variations of WPC. The plastic will still need a basic pigment
additive so that if the coating were scratched or damage there will
not be a drastic color difference. It is also possible to provide a
scratch repair system for the consumer to match their aesthetic
grain pattern when a scratch is sealed. There are a variety of
coatings that can be used. For example, polyurethanes, polyureas,
and acrylics with a variety of curing possibilities, such as room
temperature, heat and catalyzed.
[0084] The composite industry has developed a variety of materials
that can be used to create structural materials having desired
properties. It is anticipated that the foam industry may produce
foams that have strengths greater than wood itself that can be
enhanced by the use of the methods of the invention for reinforcing
foam materials. FIG. 9 illustrates that a durable outward shell may
be required or the foam may have a durable self-skinning process in
which the foam creates its own durable outer shell upon curing.
[0085] Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the
objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well
as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments
have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous
changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the
art. Such changes and modifications are encompassed within the
spirit of this invention as defined by the appended claims.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 1 Structure Structure Structure Structure
Structure Yield Structure Cross Geometric Pictoral Structure
Modulus Poisson Density Strength CTE Sectional Case Configuration
Image Material [N/m2] Ratio [kg/m3] [N/m2] [/Kdeg] Area [in2] 1
Model 1 PolyOne 2.70E+09 0.38 1390 4.36E+07 0.00006 4.813 Duraflec
LD800 Vinyl Compound- Rigid (RPVC) 45 Model 1 PolyOne 2.70E+09 0.38
1390 4.36E+07 0.00006 4.813 Duraflec LD800 Vinyl Compound- Rigid
(RPVC) 25 Model 1 PolyOne 2.70E+09 0.38 1390 4.36E+07 0.00006 4.813
Duraflec LD800 Vinyl Compound- Rigid (RPVC) Core Core Core Core
Core Yield Cross Maximum Modulus Poisson Density Strength Core CTE
Sectional Deflection Case Core Material [N/m2] Ratio [kg/m3] [N/m2]
[/Kdeg] Area [in2] [in] 1 none 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0229 45 Bayer Material
8.30E+09 0.35 1590 1.03E+08 0.00003 3.437 0.00944 Science Baydur
STR/C-405 IMR, Polyurethane Composite SRIM Foam, 45% Glass Filled
25 Bayer Material 1.50E+10 0.35 1710 2.21E+08 0.00001 3.437 0.00706
Science Baydur STR/C-400 BB, Polyurethane Composite SRIM Foam, 60%
Glass Filled
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 2 Structure Structure Structure Structure
Structure Yield Structure Cross Geometric Pictoral Structure
Modulus Poisson Density Strength CTE Sectional Area Case
Configuration Image Material [N/m2] Ratio [kg/m3] [N/m2] [/Kdeg]
[in2] 2 Model 1 PolyOne 5.01E+09 0.38 1480 5.45E+07 0.00004 4.813
Fiberloc 97510 Vinyl Compound- Rigid (RPVC), Glass Filled 14 Model
1 PolyOne 5.01E+09 0.38 1480 5.45E+07 0.00004 4.813 Fiberloc 97510
Vinyl Compound- Rigid (RPVC), Glass Filled 26 Model 1 PolyOne
5.01E+09 0.38 1480 5.45E+07 0.00004 4.813 Fiberloc 97510 Vinyl
Compound- Rigid (RPVC), Glass Filled Core Core Cross Core Core Core
Yield Core Sectional Maximum Modulus Poisson Density Strength CTE
Area Deflection Case Core Material [N/m2] Ratio [kg/m3] [N/m2]
[/Kdeg] [in2] [in] 2 none 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0123 14 Bayer Material
8.30E+09 0.35 1590 1.03E+08 0.00003 3.437 0.0051 Science Baydur
STR/C-405 IMR, Polyurethane Composite SRIM Foam, 45% Glass Filled
26 Bayer Materials 1.50E+10 0.35 1710 2.21E+08 0.00001 3.437
0.00515 Science Baydur STR/C-400 BB, Polyurethane Composite SRIM
Foam, 60% Glass Filled
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 3 Structure Structure Cross Structure
Structure Structure Yield Structure Sectional Geometric Pictoral
Structure Modulus Poisson Density Strength CTE Area Case
Configuration Image Material [N/m2] Ratio [kg/m3] [N/m2] [/Kdeg]
[in2] 3 Model 1 PolyOne 7.03E+09 0.38 1550 6.03E+07 0.00003 4.813
Fiberloc 97520 Vinyl Compound- Rigid (RPVC), Glass Filled 15 Model
1 PolyOne 7.03E+09 0.38 1550 6.03E+07 0.00003 4.813 Fiberloc 97520
Vinyl Compound- Rigid (RPVC), Glass Filled 27 Model 1 PolyOne
7.03E+09 0.38 1550 6.03E+07 0.00003 4.813 Fiberloc 97520 Vinyl
Compound- Rigid (RPVC), Glass Filled Core Cross Core Core Core Core
Yield Core Sectional Maximum Modulus Poisson Density Strength CTE
Area Deflection Case Core Material [N/m2] Ratio [kg/m3] [N/m2]
[/Kdeg] [in2] [in] 3 none 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00878 15 Bayer Material
8.30E+09 0.35 1590 1.03E+08 0.00003 3.437 0.00518 Science Baydur
STR/C-405 IMR, Polyurethane Composite SRIM Foam, 45% Glass Filled
27 Bayer Material 1.50E+10 0.35 1710 2.21E+08 0.00001 3.437 0.00422
Science Baydur STR/C-400 BB, Polyurethane Composite SRIM Foam, 60%
Glass Filled
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 4 Structure Structure Structure Structure
Structure Yield Structure Cross Geometric Pictoral Structure
Modulus Poisson Density Strength CTE Sectional Case Configuration
Image Material [N/m2] Ratio [kg/m3] [N/m2] [/Kdeg] Area [in2] 4
Model 1 PolyOne 7.76E+09 0.38 1620 6.26E+07 0.00003 4.813 Fiberloc
97530 Vinyl Compound- Rigid (RPVC), Glass Filled 16 Model 1 PolyOne
7.76E+09 0.38 1620 6.26E+07 0.00003 4.813 Fiberloc 97530 Vinyl
Compound- Rigid (RPVC), Glass Filled 28 Model 1 PolyOne 7.76E+09
0.38 1620 6.26E+07 0.00003 4.813 Fiberloc 97530 Vinyl Compound-
Rigid (RPVC), Glass Filled Core Core Core Core Core Yield Cross
Maximum Modulus Poisson Density Strength Core CTE Sectional
Deflection Case Core Material [N/m2] Ratio [kg/m3] [N/m2] [/Kdeg]
Area [in2] [in] 4 none 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00796 16 Bayer Material
8.30E+09 0.35 1590 1.03E+08 0.00003 3.437 0.00483 Science Baydur
STR/C-405 IMR, Polyurethane Composite SRIM Foam, 45% Glass Filled
28 Bayer Material 1.50E+10 0.35 1710 2.21E+08 0.00001 3.437 0.00397
Science Baydur STR/C-400 BB, Polyurethane Composite SRIM Foam, 60%
Glass Filled
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 5 Structure Structure Structure Structure
Structure Yield Structure Cross Geometric Pictoral Structure
Modulus Poisson Density Strength CTE Sectional Case Configuration
Image Material [N/m2] Ratio [kg/m3] [N/m2] [/Kdeg] Area [in2] 5
Model 2 PolyOne 2.70E+09 0.38 1390 4.36E+07 0.00006 5.178 Duraflec
LD800 Vinyl Compound- Rigid (RPVC) 17 Model 2 PolyOne 2.70E+09 0.38
1390 4.36E+07 0.00006 5.178 Duraflec LD800 Vinyl Compound- Rigid
(RPVC) 29 Model 2 PolyOne 2.70E+09 0.38 1390 4.36E+07 0.00006 5.178
Duraflex LD800 Vinyl Compound- Rigid (RPVC) Core Core Core Core
Core Yield Core Cross Maximum Modulus Poisson Density Strength CTE
Sectional Deflection Case Core Material [N/m2] Ratio [kg/m3] [N/m2]
[/Kdeg] Area [in2] [in] 5 none 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0216 17 Bayer Material
8.30E+09 0.35 1590 1.03E+08 0.00003 3.072 0.01 Science Baydur
STR/C-405 IMR, Polyurethane Composite SRIM Foam, 45% Glass Filled
29 Bayer Material 1.50E+10 0.35 1710 2.21E+08 0.00001 3.072 0.00775
Science Baydur STR/C-400 BB, Polyurethane Composite SRIM Foam, 60%
Glass Filled
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 6 Structure Structure Structure Structure
Structure Yield Structure Cross Geometric Pictoral Structure
Modulus Poisson Density Strength CTE Sectional Case Configuration
Image Material [N/m2] Ratio [kg/m3] [N/m2] [/Kdeg] Area [in2] 6
Model 2 PolyOne 5.01E+09 0.38 1480 5.45E+07 0.00004 5.178 Fiberloc
97510 Vinyl Compound- Rigid (RPVC), Glass Filled 18 Model 2 PolyOne
5.01E+09 0.38 1480 5.45E+07 0.00004 5.178 Fiberloc 97510 Vinyl
Compound- Rigid (RPVC), Glass Filled 30 Model 2 PolyOne 5.01E+09
0.38 1480 5.45E+07 0.0004 5.178 Fiberloc 97510 Vinyl Compound-
Rigid (RPVC), Glass Filled Core Core Core Core Core Yield Cross
Maximum Modulus Poisson Density Strength Core CTE Sectional
Deflection Case Core Material [N/m2] Ratio [kg/m3] [N/m2] [/Kdeg]
Area [in2] [in] 6 none 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0117 18 Bayer Material
8.30E+09 0.35 1590 1.03E+08 0.00003 3.072 0.00666 Science Baydur
STR/C-405 IMR, Polyurethane Composite SRIM Foam, 45% Glass Filled
30 Bayer Material 1.50E+10 0.35 1710 2.21E+08 0.00001 3.072 0.00545
Science Baydur STR/C-400 BB, Polyurethane Composite SRIM Foam, 60%
Glass Filled
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 7 Structure Structure Structure Structure
Structure Yield Structure Cross Geometric Pictoral Structure
Modulus Poisson Density Strength CTE Sectional Case Configuration
Image Material [N/m2] Ratio [kg/m3] [N/m2] [/Kdeg] Area [in2] 7
Model 2 PolyOne 7.03E+09 0.38 1550 6.03E+07 0.00003 5.178 Fiberloc
97520 Vinyl Compound- Rigid (RPVC), Glass Filled 19 Model 2 PolyOne
7.03E+09 0.38 1550 6.03E+07 0.00003 5.178 Fiberloc 97520 Vinyl
Compound- Rigid (RPVC), Glass Filled 31 Model 2 PolyOne 7.03E+09
0.38 1550 6.03E+07 0.00003 5.178 Fiberloc 97520 Vinyl Compound-
Rigid (RPVC), Glass Filled Core Core Core Core Core Yield Cross
Maximum Modulus Poisson Density Strength Core CTE Sectional
Deflection Case Core Material [N/m2] Ratio [kg/m3] [N/m2] [/Kdeg]
Area [in2] [in] 7 none 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00831 19 Bayer Material
8.30E+09 0.35 1590 1.03E+08 0.00003 3.072 0.00521 Science Baydur
STR/C-405 IMR, Polyurethane Composite SRIM Foam, 45% Glass Filled
31 Bayer Material 1.50E+10 0.35 1710 2.21E+08 0.00001 3.072 0.00438
Science Baydur STR/C-400 BB, Polyurethane Composite SRIM Foam, 60%
Glass Filled
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 8 Structure Structure Structure Structure
Structure Yield Structure Cross Geometric Pictoral Structure
Modulus Poisson Density Strength CTE Sectional Case Configuration
Image Material [N/m2] Ratio [kg/m3] [N/m2] [/Kdeg] Area [in2] 8
Model 2 PolyOne 7.76E+09 0.38 1620 6.26E+07 0.00003 5.178 Fiberloc
97530 Vinyl Compound- Rigid (RPVC), Glass Filled 20 Model 2 PolyOne
7.76E+09 0.38 1620 6.26E+07 0.00003 5.178 Fiberloc 97530 Vinyl
Compound- Rigid (RPVC), Glass Filled 36 Model 2 PolyOne 7.76E+09
0.38 1620 6.26E+07 0.00003 3.52 Fiberloc 97530 Vinyl Compound-
Rigid (RPVC), Glass Filled Core Core Core Core Core Yield Cross
Maximum Modulus Poisson Density Strength Core CTE Sectional
Deflection Case Core Material [N/m2] Ratio [kg/m3] [N/m2] [/Kdeg]
Area [in2] [in] 8 none 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00753 20 Bayer Material
8.30E+09 0.35 1590 1.03E+08 0.00003 3.072 0.00484 Science Baydur
STR/C-405 IMR, Polyurethane Composite SRIM Foam, 45% Glass Filled
36 Bayer Material 1.50E+10 0.35 1710 2.21E+08 0.00001 4.73 0.00371
Science Baydur STR/C-400 BB, Polyurethane Composite SRIM Foam, 60%
Glass Filled
TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 9 Structure Structure Structure Structure
Structure Yield Structure Cross Geometric Pictoral Structure
Modulus Poisson Density Strength CTE Sectional Case Configuration
Image Material [N/m2] Ratio [kg/m3] [N/m2] [/Kdeg] Area [in2] 9
Model 3 PolyOne 2.70E+09 0.38 1390 4.36E+07 0.00006 3.52 Duraflec
LD800 Vinyl Compound- Rigid (RPVC) 21 Model 3 PolyOne 2.70E+09 0.38
1390 4.36E+07 0.00006 3.52 Duraflec LD800 Vinyl Compound- Rigid
(RPVC) 33 Model 3 PolyOne 2.70E+09 0.38 1390 4.36E+07 0.00006 3.52
Duraflec LD800 Vinyl Compound- Rigid (RPVC) Core Core Core Core
Core Yield Cross Maximum Modulus Poisson Density Strength Core CTE
Sectional Deflection Case Core Material [N/m2] Ratio [kg/m3] [N/m2]
[/Kdeg] Area [in2] [in] 9 none 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0287 21 Bayer Material
1.50E+10 0.35 1710 2.21E+08 0.00001 4.73 0.00585 Science Baydur
STR/C-400 BB, Polyurethane Composite SRIM Foam, 45% Glass Filled 33
Bayer Material 1.50E+10 0.35 1710 2.21E+08 0.00001 4.73 0.00585
Science Baydur STR/C-400 BB, Polyurethane Composite SRIM Foam, 60%
Glass Filled
TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 10 Structure Structure Structure Structure
Structure Yield Structure Cross Geometric Pictoral Structure
Modulus Poisson Density Strength CTE Sectional Case Configuration
Image Material [N/m2] Ratio [kg/m3] [N/m2] [/Kdeg] Area [in2] 10
Model 3 PolyOne 5.01E+09 0.38 1480 5.45E+07 0.00004 3.52 Fiberloc
97510 Vinyl Compound- Rigid (RPVC), Glass Filled 22 Model 3 PolyOne
5.01E+09 0.38 1480 5.45E+07 0.00004 3.52 Fiberloc 97510 Vinyl
Compound- Rigid (RPVC), Glass Filled 34 Model 3 PolyOne 5.01E+09
0.38 1480 5.45E+07 0.00004 3.52 Fiberloc 97510 Vinyl Compound-
Rigid (RPVC), Glass Filled Core Core Core Core Core Yield Cross
Maximum Modulus Poisson Density Strength Core CTE Sectional
Deflection Case Core Material [N/m2] Ratio [kg/m3] [N/m2] [/Kdeg]
Area [in2] [in] 10 none 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0155 22 Bayer Material
8.30E+09 0.35 1590 1.03E+08 0.00003 4.73 0.00618 Science Baydur
STR/C-405 IMR, Polyurethane Composite SRIM Foam, 45% Glass Filled
34 Bayer Material 1.50E+10 0.35 1710 2.21E+08 0.00001 4.73 0.00458
Science Baydur STR/C-400 BB, Polyurethane Composite SRIM Foam, 60%
Glass Filled
TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 11 Structure Structure Structure Structure
Structure Yield Structure Cross Geometric Pictoral Structure
Modulus Poisson Density Strength CTE Sectional Case Configuration
Image Material [N/m2] Ratio [kg/m3] [N/m2] [/Kdeg] Area [in2] 11
Model 3 PolyOne 7.03E+09 0.38 1550 6.03E+07 0.00003 3.52 Fiberloc
97520 Vinyl Compound- Rigid (RPVC), Glass Filled 23 Model 3 PolyOne
7.03E+09 0.38 1550 6.03E+07 0.00003 3.52 Fiberloc 97520 Vinyl
Compound- Rigid (RPVC), Glass Filled 35 Model 3 PolyOne 7.03E+09
0.38 1550 6.03E+07 0.00003 3.52 Fiberloc 97520 Vinyl Compound-
Rigid (RPVC), Glass Filled Core Cross Core Core Core Core Yield
Core Sectional Maximum Modulus Poisson Density Strength CTE Area
Deflection Case Core Material [N/m2] Ratio [kg/m3] [N/m2] [/Kdeg]
[in2] [in] 11 none 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.011 23 Bayer Material 8.30E+09
0.35 1590 1.03E+08 0.00003 4.73 0.00509 Science Baydur STR/C-405
IMR, Polyurethane Composite SRIM Foam, 45% Glass Filled 35 Bayer
Material 1.50E+10 0.35 1710 2.21E+08 0.00001 4.73 0.0039 Science
Baydur STR/C-400 BB, Polyurethane Composite SRIM Foam, 60% Glass
Filled
TABLE-US-00014 TABLE 12 Structure Structure Structure Structure
Structure Yield Structure Cross Geometric Pictoral Structure
Modulus Poisson Density Strength CTE Sectional Case Configuration
Image Material [N/m2] Ratio [kg/m3] [N/m2] [/Kdeg] Area [in2] 12
Model 3 PolyOne 7.76E+09 0.38 1620 6.26E+07 0.00003 3.52 Fiberloc
97530 Vinyl Compound- Rigid (RPVC), Glass Filled 24 Model 3 PolyOne
7.76E+09 0.38 1620 6.26E+07 0.00003 3.52 Fiberloc 97530 Vinyl
Compound- Rigid (RPVC), Glass Filled 36 Model 3 PolyOne 7.76E+09
0.38 1620 6.26E+07 0.00003 3.52 Fiberloc 97530 Vinyl Compound-
Rigid (RPVC), Glass Filled Core Core Core Core Core Yield Cross
Maximum Modulus Poisson Density Strength Core CTE Sectional
Deflection Case Core Material [N/m2] Ratio [kg/m3] [N/m2] [/Kdeg]
Area [in2] [in] 12 none 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00998 24 Bayer Material
8.30E+09 0.35 1590 1.03E+08 0.00003 4.73 0.00479 Science Baydur
STR/C-405 IMR, Polyurethane Composite SRIM Foam, 45% Glass Filled
36 Bayer Material 1.50E+10 0.35 1710 2.21E+08 0.00001 4.73 0.00371
Science Baydur STR/C-400 BB, Polyurethane Composite SRIM Foam, 60%
Glass Filled
TABLE-US-00015 TABLE 13 Structure Structure Structure Structure
Yield Structure Geometric Pictoral Structure Modulus Poisson
Density Strength CTE Case Configuration Image Material [N/m2] Ratio
[kg/m3] [N/m2] [/Kdeg] 37 Model 4 North Wood 1.70E+09 0.38 1003
1.70E+07 0.00E+00 Plastics HDPE with 20% Wood Fiber 38 Model 4
North Wood 2.70E+09 0.38 1054 1.80E+07 0.00E+00 Plastics HDPE with
40% Wood Fiber 39 Model 4 North Wood 4.40E+09 0.38 1158 1.60E+07
0.00E+00 Plastics HDPE with 60% Wood Fiber 40 Model 4 North Wood
1.80E+09 0.38 994 1.50E+07 0 Plastics HDPE + UNIFILL 60 (20% Wood
Fiber) 41 Model 4 North Wood 3.80E+09 0.38 1071 1.50E+07 0 Plastics
HDPE + UNIFILL 60 (40% Wood Fiber) Structure Core Cross Core Core
Core Core Yield Cross Maximum Sectional Core Modulus Poisson
Density Strength Core CTE Sectional Deflection Case Area [in2]
Material [N/m2] Ratio [kg/m3] [N/m2] [/Kdeg] Area [in2] [in] 37
8.25 n/a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0223 38 8.25 n/a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.014 39 8.25
n/a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00861 40 8.25 n/a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0211 41 8.25 n/a
0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00997
* * * * *