Abstract: This invention relates to polymer blends, which comprise at least one tapered conjugated diene-monovinylarene block copolymer and at least one styrenic polymer. The polymer blends possess good optical and mechanical properties.

Abstract: In bending rods reinforced with continuous fibers, buckling or stretching of reinforcing fibers is reduced by conforming the continuous fibers to a helical configuration within the rods before or when the rods are bent. The helical configuration causes fibers near the surface of the rod to travel substantially the same distance when the rod is bent whether the fibers are on the inside radius or the outside radius of the bend.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for twisting and/or postforming a plastic rod reinforced with continuous reinforcing fibers is described. A rod with continuous reinforcing fibers already in a helical configuration may be postformed by this method and apparatus with or without additional twist being imparted. A fiber reinforced rod with continuous longitudinally aligned unidirectional fibers may also be postformed by this method and apparatus by twisting and then postforming the rod. The reinforced plastic rod is more easily postformed if the reinforcing fibers are conformed to a helical configuration in which the number of helices in a given length of the rod is correlated to the diameter of the rod and to the degree of bend to be postformed in the rod. The method for this and the rod with the helical fibers is described.

Abstract: A molding apparatus and method are provided which are of the type which utilize a die set comprising at least one die which defines at least one mold cavity for receiving resin impregnated fibers therethrough. Any one die of the die set comprises first and second mold base sections which are positionable with respect to one another so as to form a mold base which defines a channel therethrough. A mold insert defines a mold cavity completely therethrough and is adapted to be removably mounted in the channel. The die set is removably clamped between first and second clamp members so as to enable easy and convenient addition or removal of dies to or from the die set if desired.

Abstract: A molding apparatus and method are provided which are of the type which utilize a die set comprising at least one die which defines at least one mold cavity for receiving resin impregnated fibers therethrough. Any one die of the die set comprises first and second mold base sections which are positionable with respect to one another so as to form a mold base which defines a channel therethrough. A mold insert defines a mold cavity completely therethrough and is adapted to be removably mounted in the channel. The die set is removably clamped between first and second clamp members so as to enable easy and convenient addition or removal of dies to or from the die set if desired.