Abstract: A composite armor panel and method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a plurality of ceramic spheres are positioned in contact with an armor substrate. A polyurea layer is interposed between the plurality of ceramic spheres such that the polyurea layer partially encapsulates the plurality of ceramic spheres and bonds the plurality of ceramic spheres to the armor substrate. The plurality of ceramic spheres are partially exposed and oriented in a direction of anticipated impact.

Abstract: A composite article and method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a polyurethane-polyurea layer is disposed on a substrate. The polyurethane-polyurea layer includes a reaction product of an isocyanate component having from about 10% to about 90% of a toluene diisocyanate, by weight of the isocyanate component, and an isocyanate-reactive component having amine-terminated and/or hydroxyl-terminated compounds. The polyurethane-polyurea layer provides blast and fragment protection from explosive devices as well as ballistic mitigation.

Abstract: An isocyanate-reactive component is disclosed that reacts with a liquid polyisocyanate or polyisocyanate prepolymer in the preparation of a polyurethane-polyurea polymer. In one embodiment, a polyisocyanate component is reacted with an isocyanate-reactive component. The polyisocyanate component has an NCO group content of about 3% to about 50% and an average functionality of about 2 to about 3. The isocyanate-reactive component includes from about 20% to about 90% by weight, based on 100% by weight of the isocyanate-reactive component, of at least one organic compound having a mercaptan functional moiety.

Abstract: A composite article and method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a polyurethane-polyurea layer is disposed on a substrate. The polyurethane-polyurea layer includes a reaction product of an isocyanate component having from about 10% to about 90% of a toluene diisocyanate, by weight of the isocyanate component, and an isocyanate-reactive component having amine-terminated and/or hydroxyl-terminated compounds. The polyurethane-polyurea layer provides blast and fragment protection from explosive devices as well as ballistic mitigation.

Abstract: An electrically self-grounding connector for joining end portions of fluid flow conduit sections, and processes for fabricating two embodiments of the connector. A connector formed according to one process includes an inner layer having electrically conductive, contiguous carbon ribbons, an outer layer with chopped carbon fibers, and a layer of surfacing veil between the inner and outer layers. A connector formed according to the other process has an inner layer of carbon cloth, an outer layer with chopped carbon fibers, and a layer of surfacing veil and putty between the inner and outer layers. In both connectors, highly electrically conductive carbon at the connector inner and outer surfaces acts to dissipate and neutralize electrostatic charges generated by triboelectric processes.

Abstract: A self-grounding laminated dual wall fume duct for transporting corrosive vapors and gases, and a process for fabricating the inner and outer walls. The innermost layer of the inner wall is made of a cured epoxy vinyl ester resin incorporating continuous carbon fibers forming a continuous surface integrated with the inner surface of the innermost layer. The electrically conductive fibers act to dissipate and neutralize electrostatic charges generated by triboelectric processes.

Abstract: An electrically self-grounding connector for joining end portions of fluid flow conduit sections, and two processes for fabricating the connector. A connector formed according to one process includes an inner layer formed by electrically conductive, contiguous carbon ribbons, an outer layer of chopped carbon fibers, and a layer of surfacing veil between the inner and outer layers. A connector formed according to the other process substitutes a layer of carbon cloth for the carbon ribbons. In both connectors, electrically conductive carbon forming the inner and outer surfaces acts to dissipate and neutralize electrostatic charges generated by triboelectric processes.

Abstract: A process for fluoro-oxidation of the surface(s) of an ECTFE substrate, film or three-dimensional object, and the surface-modified substrate, film or object produced thereby. The process includes exposing the surface(s) to concentrations of fluorine and oxygen for a time sufficient to increase the surface energy and thereby lower the surface contact angle sufficiently to permit bonding. The surface modification allows bonding to an adhesive with the adhesive being bondable to a plastic or metal substrate.

Abstract: A self-grounding laminated dual wall fume duct for transporting corrosive vapors and gases, and a process for fabricating the inner and outer walls. The innermost layer of the inner wall is made of a cured epoxy vinyl ester resin incorporating continuous carbon fibers forming a continuous surface integrated with the inner surface of the innermost layer. The electrically conductive fibers act to dissipate and neutralize electrostatic charges generated by triboelectric processes.

Abstract: A laminated inner wall of a dual wall fume duct for transporting corrosive vapors and gases, and a process for fabricating the wall. The innermost layer of the wall is made of a cured epoxy vinyl ester resin incorporating chopped carbonized carbon fibers. The electrically conductive fibers act to dissipate and neutralize electrostatic charges generated by triboelectric processes.

Abstract: A two-component system for forming a sealing composition for bonding to unsanded, polymer-coated fiberglass surfaces. The system includes a resin component containing a major amount of epoxy resin, glycidoxy silane (0-2.5 wt. %) and hydrophilic-modified polyolefin fiber (0.5-10 wt. %), and a curing agent component having a major amount of amine curing agent and which may also contain amino silane (0-5 wt. %). The resin component may also contain alpha-phase alumina (20-80 wt. %), ceramic fiber (2-25 wt. %), and mica (2-20 wt. %). In another formulation, the resin component contains glycidoxy silane (0-2.5 wt. %), hydrophilic-modified polyolefin fiber (0.5-10 wt. %), ceramic fiber (2-25 wt. %), anti-foam material (0.2-1.0 wt. %), and epoxy novolac resin to 100 wt. %. The curing agent component contains amino silane (0-5 wt. %) and amine curing agent to 100 wt. %.

Abstract: A fifth wheel insert, laminate composite and method of construction, which insert includes a cap or cover having mount tabs for tack-welding the insert on a fifth wheel. The laminate composite includes a composite of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene resin and one or more modulus of elasticity modifier such as carbon fibers and is designed to be secured to the fifth wheel of a tractor, the coupling plate of a trailer or to the insert mounted on the fifth wheel, in order to reduce friction and eliminate the need for greasing the fifth wheel-trailer coupling.

Abstract: A fifth wheel insert, laminate composite and method of construction, which insert includes a cap or cover having mount tabs for tack-welding the insert on a fifth wheel. The laminate composite includes a composite of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene resin and one or more modulus of elasticity modifier such as carbon fibers and is designed to be secured to the fifth wheel of a tractor, the coupling plate of a trailer or to the insert mounted on the fifth wheel, in order to reduce friction and eliminate the need for greasing the fifth wheel-trailer coupling.

Abstract: Sealant compositions for sealing the circumferential joint between pairs of dual-laiminate fume duct sections, and a joint sealing method enabling strong bonding between the sealant and phenolic/glass and vinyl ester surfaces without sanding mating surfaces. A first preferred sealant consists of a resin including by weight: 20.0% Epon 862 novolac epoxy resin; 30.0% SU-2.5 Epon novolac epoxy resin; 20.0% Heloxy 48; 19.5% Epon 826 bisphenol A resin; 10.0% Heloxy 505; and 0.5% silane, and a hardener including: two cycloaliphatic amines, 94.0%; and an aromatic tertiary amine, 6.0%. A second preferred sealant consists of a resin including by weight: 39.5% aromatic epoxide resin; 40.0% Heloxy 48; 20.0% SU-2.5 Epon novolac epoxy resin; and 0.5% silane, and a hardener including: two cycloaliphatic amines, 94.0%; an aromatic tertiary amine, 5.5%; and an amino silane, 0.5%.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drill bit with an eduction jet which discharges drilling mud upwardly through nozzles having wedge shaped apertures oriented such that the wedge shape is tangential to the central axis about which the drill bit rotates. Expelled mud projects a wedge shaped dynamic stream of mud which retains the definition as an eductive column which rotates with the drill bit and therefore has relative motion revolving transverse to the hydrostatic column bearing upon the bit. Throughout the regions in which it retains definition, the eductive column creates a low pressure zone immediately behind it and the low pressure zone enhances the ability of flushing jets to remove cuttings from the bottom of the borehole by drawing the cuttings above the drill bit. The manufacture of drill bits with wedge shaped eduction jets is also disclosed, including the manufacture by modification of conventional tri-cone bits.