Patent ID: 6562878
Filing Date: 2003-05-13
Classification: B29C,B62D

Abstract:
A heat-expandable component comprising a body presenting an outer surface and formed of a synthetic resin matrix, at least a portion of said body surface being UV crosslinked to a depth of up to about 0.5 mm with other body portions not being crosslinked so that, when the component is heated to a temperature sufficient to effect expansion thereof, said UV crosslinked surface portion expands at a slower rate and to a lesser extent than said non-crosslinked body portions, said synthetic resin matrix including a quantity of a grafted anhydride polymer, an amount of a polymer additive containing a terminal epoxide group which reacts with at least a part of the anhydride polymer when the component is heated to effect said expansion thereof, and a sufficient quantity of a blowing agent capable of expanding the component upon said heating thereof.