Patent attributes
Fiber-reinforced polymer composites possessing improved damping ability are provided. In one aspect, the fibers provide the composite with a relatively high dynamic modulus over a broad range of frequencies for a given temperature. In another aspect, the polymer may comprise a viscoelastic polymer possessing a relatively high loss factor for a given frequency and temperature. The polymer may be further tailored to control the center frequency at which the maximum loss factor of the polymer is achieved. The composite so formed exhibits a relatively small reduction in loss factor with significant increase in dynamic modulus over a broad range of frequencies for a given temperature. As a result, a structure damped by the composite exhibits a relatively high, constant loss factor as compared to conventional damping materials. Thus, embodiments of the disclosed composites dissipate significantly more energy during each vibration cycle than conventional damping materials.
