Fiberglass splicing method

Abstract

A method for splicing reinforcement panels using a UV curable adhesive. The method includes the steps of: (a) aligning facing ends of two reinforcement panels; (b) applying adhesive on said facing ends of said two reinforcement panels; (c) butting together said facing ends of said two reinforcement panels; and (d) applying an ultraviolet light source to the adhesive. The method eliminates waste, reduces splicing time and improves the mechanical properties of the resultant mat.

1 . A splicing method comprising the steps of: 
 a. aligning facing ends of two reinforcement panels;    b. applying adhesive on said facing ends of said two reinforcement panels;    c. butting together said facing ends of said two reinforcement panels; and    d. applying an ultraviolet light source to the adhesive.    
     
     
         2 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising the step of securing said reinforcement panels after aligning the facing ends in step a so as to reduce movement or shifting.  
     
     
         3 . The method as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the step of securing said reinforcement panels may be performed by application of a restraining apparatus or clamp to the reinforcement panels.  
     
     
         4 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said reinforcement panels comprise fiberglass, polyester and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         5 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said adhesive is an ultraviolet cure adhesive.  
     
     
         6 . The methods as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said adhesive is and acrylic based ester adhesive with UV curing technology.  
     
     
         7 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said ultraviolet light source is high intensity ultraviolet light.  
     
     
         8 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said ultraviolet light source is applied to the adhesive for 5-20 seconds.  
     
     
         9 . The method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein said ultraviolet light source is applied to the adhesive for 5 seconds.  
     
     
         10 . A method for forming a spliced glass mat comprising the steps of: 
 a. diametrically aligning facing ends of two reinforcement panels;    b. applying adhesive on said facing ends of said two reinforcement panels;    c. butting together said facing ends of said two reinforcement panels; and    d. applying an ultraviolet light source to the adhesive.    
     
     
         11 . The method as recited in  claim 10 , further comprising the step of securing said reinforcement panels after aligning the facing ends in step a so as to reduce movement or shifting.  
     
     
         12 . The method as recited in  claim 10 , wherein said reinforcement panels comprise fiberglass, polyester and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         13 . The method as recited in  claim 10 , wherein said adhesive is an ultraviolet cure adhesive.  
     
     
         14 . The method as recited in  claim 10 , wherein said ultraviolet light source is high intensity ultraviolet light.  
     
     
         15 . The method as recited in  claim 10 , wherein said ultraviolet light source is applied to the adhesive for 5-20 seconds.  
     
     
         16 . A method of increasing the shear and tensile strength of a glass mat comprising the steps of: aligning facing ends of two reinforcement panels; 
 a. applying adhesive on said facing ends of said two reinforcement panels;    b. butting together said facing ends of said two reinforcement panels; and    c. applying an ultraviolet light source to the adhesive.    
     
     
         17 . The method as recited in  claim 16 , further comprising the step of securing said reinforcement panels after aligning the facing ends in step a so as to reduce movement or shifting.  
     
     
         18 . The method as recited in  claim 16 , wherein said reinforcement panels comprise fiberglass, polyester and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         19 . The method as recited in  claim 16 , wherein said adhesive is an ultraviolet cure adhesive.