COMPOSITE PRODUCT FORMED OF A SEAMLESS CONTINUOUS KNIT PREFORM AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME

摘要

A composite product made from a seamless knitted preform. Yarn comprising synthetic and/or natural fibers is knit by a computerized flat knitting machine into a seamless knitted preform. This seamless knitted preform is subsequently assembled into a female mold wherein the seamless knitted preform is stretched by an inflatable elastic bladder to conform the seamless knitted preform to the internal surface of the female mold. The preform is impregnated with resin and cured into a composite product. Thus, the seamless knitted preform comprises the reinforcement material of the final composite product and is impregnated with a polymeric matrix or resin during production of the composite product.