Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying fibers to a foraminous mold or surface using strands of binder and glass fibers is disclosed. A strand of binder fiber is chopped and entrained into a chute. The chute has a longitudinal airstream directed therethrough toward the foraminous surface. The binder fiber is separated into filaments by the airstream. The glass fiber strand is chopped and entrained into the chute downstream of the filaments. The chopped glass and the binder filaments mix within the chute and are then directed by the airstream onto the foraminous mold or surface. The mixture may be fanned out from the chute to provide more even coverage of large sized molds or surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a method of making a hollow section fiber reinforced composite assembly useful as a structural component wherein a first rigid, fiber reinforced, EB (electron beam) curable-thermoplastic composite member is formed by liquid castable molding (LCM) thermoplastic-forming material about a fiber reinforcement and a second rigid, fiber reinforced, EB curable-thermoplastic composite memer is similarly formed. The first and second rigid, fiber reinforced, thermoplastic members are then fusion bonded together in a manner to form a hollow section. The hollow sectio is subjected to irradiation by high energy electrons effective to cure the bonded first and second fiber reinforced, EB curable-thermoplastic members to a thermoset condition useful in structural applications.