EP1268166A1 - Composite material reinforced by springlike metal structure - Google Patents
Composite material reinforced by springlike metal structureInfo
- Publication number
- EP1268166A1 EP1268166A1 EP00993392A EP00993392A EP1268166A1 EP 1268166 A1 EP1268166 A1 EP 1268166A1 EP 00993392 A EP00993392 A EP 00993392A EP 00993392 A EP00993392 A EP 00993392A EP 1268166 A1 EP1268166 A1 EP 1268166A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- composite material
- metal structure
- springs
- metal
- polymer
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 title claims abstract description 45
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 45
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 27
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 208000018747 cerebellar ataxia with neuropathy and bilateral vestibular areflexia syndrome Diseases 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000012815 thermoplastic material Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 9
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 9
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 9
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000005060 rubber Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000011230 binding agent Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000012943 hotmelt Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 3
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 230000001427 coherent effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 239000000839 emulsion Substances 0.000 description 2
- BFMKFCLXZSUVPI-UHFFFAOYSA-N ethyl but-3-enoate Chemical compound CCOC(=O)CC=C BFMKFCLXZSUVPI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 125000000524 functional group Chemical group 0.000 description 2
- 239000000155 melt Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920000098 polyolefin Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920002725 thermoplastic elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-M Acrylate Chemical compound [O-]C(=O)C=C NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- ZOXJGFHDIHLPTG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Boron Chemical compound [B] ZOXJGFHDIHLPTG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chromium Chemical compound [Cr] VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004593 Epoxy Substances 0.000 description 1
- PWHULOQIROXLJO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Manganese Chemical compound [Mn] PWHULOQIROXLJO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920000877 Melamine resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- ISWSIDIOOBJBQZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Phenol Chemical compound OC1=CC=CC=C1 ISWSIDIOOBJBQZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 description 1
- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc Chemical compound [Zn] HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000611 Zinc aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910001297 Zn alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000001298 alcohols Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229920000180 alkyd Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005275 alloying Methods 0.000 description 1
- HXFVOUUOTHJFPX-UHFFFAOYSA-N alumane;zinc Chemical compound [AlH3].[Zn] HXFVOUUOTHJFPX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000004873 anchoring Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001588 bifunctional effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001400 block copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 210000000988 bone and bone Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 229910052796 boron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052804 chromium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011651 chromium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007865 diluting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002270 dispersing agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010894 electron beam technology Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003822 epoxy resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001038 ethylene copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- LNEPOXFFQSENCJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N haloperidol Chemical compound C1CC(O)(C=2C=CC(Cl)=CC=2)CCN1CCCC(=O)C1=CC=C(F)C=C1 LNEPOXFFQSENCJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052748 manganese Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011572 manganese Substances 0.000 description 1
- JDSHMPZPIAZGSV-UHFFFAOYSA-N melamine Chemical compound NC1=NC(N)=NC(N)=N1 JDSHMPZPIAZGSV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 239000003960 organic solvent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000005011 phenolic resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000049 pigment Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000647 polyepoxide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000002861 polymer material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003225 polyurethane elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052761 rare earth metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910000077 silane Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- -1 silane compound Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000004756 silanes Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003381 stabilizer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229920006342 thermoplastic vulcanizate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001187 thermosetting polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229910052720 vanadium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- GPPXJZIENCGNKB-UHFFFAOYSA-N vanadium Chemical compound [V]#[V] GPPXJZIENCGNKB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000004073 vulcanization Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000080 wetting agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011701 zinc Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C70/00—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
- B29C70/04—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts comprising reinforcements only, e.g. self-reinforcing plastics
- B29C70/26—Non-fibrous reinforcements only
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2027/00—Use of polyvinylhalogenides or derivatives thereof as moulding material
- B29K2027/06—PVC, i.e. polyvinylchloride
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2105/00—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped
- B29K2105/06—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped containing reinforcements, fillers or inserts
- B29K2105/08—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped containing reinforcements, fillers or inserts of continuous length, e.g. cords, rovings, mats, fabrics, strands or yarns
- B29K2105/0809—Fabrics
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2007/00—Flat articles, e.g. films or sheets
- B29L2007/007—Narrow strips, e.g. ribbons, tapes, bands
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2007/00—Flat articles, e.g. films or sheets
- B29L2007/008—Wide strips, e.g. films, webs
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T442/00—Fabric [woven, knitted, or nonwoven textile or cloth, etc.]
- Y10T442/10—Scrim [e.g., open net or mesh, gauze, loose or open weave or knit, etc.]
- Y10T442/184—Nonwoven scrim
- Y10T442/188—Metal or metal-coated fiber-containing scrim
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a composite material which comprises a polymer as matrix and a metal structure as a reinforcing element
- the invention also relates to the use of such a composite material as reinforced canvass, sail cloth, cargo cover or tarpaulin
- WO-A-98/55682 solves the problem of flexibility by replacing the single steel wire by two or more steel cords in parallel adjacent to each other
- the steel cords have the advantage of providing sufficient flexibility while still providing the required strength
- the increased flexibility is obtained by using relatively thin filaments in the steel cords
- these thin filaments often lack the required resistance against the action of a pair of scissors
- a composite material which comprises a polymer as matrix and a metal structure as a reinforcing element.
- the metal structure comprises two metal springs.
- the springs are wound in opposite directions.
- the springs have coil parts which alternate with each other along the length of the metal structure.
- the springs are rolled together so as to form a flat shape and a coherent structure. During this process the individual wires are more or less flattened, taking into account the tensile strength of the wires and the pressure exercised on the rolls.
- the metal structure is flexible in all directions.
- each cross-section has at least three, but conveniently four separate cross-sections of metal wires.
- the metal structure has a great elastic springiness. It allows to a large degree folding and bending without plastic deformation.
- the metal structure is thin and flat in one direction, so that a minimal amount of polymer is needed to cover it. This reduces the weight of the composite material.
- a metal structure as described hereabove, is known as such in the art as corset bones for orthopedical applications.
- the polymer is preferably a thermoplastic material such as polyvinylchloride (PVC) which can be extruded around the metal structure.
- PVC polyvinylchloride
- thermoplastic elastomers refers to blends of polyolefins and rubbers in which blends the rubber phase is not cured, blends of polyolefins and rubbers in which blends the rubber phase has been partially or fully cured by a vulcanization process to form thermoplastic vulcanizates, or unvulcanized block-copolymers or blends thereof.
- the composite material can be in the form of a strip, a sheet or a fabric with a warp and a weft, where at least one of the warp or the weft are a strip.
- the composite material can be used in applications where an increased resistance against vandalism and robbery is desired. Examples are the reinforcement of canvasses, sail cloths, tarpaulins, tent material, cargo covers.
- FIGURE 1 illustrates a metal structure used to reinforce a composite material according to the invention
- FIGURE 2 illustrates a cross-section of a composite material in the form of a strip
- - FIGURE 3 illustrates a cross-section of a composite material in the form of a sheet
- FIGURE 4 illustrates a composite material in the form of a fabric. Description of the preferred embodiments of the invention.
- FIGURE 1 illustrates a metal structure 10 used to reinforce a composite material according to the invention.
- the metal structure 10 comprises two metal springs 12, 14 which are wound in opposite directions.
- the springs 12, 14 are so wound in each other that a coil part of spring 12 alternates with a coil part of spring 14, and vice versa.
- the metal structure 10 is rolled so that it forms a coherent and flat structure.
- the rolling is so that the cross-sections of the individual springs 12 and 14 are also flattened. This flattening increases the resistance against the action of a pair of scissors.
- the metal springs 12, 14 can be made of hard drawn steel wires with following plain carbon composition : a carbon content between 0.06 % and 1.10 %, a silicon content between 0.10 % and 0.40 % and a manganese content between 0.20 % and 1.20 %. Addition of micro-alloying such as chromium, vanadium, boron ... is not excluded. The use of stainless steel wires is neither excluded.
- Typical values of the diameter d of the steel wires are 0.40 mm and 0.50 mm (in case of a non-round cross-section, the diameter d equals to the diameter of a round cross-section with the same cross-sectional surface). Generally the wire diameter d ranges from 0.25 mm to 0.80 mm.
- a typical value of the coil diameter D is 4.0 mm. Generally the coil diameter D ranges from 3.0 mm to 6.0 mm after rolling.
- the width W of the total metal structure 10 may vary between about 4.0 mm and 11.0 mm after rolling.
- the pitch p between two coils of the same spring wire varies between the value of a single wire diameter and several times the wire diameter.
- the steel wire may be coated with a metallic coating such as zinc or a zinc alloy (e.g. a zinc aluminum alloy with 2 % to 10 % Al and 0.1 % to
- rare earth elements such as La and/or Ce
- the individual steel wires or the steel structure as a whole may also be provided with a primer which increases the adhesion to the polymer matrix.
- a first group of primers that can be used are thermosetting materials. Therefore binding agents are dissolved in an organic solvent or are dispersed with a limited amount of a dispersing agent in water to form an emulsion or a suspension. Suitable binding agents are based on acrylate, alkyd/melamine, epoxy or phenol/epoxy resins. Other binding agents giving a good adhesion to the metal and to the PVC compounds can also be used. Additives such as anticorrosion pigments, wetting agents and/or stabilizing agents can be added.
- the primer composition is applied to the wires or to the metal structure by immersing the wires or the structure into a solution, an emulsion or a suspension of the primer material. The primer composition can also be applied by spraying.
- the thickness of the wet primer layer can be calibrated by passing the wire and the primer through the calibrated opening of a die.
- the thickness of the primer layer can also be calibrated by felt wiping or by air wiping in a controlled air stream.
- the thickness of the primer layer may be influenced by further diluting the primer composition.
- the wire or the metal structure can be heated.
- the thickness of the primer layer must be low.
- the thickness of the dry primer layer is preferably less than 10 ⁇ m, more preferably less than 5 ⁇ m, for instance less than 1 ⁇ m.
- Radiation curable resins such as ultra violet, electron beam or infra red curable resins are also suitable as primer.
- a second group of primer layers that can be applied are hot melts, for example ethylene copolymers such as EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate), polyamides or polyesters.
- hot melts for example ethylene copolymers such as EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate), polyamides or polyesters.
- EVA ethyl vinyl acetate
- polyamides polyamides
- polyesters polyesters.
- EVA ethyl vinyl acetate
- This hot melt can be applied with a variety of different equipment. Very suitable is the melt pot.
- Also application by extrusion is possible under certain conditions. A method for the application by extrusion is described in the patent specification BE 1006346.
- primer layers with a thickness of less than 25 ⁇ m, for instance less than 5 ⁇ m are obtained.
- a third group are silane-compounds. These are bifunctional molecules : one functional group is responsible for the binding with the metal(oxides), the other functional group reacts with the polymer. More details about these silane compound can be found in the PCT application with the application number WO-A-99/20682 (PCT/BE98/0015). Usually the silane compounds are diluted in alcohols, although they can be diluted in other solvents or in water as well. With this type of compounds very thin primer layers with a thickness of 20 nm or even less can be achieved.
- FIGURE 2 shows a cross-section of a composite strip 16.
- Strip 16 has a PVC matrix 17 which is extruded around a metal structure 10 which has three to four cross-sections of spring wires 12, 14.
- a typical width of the strip is 6.0 mm and a typical thickness 1.0 mm. Generally, both the width and the thickness depend upon the resp. width and thickness of the metal structure 10. The width may range from 3.0 mm to 25.0 mm and the thickness may range from 0.50 mm to 3.0 mm.
- FIGURE 3 illustrates a composite sheet 18 at least one direction of which is reinforced by means of a metals structure 10.
- FIGURE 4 illustrates a fabric 20 where either the warp elements 16' or the weft elements 16" or both are strips reinforced by means of a metal structure 10. Strips 16' are welded to strips 16" so that the PVC material melts and functions as an adhesive between warp and weft.
- the fabric 20 forms various meshes.
- the width M of the mesh ranges from 5.0 cm to 20.0 cm. Typical values are 15.0 cm x 15.0 cm and 10.0 cm x 7.5 cm.
- a fabric 20 may be used as reinforcement for canvasses by bonding or adhering the fabric at the interior side of the canvass so that the external side is still available for publicity or brand names.
- Canvasses for trucks may be divided into two main categories : canvasses of the curtain type and canvasses of the roll up type.
- Canvasses of the curtain type are slidingly suspended on horizontal rails and can be horizontally slid to one side to open the canvass.
- Canvasses of the curtain type require flexibility in the horizontal direction.
- Canvasses of the roll up type can be rolled up vertically to open the canvass.
- Canvasses of the roll up type require a flexibility in the vertical direction.
- Fabrics 20 according to the invention may be realized so that for canvasses of the roll-up type, the flexible metal structure 10 reinforces at least the vertical strips 16' and that for canvasses of the curtain type, the flexible metal structure 10 reinforces at least the horizontal strips 16".
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Composite Materials (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Laminated Bodies (AREA)
Abstract
A composite material (16) comprising a polymer (17) as matrix and a metal structure (10) as a reinforcing element, characterized in that said metal structure (10) comprises two metal springs (12, 14), said springs (12, 14) being wound in opposite directions, said springs having coil parts which alternate with each other along the length of the metal structure, said springs being rolled so as to form a flat shape.
Description
COMPOSITE MATERIAL REINFORCED BY SPRINGLIKE METAL
STRUCTURE
Field of the invention. The present invention relates to a composite material which comprises a polymer as matrix and a metal structure as a reinforcing element The invention also relates to the use of such a composite material as reinforced canvass, sail cloth, cargo cover or tarpaulin
Background of the invention.
Composite materials with a polymer as a matrix and a metal structure as a reinforcing element are known in the art An example is WO-A- 97/26146, which discloses a fabric of polyvinylchloπde reinforced by one elongated metal element such as a wire for use as reinforcement of canvasses
The disadvantage of this structure is that a wire, in order to provide the required strength and resistance against cutting and against the action of a pair of scissors, must have a diameter which is sufficiently large This large diameter wire then lacks flexibility which may hinder or prevent the canvass from being folded
WO-A-98/55682 solves the problem of flexibility by replacing the single steel wire by two or more steel cords in parallel adjacent to each other The steel cords have the advantage of providing sufficient flexibility while still providing the required strength The increased flexibility is obtained by using relatively thin filaments in the steel cords However, in a number of safety applications such as canvasses, these thin filaments often lack the required resistance against the action of a pair of scissors
Summary of the invention.
It is an object of the present invention to avoid the drawbacks of the prior art
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an alternative metal reinforcement for polymer material in safety applications
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a metal structure which combines the properties of providing the required strength and resistance against cutting and a sufficient flexibility. It is still another object of the present invention to decrease the weight of composite materials.
According to the invention there is provided a composite material which comprises a polymer as matrix and a metal structure as a reinforcing element. The metal structure comprises two metal springs. The springs are wound in opposite directions. The springs have coil parts which alternate with each other along the length of the metal structure. The springs are rolled together so as to form a flat shape and a coherent structure. During this process the individual wires are more or less flattened, taking into account the tensile strength of the wires and the pressure exercised on the rolls.
This metal structure has following advantages :
(a) The metal structure is flexible in all directions.
(b) The metal structure provides an adequate resistance against cutting and against the action of a pair of scissors since each cross-section has at least three, but conveniently four separate cross-sections of metal wires.
(c) The metal structure has a great elastic springiness. It allows to a large degree folding and bending without plastic deformation. (d) The metal structure is thin and flat in one direction, so that a minimal amount of polymer is needed to cover it. This reduces the weight of the composite material.
A metal structure, as described hereabove, is known as such in the art as corset bones for orthopedical applications.
The polymer is preferably a thermoplastic material such as polyvinylchloride (PVC) which can be extruded around the metal structure.
Other examples of suitable polymers include polyurethane and thermoplastic elastomers. The term thermoplastic elastomers refers to blends of polyolefins and rubbers in which blends the rubber phase is not cured, blends of polyolefins and rubbers in which blends the rubber phase has been partially or fully cured by a vulcanization process to form thermoplastic vulcanizates, or unvulcanized block-copolymers or blends thereof.
The composite material can be in the form of a strip, a sheet or a fabric with a warp and a weft, where at least one of the warp or the weft are a strip.
The composite material can be used in applications where an increased resistance against vandalism and robbery is desired. Examples are the reinforcement of canvasses, sail cloths, tarpaulins, tent material, cargo covers.
Brief description of the drawings.
The invention will now be described into more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein
FIGURE 1 illustrates a metal structure used to reinforce a composite material according to the invention ;
FIGURE 2 illustrates a cross-section of a composite material in the form of a strip ; - FIGURE 3 illustrates a cross-section of a composite material in the form of a sheet ;
FIGURE 4 illustrates a composite material in the form of a fabric.
Description of the preferred embodiments of the invention.
FIGURE 1 illustrates a metal structure 10 used to reinforce a composite material according to the invention. The metal structure 10 comprises two metal springs 12, 14 which are wound in opposite directions. The springs 12, 14 are so wound in each other that a coil part of spring 12 alternates with a coil part of spring 14, and vice versa. Thereafter the metal structure 10 is rolled so that it forms a coherent and flat structure. The rolling is so that the cross-sections of the individual springs 12 and 14 are also flattened. This flattening increases the resistance against the action of a pair of scissors.
The metal springs 12, 14 can be made of hard drawn steel wires with following plain carbon composition : a carbon content between 0.06 % and 1.10 %, a silicon content between 0.10 % and 0.40 % and a manganese content between 0.20 % and 1.20 %. Addition of micro-alloying such as chromium, vanadium, boron ... is not excluded. The use of stainless steel wires is neither excluded.
Typical values of the diameter d of the steel wires are 0.40 mm and 0.50 mm (in case of a non-round cross-section, the diameter d equals to the diameter of a round cross-section with the same cross-sectional surface). Generally the wire diameter d ranges from 0.25 mm to 0.80 mm.
A typical value of the coil diameter D is 4.0 mm. Generally the coil diameter D ranges from 3.0 mm to 6.0 mm after rolling.
The width W of the total metal structure 10 may vary between about 4.0 mm and 11.0 mm after rolling.
The pitch p between two coils of the same spring wire varies between the value of a single wire diameter and several times the wire diameter.
The steel wire may be coated with a metallic coating such as zinc or a zinc alloy (e.g. a zinc aluminum alloy with 2 % to 10 % Al and 0.1 % to
0.4 % of rare earth elements such as La and/or Ce) in order to provide a good corrosion resistance.
Although the undulated and rough surface of the metal structure already guarantees a good mechanical anchoring between the metal structure 10 and the polymer matrix, the individual steel wires or the steel structure as a whole may also be provided with a primer which increases the adhesion to the polymer matrix.
A first group of primers that can be used are thermosetting materials. Therefore binding agents are dissolved in an organic solvent or are dispersed with a limited amount of a dispersing agent in water to form an emulsion or a suspension. Suitable binding agents are based on acrylate, alkyd/melamine, epoxy or phenol/epoxy resins. Other binding agents giving a good adhesion to the metal and to the PVC compounds can also be used. Additives such as anticorrosion pigments, wetting agents and/or stabilizing agents can be added. The primer composition is applied to the wires or to the metal structure by immersing the wires or the structure into a solution, an emulsion or a suspension of the primer material. The primer composition can also be applied by spraying. The thickness of the wet primer layer can be calibrated by passing the wire and the primer through the calibrated opening of a die. The thickness of the primer layer can also be calibrated by felt wiping or by air wiping in a controlled air stream. The thickness of the primer layer may be influenced by further diluting the primer composition.
In order to allow drying and curing the wire or the metal structure can be heated.
Since it is desirable that the weight of the composite is as low as possible, the thickness of the primer layer must be low. The thickness of
the dry primer layer is preferably less than 10 μm, more preferably less than 5 μm, for instance less than 1 μm. Radiation curable resins such as ultra violet, electron beam or infra red curable resins are also suitable as primer.
A second group of primer layers that can be applied are hot melts, for example ethylene copolymers such as EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate), polyamides or polyesters. In order to obtain a sufficient thin layer, it is preferred to use hot melts with a viscosity at 200°C of less than 20 Pa.s, more preferably this viscosity is less than 15 Pa.s. This hot melt can be applied with a variety of different equipment. Very suitable is the melt pot. Also application by extrusion is possible under certain conditions. A method for the application by extrusion is described in the patent specification BE 1006346.
Depending on the viscosity and the method of the application of the primer layer, primer layers with a thickness of less than 25 μm, for instance less than 5 μm are obtained.
A third group are silane-compounds. These are bifunctional molecules : one functional group is responsible for the binding with the metal(oxides), the other functional group reacts with the polymer. More details about these silane compound can be found in the PCT application with the application number WO-A-99/20682 (PCT/BE98/0015). Usually the silane compounds are diluted in alcohols, although they can be diluted in other solvents or in water as well. With this type of compounds very thin primer layers with a thickness of 20 nm or even less can be achieved.
FIGURE 2 shows a cross-section of a composite strip 16. Strip 16 has a PVC matrix 17 which is extruded around a metal structure 10 which has three to four cross-sections of spring wires 12, 14. A typical width of the strip is 6.0 mm and a typical thickness 1.0 mm. Generally, both the width and the thickness depend upon the resp. width and thickness of the
metal structure 10. The width may range from 3.0 mm to 25.0 mm and the thickness may range from 0.50 mm to 3.0 mm.
FIGURE 3 illustrates a composite sheet 18 at least one direction of which is reinforced by means of a metals structure 10.
FIGURE 4 illustrates a fabric 20 where either the warp elements 16' or the weft elements 16" or both are strips reinforced by means of a metal structure 10. Strips 16' are welded to strips 16" so that the PVC material melts and functions as an adhesive between warp and weft.
The fabric 20 forms various meshes. The width M of the mesh ranges from 5.0 cm to 20.0 cm. Typical values are 15.0 cm x 15.0 cm and 10.0 cm x 7.5 cm. A fabric 20 may be used as reinforcement for canvasses by bonding or adhering the fabric at the interior side of the canvass so that the external side is still available for publicity or brand names. Canvasses for trucks may be divided into two main categories : canvasses of the curtain type and canvasses of the roll up type. Canvasses of the curtain type are slidingly suspended on horizontal rails and can be horizontally slid to one side to open the canvass. Canvasses of the curtain type require flexibility in the horizontal direction. Canvasses of the roll up type can be rolled up vertically to open the canvass. Canvasses of the roll up type require a flexibility in the vertical direction. Fabrics 20 according to the invention may be realized so that for canvasses of the roll-up type, the flexible metal structure 10 reinforces at least the vertical strips 16' and that for canvasses of the curtain type, the flexible metal structure 10 reinforces at least the horizontal strips 16".
Claims
1. A composite material comprising a polymer as matrix and a metal structure as a reinforcing element, characterized in that said metal structure comprises two metal springs, said springs being wound in opposite directions, said springs having coil parts which alternate with each other along the length of the metal structure, said springs being rolled so as to form a flat shape.
2. A composite material according to claim 1 wherein said polymer is a thermoplastic material.
3. A composite material according to claim 2 wherein said thermoplastic material is polyvinylchloride.
4. A composite material according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said composite material has the form of a strip.
5. A composite material according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said composite material has the form of a sheet.
6. A fabric comprising a warp and a weft which form meshes, said meshes having a maximum dimension ranging from 5 cm to 25 cm, at least one of the warp or the weft being formed by a strip according to claim 4.
7. A canvass or a sail cloth, said canvass or sail cloth at least partially reinforced by a composite material according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP00993392A EP1268166A1 (en) | 1999-12-15 | 2000-12-13 | Composite material reinforced by springlike metal structure |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP99204341 | 1999-12-15 | ||
EP99204341 | 1999-12-15 | ||
PCT/EP2000/012782 WO2001043950A1 (en) | 1999-12-15 | 2000-12-13 | Composite material reinforced by springlike metal structure |
EP00993392A EP1268166A1 (en) | 1999-12-15 | 2000-12-13 | Composite material reinforced by springlike metal structure |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1268166A1 true EP1268166A1 (en) | 2003-01-02 |
Family
ID=8241011
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP00993392A Withdrawn EP1268166A1 (en) | 1999-12-15 | 2000-12-13 | Composite material reinforced by springlike metal structure |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20020193023A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1268166A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2842401A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2001043950A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE602006011906D1 (en) * | 2005-07-20 | 2010-03-11 | Bekaert Sa Nv | ROLL OF PREFORMED STEEL CORD REINFORCED BAND |
WO2011144482A1 (en) * | 2010-05-18 | 2011-11-24 | Nv Bekaert Sa | Pvc reinforced composites |
FR2985935B1 (en) * | 2012-01-19 | 2014-02-21 | Choletaise De Fabrication Soc | METHOD FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL SHAPING OF AN OBJECT FROM A FLEXIBLE CORD, CORD FOR CARRYING OUT THE METHOD, AND OBJECT PRODUCED THEREBY |
ITRA20130020A1 (en) * | 2013-07-19 | 2015-01-20 | Grassi Enrico | LAMINATE |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2127418A5 (en) * | 1971-03-05 | 1972-10-13 | Europ Propulsion | |
FR2743772B1 (en) * | 1996-01-19 | 1998-04-10 | Bretagne Baches | IMPROVEMENT IN FLEXIBLE WALLS FOR VEHICLE BODIES IN PARTICULAR |
WO1998055682A1 (en) * | 1997-06-06 | 1998-12-10 | N.V. Bekaert S.A. | Canvass reinforcement |
-
2000
- 2000-12-13 US US10/148,923 patent/US20020193023A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-12-13 WO PCT/EP2000/012782 patent/WO2001043950A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2000-12-13 AU AU28424/01A patent/AU2842401A/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-12-13 EP EP00993392A patent/EP1268166A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
See references of WO0143950A1 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20020193023A1 (en) | 2002-12-19 |
WO2001043950A1 (en) | 2001-06-21 |
AU2842401A (en) | 2001-06-25 |
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