Abstract This disclosure is directed to on-command, self-destructible, fibrous-reinforced molded structures, e.g., printed circuit assemblies, comprising a plastic-fibrous matrix containing encapsulated material capable of rapid yet non-explosive combustion, e.g., incendiary or pyrotechnic material. The major surfaces (faces) of said structures can be provided with an electroconductive portion(s), or conductive face, e.g., metallic, materials (facing sheets) can be secured thereto. One of the facing sheets can constitute or contain a printed circuit. All of the incendiary material must be encapsulated to render it inactive at ambient conditions until the desired time for ignition and achieve other advantages. Moreover, the structures can be provided with an igniter(s) to communicate with at least a portion of the encapsulated incendiary composition. A predominant portion of the molded structure is incendiary material and the burning temperature can be controlled in a satisfactory manner by controlling the concentration of incendiary, esp. fuel.
A structure as in claim 1 wherein said electroconductive portion is a printed circuit of metal foil.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
52 words
A structure as in claim 1 wherein said encapsulated incendiary material is comprised of the following encapsulated components in the specified concentrations, the total of which closely approximates 100 percent by weight of incendiary: Encapsulated Component Concentration (Wt. Percent) Fuel 5 to 95 Oxidizer 5 to 95 Erosion Material 0 to 15
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A structure as in claim 1 wherein said fibrous-reinforced plastic matrix constitutes from about 15 to about 45 weight percent of the total of matrix and encapsulated incendiary.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
A structure as in claim 1 wherein said fibrous reinforcement constitutes from about 10 to about 35 weight percent of the total fibrous-reinforced plastic matrix.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
A structure as in claim 1 wherein said fibrous reinforcement is composed of an array of randomly yet substantially uniformly distributed severed pieces of woven fiberglass having lengths varying from about 0.0625 to about 0.5 inch.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
A structure as in claim 1 which includes an igniter communicating with at least a portion of said encapsulated incendiary material to cause ignition thereof upon activation of said igniter.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
A structure as in claim 2 wherein said metal foil is copper.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
A structure as in claim 1 wherein said plastic is an epoxy resin.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
A structure as in claim 1 wherein said circuit board ranges in thickness from about 0.020 to about 0.080 inch.