Abstract: A stiffened reinforcement fiber is provided that includes a surface treatment disposed thereon. The surface treatment comprises at least one film former. The stiffened reinforcement fiber has a stiffness that is at least 50% higher than an otherwise identical reinforcement fiber that has not been surface treated.

Abstract: An aqueous post-coat composition for coating a fiber tow is disclosed. The aqueous composition includes about 0.5 to about 5.0 wt. % solids of a film former and about 0.05 to about 2.0 wt. % solids of a compatibilizer. The compatibilizer may be at least one of a silicone-based coupling agent, a titanate coupling agent, a zirconate coupling agent, gluteric dialdehyde, and a quaternary ammonium antistatic agent.

Abstract: A method for increasing density of a region of a porous, phenolic bonded (“PPB”) body adjacent to a selected surface to increase failure tensile strength of the adjacent region and/or to decrease surface recession at elevated temperatures. When the surface-densified PPB body is brought together with a substrate, having a higher failure tensile strength, to form a composite body with a PPB body/substrate interface, the location of tensile failure is moved to a location spaced apart from the interface, the failure tensile strength of the PPB body is increased, and surface recession of the material at elevated temperature is reduced. The method deposits and allows diffusion of a phenolic substance on the selected surface. The PPB body and the substrate may be heated and brought together to form the composite body. The phenolic substance is allowed to diffuse into the PPB body, to volatilize and to cure, to provide a processed body with an increased surface density.