Structural reinforcement material, insert, and reinforced cavity comprising same

摘要

A structural reinforcement material (20) is provided that includes a base material selected from the group consisting of thermosets, low viscosity thermoplastics with short transition phases and low viscosities, low melting point metallic alloys, and combinations thereof. At STP, the structural reinforcement material (20) is a solid or a formable dough or a mixture thereof. When heated to an activation temperature, the structural reinforcement material (20) becomes flowable into a cavity (10). Following cooling, the structural reinforcement material (20) is a solid or a thermoset with a strength sufficient to reinforce the cavity (10). A structural reinforcement insert (111) comprising the structural reinforcement material (20) is also provided, as is a reinforced cavity (10) of an automobile (2) and a method of reinforcing a cavity (10).