REINFORCED PULTRUSION MEMBER AND METHOD OF MAKING

Abstract

A reinforced pultruded profile having a top edge, a bottom edge spaced along a vertical axis extending between the top edge and the bottom edge, a transverse axis oriented perpendicular to the vertical axis, and a machine axis oriented along a length of the profile. The pultruded profile includes a first reinforcing layer spaced along the vertical axis and oriented along the transverse axis, a second reinforcing layer spaced along the vertical axis and oriented along the transverse axis, and a first structural layer located between the first reinforcing layer and the second reinforcing layer, the first structural layer having a modulus of elasticity of at least 175 GPa.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a pultrusion member, and more specifically to a reinforced pultrusion member and method of making the same.

BACKGROUND

Pultrusion is a known technique in which longitudinally continuous fibrous elements, which can include reinforcing fibers and/or a reinforcing mat, are combined into a resin-based structure. The process generally involves pulling the reinforcing fibers through a bath of thermoset resin and then into a heated forming die. The heat of the die cures the resin as the part is pulled through the die on a continuous basis.

SUMMARY

Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods that relate to a reinforced pultruded profile.

In some examples, the reinforced pultruded profile includes a top edge, a bottom edge spaced along a vertical axis. The vertical axis extends between the top edge and the bottom edge. The reinforced pultruded profile also includes a transverse axis oriented perpendicular to the vertical axis and a machine axis oriented along a length of the profile. The reinforced pultruded profile includes a first reinforcing layer spaced along the vertical axis and oriented along the transverse axis. The first reinforcing layer includes a plurality of longitudinal rovings, a reinforcing structure including a reinforcing mat, and a resin matrix surrounding the longitudinal rovings and reinforcing structure. The reinforced pultruded profile also includes a second reinforcing layer spaced along the vertical axis and oriented along the transverse axis. The second reinforcing layer includes a plurality of longitudinal rovings, a reinforcing structure including a reinforcing mat, and a resin matrix surrounding the longitudinal rovings and reinforcing structure. The reinforced pultruded profile also includes a first structural layer located between the first reinforcing layer and the second reinforcing layer. The first structural layer has a optionally has a modulus of elasticity of at least 175 GPa.

Some examples are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods that relate to a method for pultruding a pultruded part having a reinforced pultruded profile. The method includes providing a plurality of rovings oriented along the longitudinal axis. The method also includes providing a reinforcing structure having a plurality of fibers oriented along the transverse axis and providing a structural member oriented along the longitudinal axis. A resin matrix is combined with the plurality of rovings and the reinforcing structure to create at least one reinforcing layer. The plurality of rovings and the reinforcing structure are substantially surrounded by the resin matrix. The method also includes feeding the reinforcing layer and structural member into a pultrusion die to form a pultruded part. The method also includes pulling the pultruded part from the pultrusion die.

While multiple inventive examples are specifically disclosed, various modifications and combinations of features from those examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. Accordingly, the disclosed examples are meant to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a pultruded profile, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a reinforcing layer, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a top-down view of a reinforcing mat, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pultruded part, according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 5A-C are cross-sectional views of a pultruded part, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a pultrusion process, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Pultrusion is a known technique used to produce a variety of structures. In one embodiment, a pultruded profile generally includes a top edge, a bottom edge, a vertical axis extending from the top edge to the bottom edge, a transverse axis perpendicular to the vertical axis, and a machine axis oriented along a length of the profile. The profile also includes a first reinforcing layer, a second reinforcing layer, and a first structural layer located between the first and second reinforcing layers.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pultruded profile 10, also referred to herein simply as profile 10, includes a first reinforcing layer 20, a first structural layer 30, and a second reinforcing layer 40 spaced along the vertical axis X_v between the top edge 12 and bottom edge 14 of the profile 10. The first reinforcing layer 20, the first structural layer 30, and the second reinforcing layer 40, referred to collectively herein as “layers,” are oriented along the transverse axis X_t. In some embodiments, the layers form discrete layers.

In some embodiments, the first reinforcing layer 20 and second reinforcing layer 40 include a plurality of reinforcing fibers known as rovings 46, as shown in FIG. 2. As used herein, rovings 46 can generally be defined as bundles or groupings of hundreds or thousands of thin, threadlike filaments including, for example, glass fibers, natural fibers, carbon fibers, metal fibers, ceramic fibers, synthetic or polymeric fibers, composite fibers, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the rovings 46 are oriented longitudinally along the machine axis X_m (FIG. 4), which is also referred to herein as a longitudinal axis, a pultruded axis, or more generally, the pull direction. The longitudinal orientation of the rovings 46 provides the material longitudinal strength, which may prevent the material from tearing during the pultrusion process.

The first reinforcing layer 20 and second reinforcing layer 40 also include a reinforcing mat 50. As shown in FIG. 3, the reinforcing mat 50 includes transverse reinforcing fibers 52 oriented along the transverse axis X_t. These transverse reinforcing fibers 52 generally provide strength or reinforcement in the transverse direction (e.g., along the transverse axis X_t) by resisting transverse or shear forces, which may prevent the material from twisting or otherwise deforming during the pultrusion process. In some embodiments, the reinforcing mat 50 can also include additional types of reinforcing fibers interwoven with the transverse reinforcing fibers, which may further increase the strength of the reinforcing mat. For example, the reinforcing mat 50 can include angled reinforcing fibers 54 oriented at an angle (e.g., at a 45° angle or any other suitable angle) from the transverse reinforcing fibers 52 or vertical transverse fibers 56 oriented along the vertical axis X_v and perpendicular to the transverse reinforcing fibers 52. Any combination of various types of reinforcing fibers can be used as desired. The desired combination and orientation of fibers may depend on a variety of factors, including the desired strength of the reinforcing mat 50 or resultant pultruded part. Examples of various combinations and orientations of reinforcing fibers within a reinforcing mat 50 can be found in U.S. Patent Application No. 2002/0123288A1 to Davies et al. published on Sep. 5, 2002.

The rovings 46 and the reinforcing mat 50 are surrounded by a resin matrix 58 that generally impregnates the rovings 46 and reinforcing mat 50 to bind the fibers together and create a reinforcing layer. In some embodiments, the resin matrix 58 may comprise a thermosetting polymer such as vinyl esters, epoxies, polyesters, phenol-resins, methacrylate resins, polyurethanes, and various thermoplastics, among others. In some embodiments, the thermosetting polymer may be combined with other components to form a resin formulation. For example, a thermoset polyester resin may also contain a reactive diluent such as styrene, as well as a hardener, a catalyst, inorganic fillers, a suitable surface modifier, and a die lubricant. Suitable resins are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,752,513 to Rau et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,908,689 to Dana et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,910,458 to Beer et al.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first structural layer 30 is located between the first reinforcing layer 20 and the second reinforcing layer 40. For example, the first reinforcing layer 20 may be adjacent a top side 32 of the first structural layer 30 and the second reinforcing layer 40 may be adjacent a bottom side 34 of the first structural layer 30.

As discussed above, the layers may form discrete layers spaced from one another along the vertical axis X_v. In some embodiments, the layers may be spaced uniformly along the vertical axis X_v. In other terms, each layer may have the approximately the same thickness. In other embodiments, the layers may not be spaced uniformly. For example, the first reinforcing layer 20 and second reinforcing layer 40 can have a different thickness than the first structural layer 30, or the first reinforcing layer 20 can have a different thickness than the second structural layer 40. In some embodiments, the layers are spaced at least 0.125 inches from one another. In other embodiments, the layers may be spaced from 0.125 inches to 0.5 inches from one another, from 0.125 to 0.375 inches from one another, or from 0.125 to 0.25 inches from one another.

In various embodiments, the first structural layer 30 may comprise a variety of structural materials such as stainless steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, various composite materials, and other suitable metals. For example, the first structural layer 30 can include a stainless steel sheet, ribbon, or wire. In some embodiments, the first structural layer 30 is comprised of a material having a modulus of elasticity (i.e., Young's Modulus) greater than 175 GPa. For example, the modulus of elasticity may be from 175 GPa to 210 GPa. As used herein, modulus of elasticity, also known as Young's Modulus, coefficient of elasticity, elasticity modulus, or elastic modulus, refers to a tensile elasticity of the material or the tendency of an object to deform along a given axis when opposing forces are applied along that axis. In other terms, modulus of elasticity is defined as a ratio of the tensile stress to the tensile strain of the material.

The first structural layer 30 can be any variety of shapes and sizes as desired. As shown in FIG. 4, the first structural layer 30 may be rectangular or ribbon-like. In other embodiments, the first structural layer 30 can be a variety of other shapes including, for example, a ribbon, a sheet, a tube, a wire, a braid, or any other suitable shape as desired. In various examples, the size and/or shape of the first structural layer 30 may depend on the number of layers and/or the orientation or arrangement of the layers within pultruded part 60. For example, the first structural layer 30 may have a height and a width so to fit more than one structural layer 30 within the desired dimensions of the pultruded part 60.

In some embodiments, the first structural layer 30 comprises an aperture 36 (FIG. 1). The first structural layer 30 may have only one aperture 36 or may have multiple apertures 36 spaced along the transverse axis X_t of the first structural layer 30. In some embodiments, the aperture 36 extends through the entirety of the first structural layer 30, as shown in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, the aperture 36 might extend through only a portion of the first structural layer 30. For example, the aperture 36 may be any of a hole, a dimple, a divot, a slot, or a perforation that allows the resin matrix 58 of the adjacent reinforcing layers to at least partially impregnate the first structural layer 30. In certain examples, impregnation of the resin matrix 58 into the first structural layer 30 may aid in binding of the first structural layer 30 to the adjacent reinforcing layers. In other embodiments, the top side 32 and/or the bottom side 34 of the first structural layer 30 may be texturized in order to facilitate binding of the first structural layer 30 to the adjacent reinforcing layers.

In some embodiments, the pultruded profile 10 includes a third reinforcing layer 80 and a second structural layer 70 between the second reinforcing layer 40 and the third reinforcing layer 80. In other embodiments, the pultruded profile 10 can include any number of alternating reinforcing layers and structural layers as desired, which may depend on the desired dimensions of the pultruded profile, the thickness of each layer, or the desired strength of the resultant pultruded part, among other things.

FIG. 4 shows a pultruded part 60 for use, for example, in fenestration products such as windows, doors, and other structural products. The pultruded part 60 is shown herein as rectangular in shape (e.g., having a rectangular cross-section). The pultruded part 60 has a top side 62, a bottom side 64, a first side 66, and a second side 68.

As shown, the pultruded part 60 includes a first structural layer 30 oriented along the machine axis X_m or longitudinal axis of the pultruded part 60. The structural layer 30 is sandwiched between reinforcing layers (not shown) and held in place by a reinforcing matrix (not shown). In some embodiments, the pultruded part 60 may include additional reinforcing layers around a perimeter of the pultruded part 60 or, in other terms, oriented along the first side 66 and the second side 68 of the pultruded part 60 so that the structural layer 30 is spaced from the first side 66 and the second side 68 as desired.

FIG. 4 shows the first structural layer 30 positioned centrally within the pultruded part 60. However, the first structural layer 30 can be positioned at any location within the pultruded part 60 as desired. The location of the first structural layer 30 may depend on a variety of factors including the number of structural layers desired, the size and/or dimensions of the pultruded part 60, and the desired strength of the pultruded part 60.

FIGS. 5A-C show various arrangements of structural layers within the pultruded part 60, according to some examples. FIG. 5A shows a pultruded part 60 with a first structural layer 30a and a second structural layer 30b spaced from one another along the transverse axis X_t. The pultruded part 60 also includes at least two reinforcing layers 20 and 40 and additional reinforcing segments 22a, 22b, and 22c, which space the structural layer 310 from the first side 66 and the second side 68 of the pultruded part 60. The reinforcing layers 20 and 40 and the reinforcing segments 22a, 22b and 22c create a reinforcing structure 24, which position the structural layers within the pultruded part 60.

FIGS. 5B and 5C show two additional examples of a pultruded part 60 with varying arrangements of structural layers within the reinforcing structure X. FIG. 5B shows a pultruded part 60 having four structural layers 30a-d. FIG. 5C shows a pultruded part 60 having six structural layers 30a-f. FIGS. 5A-C are intended only as examples and are not intended to be construed as limiting in any regard. Thus, as discussed above, any number and arrangement of structural layers, reinforcing layers, and/or reinforcing segments may be used as desired.

FIG. 6 illustrates a pultrusion system 100 for pultruding a pultruded part 60 having a reinforced pultruded profile 10. In some embodiments, the pultrusion system 100 includes a plurality of rovings 102 originating from a first source roll 104. The plurality of rovings 102 are oriented along the machine axis X_m of a pultrusion die 106. The rovings 102 pass over a roller 108 and are fed into a resin bath 110.

The pultrusion system 100 also includes a reinforcing mat 112 oriented along the machine axis X_m. As discussed above, the reinforcing mat 112 can include a variety of reinforcing fibers interwoven in various directions. The reinforcing mat 112 originates from a second source roll 114, passes over the roller 108 and into the resin bath 110. The rovings 102 and reinforcing mat 112 are combined with a resin matrix in the resin bath 110 to create at least one reinforcing layer 106. In various embodiments, the pultrusion system 100 may include any number of source rolls for supplying the plurality of rovings 102 and/or the reinforcing mat 112 and resin baths 110 as required for the desired number or arrangement of reinforcing layers 106 within the pultruded part 60.

The reinforcing layer 106 is then fed into a pultrusion die 116. The pultrusion die 116 generally has a profile corresponding to the desired shape of the final product. In some embodiments, the reinforcing layer 106 may be shaped or formed to fit the pultrusion die 116 before being fed into the pultrusion die 116.

The pultrusion system 100 also includes a structural member 118 originating from a third source roll 120. In some embodiments, the third source roll 120 may provide a continuous feed of metal ribbon, wire, or any other sufficient structural material discussed above. In other embodiments, the source roll 120 may provide the structural member 118 in discrete, pre-cut segments or batches. The structural member 118 is then sandwiched between the reinforcing layers 106 as the reinforcing layers 106 are fed into the pultrusion die 116. In one example, where there are two reinforcing layers and a structural member, the structural member will be positioned between the first reinforcing layer and the second reinforcing layer before being fed into the pultrusion die 116. As discussed above, the pultrusion system 100 may include any number of source rolls for supplying structural members 118 required for the desired number or arrangement of structural layers within the pultruded part 60.

In some embodiments, the structural member 118 may be treated, texturized or perforated prior to being sandwiched between the reinforcing layers 106 and fed into the pultrusion die 116. For example, the pultrusion system 100 may include an optional texturizing mechanism such as a drill, a perforator, a press, a laser, a chemical bath, or any other device capable of machining a surface of the structural member 118 as it leaves the third source roll 120. For example, in some embodiments, the texturizing mechanism may form a plurality of apertures spaced along the longitudinal axis of the structural member 118.

Once the structural member 118 and reinforcing layers 106 are inside the pultrusion die 116, the resin matrix is at least partially cured to facilitate binding of the rovings 102 and the reinforcing mat 112 with the structural member 118 to create a pultruded part 60. The pultruded part 60 is then pulled from the pultrusion die 116 by a pulling mechanism 122 such as, for example, a pair of opposing rollers or any other such pulling apparatus.

Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various aspects of the present disclosure can be realized by any number of methods and apparatus configured to perform the intended functions. It should also be noted that the accompanying drawing figures referred to herein are not necessarily drawn to scale, but may be exaggerated to illustrate various aspects of the present disclosure, and in that regard, the drawing figures should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A reinforced pultruded profile having a top edge, a bottom edge spaced along a vertical axis extending between the top edge and the bottom edge, a transverse axis oriented perpendicular to the vertical axis, and a machine axis oriented along a length of the profile, the pultruded profile comprising: a first reinforcing layer spaced along the vertical axis and oriented along the transverse axis, the first reinforcing layer including a plurality of longitudinal rovings, a reinforcing structure comprising a reinforcing mat, and a resin matrix surrounding the longitudinal rovings and reinforcing structure;a second reinforcing layer spaced along the vertical axis and oriented along the transverse axis, the second reinforcing layer including a plurality of longitudinal rovings, a reinforcing structure comprising a reinforcing mat, and a resin matrix surrounding the longitudinal rovings and reinforcing structure; anda first structural layer located between the first reinforcing layer and the second reinforcing layer, the first structural layer having a modulus of elasticity of at least 175 GPa.

2. The pultruded profile of claim 1, the first structural layer having at least one aperture extending vertically through the first structural layer.

3. The pultruded profile of claim 1, further comprising a third reinforcing layer spaced along the vertical axis, the third reinforcing layer including a plurality of longitudinal rovings, a reinforcing structure comprising a reinforcing mat, and a resin matrix surrounding the longitudinal rovings and reinforcing structure.

4. The pultruded profile of claim 3, further comprising a second structural layer located between the second reinforcing layer and the third reinforcing layer, the second structural layer having a modulus of elasticity of at least 175 GPa.

5. The pultruded profile of claim 4, wherein the second structural layer includes at least one aperture extending vertically through the second structural layer.

6. The pultruded profile of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing mat comprises a plurality of fibers oriented along the transverse axis.

7. The pultruded profile of claim 6, wherein the plurality of fibers include a plurality of staple fibers attached to a plurality of reinforcing fibers.

8. The pultruded profile of claim 1, wherein the structural layer comprises a continuous steel ribbon.

9. The pultruded profile of claim 1, wherein each of the first reinforcing layer, the second reinforcing layer, and the first structural layer are vertically spaced at least 0.125 inches from one another.

10. The pultruded profile of claim 7, wherein each of the first reinforcing layer, the second reinforcing layer, and the first structural layer are vertically spaced about 0.25 inches from one another.

11. The pultruded profile of claim 1, wherein the resin matrix comprises a thermosetting polyester.

12. The pultruded profile of claim 6, wherein the plurality of reinforcing fibers comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of glass, carbon, metal, ceramic, synthetic or polymeric materials, composite materials, organic materials, or a combination thereof.

13. The pultruded profile of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing structure further comprises a binder comprising at least one of latex, a polyvinyl acetate emulsion, and a crosslinking polyvinyl acetate emulsion.

14. A method for pultruding a pultruded part having a reinforced pultruded profile, the method comprising: providing a plurality of rovings oriented along the longitudinal axis;providing a reinforcing structure having a plurality of fibers oriented along the transverse axis;providing a structural member oriented along the longitudinal axis;combining a resin matrix with the plurality of rovings and the reinforcing structure to create at least one reinforcing layer, the plurality of rovings and the reinforcing structure substantially surrounded by the resin matrix;feeding the reinforcing layer and structural member into a pultrusion die;at least partially curing the resin matrix in the pultrusion die to form a pultruded part;pulling the pultruded part from the pultrusion die.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the structural member comprises a continuous steel ribbon.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the feeding step comprises sandwiching the structural layer between a first reinforcing layer and a second reinforcing layer.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the structural member, the first reinforcing layer, and the second reinforcing layer form discrete layers.

18. The method of claim 14, further comprising forming a plurality of apertures spaced along the longitudinal axis of the structural member before feeding the reinforcing layer and structural member into the pultrusion die.

19. The method of claim 14, further comprising orienting the plurality of rovings along a surface of the reinforcing structure before combining the resin matrix with the plurality of rovings and the reinforcing structure.

20. The method of claim 14, further comprising positioning the reinforcing layer along a surface of the structural member as part of feeding the reinforcing layer and structural member into the pultrusion die such that the reinforcing layer and the structural member are spaced along the transverse axis.