Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for preparing a molded thermoplastic fiber reinforced article having on at least one surface thereof a metal film and to a mold article prepared therefrom. The process comprises applying a first thermoplastic resin to at least one surface of a fiber mat core, then applying a metal film to at least one surface of the substrate of fiber mat core and thermoplastic resin and then molding the combination thereof under heat and pressure, preferably compression molding to form the finished article. A second thermoplastic resin may be applied to at least one surface of the combination of fiber mat core and first thermoplastic resin. Either the first and/or the second thermoplastic resin may be in film or molten form. If either or both are in film form, then it is preferable that the fiber mat core be heated prior to applying the film form of thermoplastic resin or at least the combination to preferably heated prior to molding thereof.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a fiber reinforced thermoplastic sheet. The process involves the steps of forming a dilute aqueous slurry of organic polymer particulates and reinforcing fibers, collecting the particulates and fibers in the form of a continuous mat by dewatering the slurry over a porous substrate, applying a stabilizer composition to a surface of the solid mat, stamping of the mat at an elevated pressure and temperature to consolidate the organic polymer particulates and yield a solid sheet-like structure. The process provides for efficient application of the stabilizer composition by applying it to the mat separately from the formation of the slurry, and in the case of ultraviolet light stabilizers and absorbers, the process applies the stabilizers to the surface of the mat where they are most needed.

Abstract: A drum head tuning apparatus for tuning a drum or similar percussion instrument is disclosed. The invention includes a distensible bladder having an annular shape that is disposed between the drum hoop and the rigid outer circumferential lip of the drum head. When the head is mounted to the drum shell and the hoop is locked down by tensioning members to the lugs on the outside of the shell, air is pumped into the bladder to increased the bladder's volume. The expanding bladder displaces the circumferential lip and consequently pulls the drum head tighter over the opening in the shell to raise the pitch of the drum. Conversely, releasing air pressure from the bladder allows the stretched drum head to spring back thereby releasing tension and lowering the pitch of the drum.

Abstract: Reinforced polymer composites having a thermoplastic matrix material, reinforcing glass fibers, and a heat-expandable material selected from a group consisting of unexpanded vermiculite and unexpanded perlite are provided exhibiting improved fire resistant properties. The composites are prepared by performing a dilute aqueous slurry of a solid heat-fusible organic polymer, glass reinforcing fibers, and a heat-expandable material selected from the group consisting of vermiculite and perlite, agitating the slurry and then dewatering the slurry to provide a mat of thermoplastic polymer particles, reinforcing glass fiber, and a heat-expandable material. The mat is dried and then stamped under pressure and heat to consolidate the thermoplastic material to form a sheet-like composite structure. The composites exhibit reduced levels of early smoke generation and/or early heat generation.

Abstract: A fire resistant structure has a compressed fiber reinforced composite layer and a wooden substrate layer. The composite layer upon exposure to fire provides a lofted glass network which acts as a barrier to heat and fire thereby protecting the underlying substrate layer.

Abstract: A fibre reinforced plastic structure comprising a matrix of thermoplastic material and conductive fibres provides effective EMI shielding. Process for making the structure permits the employ of relatively long conductive fibres which reduce the fibre loading required for effective shielding.

Abstract: An interfacial polymerization process for preparing high molecular weight aromatic polycarbonates by reacting a dihydric phenol with a carbonate precursor in the presence of a catalytic amount of a cyclic amidine.

Abstract: An interfacial polymerization process for preparing high molecular weight polycarbonates by reacting a dihydric phenol with a carbonate precursor in the presence of a catalytic amount of a non-cyclic amidine.

Abstract: A coated non melt-drip and non-opaque flame retardant polycarbonate article having improved abrasion, scratch and chemical resistance, comprising an admixture of an aromatic carbonate polymer and a metal salt of a monomeric or polymeric unsubstituted or substituted aliphatic, aromatic or heterocyclic sulfonic acid, said article having deposited on the surface thereof a coating comprised of a certain aminoplast adhesion promoter and levelling agent, a diol, a certain melamine, and a polyol.

Abstract: An abrasion, scratch, mar and solvent resistant glass coated non-opaque shaped polycarbonate article comprising a polycarbonate substrate having deposited on the surface thereof (i) an intermediate primer layer containing the photoreaction products of certain polyfunctional acrylic monomers; and (ii) a top layer of vapor deposited glass.

Abstract: A polycarbonate article coated with a photocured coating comprised of the photoreaction product of (1) a polythiol, (ii) a polyene, and (iii) a silicone modified polyester copolymer.

Abstract: A photocurable coating composition suitable for coatings comprising (i) a polythiol, (ii) a polyene, and (iii) a silicone-modified polyester copolymer. These coating compositions are suitable for coating polycarbonate articles.

Abstract: A polycarbonate substrate is provided with an adherent, hard, abrasion and organic solvent resistant thin glass top coat by initially priming the substrate with a primer coating comprised of the photoreaction products of certain polyfunctional acrylic monomers and thereafter vapor depositing under vacuum onto the primed surface a thin glass top layer, the glass being evaporated by means of radio frequency induction heating.

Abstract: A method of providing a uniform and tenaciously adhered hard inorganic glass layer on a polycarbonate substrate which comprises vaporizing the glass in vacuum and precipitating said glass on the polycarbonate substrate using radio frequency induction heating means to vaporize said glass.

Abstract: Phenols and thiophenols having an ortho-phenyl substituent react with most aldehydes and ketones in very strongly acidic liquid media to form a dibenzopyran or dibenzothiopyran. The dibenzopyrans, but not the dibenzothiopyrans, can be isomerized to their corresponding fluorenols. The pyran or thiopyran ring can be cleaved chemically or electrochemically to produce phenols and thiophenols which have an ortho substituent in the ortho position of the phenyl substituent of the starting phenol or thiophenol which is characteristic of the aldehyde or ketone reactant. These products as well as the fluorenols, being phenolic bodies, are useful as stabilizers and antioxidants.