Michigan Patent of the Month – January 2022
Many industries are trying to lighten the weight of their product through the use of lower density materials and thinner sections. While a lightweight product is fantastic for end users and for the viability of transportation, this introduces the potential for weakened structures and shorter lifespans. To accommodate both lightweight and structurally sound products, manufacturers are using stiffer materials or processes to introduce structural reinforcement.
Zephyros, Inc. has joined this effort, developing a thermoplastic epoxy which meets the strength and weight requirements. Their design uses a multi-phase polymeric material. The first phase is made of a thermoplastic epoxy material and the second includes a core-shell polymeric phase. These combined phases result in a toughened thermoplastic epoxy polymeric material to be used in creating composites.
When put to use, the first phase is used to begin the manufacturing of the composite. This results in multiple layers, with one layer being fibrous thermoplastic epoxy webs. During curing or processing, this web layer dissolves. The second phase is then released into the composite, acting as a toughening agent. This can all be achieved through regular curing methods, while still producing a substantially stronger product.
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