Sélection de la langue

Search

Sommaire du brevet 2407880 

Énoncé de désistement de responsabilité concernant l'information provenant de tiers

Une partie des informations de ce site Web a été fournie par des sources externes. Le gouvernement du Canada n'assume aucune responsabilité concernant la précision, l'actualité ou la fiabilité des informations fournies par les sources externes. Les utilisateurs qui désirent employer cette information devraient consulter directement la source des informations. Le contenu fourni par les sources externes n'est pas assujetti aux exigences sur les langues officielles, la protection des renseignements personnels et l'accessibilité.

Disponibilité de l'Abrégé et des Revendications

L'apparition de différences dans le texte et l'image des Revendications et de l'Abrégé dépend du moment auquel le document est publié. Les textes des Revendications et de l'Abrégé sont affichés :

  • lorsque la demande peut être examinée par le public;
  • lorsque le brevet est émis (délivrance).
(12) Brevet: (11) CA 2407880
(54) Titre français: METHODE DE FABRICATION DE COMPOSITES A HAUTE RESISTANCE AU CHOC CONTENANT DES FIBRES NATURELLES
(54) Titre anglais: PROCESS TO MANUFACTURE HIGH IMPACT NATURAL COMPOSITES
Statut: Réputé périmé
Données bibliographiques
(51) Classification internationale des brevets (CIB):
  • C08J 5/04 (2006.01)
  • B29C 43/00 (2006.01)
  • C08F 255/02 (2006.01)
  • C08L 23/04 (2006.01)
  • C08L 23/10 (2006.01)
  • C08L 23/12 (2006.01)
  • C08L 29/04 (2006.01)
  • C08L 31/04 (2006.01)
  • C08L 51/06 (2006.01)
  • C08L 97/02 (2006.01)
  • C08L 1/00 (2006.01)
(72) Inventeurs :
  • SAIN, MOHINI M. (Canada)
  • MUHAMMAD, PERVAIZ (Canada)
(73) Titulaires :
  • SAIN, MOHINI M. (Canada)
  • MUHAMMAD, PERVAIZ (Canada)
(71) Demandeurs :
  • SAIN, MOHINI M. (Canada)
  • MUHAMMAD, PERVAIZ (Canada)
(74) Agent: NA
(74) Co-agent: NA
(45) Délivré: 2011-02-01
(22) Date de dépôt: 2002-10-26
(41) Mise à la disponibilité du public: 2004-04-26
Requête d'examen: 2003-06-10
Licence disponible: S.O.
(25) Langue des documents déposés: Anglais

Traité de coopération en matière de brevets (PCT): Non

(30) Données de priorité de la demande: S.O.

Abrégés

Abrégé français

L'emploi de fibres naturelles comme charge de renfort dans les thermoplastiques est une innovation assez récente et présente de grandes possibilités pour remplacer les produits en fibres de verre dans les industries de la construction, des biens à la consommation, du meuble et de l'automobile. Les résultats que nous avons publiés montrent que la pose d'un mat de fibres naturelles et d'un film de polymère selon une orientation et un motif définis peut accroître la résistance mécanique. Dans la présente invention, un procédé unique a été mis au point pour la fabrication d'un composite à haute résistance au choc contenant des fibres naturelles lâches et/ou une combinaison de fibres naturelles lâches et d'un mat de fibres naturelles pour l'élaboration de composites verts ayant de remarquables propriétés mécaniques et de résistance au choc. Les fibres lâches utilisées dans ce procédé peuvent provenir du bois et de végétaux agricoles. S'ils sont employés, les mats peuvent provenir de sources analogues. Les polymères utilisés comprennent des films de polyester, d'acrylique et de polyoléfines thermoplastiques. La présente invention est particulièrement utile pour des composites naturels contenant plus de 40 % par poids de fibres naturelles et jusqu'à 93 % par poids de fibres. Des méthodes de projection de fibres et d'empilage de films ont été employées pour la fabrication de feuils, de stratifiés et le thermoformage et le moulage par compression ont été employés pour la conception d'un produit. On a réalisé une plage de résistance au choc comprise entre 100 J/m et 250 J/m avec accroissement significatif des résistances à la flexion et à la traction. Les produits ayant des profils de densité uniformes présentent les propriétés maximales de résistance au choc.


Abrégé anglais

The use of natural fibers as reinforcing filler in thermoplastics is a relatively new innovation and has great potential to replace glass fiber products in building, consumer goods, furniture and automotive industry. Our published results demonstrated that laying natural fiber mat and polymer film in a definite pattern and orientation can enhance mechanical strength. In this invention, a unique process has been developed to manufacture high impact strength composite that contains loose natural fiber and/or a combination of loose natural fiber and natural fiber mat to develop green composites outstanding impact strength and other mechanical properties. Loose fibers used in this process can be obtained from agro-plant and wood. Mats, if used, can be obtained from similar sources. Polymer those are used include thermoplastic polyolefins (TPOs), acrylic and polyester films. This invention is especially useful for natural composites with natural fiber content above 40% by weight up to 93 wt% fiber. Film stacking and fiber spraying methods were used to construct sheet, laminates and thermoforming and compression molding were used to design a product. A range of impact strength was obtained which varies from 100 J/m to as high as 250 J/m with a significant increase in flexural and tensile strengths. Products having uniform density profiles yield maximum enhancement in impact properties.

Revendications

Note : Les revendications sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.



Claims

1. A manufacturing process to produce thermoplastic composite in which
reinforcement fibers in the form of loose bundle layers are stacked
alternately
with thermoplastic matrix, whereby each layer of loose fiber is covered by at
least
one film or foil of matrix material on each side, thereafter hot pressing the
alternate film stack/lay-up at high temperature followed by cooling under same
consolidation pressure to manufacture desired composite material,
characterized
in that the loose, random, and un-processed fibers are used and distributed
evenly
in the said film stacking arrangement where each layer of fiber and matrix
material has equal pre-defined quantity by weight.
2. A process according to claim 1, characterized in that fiber mats can be
used in
similar lay-up method.
3. A process according to claim 1, characterized in that interfacial bonding
between
cellulose fibers and matrix is introduced by using pre-treated matrix films
with
maleic-anhydride polymers of polypropylene (MA-PP) or polyethylene (MA-PE).



12


4. A process according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that reinforcement
fibers
fall in one of following categories:
a. Cellulose bast fibers obtained from plants of hemp, flax, kenaf, sisal and
jute.
b. Agri-residue fibers, such as rice husk and wheat straw.
c. Virgin or recycled wood fibers.
5. A process according to claim 1 to 3, characterized in that matrix selected
is from
thermoplastic family of polymers consisting either of homo polypropylene (PP)
or
co-polymers of polypropylene and polyethylene.
6. The thermoplastic polymer manufactured through the said inventive process
consists essentially the following:
1. Alternate stacked layers of loose ligno-cellulose fibers and/or mats in
combination with thermoplastic matrix films distributed evenly in stacked
lay-up.
2. The matrix films may or may not be treated with coupling agent.
7. The manufacturing process of compression molding consists following steps:
1. Film stacking of fiber layers and matrix films in alternate arrangement in
such a way that each layer of natural fibers is covered on both sides by at
least one film of matrix.
2. Hot pressing of film stack at elevated temperature and pressure followed
by cooling under same consolidation to manufacture desired thermoplastic
composite.
8. Thermoforming process can be also used to make three dimensional/intricate
products by using same raw materials as mentioned in claim 4 and 5.
9. In the product of claim 6, the reinforcement material belongs to any of
plant
fibers, agri-residuals or virgin/recycled wood fibers as mentioned in claim 4.



13


10. The matrix in the product of claim 6 is essentially of thermoplastic
family as
mentioned in claim 5.
11. The coupling agents in the product of claim 6 can be either impregnated
into
thermoplastic films or cellulose fibers as mentioned below:
a. The matrix is treated with maleic-anhydrie co-polymers of polypropylene
or polyethylene.
b. Reinforcement fibers can be treated with Silane solutions through quick
aqous method if required.
12. The commercial use of said product according to any claims 6 to 10 in auto
sector, general purpose household, upholstery and semi-structural construction
applications as mentioned in potential application section.


14

Description

Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.


CA 02407880 2003-06-10
Patent Application no. 2,407, 880 Amendment
Description
Natural Fiber Thermoplastic Composite: Manufacturing process and use of
product.
Specific Area of Invention
This invention pertains to a simple and low cost process technique of
manufacturing
natural long fiber thermoplastic composite with improved mechanical
properties. In this
method, alternate stacking of loose natural fiber instead of woven or non-
woven mat or
filament-wound fiber yarn is used as main source of enforcement. Each layer of
loose
fiber is essentially covered on both sides with at least one film of
thermoplastic matrix,
where after the stack of alternate fiber layers and matrix films is pressed at
elevated
temperature and pressure for desired consolidation followed by in-press
cooling. This
invention also describes actual manufacturing of sample product and its
potential
applications in different specific areas like automotive, structural and
furniture industry.
Background
Over the last few years, ecological concern and stringent environmental
legislation in
North America and Europe has initiated a renewed interest in using natural
materials to
produce green products. Traditionally, glass fibers have been extensively used
as
reinforcement in thermoplastics in various applications , especially in auto
sector, due to
their better impact strength properties. However, glass fiber thermoplastics
have several
environmental disadvantages as glass fibers are obtained from non-renewable
resources
and a lot of energy is consumed in their production. Further, these products
are non-
recyclable and land filling is the main option to dispose off after their
useful life span.
On the other hand, natural fibers offer an environmental friendly alternative
to be
used as reinforcement in both thermoplastic and thermo set composites. These
fibers, like
hemp, flax , kenaf, jute etc, have various advantages as being renewable, non-
abrasive
to process equipment and possible incineration at the end of their life cycle
for energy
recovery.. They are also very much safe during handling and less suspected to
affect
lungs during processing and use. Automotive applications represent the best
opportunity

CA 02407880 2003-06-10
for natural fibers thermoplastics due to some of distinctive advantages over
glass fibers,
like, low weight (35-40% less as compared to glass fiber), low price, better
crash
absorbance and sound insulation properties.
In literature, there are many comparisons available regarding the mechanical
properties of natural and glass fiber composites. It is shown by B. van Voorn
et al.,
Composites: Part A, Vol 32, 2001, 1271-1279, that stiffness of flax fiber
thermoplastic is
comparable or even better that of glass fiber counterparts whereas, flexural
and tensile
strength properties are more or less compatible. Similar comparisons have been
reported
by S.K.Garkhail et al., Applied Composite Materials, Vol. 7, 2000, 351-372 and
Krishna
Oksman, Applied Composite Materials, Vol. 7, 2000, 403-414.
However, the main challenge in the development of natural fiber composites is
to
improve the impact strength which is only 1 /4"' of glass fiber thermoplastics
in most of
cases as reported in earlier references. The extremely low values of impact
strength has
hindered so far the mass scale growth of this otherwise feasible product from
entering
high end markets , like auto sector, etc.
The other important issue in the use of natural fibers is the cost of raw
material.
In current and prior art , the natural fibers are mostly used in the form of
needle punched
woven or non-woven mats which approximately doubles the cost of raw loose
fiber.
Moreover, mats manufacturing effects the orientation of individual fibers to
great extent
and fibers tend to align in one direction, thereby, limiting the ultimate
strength of
composite.
This invention deals specifically with design aspects of fiber orientation
ensuring
maximum and uniform stress transfer from matrix to fibers in all directions
and at the
same time incorporates optimum stacking mechanism to facilitate a thorough
flow of
thermoplastic matrix into entire fiber body during heating and pressing cycle
of
manufacturing.
Description of Invention
This invention is based on use of natural fibers in specifically loose and
random
orientation in the form of layers in combination with thermoplastic matrix to
produce
2

CA 02407880 2003-06-10
composite with improved mechanical properties , especially impact strength.
Moreover
this invention demonstrates the better use of natural fibers in its more basic
raw form
rather to use unidirectional mats or lay-ups which give optimum properties in
only one
direction and also have appreciable higher costs.
Further, the present invention relates to use of optimum fiber content for
improved mechanical properties, thereby, availing maximum environmental
advantage by
reducing the amount of thermoplastic resin in final product. The alternate
stacking
mechanism is another aspect discussed and explained in this invention. Both
these issues
have critical importance as in a polymer composite the ultimate strength of
product
depends on optimum quantity of reinforcing fibers and effective stress
transfer from
matrix to fibers.
Influence of fiber treatment on the significant improvement of strength
properties
of composite is also mentioned in this invention.
More specifically, this invention describes manufacturing process for natural
fiber
thermoplastic composite with significant improved impact strength, whereas the
said
product consists layers of loose natural fibers covered on each side by at
least one
thermoplastic matrix film in a lay-up stacking method. The alternate stack of
long natural
fibers and matrix films is subjected to elevated temperature and pressure for
a
predetermined time period followed by a cooling cycle, all done in one step.
However,
pre-drying of fibers is essential to promote effective bonding with
hydrophobic matrix.
The natural fibers used in this invention for reinforcement of thermoplastic
composite are:
- Renewable, long bast fibers of hemp and flax.
- Recycled urban wood fibers.
- Old Newprint (ONP) fibers.
However, other plant fibers, e.g jute, kenaf, sisal, and agri-residues may
also be used.
The thermoplastic matrix employed in said inventive procedure is commercial
polypropylene which has lowest cost, density and water absorption among
commonly
used thermoplastics. Its low process temperature is also advantageous to avoid
natural
fiber degradation.

CA 02407880 2003-06-10
Fiber treatment was achieved with silane coupling agent to achieve additional
improvement in mechanical properties, especially impact strength.
The process of this invention is characterized in that the natural bast fibers
are
used without any extra processing of needle punching, weaving or mat making.
Further,
the said inventive process introduces alternate stacking of fibers and matrix
as compared
to prior art mentioned in WO X2/064670, where fiber layers are grouped in the
middle of
stack. The authors of this patent have observed in particular that matrix does
not flow
evenly into whole body of fibers when more than two matrix films/foils are
stacked,
especially at the top or bottom ends of stack. Moreover, there is also risk of
matrix being
melting away from edges during process.
This invention demonstrates various advantages over the prior art;
- Significantly improved shock absorbing properties, surpassing all existing
natural
fiber composites
- Fiber raw material requires minimum processing, thereby significant
potential
savings in terms of material cost and energy consumption compared to using
natural fiber mats or glass fibers.
- One step process to make products.
- Value added utilization of lingo-cellulose fibers from agro, wood and other
recycling industry.
- Improved mechanical performance with additional step of fiber treatment.
- Specific strength properties of said composite material approaches to glass
fiber
products.
- Utilization of optimum natural fiber quantity in composites, thereby
reducing the
use of thermoplastic content which gives an added environmental advantage.
Description of drawings
Figure 1: Process schematic of lay-uplstacking and compression molding.
Figure 2: Process schematic of thermoforming.
4

CA 02407880 2003-06-10
Figure 3: Effect of fiber orientation, type and frber treatment on impact
properties of
natural fiber thermoplastics.
Figure 4: Diagram illustrates influence of fiber content of loose,~ber on
impact
properties of composite.
Figure 5: Fiber content versus ,flexural and tensile strength of loose hemp
fiber/PP
composite.
Examples
Influence of fiber orientation, content, and percentage of coupling agent on
the
mechanical properties of composite in said stacking /lay-up method was
demonstrated
through practical experiments. Different types of fibers were used to
illustrate the
versatility and flexibility of the process as well. Representative samples
were tested for
tensile, flexural and impact values
Lav-Un Cofiguration
The typical film stacking method used in this invention is known per se. This
inventive
process is characterized by even distribution of fiber and matrix in the said
lay-up as
shown in Figure 1 as compared to prior art in which reinforcement fibers are
placed in
one central location of stack. The use of long and random loose plant fibers
is another
highlight of this invention. Each layer of fibers in the stack is essentially
bound on each
side by at least one film of thermoplastic matrix. The stack is subjected
directly to high
temperature and pressure without any extra step of vacuum heating. The
consolidated
stack is cooled under pressure to ensure dimensional stability of product.
It is shown through various experiments that a very significant increase of
about
90% in impact strength is achieved by using long loose fibers instead of pre-
impregnated

CA 02407880 2003-06-10
non-woven mats. It is further demonstrated that by treating fibers with silane
coupling
agent, an extra 15% increase in impact strength can be achieved.
Other experiment details are mentioned as follows.
Fiber Tyues
Loose Fibers:
The loose virgin fibers used in the experiments were hemp and flax. Both these
kinds of
fibers were used separately to make representative samples. The composite
grade hemp
fibers, 75mm average length, were arranged from Hempline Inc. Canada while the
flax
fibres were extracted from Fall-1999 crop having fiber length between 45 and
145mm.
Fiber Mats:
For comparative study, the non-woven needle punched mats (Bastmat 108) of hemp
fibers were also used which were supplied from same source. The hemp fiber
content in
non-woven mats by weight was 80% while the rest was polypropylene. The average
basis
weight of these mats was 265 g/m2 + 8.
Recycle fibers:
Two different kinds of recycled fibers were also used to demonstrate the
effectiveness of
this inventive process. Recycled wood fibers from recovered urban timber were
sourced
from CanFibre of Lackawanna LLC, New York, NY. The fibers had length from 1 to
2
mm. The second type of recycled fibers were obtained by shredding ordinary
newsprint
(ONP) in Wiley Mill through 2mm sieve . Newspaper strips of 1-1.5 inch wide
were fed
into top of Mill and flake type fibers obtained through sieve were transformed
into
several layers to be used in combination with matrix films. The tensile
strength of
original newsprint was determined according to Tappi Test Method and was found
to be
27.5 MPa in machine direction(MD) and 8.3 MPa in cross direction(CD).
Thermoplastic Polymer
6

CA 02407880 2003-06-10
Homopolymer grade polypropylene(PP) was supplied by Copol International Ltd.
Canada
with a trade name of H 101 in form of films having thickness of 100 micron. As
per
supplier's data, the ultimate tensile of this general purpose polypropylene
along TD is 37
MPa whereas secant modulus is 0.8GPa.
Matrix and Fiber Modification
Both matrix and reinforcement fibers were treated with coupling agents to
enhance
compatibility and observe the effect on mechanical properties.
- Matrix treatment: 5% by weight of MA-PP (Epolene E-43, arranged from
Eastman Chemical Inc) was blended with pure PP in twin screw mixer (C. W.
Brabender) at 185°C for 5 minutes. The extruded material was
transformed into
thin sheets to be used as matrix in lay-up process.
- Fiber treatment: Hemp loose fibers were treated with
3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (0.5% by weight of fibers) in quick aqous method
and subsequently dried to be used in said inventive process in combination
with
un-treated matrix.
Process
Film stacking
Fiber mats and loose fibers were first dried at 105 °C for two hours
before arranging into
lay-up.
In case of hemp mats, the mats and polypropylene films were cut into size of
200X200mm. The stacking of mats and polypropylene films was arranged in such a
way
that each mat had at least one matrix film on each side. Typically, nine mats
were used in
each lay-up with ten to eleven polypropylene films. The fiber content in final
product was
maintained at 60% by weight, which corresponds to 47.8% volume fraction.
7

CA 02407880 2003-06-10
All types of loose fibres were transformed separately into shape of layer/mat
manually before film stacking step. In case of hemp and flax fibres, it was
very
convenient to get stable and uniform layers (200X200 mm) like a non-woven mat
due to
longer fibre length and physical entanglement among fibres. However the ONP
and wood
fibres were difficult to handle because of fluffiness and shorter length.
Therefore a
wooden frame was used to facilitate layer making process. Again, 60% fiber
content by
weight was maintained in
Manufacturing of Composite
Compression Molding
Representative samples of composites based on hemp fiber mats and each type of
other
cellulose loose fibers, both virgin and recycled, were manufactured by one-
step film-
stacking method which is also reported by S.K.Garkhail et al., Applied
Composite
Materials, Vol. 7, 2000, 351-372. As already mentioned, pre-dried fibers and
matrix
films (200X200mm) were stacked alternately in a lay-up shape. Compression
molding
was achieved in a hydraulic press, V~abash, having 50-ton capacity with
air/water cooling
arrangement. The heating time was 8-10 minutes at temperature range of 190-
200°C and
compression of I 5-25 bar. The press was cooled at the end of
heating/impregnation cycle
to 50°C in about 4 minutes before completing the compression molding
process.
Thermoformin
Three dimensional prototypes were also manufactured by using thermoforming
process
as shown in Figure 2. Dupont Mylar (polyester) films were used as releasing
agent
between mold plates and combination of cellulose fibers and matrix.
Compression
temperature was maintained at 205 °C for about ten minutes to complete
the molding
process.

CA 02407880 2003-06-10
Testing
Izod "notched" impact testing was carried out on Tinius Olsen (92T Impact T.M)
test
machine according to ASTM D 256. The specimens had depth of 12.7mm and length
of
about 64 mm. The testing machine had inbuilt processor to calculate absorbed
energy in
J/m. Ten samples of each type of molded composite were tested to get average
and
standard deviation values.
Flexural test (3-point bending) was conducted on Zwick-z100 tester according
to
standard test procedure D-790 with machine speed of Smm/min and span width of
53mm.
Specimens were l2.Smm wide and 150 mm long. The tensile testing was done on
same
machine and specimens were prepared according to test method D-638 while the
crosshead speed was maintained at 2mm/min. Five samples of each type of
manufactured
composites were tested for flexural and tensile testing.
Average specific gravity of some composite samples was determined by using an
X-ray density profiler, QMS (QDP-01X) .Specimens had dimensions of SOXSOmm
with
varying thickness from 2 to 3 mm. The scanning was done through five pre-
determined
zones across the thickness of specimen.
Results
Effect of fiber orientation
A comparison among mat/PP and random long fiber/PP composite is shown in Table
1
while keeping the same fiber content in product. The non-woven needle punched
mats
have usually unidirectional fibers which give anisotropic properties. The use
of random
loose fibers as reinforcement in polypropylene give exceptional high impact
energy,
almost 90% increase compare to mat/PP combination, as shown in Figure 3. The
results
of loose flax fiber/PP composite with same amount of fiber content is also
shown in same
table.
Effect of coupling agents
9

CA 02407880 2003-06-10
As already mentioned , two different types of coupling agents were used
separately to
enhance the mechanical performance of thermoplastic.
The use of 5% Malefic-anhydride polypropylene (MA-PP) in polypropylene
matrix improved the flexural strength by 15% while the tensile strength was
improved by
17% as shown in Table 2.However the impact energy remained almost same.
The second compatiblizer, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, was used to treat
loose
hemp fibers at the ratio of 0.5% of fiber weight. It improved the flexural and
tensile
properties by 5 and 15% respectively, whereas the impact energy is also
improved by
15% compared to non-treated loose fibers.
Effect o fiber content
Table 3 shows the results of fiber content influence on the mechanical
properties of
composites manufactured in laboratory. In this study, controlled fiber length
of 40mm
was used in random fashion combined with polypropylene films in alternate film
stacking
method.
As anticipated and discussed in literature, fiber content has profound effect
on
mechanical strength of composite. The trend in Figure 4 and 5 and results of
Table 1
indicate an optimum fiber quantity of about 60-65% for best results. Beyond
this,
process-ability becomes difficult. This optimum amount of fiber is about 20%
more
compare to prior art and current conventional applications of natural fiber
composites
where fiber content is usually maintained around 50%. The high proportion of
natural
fiber ultimately reduces the consumption of thermoplastic which is a high
energy
consuming product in itself.
Random recycled fibers
The value added utilization of recycled fibers, urban timber and old
newspaper, in
thermoplastics was achieved in similar way as with virgin fibers. Fiber
content was
maintained at 64% and results of testing are shown in Table 4. This study
shows the

CA 02407880 2003-06-10
technical feasibility to use these fibers in alternate stacking lay-up method.
The lower
strength properties of these products may be attributed to inherent low
strength of wood
fibers and multiple recycling effect, especially in case of newsprint.
However, these type
of products may find use in decorative paneling or other non-structural
applications.
Conclusions
- The impact properties of random loose natural fibers and PP composites in
alternating stacking inventive technique are far superior than matlPP
combinations.
- Fiber treatment with silane can further enhance the strength properties of
final
product in same way of manufacturing.
- MA-PP treatment does not improve impact energy, however tensile and flexural
properties are appreciably improved.
- Overall mechanical performance of natural fiber composites manufactured
through this inventive procedure largely depends on fiber content. The optimum
fiber content for best results is about 60-65%.
- Recycled fibers can be incorporated as reinforcement media in thermoplastics
in
the said inventive procedure.
Potential Applications
This inventive process will eliminate or significantly replace non-woven mats
of natural
fibers and glass fiber mat-based composites in automotive, household and
upholstery
products. The auto industry seems to benefit more from this new technology as
the
improved specific mechanical properties and low density of natural fiber
thermoplastics
can play a dominant role in replacing conventional glass fiber products in
most of
applications.
European auto industry already uses significant amounts of plant fibers in
high-
end brand names of car models and by end of 2005, new environmental
legislation

CA 02407880 2003-06-10
requires to produce 95% recyclable automobiles. According to latest report by
Principia
Consulting, Global Hemp Newsletter, March 2003,the current consumption of all
kinds of
natural fibers in North America and Western Europe combined is about
0.67million
metric tons. However, auto industry is Western Europe consumes about half of
its total
natural fiber composites and this consumption is expected to g row steadily
due to
obvious advantages in using these fibers and meeting new legislation. In North
America,
only 8-10% of its total natural fiber composite demand goes to auto sector
while rest is
used up in decking and building industry. The technology adopted in this
invention to
produce high performance molded composites can play a pivotal role in
utilizing the true
potential of ligno-cellulose fibers in household furniture, upholstery and
especially auto
industry.
Claims
1. A manufacturing process to produce thermoplastic composite in which
reinforcement fibers in the form of loose bundle layers are stacked
alternately
with thermoplastic matrix, whereby each layer of loose fiber is covered by at
least
one film or foil of matrix material on each side, thereafter hot pressing the
alternate film stack/lay-up at high temperature followed by cooling under same
consolidation pressure to manufacture desired composite material,
characterized
in that the loose, random, and un-processed fibers are used and distributed
evenly
in the said film stacking arrangement where each layer of fiber and matrix
material has equal pre-defined quantity by weight.
2. A process according to claim 1, characterized in that fiber mats can be
used in
similar lay-up method.
3. A process according to claim 1, characterized in that interfacial bonding
between
cellulose fibers and matrix is introduced by using pre-treated matrix films
with
malefic-anhydride polymers of polypropylene (MA-PP) or polyethylene (MA-PE).
12

Dessin représentatif
Une figure unique qui représente un dessin illustrant l'invention.
États administratifs

Pour une meilleure compréhension de l'état de la demande ou brevet qui figure sur cette page, la rubrique Mise en garde , et les descriptions de Brevet , États administratifs , Taxes périodiques et Historique des paiements devraient être consultées.

États administratifs

Titre Date
Date de délivrance prévu 2011-02-01
(22) Dépôt 2002-10-26
Requête d'examen 2003-06-10
(41) Mise à la disponibilité du public 2004-04-26
(45) Délivré 2011-02-01
Réputé périmé 2015-10-26

Historique d'abandonnement

Il n'y a pas d'historique d'abandonnement

Historique des paiements

Type de taxes Anniversaire Échéance Montant payé Date payée
Le dépôt d'une demande de brevet 150,00 $ 2002-10-26
Requête d'examen 200,00 $ 2003-06-10
Taxe de maintien en état - Demande - nouvelle loi 2 2004-10-26 50,00 $ 2004-08-04
Taxe de maintien en état - Demande - nouvelle loi 3 2005-10-26 50,00 $ 2005-08-22
Taxe de maintien en état - Demande - nouvelle loi 4 2006-10-26 50,00 $ 2006-09-29
Taxe de maintien en état - Demande - nouvelle loi 5 2007-10-26 100,00 $ 2007-08-14
Taxe de maintien en état - Demande - nouvelle loi 6 2008-10-27 100,00 $ 2008-09-05
Taxe de maintien en état - Demande - nouvelle loi 7 2009-10-26 100,00 $ 2009-09-01
Taxe de maintien en état - Demande - nouvelle loi 8 2010-10-26 100,00 $ 2010-09-03
Taxe finale 150,00 $ 2010-11-22
Taxe de maintien en état - brevet - nouvelle loi 9 2011-10-26 100,00 $ 2011-08-17
Taxe de maintien en état - brevet - nouvelle loi 10 2012-10-26 125,00 $ 2012-09-25
Taxe de maintien en état - brevet - nouvelle loi 11 2013-10-28 125,00 $ 2013-08-12
Titulaires au dossier

Les titulaires actuels et antérieures au dossier sont affichés en ordre alphabétique.

Titulaires actuels au dossier
SAIN, MOHINI M.
MUHAMMAD, PERVAIZ
Titulaires antérieures au dossier
S.O.
Les propriétaires antérieurs qui ne figurent pas dans la liste des « Propriétaires au dossier » apparaîtront dans d'autres documents au dossier.
Documents

Pour visionner les fichiers sélectionnés, entrer le code reCAPTCHA :



Pour visualiser une image, cliquer sur un lien dans la colonne description du document. Pour télécharger l'image (les images), cliquer l'une ou plusieurs cases à cocher dans la première colonne et ensuite cliquer sur le bouton "Télécharger sélection en format PDF (archive Zip)" ou le bouton "Télécharger sélection (en un fichier PDF fusionné)".

Liste des documents de brevet publiés et non publiés sur la BDBC .

Si vous avez des difficultés à accéder au contenu, veuillez communiquer avec le Centre de services à la clientèle au 1-866-997-1936, ou envoyer un courriel au Centre de service à la clientèle de l'OPIC.


Description du
Document 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Nombre de pages   Taille de l'image (Ko) 
Revendications 2009-04-20 2 56
Abrégé 2002-10-26 1 38
Description 2002-10-26 3 114
Revendications 2002-10-26 3 112
Revendications 2003-06-10 3 104
Description 2003-06-10 12 549
Dessins représentatifs 2004-03-31 1 17
Page couverture 2004-03-31 2 61
Abrégé 2007-12-04 1 37
Description 2007-12-04 12 527
Revendications 2007-12-04 2 59
Abrégé 2008-11-14 1 36
Description 2008-11-14 12 519
Revendications 2008-11-14 2 56
Abrégé 2009-09-29 1 35
Dessins 2010-03-25 3 190
Revendications 2010-03-25 2 57
Description 2010-03-25 14 919
Abrégé 2010-03-25 1 36
Dessins représentatifs 2011-01-11 1 16
Page couverture 2011-01-11 1 61
Taxes 2006-09-29 1 19
Poursuite-Amendment 2009-01-30 1 33
Taxes 2006-08-21 2 95
Taxes 2004-08-04 1 60
Correspondance 2002-12-03 1 14
Cession 2002-10-26 6 200
Poursuite-Amendment 2003-06-10 22 825
Correspondance 2006-01-03 1 18
Taxes 2005-08-22 4 571
Correspondance 2006-01-03 1 13
Correspondance 2005-10-17 1 21
Taxes 2009-09-01 1 74
Poursuite-Amendment 2006-09-06 6 245
Correspondance 2006-09-06 1 22
Taxes 2006-08-21 3 141
Correspondance 2006-11-02 1 16
Correspondance 2006-09-29 1 20
Taxes 2006-08-21 4 134
Correspondance 2007-01-04 1 14
Poursuite-Amendment 2007-06-01 2 118
Poursuite-Amendment 2007-06-11 6 245
Taxes 2007-08-14 1 62
Poursuite-Amendment 2007-12-04 25 1 318
Poursuite-Amendment 2008-04-16 2 90
Taxes 2008-09-05 1 60
Poursuite-Amendment 2008-11-14 25 1 375
Poursuite-Amendment 2009-04-20 24 1 448
Poursuite-Amendment 2009-08-11 1 38
Poursuite-Amendment 2009-09-29 2 62
Poursuite-Amendment 2010-03-25 21 1 232
Poursuite-Amendment 2009-12-10 2 48
Taxes 2010-09-03 1 61
Correspondance 2010-11-22 2 109
Correspondance 2011-10-13 1 19
Taxes 2011-08-17 2 89
Correspondance 2011-11-22 1 13
Correspondance 2011-11-21 1 21
Taxes 2011-08-17 1 75
Correspondance 2014-12-29 2 53
Correspondance taxe de maintien 2015-11-30 2 75
Taxes 2012-09-25 2 87
Taxes 2013-08-12 1 67
Taxes 2014-10-28 1 70
Correspondance 2014-11-07 1 21
Lettre du bureau 2015-12-03 1 25
Correspondance 2015-02-17 1 34
Correspondance 2015-06-12 1 29
Paiement de taxe périodique 2015-10-09 1 69
Lettre du bureau 2015-10-27 1 31