Abstract: Method for manufacturing a composite fiber component (1) the method comprising the following method steps: forming a moulding core (4) comprising a hollow profile (15) made of segments (16a . . . d) in order to establish an external geometry of the moulding core (4), wherein the segments (16a . . . d) of the moulding core (4) each extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the moulding core (4) and are each constructed so as to be pivotable about an axis running in the longitudinal direction of the moulding core (4), between a folded position (A), and an unfolded position (B) of the hollow profile (15) of the moulding core (4), wherein the segments (16a . . . d) are constructed so as to be coupled to one another via connections (18a . . . d, 19a . . .

Abstract: Elastic pad with a concrete element on which rails of a railway rest, whereby the elastic pad includes a fixing mat and an elastic mat, the fixing mat being provided with standing filaments that are at least partially embedded in the concrete element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising the following components: (A) at least one lactam (B) at least one catalyst (C) an activator from the group of the isocyanates, anhydrides, acyl halides, reaction products of these with (A), and mixtures of these (D) at least one non-functionalized rubber, which comprises no functional groups having heteroatoms (E) at least one hydroxy-terminated rubber.

Abstract: A preformed corner bead for use in wallboard construction is provided and includes an elongate strip formed of a web of at least one layer of non-woven fabric, a resin impregnating the strip. The impregnated strip is formed into a desired angle defined by a pair of flanges prior to a curing of the resin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing a toroid-shaped fiber composite product. The device comprises at least two fiber or fiber composite material dispensing units (2, 3), the dispensing units being adapted to place a fiber (4) or a fiber composite material onto the surface of a toroid-shaped mandrel (5); positioning means to effectuate relative movement of the mandrel and the dispensing units during placement of the fiber or fiber composite material. The invention further relates to a method for producing a toroid-shaped fiber composite product, preferably with a concave cross-section, in particular the rim of a bicycle wheel. The method comprises providing a toroid-shaped mandrel, dispensing fibers or fiber composite material from at least two dispensing units, placing the fibers or fiber composite material onto the mandrel while effectuating a relative movement of the mandrel and the dispensing units, and reshaping at least part of the mandrel, preferably by thermoforming.

Abstract: A process and an arrangement for the production of a fiber composite or hybrid component comprising a preparation station in which an insert portion can be processed, a closing unit of an injection molding machine, having a cavity in which the processed insert portion is or can be arranged, an injection unit of the injection molding machine for the injection of molten plastic material into the cavity, with injection thereof around the insert portion arranged in the cavity, and a transport device by which the insert portion can be transported into the preparation station and into the cavity of the closing unit, wherein the insert portion remains in connected relationship with the transport device during processing in the preparation station, during transport to the closing unit and during injection therearound in the cavity.

Abstract: A method includes placing at least one mold along outer edges of one or more first pieces of fabric. The method also includes forming free-standing flexible walls and a floor of a containment structure by depositing liquid-impervious material onto the at least one mold and the one or more first pieces of fabric. The floor is formed seamlessly with the walls. The method further includes forming flexible supports by depositing liquid-impervious material onto multiple second pieces of fabric connecting the floor and the flexible walls.

Abstract: Polymer articles are often reinforced by addition of fibers which may be assembled into a structured reinforcement such as a woven mat or sheet and the mat or sheet serves as the reinforcement. Such woven fiber-reinforced polymer composite articles may exhibit undesirable variations in surface height which mimic the geometry of the underlying reinforcements, a phenomenon known as print through. By forming, on the surface of the article, a relatively thin, layer of a compatible polymer incorporating closely-spaced, short, carbon nanotubes more or less uniformly dispersed throughout the layer and oriented normal to the article surface, print through may be reduced or eliminated. Methods for fabricating such an article are detailed.

Abstract: A method for producing a storage element having a plurality of faces in which a portion of the faces is made in textile material. The method includes the steps of: producing a pattern in textile material, the pattern comprising several panels, placing the pattern in an unfolded condition in an injection mold, injecting a plastic material into the injection mold around the panels so as to overmold at least one portion of each of the panels so as to obtain a pattern comprising the faces in textile and plastic materials of the storage element in the unfolded condition, folding the pattern and attaching the faces to each other.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced polymeric casing. According to this invention, the method includes the steps of shaping and stacking up a plurality of layers of fiber-reinforced polymeric mats to build a multi-layer structure, disposing an intermedium film on a surface of the multi-layer structure, and performing an one-step molding process to form a structural part including a polymer on the intermedium film and the multi-layer structure.

Abstract: A fabric web is led between mould parts which are subsequently closed. A liquid elastomer is injected into the mould for forming a soft elastomeric product bonded to the fabric web. As the mould is opened ejector pins on one mould part clamp the web against the other mould part for stripping the soft elastomeric product from the mould. After disengagement of the ejector pins the web is advanced to discharge the soft elastomeric product from the mould.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a beam, in particular for a cascade thrust reverser, including a skin made of a composite material and defining a closed section, wherein said beam is filled with a core material.

Abstract: Methods are described for activating a glass fiber or flake to participate in polymerizing a resin. The methods may include sizing the glass fiber or flake with a sizing composition that includes a solution containing a polymerization initiator, and activating the polymerization initiator by forming a free radical moiety on the polymerization initiator that can initiate the polymerization of the resin. Additional methods of making a glass reinforced composite are described. The methods may include sizing glass fibers or flakes with a sizing composition that includes a solution containing a polymerization initiator, forming a free radical moiety on the polymerization initiator to make activated glass fibers or flakes, and contacting the activated glass fibers or flakes with a polymer resin. The activated glass fibers or flakes initiate the polymerization of the resin around the glass fibers or flakes to form the glass reinforced composite.

Abstract: A method for producing a component from a fibre composite. A number of layers of a dry fibrous material are stacked to form a pile, the pile is covered by a thermoplastic film in a gas-tight manner, the inner space occupied by the pile within the film is pumped dry and the layers are fixed to form a preform that is stable during transport, the preform is reshaped, a liquid thermosetting material is inserted into the inner space by infiltration of the fibrous material, and the preform is hardened with the infiltrated fibrous material to form the finished component, the film binding permanently as the surface. The invention also relates to a component produced in such a way, and to a corresponding preform. The production method provides a process-integrated surface finishing of the fibre composite. The surface properties are created by the bound thermoplastic film.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to thermoplastic electrostatic dissipative (ESD) composites. The disclosed composites comprise a thermoplastic resin phase and a plurality of intermediate modulus carbon fibers dispersed within the thermoplastic resin phase. Also disclosed herein are methods for the manufacture and/or use of the disclosed ESD composites as well as articles formed from such composites.

Abstract: An article manufactured in a mould and which comprises a structural composite of plastics layers, the article having a wall defining an internal space for holding contents therein; wherein, the wall is formed from at least two layers of plastics materials; wherein a first of said layers comprises a thermoplastics material and at least a second layer comprises a thermosetting resin and a fibrous layer.

Abstract: A complex-shaped, three-dimensional fiber reinforced composite structure may be formed by using counteracting pressures applied to a structural lay-up of wetted fibers with cored members embedded there between. The wetted fibers are arranged on pressurizable members and may be configured to include internal structural features, such as shear webs. A reinforcement stiffener may be located adjacent to at least one of the pressurizable members and the wetted fibers that form the internal structural feature. The cored members may be selectively located on various interior and exterior regions or surfaces of the composite structure.

Abstract: A hollow golf club head with a concave portion is disclosed and claimed. The club head includes a metallic portion and a light-weight portion, which may be formed of plastic, composite, or the like. The concave portion allows the club designer to make a club head having very thin portions while still maintaining the requisite structural integrity. Convex bulges may optionally be provided to house weight inserts to enhance the playing characteristics of the golf club. The metallic portion of the club head may take on the appearance of a frame, into which several light-weight inserts are positioned. These light-weight inserts may be positioned in the crown, skirt, and sole of the club head. The club head may be formed by co-molding, eliminating the need for welding or adhesives, freeing mass to be used in more beneficial ways. The club head may be large to increase playability and forgiveness.

Abstract: A method for producing a foamed article including a supporting element, a foam layer, and an upholstery cover applied on said foam layer, comprising the steps of forming said upholstery cover by stitching together a plurality of lengths of upholstery cover, positioning the sewn upholstery cover on a convex positioning surface of a positioning member withholding the sewn upholstery cover on said positioning member by means of a first suction system, setting said positioning member with the sewn upholstery cover withheld thereon by suction in a bottom die of a foaming die, deactivating said first suction system and withholding the upholstery cover on a concave positioning surface of said bottom die by means of a second suction system, extracting said positioning member from said bottom die leaving said upholstery cover positioned and withheld by suction on said concave positioning surface, positioning a rigid supporting element on a plunger of said foaming die and closing the plunger on said bottom die so as to

Abstract: A method for manufacturing composite parts. A temporary removal layer may be placed on an inner mold line tool. A composite material may be laid up on the inner mold line tool for a composite part. The inner mold line tool may be positioned with the composite part inside an outer mold line tool. The composite part and the temporary removal layer may be transferred from the inner mold line tool to the outer mold line tool. The inner mold line tool and the temporary removal layer may be removed from inside of the outer mold line tool after transferring the composite part and the temporary removal layer to the outer mold line tool.

Abstract: A method of injection molding an opening device on sheet packaging material for packaging pourable food products; the packaging material has at least a first and a second layer, and an opening formed through the first layer and sealed by a cover portion of the second layer; the method includes the steps of injecting molten plastic material onto a first side of the cover portion of the second layer, feeding the molten plastic material along the cover portion to cover it on the first side, and feeding the molten plastic material through an annular peripheral portion of the cover portion to form a spout of the opening device projecting from a second side, opposite the first side, of the cover portion; the molten plastic material covers the cover portion to define, with the cover portion, a user-removable sealing portion of the spout.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manufacturing an FC parison out of a laminate with at least two prepreg layers provide for: mounting at least a first edge section of the laminate in a first clamping device that can be moved relative to a fitting by means of a mechanical gearing, and a second edge section of the laminate lying opposite the first edge section in another clamping device, exerting a tensile stress via the first clamping device relative to the second clamping device over the area of the laminate lying between the clamping devices, while simultaneously moving the first clamping device in a direction directed away from the second clamping device up to a location where a rounded surface area of a fitting imparts to the laminate a curvature between the first clamping device and second clamping device as viewed in its longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Plate-shaped composite getter materials for the sorption of gases containing two interpenetrating constituents, a reinforcing component of skeletal framework and a reactive matrix, which form a coherent monolithic structure, a method for producing such composites, and their application in vacuum technology or gas purification are described. A synthetic getter composite of the classical type in the form of a thin monolithic plate with two constituents, a reinforcing framework embedded in a reactive matrix, has been developed. Metallic gauze made of high-melting transitional metals or their alloys is used as a reinforcing constituent and a reactive metal or alloy with a high concentration of this metal is used as the reactive matrix.

Abstract: A method is provided for molding a composite part defined by using a preform comprising a shape memory polymer (SMP) binder. A bound preform comprising the SMP binder in a permanent shape and defined by a simplified geometry provided to a mold. The bound preform is heated above a transformation temperature of the SMP binder and deformed into a shaped preform defined by the temporary shape of the SMP binder. In a molding sequence, the shaped preform is constrained in its temporary shape by the mold while resin is introduced to the mold and cured to produce a final part. The shape of the cured part defines the temporary shape of the SMP binder. The bound preform may be generally configured as a mat or be defined by a substantially flat surface such that the preform may be used as a preform to mold a variety of differing part configurations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a composite structure comprising fiber reinforced material by means of vacuum assisted resin transfer molding, where fiber material is impregnated with liquid resin. The method comprises an evacuation process of a mold cavity by initially providing an under-pressure in a part of the mold cavity in order to provide a first vacuum front having a first pressure gradient oriented towards a first side of the forming structure, and a second vacuum front with a second pressure gradient oriented towards a second side of the forming structure, and controlling the first vacuum front and the second front to move towards the first side and the second side of the forming structure, respectively.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing aerogenerator blades that avoids or reduces some formation deficiencies existing in the traditional methods of manufacturing aerogenerator blades. The method comprises: positioning at least one support plate (2) on a plug (3) corresponding to a predetermined shape of at least a portion of the blade; removably fixing the support plate (2) to the plug (3); stacking a plurality of layers (1) of at least one material over the support plate (2); stitching the plurality of layers (1) to the support plate (2); displacing the plurality of layers (1) stitched to the support plate (2) into a mold (4), the mold (4) having a shape corresponding to the counter shape of the plug (3).

Abstract: A use of a core block for an impregnation process as well as a composite structure comprising such a core block is described. The core block has a first surface and a second surface, and a number of first grooves is formed in the first surface of the core. Furthermore, a number of second grooves is formed in the second surface of the core. The first grooves have a first height (h1) and a bottom, and the first grooves and the second grooves are part of a resin distribution network formed in the core block. The distance (t) between the bottom of the first grooves and the second surface of the core block is of such a size that the core block is flexible along the first grooves. Additionally, the sum of the first height and the second height is larger than the thickness of the core block, and at least one of the first grooves in the first surface of the core block crosses at least one of the second grooves in the second surface of the core block.

Abstract: The use of a polyamide modified by hydroxyl aromatic compounds used to impregnate reinforcement materials assuming the form of industrial fabric cloth for manufacturing composite materials is described. Also described, is a composite material produced and a method by which the composite material is produced. Further, the method by which the composite material is produced can include: a) impregnating a reinforcing cloth with a polyamide composition in a molten state, the polyamide including hydroxy aromatic units which are chemically linked to the polyamide chain; the composition including a novolac resin; and b) cooling and then recovering the composite article.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a grid-stiffened structure from fiber-reinforced composite materials. A skin is applied to a smooth, hard base tool. Ribs comprised of carbon-fiber tows are formed on the skin, and shallow cavities are formed between the ribs and the skin. An expansion block is placed in each of the cavities, and is held in place by an elastomeric contact adhesive having adhesive properties that are substantially diminished when the adhesive is heated to an elevated curing temperature. The assembly is then autoclave cured. After cooling, the formed structure is separated from the base tool and the expansion blocks are removed from the cavities. A grid-stiffened sandwich structure is formed by applying an outer skin over the ribs and expansion blocks, before curing the assembly. After cooling, the outer skin is removed to allow extraction of the blocks, and subsequently bonded to the ribs.

Abstract: A method for use in manufacturing a ceramic matrix composite article includes assembling a ceramic fiber sheet between a tool and a die, where the tool is conformable to the shape of the die and the melting point of the die is greater than the melting point of the tool. The assembly is then heated to soften the tool. At least one of the tool, the die or a separate inflatable member is then pressurized to conform the tool and the ceramic fiber sheet to the die. Next, the assembly is cooled and the pressure is vented before removal of the tool and ceramic fiber sheet from the die. A preceramic resin with a catalyst is then applied to the ceramic fiber sheet and cured at a curing temperature that is below the melting point of the tool, to form a preform. The tool is then removed from the preform.

Abstract: A composite support structure is provided with a plurality of support strands surrounded by a carbon fiber reinforced polymer mesh and surrounded by structural concrete. The support structure provides various advantages in withstanding compressive, tensile, and shear loading.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing a mixture of a two-liquid mixing type curable resin, which process is hard to generate curing unevenness, can be carried out with low energy consumption, and is suited for mixing even with a disposable static mixer. The present invention provides a process for producing a mixture of a two-liquid mixing type curable resin by mixing the constituents of the resin, wherein mixing operations of the constituents are performed multiple times and a non-mixing time is provided between at least one of the mixing operations and another one of the mixing operations subsequent thereto.

Abstract: An exemplary method for manufacturing and reinforcing a corner in an object made from a sandwich structure, having a thermoplastic core layer (18), which is arranged between two cover layers (16), at least one of which is a plastic cover layer, which method includes the steps of: producing an object including a corner between two object parts; positioning a thermoplastic core part (24) and an additional fiber-reinforced thermoplastic layer (26) in the corner, which thermoplastic core part has a shape adapted to the corner, in such a manner that the additional fiber-reinforced thermoplastic layer (26) substantially covers the exposed surface of the core part (24); and connecting a cover layer (16) of the sandwich structure to the additional fiber-reinforced thermoplastic layer (26).

Abstract: A fiber reinforced core panel is formed from strips of plastics foam helically wound with layers of rovings to form webs which may extend in a wave pattern or may intersect transverse webs. Hollow tubes may replace foam strips. Axial rovings cooperate with overlying helically wound rovings to form a beam or a column. Wound roving patterns may vary along strips for structural efficiency. Wound strips may alternate with spaced strips, and spacers between the strips enhance web buckling strength. Continuously wound rovings between spaced strips permit folding to form panels with reinforced edges. Continuously wound strips are helically wrapped to form annular structures, and composite panels may combine both thermoset and thermoplastic resins. Continuously wound strips or strip sections may be continuously fed either longitudinally or laterally into molding apparatus which may receive skin materials to form reinforced composite panels.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for manufacturing sheet material. In one representative embodiment, a sheet of fabric material is positioned across a patterning template that has a number of openings; and the sheet of fabric material and the patterning template are fed through an extrusion device in which extrusion material coats the fabric material and forces the fabric material into the openings in the patterning template, thereby producing a composite sheet material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite panel (10) based on cementitious mortar, passed through its entire thickness by a plurality of through openings (11), each of which is filled with a material transparent to light in the form of a preformed plate (12) housed in said opening (11), or formed in said opening, wherein said cement-based mortar contains at least 30 kg/m 3 of fibres selected from one or more of the following types: metallic fibres, steel fibres, glass fibres, polymeric resin fibres. The invention also relates to methods of production of said panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-colored, multi-scented candle, comprising a solidified block of fuel and a wick embedded therein, wherein the solidified block of fuel comprises two, three or more distinct fuel members strung on the wick and partially or completely embedded in the outer fuel portion of the solidified block of fuel, wherein a first member and a second member of said distinct fuel members are adjacent and have different scents and different colors. Further described is a process for producing such a candle. The invention also relates to the use of a candle for conveying a multi-color and/or multi-scent experience to and to a corresponding method.

Abstract: A method of providing at least one projection (4) on a tubular body (1) of the type required by the oil and gas industry for use in recovery of and transporting of crude oil or gas, namely oil-country-tubular goods (OCTG), said projection (4) having a predetermined form such as a blade, ribbing, or the like stand-off projection, by providing materials capable of being moulded, applying a mould to a tubular (OCTG) body, and moulding said materials using said mould onto said tubular body (1).

Abstract: Portable apparatus for curing a part includes a wheeled frame having sliding part supports that move the part from a loading position to a curing position. A part clamping assembly is slidably mounted on the frame to apply clamping pressure to the part when the part is in the curing position in order to compact the part during a cure cycle. The clamping assembly includes a set of electrically heated shoes that heat the part to a cure temperature. A fan is provided to accelerate cool down the part after curing is complete. The heating and cooling operations are automatically performed by a programmed controller.

Abstract: A connection between composites with non-compatible properties and a method of preparing of such connections are provided. The composites comprise first and second type fibers, respectively, as well as resin. The connection comprises a transition zone between the composites having a layered structure. The transition zone may optionally comprise a transition member and the transition member may optionally be integrated with one or more of the composites. Examples of non-compatible properties where the present connection will be appreciated are great differences in stiffness, e.g. Young's modulus, or in coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: The invention describes a new synthetic fiber material of polyhydroxyether, as well as a melt-spinning method for its production. The new material can be used, in particular, for stabilization of the reinforcement fibers of high-performance fiber composite materials before they are embedded in the matrix material. During this usage, the polyhydroxyether fiber material dissolves at a temperature above its glass transition temperature entirely in the matrix material, so that the reinforcement fibers can be arranged largely free of kinking. In addition, it forms cross-links with the matrix material to form a homogeneous matrix and thus does not constitute a disruptive third phase in the composite material. The compatibility of the matrix and reinforcement fiber is also improved. It was possible to improve the bending strength of test slabs by 12% as compared to that of reference slabs with polyester filament.

Abstract: There is provided a component part (1) made up of a tubular skeleton member (1B) that is formed by a structural material-purpose reaction injection molding of a thermoplastic resin reinforced by a continuous fiber and that is enhanced in rigid strength, and projection-and-depression structures (1A, 1C) that cover two end openings of the tubular skeleton member and that are made of a thermoplastic resin that is of the same family as and is highly compatible with the foregoing thermoplastic resin. In the production method for the component part (1), before the thermoplastic resin used in the structural material-purpose reaction injection molding finishes polymerizing, the thermoplastic resin is injected to a mold cavity that surrounds the tubular skeleton member (1B), so that the component part (1) having high rigid strength is efficiently produced.

Abstract: In one example, a method includes mixing a plurality of carbon fibers in a liquid carrier to form a mixture, depositing the carbon fiber mixture in a layer, forming a plurality of corrugations in the carbon fiber layer, and rigidifying the corrugated carbon fiber layer to form a corrugated carbon fiber preform. In another example, a method includes substantially aligning a first ridge on a first surface of a first corrugated carbon fiber preform and a first groove on a first surface of a second corrugated carbon fiber preform, bringing the first surface of the first corrugated carbon fiber preform into contact with the first surface of the second corrugated carbon fiber preform, and densifying the first corrugated carbon fiber preform and the second carbon fiber preform to bond the first corrugated carbon fiber preform and the second carbon fiber preform.

Abstract: Dry adhesives and methods of making dry adhesives including a method of making a dry adhesive including applying a liquid polymer to the second end of a stem, contacting the liquid polymer on the stem with a tip shaping surface, bending the stem relative to the backing layer while contacting the liquid polymer on the stem with the tip shaping surface, curing the liquid polymer to form a tip on the second end of the stem while bending the stem relative to the backing layer and while contacting the liquid polymer on the stem with the tip shaping surface, and removing the tip from the tip shaping surface after the liquid polymer cures.

Abstract: A xylylenediamine-based polyamide resin/fiber composite material and molding are provided that do not exhibit a decline in properties under high temperatures and high humidities, and that exhibit a high elastic modulus and present little warping, and exhibit better recycle characteristics, a better moldability, and a better productivity than for thermosetting resins. The polyamide resin-type composite material comprises a fibrous material (B) impregnated with a polyamide resin (A) wherein at least 50 mole % of diamine structural units derived from xylylenediamine, and having a number-average molecular weight (Mn) of 6,000 to 30,000, and containing a component of a molecular weight of not more than 1,000 at 0.5 to 5 mass %.

Abstract: An inflatable compaction tool for consolidating a composite material inside a faceted hollow or tubular mold for a composite part is made from an elastic material. The compaction tool includes relatively flat wall segments conjoined by corner segments that define a sealed chamber. The wall segments curve away from the mold surface toward the midpoint of each wall segment, so that as a pressurized fluid is introduced into the compaction tool, a component of the force exerted on the tool interior surface is transmitted through the wall segments toward the corner segments. Thus, during initial inflation, the corner segments are forced toward the corner regions of the mold before the wall segments contact the composite material, firmly compressing the composite material into the corner regions of the mold before the friction of the wall segments against the composite material inhibits expansion of the corner segments into the mold corner regions.

Abstract: A resin-and-fiber includes a base layer and a molded layer integrally bonding the base layer. The base layer includes a fiber layer made of fiber woven fabric and a resin layer made of transparent or translucent resin. The fiber layer has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The resin layer bonds the first surface and penetrating into the fiber layer. The molded layer is made of resin and integrally bonding the second surface of the fiber layer. A method for making the present resin-and-fiber composite is also provided.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an interior substrate material, e.g., for an automobile includes impregnating a sheet-shaped, nonwoven mat material, which consists of glass fibers, with a urethane-yielding liquid, and heating the mat material impregnated with the urethane-yielding liquid to foam and heat cure the urethane-yielding liquid in the mat material, thereby producing the interior substrate material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle trim component is provided that includes disposing a fiber panel onto a first surface of a mold cavity. The method also includes compressing the fiber panel between the first surface and a second surface of the mold cavity to form the fiber panel into a desired shape. The method further includes injecting resin into the mold cavity to fill at least one void between the first surface and the second surface adjacent to the fiber panel.

Abstract: A reinforced rubber article comprising a rubber article and a fibrous layer embedded into the rubber article. The fibrous layer comprises monoaxially drawn fibers having at least a first layer, where the first layer contains a polymer and a plurality of voids. The voids are in an amount of between about 3 and 15 percent by volume of the first layer. Methods of forming the reinforced rubber article are also disclosed.