Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling welding. One embodiment is a method for controlling welding. The method includes initiating induction welding by operating an induction coil along a weld interface of a first composite part comprising a matrix of thermoplastic reinforced by fibers, in order to join the first composite part to a second composite part, determining a measured magnetic field strength at a location distinct from the induction coil, and determining a welding temperature at the weld interface of the first composite part based on the measured magnetic field strength.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling welding. One embodiment is a method for controlling welding of a composite part. The method includes locating a linear fiber optic sensor along a composite part comprising a matrix of thermoplastic reinforced by fibers, measuring temperatures along the weld line via the linear fiber optic sensor, performing induction welding at the composite part along the weld line, determining a continuum of weld temperatures along the weld line, and controlling the induction welding based on the continuum of weld temperatures.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling welding. One embodiment is a method for controlling welding of a composite part. The method includes locating a linear fiber optic sensor along a composite part comprising a matrix of thermoplastic reinforced by fibers, measuring temperatures along the weld line via the linear fiber optic sensor, performing induction welding at the composite part along the weld line, determining a continuum of weld temperatures along the weld line, and controlling the induction welding based on the continuum of weld temperatures.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling welding. One embodiment is a method for controlling welding. The method includes initiating induction welding by operating an induction coil along a weld interface of a first composite part comprising a matrix of thermoplastic reinforced by fibers, in order to join the first composite part to a second composite part, determining a measured magnetic field strength at a location distinct from the induction coil, and determining a welding temperature at the weld interface of the first composite part based on the measured magnetic field strength.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for making an inorganic thermoset resin, the method comprising: (a) mixing SiO2, H2O and a metallic hydroxide for generating an alkaline aqueous solution with pH from 10 to 14 comprising a metallic silicate, wherein said metallic hydroxide generates a first metallic oxide in the aqueous solution, (b) adding aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and silicon oxide (SiO2) to the alkaline aqueous solution comprising a metallic silicate generated in step (a) and (c) adding halloysite nanotubes (Al2Si2O5(OH)4) to the solution generated in step (b). The present disclosure further provides an inorganic thermoset resin obtainable by the method as defined in the first aspect of the disclosure.

Abstract: A method for a curing cycle of an inorganic thermoset resin, the method comprising: (a) adding a hardener in a concentration from 18 to 30% by weight of the resin to said inorganic thermoset resin and (b) curing the resin at a temperature from 110 to 120° C. An inorganic thermoset resin, comprising a hardener in a concentration from 18 to 30% by weight of the resin. A vehicle interior panel, comprising a composite comprising a composite matrix of a natural fibre set within an inorganic thermoset resin.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for making an inorganic thermoset resin, the method comprising: (a) mixing SiO2, H2O and a metallic hydroxide for generating an alkaline aqueous solution with pH from 10 to 14 comprising a metallic silicate, wherein said metallic hydroxide generates a first metallic oxide in the aqueous solution, (b) adding aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and silicon oxide (SiO2) to the alkaline aqueous solution comprising a metallic silicate generated in step (a) and (c) adding halloysite nanotubes (Al2Si2O5(OH)4) to the solution generated in step (b). The present disclosure further provides an inorganic thermoset resin obtainable by the method as defined in the first aspect of the disclosure.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for making an inorganic thermoset resin, the method comprising: (a) mixing SiO2, H2O and a metallic hydroxide for generating an alkaline aqueous solution with pH from 10 to 14 comprising a metallic silicate, wherein said metallic hydroxide generates a first metallic oxide in the aqueous solution, (b) adding aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and silicon oxide (SiO2) to the alkaline aqueous solution comprising a metallic silicate generated in step (a) and (c) adding halloysite nanotubes (Al2Si2O5(OH)4) to the solution generated in step (b). The present disclosure further provides an inorganic thermoset resin obtainable by the method as defined in the first aspect of the disclosure.

Abstract: A method for a curing cycle of an inorganic thermoset resin, the method comprising: (a) adding a hardener in a concentration from 18 to 30% by weight of the resin to said inorganic thermoset resin and (b) curing the resin at a temperature from 110 to 120° C. An inorganic thermoset resin, comprising a hardener in a concentration from 18 to 30% by weight of the resin. A vehicle interior panel, comprising a composite comprising a composite matrix of a natural fibre set within an inorganic thermoset resin.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a lightweight two-stage pressure regulator for controlling the flow of gas from a high pressure source. The two stage pressure regulator comprises a gas inlet, a first piston pressure regulator stage, a second piston pressure regulator stage and a gas outlet. The first piston pressure regulator stage and the second piston pressure regulator stage are arranged to be coaxial such that the gas flow path is substantially along the axis of the first and second piston regulator stages.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for making an inorganic thermoset resin, the method comprising: (a) mixing SiO2, H2O and a metallic hydroxide for generating an alkaline aqueous solution with pH from 10 to 14 comprising a metallic silicate, wherein said metallic hydroxide generates a first metallic oxide in the aqueous solution, (b) adding aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and silicon oxide (SiO2) to the alkaline aqueous solution comprising a metallic silicate generated in step (a) and (c) adding halloysite nanotubes (Al2Si2O5(OH)4) to the solution generated in step (b). The present disclosure further provides an inorganic thermoset resin obtainable by the method as defined in the first aspect of the disclosure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a lightweight two-stage pressure regulator for controlling the flow of gas from a high pressure source. The two stage pressure regulator comprises a gas inlet, a first piston pressure regulator stage, a second piston pressure regulator stage and a gas outlet. The first piston pressure regulator stage and the second piston pressure regulator stage are arranged to be coaxial such that the gas flow path is substantially along the axis of the first and second piston regulator stages.