US 12,109,733 B1
Reusable expandable media with flexible skin for composite manufacturing and methods thereof
Xiaoxi Wang, Mukilteo, WA (US); Jill Elisabeth Seebergh, Seattle, WA (US); and Gary E. Georgeson, Tacoma, WA (US)
Assigned to THE BOEING COMPANY, Arlington, VA (US)
Filed by The Boeing Company, Arlington, VA (US)
Filed on Mar. 17, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/186,081.
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. C08J 9/236 (2006.01); B29C 33/38 (2006.01); B29C 35/02 (2006.01); B29C 35/04 (2006.01); B29L 31/30 (2006.01)
CPC B29C 33/3821 (2013.01) [B29C 35/0227 (2013.01); B29C 35/045 (2013.01); B29C 2035/046 (2013.01); B29L 2031/3076 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A material system, comprising:
a plurality of expandable pellets, comprising:
a polymer matrix configured to hold an expandable core; and
a flexible skin configured to encapsulate the polymer matrix; and
wherein the flexible skin is at least partially permeable with respect to the expandable core or a gas released by the expandable core.