Self-reinforcing thermoplastic composite for structural
This technology creates a stronger, lighter composite material by blending two types of plastics and extruding them together through a nozzle. During extrusion, the inner plastic (a liquid crystal polymer) naturally stretches into long, aligned fibers within the outer plastic matrix — acting as its own built-in reinforcement, similar to how carbon fiber strengthens a composite but without needing separate fiber handling. The process works by carefully matching the viscosity difference between the two plastics so the reinforcing fibers form automatically. The result is a single-material-class composite that can be processed like ordinary thermoplastic but performs more like a fiber-reinforced part.
What you could build
Extruded structural profiles, rods, or 3D-printing filament with built-in high-strength reinforcement sold to manufacturers of lightweight structural components, sporting goods, or industrial parts — particularly attractive for anyone already running thermoplastic extrusion lines who wants improved mechanical properties without adding fiber-handling infrastructure.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based defense contractors, aerospace suppliers (e.g., near the Hampton Roads or Northern Virginia corridors), and polymer compounders would be natural contacts for lightweight structural material licensing.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Mary GILLIAM, Ryan Gergely, Selina Xinyue Zhao, Michael Bortner, Cailean Pritchard, David A. Okonski
- Filed
- Patent pending — filed January 31, 2024
- Status
- Application
- Publication number
- US20250242532A1
Jointly owned. Virginia Tech holds this patent together with GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC. VTIP can license Virginia Tech's interest; terms are worked out in the first conversation.
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology. Email us for an introduction prosim@harbor.capital.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.