US2915806A - Metal coated glass fiber combinations - Google Patents

Description

:aswamsg SR INVENTOR. JOHN A; Gen/v7" OR IN? ST/1406* Dec. 8, 1959 l J.IA.I GRANT 2,915,506 I v mp1. comm GLASSFIB'EZR cowanmnoxs I W Filed rm. 9'. 195a ATTORNEYS I 2,915,806 V v METAL COATED GLASS FIBER conrnnvanozss John A.Grant, New ark, Ohio, assignor to Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation, a corporation of Delaware Application November 9, 1953, Serial N o 391,054

9 Claims. c1. 23-41 'lhis invention relates to glass fibers and particularlyto glass fibers coated with materials to'provide strands,

yarns and other textiles .havirg increased wear or abrasion resistance and increased fiexural life.

Patented Dec. 8, 1959 to the product.

It is another object of this invention to provide a coating for glass fibers for protection 'of theirsurfaces and to permit formation of groupings of the glasstibers hav ing dissimilar coating materials and thereby to promote .retention of their tenslle strength and an increasein their flex life in products and other instances where the fiben' are caused to slide against eachother when in pressure contact- I\ a It is another'object of invention to'provide ,an -K economical high speed method of making strands of glass 7 fibers hayingcoatings ofmore than one type.

It is well-known that glass fibe s have extremely high tensile strengths but that at times they are somewhat limited inapplication by the factthat in general, they have low resistance to forces of abrasion. Bare glass fibers when rubbed against each othcr'produce surface scratches which result in considerable reduction in the tensile'strength. In other words, the usable strength is often too low for specific applications. As an example, strands made of a plurality of bare glass fibers have tensile strengths practically equal to a multiple of the tensile strength of an individual fiber, but when such a strand is worked, as by flexing, or by twisting and-plying, abrasion occurs at the interfaces of the fibers to inflict surface damage such that the tensile strength of the combination of fibers is greatly reduced. With a product such as this, the flexural life, or the number of times the strand may be flexed is quite limited.

It has been found that glass fibers may be coated withmaterials such as metals to protect the surface and thereby retain the tensile strength of the fibers and at the same time greatly increase the flex life of groupings of 'fibers incorporated in a product. A long fiex life is particularly desired in instances when glass fibers are to be utilized in yarns, cords, and ropes, or in fabrics such as sail cloth, awning material or tire cords where the material is subjected to considerable movement resulting in substantial wear at the interfaces of the fibers.

The wear properties at the interface of two surfaces of the same material, however, are not always ideal or even desirable. For instance, it is well known in the field of bearing manufacture that a steel face acting against an:

' other steel surface does not product a good'bearing interface. Correspondingly, a bronze surface against another surface of the same bronze does not provide a particularly good bearing interface. A bronze surface against a steel surface, however, results in an excellent bearing interface combination. This combination results in better hearing characteristics than when only one of the two 1 metals is*usefd in each of the contacting surfaces forming an interface; One advantage of the use of dissimilarmetals is that frequently galling and seizure can be mini mized. Use of one material in a combination with a high elastic limit is also a method by which plastic deformation may be reduced to prevent seizure under pressure. The use of one metal in a combination having a lubricatirrg film or" oxide coating, or a sulfide, chloride or phosphate coating has also been found to be helpful in improving the lifeo'f surfaces acting against each other.

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of this invention toprovide a strand of glass fibers coated with dis- Similar and complementary surface materials such that upon being grouped in such products as strands, yarns,

It is still another object of this invention to provide a higher abrasion resistance in glass fibers grouped into products by coating the fibers with-dissimilar materials having complementary physical properties in resisting damage from abrasion when movement is effected at their interfaces. I a g A further object of this invention is to provide a fabric -madeof glass fibers coated with-dissimilar materials t so arranged as to impart to the fabric the advanu. increased abrasion resistance of. the coating materials.

It is a feature of this invention that the applicationbf coating materials to the glass fibers may be effected-in the fiber-forming operations, thereby eliminating the need for treatment on a special handling basis and promoting economical production of coated fibers.

It is another feature of this invention that coating mate rials may be applied to the fibers at any of a range of temperatures in the fiber-forming operations, thus making the coating procedure flexibly adaptable to selectively fibers or filaments for incorporation in a strand made in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a partially broken away front clevational view of the apparatus shown in Figure l;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the end of a strand made up of fibers coated with dissimilar materials;

Figure 3a is a perspective view of the end of a strand of oriented fibers coated with three dissimilar materials;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the end of a cord made up of glass filaments coated with dissimilar materials; and Figure 5 is a view of a piece of woven fabric made of strands of glass fibers coated with dissimilar materials.

The principles of thepresent invention have been chosento be explained herein with regard to' a method by which metal may be coated on glass fibers'during forming.

Turning tothe drawings in detail, Figures i and 2 showra general layout of fiber-forming and metal-coating apparatus including a suitable receptacie and feeder 10 for 1 molten glass that may be heated in any conventional man ner. The feeder 10 is provided with a series ofoutlets 12 in its bottom front which fiow a plurality of streamsof molten glass. Preferably,- the outlets are all arranged in one or two rows so that the streams as they ilow from the outlets can be readily divided into two separate groups of fibers 13 and 14 for application of separate metals thereto.

If desired, however, more than two rows of outlets may be provided to flow streams that may be divided into groups.. As the streams flow from the outlets 12 they are drawn out into fibers or filaments 13 and 14 by means of a J rotating drum or a collet supported tube 16 which winds the strand while pulling on the filaments to draw out the streams.

A pair of separator rollers 17 and 18 which form a more positive divisionbetween the filaments 13 and 14 and a spinner-type gathering member 19 for collection of the filaments into a group or strand 20 are provided in positions intermediate the source of the streams of molten glass and the forming tube 16. Sizing materials may beapplied to the filaments at the separator rolls' 17 and 18.

Sizing materials such as that "set out in United States- Patent 2,234,89 6,'issued,on March 18, 194cm: sizing matcrialsl'which are predominantly lubricant .in nature, such as petroleum oil, vegetable oil molybdenurn'disulfide,

for other recognized lubricantsfor metal may be used.

After thestrand is formed, other treatment such as finishes might'be applied to adapt it to specific uses. For

example, when combining metal-coated fibers with rubber, a finish isoften used having one component common to both the adhesive and the finish. More specifically, if the constituents, then the finish likewise may have RFL as an ingredient.

The apparatus for applying metal to the fibers as they are forrnedcomprises a pair of similarly constructed-ap' plicators 21 and 31. Each applicator has a graphite face properties desired of the materials.

4 I- peratures if the proper relationships are not established Thus, the level atwhich the applicators 21 and 31 ap'pl} the respective materials contained therein maybe dififlfi depending upon the melting characteristics and phy m correspondingly, the application "of sizing materials i rolle: separators 17 and 18 may be done at different level below the point of application of metals to the filament: It should be noted,however, that if the 'metals to 1 applied to the two'groups of filaments are adapted t application at the same temperature levels, "they may b supplied from a common unit with two coating faces lc c'ated betweenthe groups, thereby making itunnecessar to dispose the roller separators between the two group! That is, a commonvmetal applicator unit could be. mad to functionas a separator unit as well as an'applicaw unit, thereby permitting application of sizing materit from the exterior of the'two fans of filaments, if desiret In tests of the factors involved in the selection of prop: coating metals for combination within a strand, it ha been'discovered that they simulate closely those involve in the selection of metal combinations in the hearing at Tests of flex life of glass strands with different metal "25 adhesive has resorcinol formaldehyde latex as one of its over which the attenuated filaments pass as theyare being coated. The metal in each of the applicators is maintained in a molten CoXtIllllOn by heating units such as electrical resist mt' elements conductors of which are embedded within a suitable electrical insulation layer such as refractory cement or silicate fibers. The heater units are each provided with external terminals for connection to a suitable power source. c

which provides sufficient retaining force to prevent free flow of the molten metal from the unit and which also suspends the strip in the space in front of the face without external support. Vertical grooves are provided in the face of the applicators to accommodate the filaments passed over the respective faces to permit them to" pass through the molten strip or globule of metal closer to its base to assure positive envelopment of the filaments. Coating of metal on fibers in this manner permits unobstructed filament passage over the faces of the applicators v throughthe grooves and additionally eliminates the need for modification of the fiber-forming methods generally muse.

The average temperature of molten glass in the manufacture of most glasses used in textile fibers is in the order of 2200 F. At a point some distance below the feeder outlets 12, this temperature drops'to that of the surrounding atmosphere. By reason of extension of the drop in temperature of the filaments over an appreciable distance, a range of temperature levcls'exist from which a selection may be made for application of specific metals under most advantageous conditions. It has been found that the relationship of the temperature of the metal to the temperature of the glass at the point of application of themetal is quite important since the strength of the glass fibers may be impaired by extremely high metal temreveal that flex life is considerably higher when the ct efiicient of friction is low at theinterface of the material on the individual fibers. Other properties of metal whic operate with low friction to improve the wear lifec ab'rading or rubbing surfaces are the anti-welding charar teristics and compressive strength. in .glass fiber prot ucts such as rope or fabric materials for sail cloth, aw: lugs, or tire cords where considerable flex working is. er countered, the ability of the coating material to comfort to contours at its interface, in other words, its modult of elasticity, is an important factor. A further and higl 1y important factor'is the metallurgical structure of ti: materials, particularly at the interface. For each met: coating material, there is a particular molecular or cry: talline arrangement which is better in performance undt a given set of fiber working :onditions.

In view of the fact that wear life isa function of t1. coaction of all these factors, each of which is a compl cated phenomenon when considered alone-in detail, will be apparent that a universal optimum material combination of materials will not readily be found. B proper selection of dissimilar complementary material however, the wear life of groupings of glass fibers, suc as in strands, fabrics and cord products, can be increase appreciably over the life of corresponding products mac of fibers coated with either material of such combinatior alone. The selection of combinations, providing in proved wear life, however, usualiy entails a trial and em mating for each specific application based on previot 'wear experiences'and knowledge available from the heat; ing art.

Figure 3 shows a strand 20 of glass-fibers each of-whic. is individually coated with a material, but some of ti fibers being coated with onemate'rial 31 such as zinc whi the remainder are coated with another material 32 (desig natedby a line through theiglass core) selected for i complementary, physical characteristics in providing'lor wear'life to the-strand. Similar coatings on filamen of each of the strands shown in Figures 3 and 3a are di tinguished by dot and dash identification marks as we 'asthe absence of marks on the ends of the glass 51;

merits. It will be noted here that. the fibrs'are group: together in somewhat random arrangement within tl strand which on consideration will indicate that a inax mum number of interfaces of dissimilar materials wi not always be provided. The increas :1 life of' such rad domly grouped fibers, however, is submitted to be a resu of the fact that at least some of the interfaces heir formed by contact of dissimilariy coated fibers resul when fibers coated with one material are located on or side of a line passi g ugh the strand while all fibe; coated with another material lie on the opposite aid bined in product groupings of coated. fibers as wear re- "sistant combinations include zinc, copper, aluminum,

nickel, tin, lead, alloys of these metals and others. For

-'example, zinc which hasa melting point of 786?.1. and a hardness of approximately 100 'Brinell can be coated on glass fibers and advantageously associated for wear with fibets coated with' a tin base alloy such as Babbitt." metal having a composition of 65.5% tin, 18.2% lead,

14.1% antimony and 2% copper having amelting point of 358 F. and a hardness of about 23 Brinell. Additional metal combinations which may be cited as examples in-'' -ciude heavy-duty lead base Babbitt with zincbasebearing alloys, stainless steel with leaded tin bronze,-'aluminurn -oase alloys and bronze, steel and graphite bronze and numerous others. In view of the range of physical properties obtainable in the difierent'type's of alloys falling within broad classifications such as zinc base alloys, combinations of alloys complementary in physical properties but of somewhat similar compositions will often provide dcsirable increase in wear resistance.

The oxides or other compounds of the metals when formed on the coa ing surface often give an increased wearability. The incorporation or one metal that forms a sort of lubricating film or a thin coat of sulfide, chloride or phosphate often has this cfiect and the selection of combinations are made with these facts in mind. It is also possibile .in many instances to plate one metal with indium to increase wear resistance. Indium has an additional advantage in that'it protects against corrosion.

It should be noted that improved wear life according to the present invention is not necessarily limited to mating of metals only, but the principles are intended to be extended to metals cornplcmcntarily mated with other materials such as graphite coated on glass as by drawing the fibers through wax and then applying graphite particles, as well as to mating of othcr dissimilar nonmetallic materials adapted to providing long contact life as bearing-like combinations.

Figure 3a shows a strand with or. oriented arrangement of fibers coated with three different materials illustrating how all interfaces of the fibers can be formed by contact of different materials to prolong wear life. Three types of interfaces exist in the arrangement; one formed by contact of fibers coated with materials 36 and 37,

. another by fibers coated with materials 37 and 38, while the third is formed by fibers coated with materials 38 and 36. Itshould be noted in this arrangement that one of the groups of fibers might be left bare without deviating from the principles of the invention. I

Figure 4 shows a glass fiber cord made of twisted strands of the type shown in Figure 3. It will be -recognized that the number of interfacial cdntact points between the dissimilar material will tend tobe greatly multiplied by twisting of the individual strands, and'that the further twist of the strands .over each other will promote even more approach to a maximum number of such contact points between dissimilar materials.

with the principles of this invention including yarns in- The greater the distribution in. random arrangements other than this definite division, the larger is the number I i Figure 5 shows a woven fabric- 50 made in accordance.

rials. It is to be understood that the fabric maybe woven of yarns made of strands similar to that shown in Figure 3 and that the maximum number of interfacial contacts by dissimilar materials will be promoted by the approach to thorough distribution as in the cord of Figure 4, but as illustrated in the present instance, the fabric has been shown as woven with yarns each of which has all of its filaments coated with the same material. Thus,

the yarns 51 woven in one direction have fibers coatedwith "one material while the yarns 52 extending crosswise at a angle thereto comprise fibetscoated. with another material complementary to the first to provide'improved wearability. The crossover points of yarns on this fabric,

it will be noted, areall formed by anoverlay or contact of yarns of the dissimilar materials, and tendencies toward.

contact by portions of yarn. surfaces of similar coating materials are almost negligible'in view of the form of the weave. Thus, the increased wear afforded-by contact of dissimilar materi alsis positively incorporated in the v fabric. 4

In view of the various illustrated forms in which fibers of d ssimilar materials can be incorporated for increased.

wear of 'glass fibers in textile. products, it is apparent that the basic principles of this invention havebroad application in improving the wearability of the coated glass fibers.

While "I have shown certain particular forms of the}v invention, it will be understood that I do not wish to be limited thereto since many modifications may be made within the concepts ofthe invention, and I therefore contemplate by 'the appended claims to cover all such modifications. that fallwithinthe spirit and scope of the invention. I

I claim:

1. A strand. of glass fibers comprising fibers each indi vidually coated with metal, a group of said fibers each having an exterior surface of one metal and a second group each having an exterior surface of another metal.

the metals on said fibers being compatible for wearability in sliding contact with each other. 2. A strand ofglass fibers comprising o e group of fibers individually coated with a metal and a layer ofoxide of the same metal thereover, and another group of fibers individually coated with a second metal-and a layer of oxide of the second metal thereover, said oxides being compatible for wearability in sliding contact with each other.

3. A strand of glass fibers comprising one group of fibers individually coated with a metal and a compound of the same metal thereover and another group of fibers individually coated with a second metal and a compound of the second metal thereover, said compounds being compatible in sliding contact with each other.

4. A'cord made of coated glass fibers comprising intettwisted strands of fibers each of which comprises a group of fibers individually coated with one metal and another group individually coated with a second metal adapted to function with said one metal in providing a high wear resistance in sliding contact with said first metal.

5. A yarn made of coated glass fibers comprising I twisted and plied strands of said fibers, each of said strands comprising fibers coated with dissimilar compati- Y ble metals complementary in physical properties to impart improved wearability in .sliding contact between fibers. Y

6. A yarn of glass fibers comprising three groups of fibers, each group comprising fibers having-an external surface material similar 0t that on the other fibers inthe group, the external surface material of the three groups being dissimilar metals and any two such metals being complementary in physical wear properties in sliding contact with each other. I I 7. A strand of fibers comprising a group of glass fibers individually coated with a first metal and another group glass fibers individually coated with a second metal com-' patible in sliding contact with said one metal and a third group of fibers having an exterior surface compati- N ,....s......v,.....,.... -s...

b1: with the metal coatings of said other two rou s of 2,272,588 Simison Fe 1 194?- fiber s J 2,373,078 Kleist Apr- 1945 9. A fabric made of yarns of metal coated glass fibers, 2,454,830 Ne'wt'on NO 3 1948 m: yams of said fabric compzising twisted strands of 2,485,019 Somerville 041 1 1949 said fibers, said fibexs being coated with dissimilar com- 5 2,509,894 Tculmin, et a1. May 30,1950 patiblc metals complementary in physical properties to ..'2,663,989 Schlatter Dec. 29. 1953 impart improved wcarability in slidiizg contact betwcen 2,699,415 Nachtman Jan- 1955 fibers. I 1 2,720,076 Sachara Oct. 11, 1955 2,767,519 7 Bjorksten Oct. 23, 1956 References Cited in the file of this patent 19 2,772,518 w i et a. Decj, 41956.

UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,090,541 -Ncavcs Aug. 17, 1931 Y FOREIGN P S i 1,224,274 Powers Dec.10,1940 1,5 9; f3tB1itiin.; 0: 1853

Claims (1)

1. 7. A STRAND OF FIBERS COMPRISING A GROUP OF GLASS FIBERS INDIVIDUALLY COATED WITH A FIRST METAL AND ANOTHER GROUP OF GLASS FIBERS INDIVIDUALLY COATED WITH A SECOND METAL COMPATIBLE IN SLIDING CONTACT WITH SAID FIRST METAL

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