Abstract: A method of forming a liner for a passage such as a sewer includes forming panels composing the liner using a neat resin of a first density and a polymer concrete of a second, higher density. The neat resin is inserted into a mold cavity before the polymer concrete and is displaced upwardly by the polymer concrete pour to impregnate a fiber layer disposed along the periphery of the mold cavity. Resulting panels preferably have an offset joint to increase the joint strength between upper and lower panels forming the liner.

Abstract: A method of producing a textile preform to be used for making a fiber reinforced plastic composite product involves the following steps. A two- or three-dimensional semi-finished textile material or article is produced by essentially any textile production process, such as weaving, knitting or braiding. A binder is applied to the textile material, which is then subjected to a reforming and/or draping process by being applied onto a carrier and reforming tool having a contour or geometry adapted to that of the desired preform that is to be produced. Thereby, the previously unfixed fibers of the textile material are brought into the desired finished orientation and are then fixed, and the cross-sectional shape of the material is changed. This produces the preform having the desired contour, geometry and fiber orientation. The preform may then be subjected to further processing steps to form the finished composite product.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a protective helmet includes the steps of: (a) providing a fiber-based filler, such as a fiberglass sheeting; (b) mixing course ceramic particles into a thermoset resin; (c) impregnating the resin/ceramic particle mixture into the fiber-based filler; (d) forming or molding the impregnated fiber-based filler into a shape of a protective helmet; and (e) curing the resin mixture impregnated into the fiber-based filler. The course ceramic particles are preferably created by chopping a ceramic material. The presence of the ceramic particles in the composite helmet substantially reduces the heat reflectance of the helmet; while also reducing the overall weight of the helmet, since the ceramic material weighs less than the portion of resin material that the ceramic material is being used in place of. Finally, because the ceramic particles are course, they will not all flow to “low spots” in the helmet during the curing process.

Abstract: The method includes the preparation of a preimpregnated product that undergoes a heat treatment between 70 and 1100 deg. C., is embedded with an inert substance that comprises a charge and a polymeric binder in a quantity greater than the volume of the voids of the single-layer yarn which is calculated by means of the formula [1], where mn is the mass of inert substance, dn is the density of the inert substance, a is the length of the preimpregnated product, b is the width of the preimpregnated product, h is the thickness of the preimpregnated product, mpr is the mass of the preimpregnated product, and dfib is the density of the fiber, and is heated between 160 deg. C. and 200 deg. C., a pressure of between 1 and 5 MPa being applied simultaneously. m n = d n · ( a · b · h - m pr d fib ) .

Abstract: A method of making a composite doctor blade is provided. The composite doctor blade includes multiple layers of composite material including a plurality of abrasive unidirectional fibers, in which a substantial proportion of the fibers are aligned in a direction substantially parallel to the long axis of the doctor blade. The unidirectional fibers are provided in a unidirectional fabric that includes, based on fabric weight, at least 60% by weight unidirectional fibers.

Abstract: A method provides for full or partial infusion of resin into three-dimensional, woven textile preforms. Resin film is placed at selected locations adjacent the preform, and the resin film may be separated from other areas of the preform using separator sheets or other materials. The preform is heated and may be vacuum-bagged to apply pressure, or may be rolled or fed through a die. The heat and pressure cause the resin to infuse into the selected areas of the preform adjacent the resin films. The amount of resin in the partial infusion is the same as is necessary to fully infuse the preform, but the resin remains localized in the selected areas until heated again at cure to cause the resin to flow throughout the preform. The method may also be used to fully infuse the preform with resin by providing sufficient temperature and time at that temperature during the initial infusion.

Abstract: A process and plant for laying a pipe in a trench comprising placing a flattened tubular preform in the trench, the perform having a reinforcement surrounding an inner seal, the reinforcement being impregnated with a resin, and inflating the perform in the trench.

Abstract: A stay-in-place method of manufacturing a composite form that is used to provide a strong and durable concrete structure. The form includes a composite shell having an inner wall surface defining an enclosure into which concrete may be poured and allowed to harden. The composite shell may be made of one or several layers of fabric having a resin matrix impregnated therein. The concrete hardens to form a concrete core within the enclosure and a liner is affixed to the inner wall surface of the composite shell to protect the composite shell from alkalinity in the concrete core. The liner includes at least one sheet of a water-impermeable material to protect the concrete core from water and other corrosive elements. The fabric layers are selected such that the fibers elongate as the concrete is poured into the enclosure due to a weight of the concrete and partially shrink back to compensate for shrinkage of the concrete as the concrete dries to form the concrete core.

Abstract: Core sand elements are rapidly and reliably retained in an assembly by driving one or more smooth surface fasteners, such as staples, nails or brads, into the core elements. Such an assembly method comprises positioning at least two core elements in a core assembly, positioning a smooth surface fastener for entry into the at least two core elements, and driving the smooth surface fastener into the two core elements to fasten them in the core assembly. In such a preferred method, the smooth surface fastener comprises a staple with two smooth surface tines connected by a crown and the staple is positioned for entry of one tine into each of two core elements with the crown of the staple spanning the interface between the two core elements.

Abstract: Connecting pieces for carbon material electrodes include carbon fibers. The fibers are oxidatively activated carbon fibers which additionally have a carbonized coating. The carbonized coating is a carbonization product of a coating material selected from wax, pitch, natural resins, thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers.

Abstract: A method for manufacture of a hollow complex three-dimensional fiber golf club head having at least one hole. A fluid-removable core is shaped in the general form of the golf club head, placed in a flexible pressurizable bladder around the core, at least one ply of fiber impregnated with a curable resin is wrapped over the core and bladder, and a cured part is formed by pressurizing the bladder while the core, bladder, and impregnated fiber is in a female mold to force the plies against the inner surfaces of the mold. After heating to cure the resin, the bladder and the fluid-removable core is removed from the interior of the cured part by disintegrating core with a fluid sufficient to allow removal of the bladder.

Abstract: The manufactured product obtained by pultrusion and made from composite material having phenolic resin-based matrix in at least one portion thereof has a cellulose-based coating.

Abstract: A method fabricates fluid flow field plates that are suitable for use in an electrochemical fuel cell assembly. Pursuant to the method, a fluid flow field channel region such as, for example, substantially straight, parallel fluid flow field channels, is roller embossed in a sheet of compressible, electrically conductive material such as, for example, expanded graphite sheet material. A fluid distribution region such as, for example, a region containing manifold openings and supply channels, is then reciprocally embossed in the sheet material. A sheet pre-impregnated with a curable polymeric composition, such as pre-impregnated expanded graphite, can be employed, with the curing step being performed after the roller embossing and reciprocal embossing steps.

Abstract: The method serves for the manufacture of components in the form of a fiber-and-plastic laminate (FKV) in which fibers (12) are drawn from at least one reel (10), carried through a plastic-impregnating system (16, 18, 20) and wound onto a core (36). The laminate wound onto the core (36) is cut, removed from the core, and placed in a mold (40).

Abstract: The invention relates to polyisocyanurate systems, pultrusion of those systems to produce reinforced polyisocyanurate matrix composites, and to composites produced thereby. The polyisocyanurate systems include a polyol component, an optional chain extender, and an isocyanate. The polyisocyanurate systems have extended initiation times of about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes at room temperature, and can be snap cured.

Abstract: The present invention provides composites prepared from melt blending compositions that generally include cellulosic pulp fibers having an alpha-cellulose purity of greater than 80% by weight, at least one water soluble binder, at least one lubricant, at least one compatibilizer, and at least one matrix polymer. The present invention further provides advantageous temperature profiles and feeding arrangements to be used in conjunction with the melt blending of such composites. The composites of the present invention exhibit reduced discoloration and improved fiber dispersion.

Abstract: A pultrusion die is usually fashioned of multiple pieces. One or more die components, and possibly all die components, can be formed by facing less precisely machined and finished tooling materials with highly polished sheet metal. Other possible die components can be formed from conventionally machined and polished steel surfaces. The surfaces that will form the inside of the die are highly polished. The components are fastened together in a pattern that will assure uniform pressure and good heat transfer among the components. The entrance and exit orifices are optionally provided with beveled edges to improve entrance of materials into and release of the finished product from the die.

Abstract: In a pultrusion device for producing continuous length sections prepared from thermoplastic resins reinforced with long fibers, the vertical angle (&agr;) of an upstream conical surface of a conical portion, which constitutes a shaping nozzle perforated through the downstream end wall of the device ranges from 15 to 35 degrees and the shaping nozzle has a land portion having a length of 1 to 5 mm in the downstream area subsequent to the upstream conical surface. According to this pultrusion device for producing continuous length sections prepared from thermoplastic resins reinforced with long fibers, the long fibers never undergo any breakage nor fluffing during the opening treatment and this accordingly leads to the substantial reduction of pill-formation.

Abstract: The present invention provides cellulosic fibers having high wet bulk and methods for their preparation. In one embodiment, the invention provides cellulosic fibers catalytically crosslinked with glyoxal and, optionally, a glycol. In another embodiment, cellulosic fibers are crosslinked with a combination of glyoxal and a glyoxal-derived resin selected from the group consisting of a glyoxal/polyol condensate, a cyclic urea/glyoxal/polyol condensate, a cyclic urea/glyoxal condensate, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a spread fiber bundle using a fiber-spreading device composed of a group of rollers and a base body reciprocated to be repetitively brought into contact with and kept away from a running fiber bundle, and a method for producing a prepreg. Fiber bundle can be stably and efficiently spread even in the case where the fiber bundle to be spread are filaments having a high elastic modulus such as carbon filaments or where the carbon fiber bundle conveying speed is higher.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of manufacturing a preform for a RTM molding process that will increase both the handling capability of the preform and the final part quality. The invention consists of applying a patterned discontinuous layer of liquid resin over at least one side of a layer of reinforcing fibers. The resin film can consist of a homogeneous liquid, an aqueous dispersion or a melted resin applied at an elevated temperature. In one embodiment, there is present a roller having a patterned surface. Liquid resin is applied to the surface of the patterned roller via a second roller. The layer of reinforcing fibers is passed by the roller in such a fashion that the resin from the pattern on the surface of the roller is transferred to the layer of reinforcing fibers. The contact of the roller with the layer of reinforcing fibers is sufficient to force some of the resin into the fibers themselves.

Abstract: Polyisocyanurate systems, pultrusion of those systems to produce reinforced polyisocyanurate matrix composites, and to composites produced thereby. The polyisocyanurate systems include a polyol component, an optional chain extender, and an isocyanate. The polyisocyanurate systems have extended initiation times of about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes at room temperature, and can be snap cured.

Abstract: A method of infusing a dye into the surface of an article formed of a plastic material comprises contacting the surface with a solution including one or more solvents each aggressive to the plastic material, one or more dyes and one or more substances each capable of plasticizing the plastic material. If the plastic material is polycarbonate, then the aggressive solvent may be one or more chlorinated hydrocarbons. The dye may be a photochromic dye, a cosmetic tinting dye, dyes for absorbing infrared, laser and ultraviolet radiation, or combinations thereof. A wide range of plasticizers has been investigated. The article is contacted by the solution for ten seconds to one minute; and nearly all the infused solvent is then evaporated from the article by heating. The use of one or more plasticizers reduces or eliminates bubbling or hazing of the contacted surface during solvent evaporation.

Abstract: A process for embossing a flexible graphite sheet, and the flexible graphite article produced thereby is presented.

Abstract: This invention is a rapid low-cost technique for manufacturing thick high-performance carbon and ceramic composites in the form of uniformly densified near-net shaped structures. This is accomplished by impregnating composite preforms with low-viscosity wetting monomers which undergo polymerization followed by pyrolysis reactions in the preform ultimately creating ceramic and/or carbon matrices. Since the monomers possess low-molecular-weight they have low viscosities. Thus, if they wet the fiber and partially-densified preform they can easily impregnate even the smallest pores. Once inside the preforms, polymerization of the monomers is then initiated, resulting in a liquid matrix-precursor of the high molecular weight needed to produce a superior matrix (upon pyrolysis) with high efficiency.

Abstract: A method for the production of a multifilament carbon fibre-based longitudinal reinforcing element, designed to be incorporated in a rubber-based item. Said method comprises the following steps, whereby untwisted carbon fibres are plunged into an impregnating bath contained a solution of resorcinol-formaldehyde resin and rubber latex, the impregnated fibres are then dried and the dried fibres are subsequently twisted. The inventive method is characterised by the fact that it also comprises a step, during the impregnation step, consisting in opening out the carbon fibres by spreading out the constituent filaments thereof in such a way that each fibre has an increased surface area on which the impregnation can be performed.

Abstract: A method for making a hockey stick shaft by a double pressing process, and an apparatus for making the same. The double pressing process consists of pulling resin soaked rovings through heated mold cavities. A core is inserted between upper and lower rovings, the press is closed, and upper and lower laminates are molded on simultaneously, using heat and pressure. The hockey stick shaft made therefrom has two opposite surfaces, each of the surfaces being provided with a fiberglass roving reinforcement along each opposite edge and a graphite roving reinforcement fiber between the two fiberglass roving means.

Abstract: This invention relates to windshield wiper system and method which utilizes a flexible member to account for compression loads in excess of a predetermined load, such as 30 percent, greater than a maximum load for the flexible member. The system utilizes a flexible pultruded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity, yet relatively high elongation characteristics. The flexible arm bends to facilitate preventing damage to components in the wiper system when a compressive load applied to the flexible member is in excess of the predetermined load.

Abstract: A method provides for full or partial infusion of resin into three-dimensional, woven textile preforms. Resin film is placed at selected locations adjacent the preform, and the resin film may be separated from other areas of the preform using separator sheets or other materials. The preform is heated and may be vacuum-bagged to apply pressure, or may be rolled or fed through a die. The heat and pressure cause the resin to infuse into the selected areas of the preform adjacent the resin films. The amount of resin in the partial infusion is the same as is necessary to fully infuse the preform, but the resin remains localized in the selected areas until heated again at cure to cause the resin to flow throughout the preform. The method may also be used to fully infuse the preform with resin by providing sufficient temperature and time at that temperature during the initial infusion.

Abstract: A method for producing a pleated filter material from a nonwoven fabric having spacers for the pleated folds formed from the filter material itself, a formed fabric made of stretched synthetic fibers and thermoplastic and/or thermally cross-linked binding agent being heated in an oven to a temperature lying at least in the softening temperature range and/or the cross-linking temperature range of the binding agent, and subsequently, the formed fabric being formed between profiled calender rolls and cooled simultaneously.

Abstract: A method for making freeform-fabricated core composite articles using freeform-fabricated machine. The articles are capable of being utilized as end products rather than prototype models by creating a core having an interior structure to provide strength to the core and to enhance the strength to weight ratio of the article.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing fiber reinforced resin structures using vacuum assisted resin transfer molding technology, wherein the apparatus and process employ a first fluid impervious flexible sheet containing therein a resin port; a fiber containing preform; a primary vacuum line; a resin channeling means; and a secondary vacuum line. The fluid impervious flexible sheet is placed over or around the fiber containing preform to form a chamber to which the primary vacuum line is connected. The resin channeling means is positioned on top of the fluid impervious flexible sheet, exterior to the chamber containing the preform in a fashion so as to form a pocket between or around the resin channeling means and said fluid impervious flexible sheet to which the secondary vacuum is applied. Activation of the secondary vacuum causes formation of channels in the fluid impervious flexible sheet. These channels increase the speed and efficiency of resin impregnation of the fiber containing preform.

Abstract: Described is an interior trim panel (20) and method of manufacturing same comprising the steps of: providing a foam trim panel (22), treating the foam panel with a coating composition containing a polymerizable polymer, and an organofunctional silaceous material; and shaping and curing the treated panel to a desired configuration so that the organofunctional silaceous material reacts and cures to assist in the foam panel retaining its desired configuration.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a molded structure in a press that includes the steps of positioning a preform (24) having a thickness in the lower mold (20), placing a quantity of resin adjacent the preform (24) so as to create a resin reservoir, and then selectively actuating one or more of the pressure actuators (28) to apply pressure to the resin reservoir to force at least a portion of the resin reservoir to infuse through the thickness of the preform (24). After the step of positioning, a top cover (32) may be placed upon the preform (24). The step of selectively actuating one or more of the pressure actuators (28) attached to an upper platen (60), may include a computer for controlling the pressure actuators (28).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a spread fiber bundle using a fiber-spreading device composed of a group of rollers and a base body reciprocated to be repetitively brought into contact with and kept away from a running fiber bundle, and a method for producing a prepreg. Fiber bundle can be stably and efficiently spread even in the case where the fiber bundle to be spread are filaments having a high elastic modulus such as carbon filaments or where the carbon fiber bundle conveying speed is higher.

Abstract: An extended component made of fibre-reinforced thermoplastic materials, in particular a screw (1) that contains a corresponding proportion of fibres. Carbon fibres shaped as endles fibres extend in an at least approximately parallel direction to the centre line of the screw (1) in the area of the head (2) of the adjacent thread turns of the shaft (5). At the surface of the remaining part of the threaded portion, the fibre follow the contour of the thread in the axial direction of the part. The fibres in the core of this section next to the end of the screw are distrubuted in an increasingly random manner towards the free end of the screw.

Abstract: A method provides for full or partial infusion of resin into three-dimensional, woven textile preforms. Resin film is placed at selected locations adjacent the preform, and the resin film may be separated from other areas of the preform using separator sheets or other materials. The preform is heated and may be vacuum-bagged to apply pressure, or may be rolled or fed through a die. The heat and pressure cause the resin to infuse into the selected areas of the preform adjacent the resin films. The amount of resin in the partial infusion is the same as is necessary to fully infuse the preform, but the resin remains localized in the selected areas until heated again at cure to cause the resin to flow throughout the preform. The method may also be used to fully infuse the preform with resin by providing sufficient temperature and time at that temperature during the initial infusion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of forming a prepreg material having substantially no voids. According to the process of the invention, the reinforcing material is heated to a temperature above the temperature of the impregnating resin. The prepreg formed has substantially no voids and does not require lengthy consolidation when formed into useful articles.

Abstract: A linear bearing includes a substrate and a strip of wear-resistant material. The strip is impregnated with a resin, and the impregnated strip is pultrusion bonded onto the substrate. The impregnated strip is thereby compressed upon and directly bonded to the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an elongate composite element in undefined lengths, the composite element containing reinforcement fibers embedded in a matrix based on a composition containing a curable resin, including a vacuum chamber, rigid-walled inlet tubing, an impregnation chamber, rigid-walled transfer tubing between the vacuum chamber and the impregnation chamber, a sizing die and, downstream of the sizing die, irradiation tubes providing radiation in the ultraviolet-visible spectrum to prepolymerize the resin.

Abstract: A coating position at which an water sealing agent in an unsolidified condition is coated on an outer periphery of each wire is provided. A first mold formed with a groove and a second mold configured to be inserted into the groove are provided. The second mold has a molding face which defines a space between a bottom portion of the groove. The space has a cross section which is identical with a cross sectional shape of a through hole of a grommet through which the wires are inserted. The wires are conveyed one by one so as to pass through the coating position while coating the outer periphery of each wire with the water sealing agent. The wires coated with the water sealing agent are thrown into the groove of the first mold. The second mold is inserted into the groove to press the wires in the groove such that the unsolidified water sealing agent fills interstices of adjacent wires while solidifying the water sealing agent.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for producing a hybrid boron reinforced polymer matrix composition from powder pre-impregnated fiber tow bundles and a linear array of boron fibers. The boron fibers are applied onto the powder pre-impregnated fiber tow bundles and then are processed within a processing component having an impregnation bar assembly. After passing through variable-dimension forming nip-rollers, the powder pre-impregnated fiber tow bundles with the boron fibers become a hybrid boron reinforced polymer matrix composite tape. A driving mechanism pulls the powder pre-impregnated fiber tow bundles with boron fibers through the processing line of the apparatus and a take-up spool collects the formed hybrid boron-fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite tape.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with an integrated process for the manufacture of polymer and/or composite products, comprising the integration of processing operations to achieve a plurality of material conversion steps, such as impregnation, consolidation and bonding, within one single controlled fabrication cycle. The process includes an in-situ final preparation of at least one composite preform at the location of the moulding operation and an integrated moulding operation comprising a step of providing an additional matrix-functioning material into the mould to at least partially enclose the composite preform, the operation of providing the additional matrix-functioning material providing the pressure for an in-situ final consolidation of the composite product.

Abstract: A rebar forming apparatus includes a malleable material supply station for continuously supplying a malleable planar material and a malleable material forming station for forming the malleable material into first and second corresponding shell portions and related rebar products. The apparatus also includes a core pultrusion station and a cladding forming station for respectively forming core and cladding layers. A shell forming station is positioned downstream of the core and cladding forming stations which unites the first and second shell portions to form an outer shell with the core and cladding layers contained therein. The rebar product includes shell portions which are matably configured to form a disposable outer shell over the core and cladding layers. Related reinforcing composite product forming methods also include the use of a removable outer shell.

Abstract: A method for fabricating fiber-reinforced composite structures, including centrifuge rotors, by resin transfer molding (RTM) is disclosed. The method involves loading reinforcing fibers into a mold and then injecting resin into the mold to coat the fibers to form the composite structure. Two types of reinforcing fibers are used—fabric preforms at the surfaces of the structure and chopped fibers at the interior of the structure. Also disclosed is a fiber-reinforced composite structure comprising a skin layer of reinforcing fabric, chopped fibers distributed throughout the interior of the structure, and epoxy resin that binds the fabric and chopped fibers together into a fiber-reinforced composite structure. The resin transfer molding method is especially useful for fabricating composite centrifuge rotors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a planar assembly made of a polymer, which planar assembly includes threads interconnected in a net-like manner via connection sites while forming meshes, wherein the threads at least partially are fused together on the connection sites, and is characterized in that the polymer substantially is cellulose.

Abstract: A process for embossing a flexible graphite sheet, and the flexible graphite article produced thereby is presented.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of connecting a plurality of mandrels to one another to constitute an integral mandrel 10, forming a fabric 1 on the surface of the integral mandrel, and infiltrating the formed fabric with matrix. A plurality of products can simultaneously be manufactured, and this can remarkably reduce fiber loss and enhance productivity.

Abstract: Bicycle frame components without laps made by a method comprising; shaping a fluid-removable core in the general form of the component, placing a flexible inflatable bladder around the core, wrapping over the assembly of core and bladder at least one ply of fiber impregnated with a curable resin, forming a cured part by inflating the bladder while the assembly of core, bladder, and impregnated fiber is in a mold to force the plies against the inner surfaces of the mold, such that compaction of the fiber against the mold is predominantly from the bladder inflation and not from the core, and heating to cure the resin to form a cured part, removing the bladder and the fluid-removable core from the interior of the cured part by disintegrating the fluid-removable core with a fluid sufficient to allow removal of the core and the bladder.

Abstract: In a pultrusion device for producing continuous length sections prepared from thermoplastic resins reinforced with long fibers, the vertical angle (&agr;) of an upstream conical surface of a conical portion, which constitutes a shaping nozzle perforated through the downstream end wall of the device ranges from 15 to 35 degrees and the shaping nozzle has a land portion having a length of 1 to 5 mm in the downstream area subsequent to the upstream conical surface. According to this pultrusion device for producing continuous length sections prepared from thermoplastic resins reinforced with long fibers, the long fibers never undergo any breakage nor fluffing during the opening treatment and this accordingly leads to the substantial reduction of pill-formation.