US 11,787,914 B2
Expandable media with flexible skin as tooling for composite parts
Xiaoxi Wang, Mukilteo, WA (US); Gary E. Georgeson, Tacoma, WA (US); and Jonathan A. Santiago, Seattle, WA (US)
Assigned to THE BOEING COMPANY, Arlington, VA (US)
Filed by The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US)
Filed on Aug. 16, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/445,183.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/119,956, filed on Dec. 1, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2022/0169820 A1, Jun. 2, 2022
Int. Cl. C08J 9/22 (2006.01); C08J 9/236 (2006.01); C08J 9/18 (2006.01)
CPC C08J 9/236 (2013.01) [C08J 9/18 (2013.01); C08J 2201/032 (2013.01); C08J 2300/22 (2013.01); C08J 2300/26 (2013.01)] 17 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system for curing a composite part, comprising:
a mandrel configured to receive and support an uncured composite part;
a plurality of expandable pellets disposed on the uncured composite part; and
a mold configured to hold the mandrel, the uncured composite part, and the plurality of expandable pellets within the mold,
wherein the plurality of expandable pellets are configured to expand within and against the mold and apply a positive pressure to the uncured composite part according to a change in condition or triggering event, and
wherein each of the plurality of expandable pellets comprises:
a blowing agent,
a polymer matrix configured to hold the blowing agent, and
a flexible skin configured to encapsulate the polymer matrix and the blowing agent,
wherein the flexible skin is at least partially permeable with respect to the blowing agent or a gas released by the blowing agent.