Claims
- 1. In a pressure vessel comprising a composite overwrapped pressure vessel including a metal lining and an overwrapped resin composite, the improvement comprising an outer layer of fibers wound thereon in an epoxy matrix resin, said epoxy matrix resin including a plurality of microspheres containing a temperature responsive phase change material which changes phase in response to exposure thereof to a predetermined temperature increase so as to provide increased insulation and heat absorption.
- 2. A pressure vessel as claimed in claim 1 wherein said microspheres comprise glass microspheres.
- 3. A coating laminate for providing an outer protective coating for a pressure vessel adapted to contain a fluid under pressure, said laminate comprising a plurality of fibers adapted to be wound around the pressure vessel and an epoxy matrix resin for the fibers, said epoxy matrix resin including a plurality of microspheres containing a temperature responsive phase change material which changes phase in response to exposure thereof to a predetermined temperature increase so as to provide increased insulation and heat absorption.
- 4. A pressure vessel as claimed in claim 1 wherein said microspheres comprise glass microspheres.
- 5. A method of improving the impact resistance and high temperature resistance of a pressure vessel having an outer surface, said method comprising:
winding fiber filaments over the outer surface of the pressure vessel so as to substantially completely cover the outer surface; and applying an epoxy resin to the fiber filaments, said epoxy resin including a plurality of microspheres containing a temperature responsive phase change material.
- 6. A method as claimed in claim 5 wherein said resin is applied to said fiber filaments prior to said winding of said filaments in said pressure vessel.
- 7. A method as claimed in claim 6 wherein said fiber filaments are immersed in a bath of said resin prior to said winding.
- 8. A method as claimed in claim 5 wherein said resin is applied to said fiber filaments after said winding.
ORIGIN OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention was made by employees of the United States Government and may be manufactured and used by or for the Government for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties.