Abstract: An impact beam (40) comprises a polymer matrix and a reinforcing structure, the structure comprises a number of metal reinforcing cords (22) and non-metal elongated binding elements (26) or non-metal coated elongated binding elements arranged between the cords for holding the metal reinforcing cords together. Each of the metal cords has a metallic cross-sectional area Ametal, and the ratio of the metallic area Ametal to the area of the circumscribed circle (TTdcord2/4) is at least 0.60. The metal cords further have a non chemically binding with the matrix, and non-metal elongated binding elements or non-metal coated elongated binding elements have a chemical bond with said polymer matrix. By not having a mechanical interlocking and a non chemically binding with the matrix, the whole metal cord is stressed and not a local point while in the latter case the metal cord would locally break due to the very high impact forces.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 21, 2012
Date of Patent:
August 11, 2015
Assignees:
NV BEKAERT SA, VOESTALPINE POLYNORM VAN NIFTRIK BV, BASF SE
Inventors:
Erwin Lokere, Jeroen Gallens, Veerle Van Wassenhove, Hendrik Rommel