Abstract: A polymer composition capable of being additively manufactured includes a polymer matrix and a magnetically receptive additive. The polymer composition may be additively manufactured or extruded to form a tool which may be used to form a composite part.

Abstract: A vacuum bag having an expandable pleat is provided. The vacuum bag includes a first surface region, a second surface region, and a third surface region between the first and second surface regions. The third surface region can be folded to bring the first surface region into proximity of the second surface region. The vacuum bag also includes a strip having a first attaching region at a first end of the strip, a second attaching region at a second end of the strip opposite the first end, and a central region between the first and second attaching regions. The first attaching region is fixed to the first surface region, and the second attaching region is fixed to the second surface region such that when the central region of the strip is in a non-expanded state, the first surface region is contiguous to the second surface region.

Abstract: A polymer composition capable of being additively manufactured includes a polymer matrix and an NTE additive. The NTE additive enables tailoring of the CTE of the polymer composition and the additively manufactured structure made using the composition.

Abstract: A multilayer release film has a first outer layer comprising a first base polymer and having a first adhesion affinity, and a second outer layer comprising a second base polymer and an adhesion adjusting additive. The second outer layer has a second adhesion affinity that is different from the first adhesion affinity of the first outer layer. The difference in adhesion affinity between the first and second outer layers of the release film enable the film to exhibit full release characteristics from a molding tool (e.g., a metallic or composite surface material), but tight or controlled release from the surface of the part being cured or molded.

Abstract: A multilayer release film has a first outer layer comprising a first base polymer and having a first adhesion affinity, and a second outer layer comprising a second base polymer and an adhesion adjusting additive. The second outer layer has a second adhesion affinity that is different from the first adhesion affinity of the first outer layer. The difference in adhesion affinity between the first and second outer layers of the release film enable the film to exhibit full release characteristics from a molding tool (e.g., a metallic or composite surface material), but tight or controlled release from the surface of the part being cured or molded.

Abstract: A vacuum bag having an expandable pleat is provided. The vacuum bag includes a first surface region, a second surface region, and a third surface region between the first and second surface regions. The third surface region can be folded to bring the first surface region into proximity of the second surface region. The vacuum bag also includes a strip having a first attaching region at a first end of the strip, a second attaching region at a second end of the strip opposite the first end, and a central region between the first and second attaching regions. The first attaching region is fixed to the first surface region, and the second attaching region is fixed to the second surface region such that when the central region of the strip is in a non-expanded state, the first surface region is contiguous to the second surface region.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for molding or curing a resin material using a multilayer release film as a barrier at the surface of the resin material. In one embodiment, the method comprises the surface of the resin material being in contact with the release film at a temperature of at least about 350° F. (about 180° C.). Here, the release film is non-oriented and comprises: (1) an enhancement layer which comprises a thermoplastic material; and (2) a first release layer which has a composition that is different from the enhancement layer, comprises a polymeric material, and is releasable from the resin material after the resin material is molded or cured. This invention also relates to a release film that may be used, for example, with the above method.

Abstract: A method for producing SMC where a multilayered, multistructured, multipolymer release/barrier film is used as a polymeric film. The multilayered, multistructured, multipolymer release/barrier film is preferably produced by multilayered cast extrusion process. The tensile strength of the multilayered, multistructured, multipolymer release/barrier film should not be less than 8000 psi when tested to ASTM D882. Preferably, the film should inhibit styrene transmission at a rate no less than 2.0.times.10.sup.-11 g. cm/cm.sup.2 -hr. as tested per ASTM F739-81 and a surface tension level not to exceed 30 dynes/cm when tested in accordance with ASTM D2578.

Abstract: An elongate flexible vacuum tube including an inner porous liner of intertwined flexible fibers of nylon or the like connectable between a vacuum source and the interior of a flexible vacuum bag covering a part formed of uncured thermosetting resin, or of superposed sections or laminae with thermosetting adhesive therebetween, under an overlying porous breather pad of intertwined fibers. An end of the liner can be positioned in intimate contact with the breather pad to form a vacuum path therewith so that a vacuum can be pulled on the part from a vacuum source, through the porous liner and breather pad, while it is being cured in an autoclave.

Abstract: A resilient pad of intertwined nylon fibers of minute cross-sectional diameter having minute interstices throughout. The pad serves as a breather for the curing of a part of composite resinous material for which purpose it is placed over the part, which part is, in turn, fitted onto a shaped tool. To effectuate curing of the part, the part and breather pad are covered by a vacuum bag which is, in turn, sealed around its edges to the shaped tool and provided with a vacuum outlet. The whole assembly is then placed in an autoclave, wherein it is subjected to heat and pressure while vacuum is applied to the vacuum bag to evacuate air and volatile effluents from the part through the breather pad while the part is being cured under the influence of heat and pressure.