Kelly M Jenkins

US Patent:

20150067940, Mar 12, 2015

Filed:

Apr 11, 2013

Appl. No.:

14/391984

Inventors:

- Columbus OH, US
Vince McGinniss - Columbus OH, US
C Byron Tolbert - Orient OH, US
Kelly J Jenkins - Hilliard OH, US
Jeffrey L. Ellis - Gahanna OH, US
Tim B Hutson - Columbus OH, US
Sundee Angel - Kingston OH, US
Rachel Thurston - Columbus OH, US

Assignee:

Battelle Memorial Institute - Columbus OH

International Classification:

D06M 13/513
C08K 5/5435
B29C 35/02
F41H 1/02

US Classification:

2 25, 524114, 264234

Abstract:

A method of treating fibers to improve resistance to high temperatures and relative humidity includes providing poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fibers, exposing the PBO fibers to an atmosphere of supercritical COsaturated with an epoxy silane, i.e. 3-glycidoxypropyl methyldimethoxysilane. The PBO fibers are subjected to a first pressurizing and heating stage at a first temperature (50 C.) for a first period of time. The PBO fibers are then subjected to a second pressurizing and heating stage including increasing the temperature to a second temperature (110 C.) and holding at the second temperature for an additional period of time. The PBO fibers include 2-5 wt % of 3-glycidoxypropyl methyldimethoxysilane after diffusing the COout of the PBO fibers. The fibers are particularly useful in making lightweight body armor system components.