Orientation of short fibers in a continuous process
A method and apparatus for continuously processing fiber into an elastomeric component uses an expanding die (11, 11a) for orienting fibers in other than the processing direction of the extrusion. In one embodiment, an injection mold (50) is used with the expanding die (11), and in another embodiment, an extruder (30) is used with expanding die (11a). Processing parameters may be alteredto control the direction of orientation of fibers (20) in the elastomer component. Orientation of fibers (20) in an extrudate (17) is dependent on the processing speed viscosity of the elastomer, pressure of extrusion, the length l1 and l2 and height h1 and h2 of gate (12) and expansion cavity (14), respectively, of the expansion die (11, 11a).
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
B B B B B B B B Y B
B29C B60C B29C B29L B29D B29K B29K B29C Y10T B29K
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Cheng Robert Henry Ching-Chian
Shaw Vogliano Chang