Shaped fiber composites
View Patent ↗A composite article is disclosed that has non-circular fibers embedded in a polymer matrix. The composite article has improved damage tolerance, toughness, bending, and impact resistance compared to composites having traditional round fibers.
1. An composite article, comprising:
a polymer matrix; and
fibers embedded in the matrix;
wherein the fibers comprise an interlocking feature that interlock adjoining fibers to one another;
wherein the interlocking feature comprises irregular protrusions.
2. The article of claim 1 , wherein the fibers are asymmetrical.
3. The article of claim 1 , wherein the fibers are symmetrical.
4. The article of claim 1 , wherein the fibers are interwoven.
5. A composite article, comprising:
a polymer matrix; and
fibers embedded in the matrix;
wherein the fibers comprise an interlocking feature that interlock adjoining fibers to one another;
wherein the interlocking feature is selected from a group consisting of a protrusion terminated with an end cap, an anchor, a channel and an opening.
6. A structural component, comprising:
a polymer matrix; and
fibers embedded in the matrix;
wherein the fibers comprise an interlocking feature that interlock adjoining fibers to one another;
wherein the interlocking feature comprises irregular protrusions.
7. The component of claim 6 , wherein the fibers are asymmetrical.
8. The component of claim 6 , wherein the fibers are symmetrical.
9. The component of claim 6 , wherein the fibers are interwoven.
10. A structural component, comprising:
a polymer matrix; and
fibers embedded in the matrix;
wherein the fibers comprise an interlocking feature that interlock adjoining fibers to one another;
wherein the interlocking feature is selected from the group consisting of a protrusion terminated with an end cap, a channel and an opening.