| abstract |
A panel structure (10) includes a rigid foam center core (30) sandwiched between two outer skin fiber layers (20,24). The core is preferably polyurethane, polypropylene, polystyrene and mixtures, as well as polyphenylne oxide and blends. The fiber layers (20,24) may be bi-directional fabric, a unidirectional material or a random weave mat which is impregnated with an epoxy or resin binder. The fibers themselves may fiberglass, polypropylene, Kevlar or carbon. The rigid foam core is thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), high density polyethylene (HDPE) or acrylonitrile butadieme styrene which are molded into the skin layers (20,24) with peripheral lips (22,26). The lips (22,26) are compressed together and form a peripheral bead or seal (28). |