RGF Composite

Invention Reference Number

202305510

Construction worker checking on wooden attic and roof structure. Image from Envato

This invention incorporates fiberglass and semi-structural insulation made from recycled glass fiber, along with low-cost silicone for pultruded rods. It also uses low-cost polyester resin for additional pultruded rods, providing an economical solution for construction. This approach significantly reduces the reliance on wood, which is flammable, while ensuring that the resulting materials maintain their structural integrity.

Description

The honeycomb core traditionally uses expensive fibers like Nomex and Kevlar for high-temperature applications; however, utilizing recycled glass offers a more cost-effective fiber source. Current fiberglass typically employs low-temperature resins like polyester, but switching to higher temperature and flame-retardant polymers, such as silicone, enhances safety for high-temperature honeycomb core use. Silicones also ensure food safety when utilized as structural insulation in ovens and refrigerators.

This approach can replace blown-in fiberglass or non-structural recycled glass from wind turbine blades with a fire-resistant structural insulation. Low-toxicity silicones with high-temperature resistance and inherent flame-retardant properties are employed, incorporating methyl phenyl functionality for improved thermal stability.

Benefits

Strength and resilience: Combines the strength of glass composites with flame and temperature resistance of glass matrix composites in a single chemical manufacturing process
Sustainable construction: Eliminates the need for wood in construction by incorporating glass face sheets or glass pultruded rods for walls in residential and industrial applications
Non-toxic materials: Utilizes a non-toxic silicone safe for food use and FDA approved, ensuring safety in various applications
Flame retardance: Inherent flame retardance could qualify the product for NFPA listing as fireproof, making it suitable for home insulation use
Innovative alternative: Offers a superior alternative to traditional materials like polyester or polyethylene in construction and insulation applications