Abstract: An electrically conductive adhesive layer includes an adhesive material; a plurality of electrically conductive dendritic first particles dispersed in the adhesive material and having a cumulative 50% particle diameter D50 in a range from about 20 micrometers to about 40 micrometers; and a plurality of electrically conductive substantially planar second particles dispersed in the adhesive material and having a cumulative 50% particle diameter D50 in a range from about 40 micrometers to about 70 micrometers. The adhesive layer has an average thickness in a range from about 15 micrometers to about 35 micrometers, an electrical resistance in a thickness direction of less than about 30 milliohms, and a peel strength of at least 0.1 N/mm from a stainless steel surface after a dwell time of about 20 minutes at 22° C.

Abstract: Provided is a method of preparing a nanocomposite material plated with a network-type metal layer through silica self-cracks and a wearable electronics carbon fiber prepared therefrom. The present disclosure provides a nanocomposite material having excellent electrical conductivity and bending resistance by plating a network-type metal layer on a substrate having a flat surface and/or a curved surface through a method of preparing the nanocomposite material in which the network-type metal layer is plated on silica self-cracks by applying a silica coating solution on the substrate having a flat or curved surface, performing drying after the applying of the silica coating solution to form the silica self-cracks having random crack directions and sizes, and performing electroless metal plating on the surface of the substrate. Further, the present disclosure provides a wearable electronics carbon fiber having excellent electrical conductivity and bending resistance.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for composites, including short-fiber films and other composites. In certain aspects, composites comprising a plurality of aligned fibers are provided. The fibers may be substantially aligned, and may be present at relatively high densities within the composite. For example, the composite may include substantially aligned carbon fibers embedded within a thermoplastic substrate. The composites may be prepared, in some aspects, by dispersing fibers by neutralizing the electrostatic interactions between the fibers, for example using aqueous liquids containing the fibers that are able to neutralize the electrostatic interactions that typically occur between the fibers. The liquids may be applied to a substrate, and the fibers may be aligned using techniques such as shear flow and/or magnetism. Other aspects are generally directed to methods of using such composites, kits including such composites, or the like.

Abstract: Provided herein is an artificial dielectric material comprising a plurality of sheets of a dielectric material and a plurality of conductive elements disposed in holes made in the sheets of the dielectric material, wherein each conductive element is a three-dimensional object consisting of side plates connected to a central support and disposed to form conductive surfaces surrounding an empty space. Also provided are conductive elements and focusing lenses comprising the artificial dielectric materials and conductive elements along with methods for manufacture of such materials and method for their use. The artificial dielectric materials, lenses and their manufacture may provide desirable dielectric and radio wave focusing properties compared with known materials and manufacturing advantages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fibre composite material W of increased translucency and/or mechanical strength, comprising a copolymer C encompassing monomers A-1, where A-1 form covalent bonds with functional groups B-1 on the surface of fibres B embedded in the fibre composite material W, and this fibre composite material W has greater translucency and/or mechanical strength than a fibre composite material Win which the copolymer C contains no A-1. The present invention further embraces a method for producing a fibre composite material W of increased translucency and/or mechanical strength.

Abstract: Provided are nanowire-coated fibers and compositions comprising one or more nanowire-coated fibers and methods of making the fibers and compositions. The fibers can be organic or inorganic fibers. The nanowires can be metallic or semiconducting nanowires. The nanowires are disposed on at least a portion of a surface of a fiber or fibers. The fibers and compositions can be used as barcodes (e.g., for anti-counterfeiting methods). The fibers and compositions also can be used as photodetectors (e.g., methods of detecting electromagnetic radiation).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of a fiber-reinforced composite material with a polyamide matrix.

Abstract: A method of preparing a fiber for use in forming a ceramic matrix composite material comprises the steps of removing a polymer coating from an outer surface of glass or ceramic fibers by providing heated and humidified gas across the glass or ceramic fibers for a period of time.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a polyimide-graphene composite material and a method for preparing same. More particularly, it relates to a polyimide-graphene composite material prepared by adding modified graphene and a basic catalyst during polymerization of a polyimide precursor so as to improve mechanical strength and electrical conductivity and enable imidization at low temperature and a method for preparing same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sizing composition in the form of a physical gel for glass strands which contains 0.1 to 5% by weight of at least one texturing agent chosen from xanthans, guars and succinoglycans, 2 to 8% by weight of at least one film-forming agent, 0.1 to 8% by weight of at least one compound chosen from plasticizing agents, surface-active agents and dispersing agents, 0.1 to 4% by weight of at least one coupling agent, and 0 to 6% by weight of at least one additive. Another subject-matter of the present invention is glass strands coated with the abovementioned sizing composition and the composite materials containing an organic or inorganic material reinforced with the said glass strands.

Abstract: A conductive thermoplastic resin composition includes polyethersulfone resin and a carbon nanotube (CNT)-oriented glass fiber. The conductive thermoplastic resin composition can have high electrical conductivity and remarkably improved mechanical physical properties with a small amount of CNTs.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a sizing composition for glass fibres comprising the following components: (a) A silane based coupling agent which is not an aminosilane; (b) A film former; (c) A borate; (d) A lubricant Characterized in that, at least 75 wt. % of the silane coupling agent present in the composition is dialkoxylated. It also concerns a glass fibre sized with the reaction product of said sizing composition, as well as a polymeric composite reinforced with such glass fibres.

Abstract: A molded article excellent in dynamic characteristics and water degradation resistance can be obtained by using a fiber-reinforced polypropylene resin composition including a carbodiimide-modified polyolefin (a), a polypropylene resin (b) and reinforcing fibers (c), wherein the content of the carbodiimide group contained in a resin component in the fiber-reinforced polypropylene resin composition is 0.0005 to 140 mmol based on 100 g of a matrix resin component, and the reinforcing fibers (c) are sizing-treated with a polyfunctional compound (s); and a molding material using the fiber-reinforced polypropylene resin composition.

Abstract: A steel filament adapted for the reinforcement of elastomer or for thermoplastic products has a carbon content ranging up to 0.20 per cent by weight. The steel filament is provided with a coating promoting the adhesion with elastomer or thermoplastic products. The steel filament is drawn until a final diameter of less than 0.60 mm and a final tensile strength of more than 1200 MPa. Intermediate heat treatments are avoided so that the carbon footprint of the steel filament is substantially reduced.

Abstract: Methods of making a fiber-reinforced composite article are described. The methods may include providing fibers to an article template, where the fibers have been treated with a coupling-initiator compound. They may further include providing a pre-polymerized mixture that includes a monomer and a catalyst to the article template. The combination of the fibers and the pre-polymerized mixture may be heated to a polymerization temperature where the monomers polymerize around the fibers and form at least a portion of the composite article. The article may then be removed from the article template. Examples of the fiber-reinforced composite articles may include wind turbine blades for electric power generation.

Abstract: An adhesive material comprising at least one adhesive polymeric resin, at least one low aspect ratio metal-coated additive, and at least one high aspect ratio metal-coated additive. There is additionally provided an adhesive material comprising at least one adhesive polymeric resin, and one of either; a) low aspect ratio metal-coated additives present in the range 0.2 wt. % to 30 wt. % of the adhesive material; or b) discrete high aspect ratio metal-coated additives present in the range 0.2 wt. % to 25 wt. % of the adhesive material.

Abstract: An extruder (1) and a method for producing high-fiber volume reinforced thermoplastic resin structures (50), as well as a tape (156) having opposing resin rich portions (302) and a fiber rich portion (304) disposed therebetween and a method for impregnating at least one fiber roving (142) with a polymer resin to form a tape (156. The extruder (1) includes an impregnation die (3) having a channel (4) that applies pressurized molten thermoplastic resin to a plurality of rovings (142) drawn through the channel (4), and a die (3) faceplate (5) facing the downstream side (34) of said die (3). The faceplate (5) has a plurality of sizing holes (42) or a slot (75) arranged along a line that the resin-impregnated rovings (142) are simultaneously drawn through that remove excess resin and pultrude the resin-impregnated rovings (142) into rod-shaped or sheet-shaped structures.

Abstract: Sizing compositions to size fibers or particles used in plastic composites are described. The compositions may include a solution with a polymerization compound selected from: (a) at least one non-isocyanate-containing polymerization initiator (PI) for initiating the polymerization of caprolactam monomers; or (b) at least one precursor for a non-isocyanate-containing PI for initiating the polymerization of caprolactam monomers. Methods of making the sizing the composition, as well as methods of making reinforced thermoplastic composites from sized fibers or particles, are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus to dry milled silicon particles has solvent spray nozzles, solvent drainage, gas inlet, and gas exhaust. This drying can occur, for example, following an acid etch and a deionized water rinse. The drying apparatus is an enclosed system with a lid that contains a solvent feeding tube and exhaust ventilation. This enclosed system design creates an effective low temperature drying system in an inert atmosphere. The apparatus can handle a variety of different particle sizes, inhibits the growth of surface oxides on the particles by using lower temperatures, and allows reuse of solvent.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte and a piezoelectric material are incorporated into composite shaped articles to provide them with self-healing and adaptive qualities. The piezoelectric constituent converts the mechanical energy concentrated in critical areas into electrical energy which, in turn, guides and drives electrolytic transport of mass within the solid electrolyte towards, and its electrodeposition at critical areas to render self-healing and adaptive effects.

Abstract: Provided are a silver nanowire conductive film coated with an oxidation protection layer and a method for fabricating the same. A silver nanowire conductive film coated with an oxidation protection layer includes: a substrate; silver nanowires disposed on the substrate; and an oxidation protection layer coated on the silver nanowires, wherein the oxidation protection layer comprises an oxide.

Abstract: Disclosed are formaldehyde-free, thermally-curable, alkaline, aqueous binder compositions. The disclosed binder compositions may be cured to substantially water-insoluble thermoset polyester resins, including formaldehyde-free, substantially water-insoluble thermoset polyester resins. Uses of the disclosed binder compositions as binders for non-woven fibers and fiber materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: Coated and uncoated fibrous mats, and laminates containing the mat, having one or more surfactants on the fibers and binder holding the fibers together in only a portion of the thickness of the mat are disclosed. The mat contains a major portion of non-cellulosic fibers and a minor portion of cured resinous binder with the most typical fibers being glass fibers. The surfactant on the surface of the fibers causes a slurry or other liquid applied to the mat in a later process to form a board or laminate like faced gypsum board, a faced foam board, etc. to uniformly penetrate the mat to the desired distance. Also disclosed are methods of applying the surfactant(s) to the hot, coated or uncoated, mat soon after the coated or uncoated mat exits a drying oven used in the process of making, or coating, the mat.

Abstract: Provided is a biodegradable thermoplastic resin composition including a cellulose derivative and surface-treated natural fiber. More particularly, in preparation of the biodegradable thermoplastic resin composition including the cellulose derivative and the natural fiber, a surface of the natural fiber is treated with alkali and/or sized, thereby increasing a density of the natural fiber, and an interfacial adhesion between the cellulose derivative and the natural fiber to improve a mechanical strength of the biodegradable thermoplastic resin composition. Furthermore, as the cheap natural fiber is used as a reinforcer, the production cost can be reduced.

Abstract: A functionalized carbon fiber having covalently bound on its surface a partially cured epoxy or amine-containing sizing agent, wherein at least a portion of epoxide or amine groups in the sizing agent are available as uncrosslinked epoxide or amine groups, which corresponds to a curing degree of epoxide or amine groups of no more than about 0.6. Composites comprised of these functionalized carbon fibers embedded in a polymeric matrix are also described. Methods for producing the functionalized carbon fibers and composites thereof are also described.

Abstract: An aircraft interior lining component includes a composite material, wherein the composite material includes a matrix, first reinforcing fibres embedded in the matrix and second reinforcing fibres embedded in the matrix. The strength of an interface between a surface of the first reinforcing fibres and the matrix surrounding the surface of the first reinforcing fibres is greater than the strength of an interface between a surface of the second reinforcing fibres and the matrix surrounding the surface of the second reinforcing fibres.

Abstract: An elevated platform system includes a base support structure and a plurality of fiber reinforced polymer composite panels. The base support structure includes pilings secured to a ground surface and attachment cradles coupled to the pilings. The attachment cradles are in electrical continuity with the ground surface. The fiber reinforced polymer composite panels include a panel body portion, fibrous material surrounding the panel body portion, a non-conductive matrix forming at least a portion of an outer-most layer of the fiber reinforced polymer composite panel, and an electrically-conductive layer at least partially embedded in the non-conductive matrix. The fiber reinforced polymer composite panels are coupled to the attachment cradles, such that the electrically-conductive layer of the fiber reinforced polymer composite panel is in electrical continuity with the ground surface.

Abstract: A ballistic composite having a front impact surface and a back surface. The composite may include a plurality of layers of woven fabric of polarized ballistic fibers and a metal salt, oxide, hydroxide or hydride polar bonded onto the woven fibers. In addition, a substantially water impermeable coating composition can be applied onto the layers of the woven fibers and/or on the exterior of the composite. In addition, the layers of woven fabric adjacent to the front impact surface can differ in composition from the layers of woven fabric adjacent to the back surface. In addition, the weave fabric making up the composite may have a cover factor of between about 0.6 and about 0.98.

Abstract: A composite member for a vehicle body a method for manufacturing such a composite member, in particular, for a vehicle roof, with a fiber-free outer skin (12) and a fiber-reinforced support layer (16), which is deposited at the inner side of the outer skin in order to support the outer skin. The side of the support layer (16) that faces away from the outer skin (12) is provided with a fiber-reinforced reinforcing layer (18) for reinforcing the support layer. The reinforcing layer has a higher fiber concentration than the support layer.

Abstract: A yarn includes reinforcing fiber filaments and a resin that is infiltrated into the yarn and can be repeatedly melted and solidified by cooling to room temperature, wherein the filaments of the yarn are at least partially bound to one another by the resin, wherein the yarn contains 2.5 to 25 wt.% of infiltrated resin relative to its total weight, and wherein the infiltrated resin includes a mixture of at least two epoxy resins E1 and E2, E1 having an epoxy value in the range of 2,000 to 2,300 mmol/kg of resin and E2 having an epoxy value in the range of 500 to 650 mmol/kg of resin, and the weight ratio E1:E2 of the epoxy resins E1 and E2 in the mixture is chosen so that the infiltrated resin mixture has an epoxy value between 550 and 2,100 mmol/kg of resin. A preform comprising the yarn, a method for producing the preform and its use in producing a composite are also described.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a resin composition and a prepreg produced using the resin composition. The resin composition comprises, as essential components: 100 parts by mass of a component (A) which is an epoxy resin; 41 to 80 parts by mass of a component (B) which is thermoplastic resin particles; and 20 to 50 parts by mass (in terms of diaminodiphenylsulfone) of a component (C) which is diaminodiphenylsulfone microencapsulated with a coating agent. The thermoplastic resin particles (B) comprise at least thermoplastic resin particles (B1) having an average particle diameter of 1 to 50 ?m and thermoplastic resin particles (B2) having an average particle diameter of 2 to 100 ?m at a mass ratio of 3:1 to 1:3. The average particle diameter ratio D2/D1 of the average particle diameter D2 of the thermoplastic resin particles (B2) to the average particle diameter D1 of the thermoplastic resin particles (B1) is 2 or more.

Abstract: Reinforcement patches comprising a mastic and a plurality of unidirectionally-aligned fibers at least partially embedded in a first major surface of the mastic are described. Generally, at least 90% of the unidirectionally-aligned fibers are oriented having an axis of alignment within +/?10 degrees of the average axis of alignment of the unidirectionally-aligned fibers. Reinforcement patches that include an encapsulating resin and a cover layer are also described. Methods of reinforcing a panel using reinforcement panels, and panels reinforced with the patches are also disclosed.

Abstract: A prepreg containing a carbon fiber [A] and a thermosetting resin [B], and in addition, satisfying at least one of the following (1) and (2). (1) a thermoplastic resin particle or fiber [C] and a conductive particle or fiber [D] are contained, and weight ratio expressed by [compounding amount of [C] (parts by weight)]/[compounding amount of [D] (parts by weight)] is 1 to 1000. (2) a conductive particle or fiber of which thermoplastic resin nucleus or core is coated with a conductive substance [E] is contained.

Abstract: A penetration resistant composite comprises a substrate material comprising woven, layered or intertwined polarized strands of glass, polyamide, polyphenylene sulfide, carbon or graphite fibers, a salt, oxide, hydroxide or hydride of a metal selected from the group consisting of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, transition metal, zinc, cadmium, tin, aluminum, double metal salts and/or mixtures of two or more thereof or a metal hydride polar bonded on the surface of said fibers and/or strands of fibers at a concentration of at least about 0.3 grams/cc of open substrate material volume, and a substantially water impermeable coating thereon.

Abstract: Methods and articles providing for precise aligning, positioning, shaping, and linking of nanotubes and carbon nanotubes. An article comprising: a solid surface comprising at least two different surface regions including: a first surface region which comprises an outer boundary and which is adapted for carbon nanotube adsorption, and a second surface region which is adapted for preventing carbon nanotube adsorption, the second region forming an interface with the outer boundary of the first region, at least one carbon nanotube which is at least partially selectively adsorbed at the interface. The shape and size of the patterns on the surface and the length of the carbon nanotube can be controlled to provide for selective interfacial adsorption.

Abstract: A prepreg containing a carbon fiber [A] and a thermosetting resin [B], and in addition, satisfying at least one of the following (1) and (2). (1) a thermoplastic resin particle or fiber [C] and a conductive particle or fiber [D] are contained, and weight ratio expressed by [compounding amount of [C] (parts by weight)]/[compounding amount of [D] (parts by weight)] is 1 to 1000. (2) a conductive particle or fiber of which thermoplastic resin nucleus or core is coated with a conductive substance [E] is contained.

Abstract: A prepreg containing a carbon fiber [A] and a thermosetting resin [B], and in addition, satisfying at least one of the following (1) and (2). (1) a thermoplastic resin particle or fiber [C] and a conductive particle or fiber [D] are contained, and weight ratio expressed by [compounding amount of [C] (parts by weight)]/[compounding amount of [D] (parts by weight)] is 1 to 1000. (2) a conductive particle or fiber of which thermoplastic resin nucleus or core is coated with a conductive substance [E] is contained.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for making a consolidated or densified composite article comprising polymer, particularly fluoropolymer, and oriented carbon fiber, which provides suitability for use in chemical-mechanical applications.

Abstract: A three-ply product includes a particle board core assembled with a patterned vulcanized fiber sheet or layer on each surface. One of the vulcanized fiber sheets may have a preprinted decorative pattern provided thereon. The other vulcanized fiber sheet may also be decorative, or merely a plain sheet of vulcanized fiber. The product is useful for woodworking applications, and may be processed (i.e., stained, sanded, lacquered, etc.) like a natural wood product. Unlike prior vulcanized fiber processes, the process of making the vulcanized fiber sheets preprints a pattern, in a preprinting process, on the top sheets of cellulose paper plies.

Abstract: Polymer composites and laminate materials are described herein. The composites and laminate materials include a fiber component, a polymer matrix component and a quantity of carbon nanotubes coating at least a portion of the fiber component. The fiber component can be a plurality of carbon fibers. The carbon nanotubes coating the fiber component strengthen a fiber-matrix interface between the fiber component and the polymer matrix component. Methods for improving the fatigue durability of a fiber-reinforced polymer composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for manufacturing electromagnetic interference shields for use in nonconductive housings of electronic equipment. In one embodiment, the shield may include an electrically nonconductive substrate, such as a thermoformable film, coated with an electrically conductive element, such as an extensible ink or a combination of conductive fibers with an extensible film. In one embodiment, a compressible conductive perimeter gap gasket may be formed by using a form in place process.

Abstract: A fibre-reinforced plastic material with a matrix material and fibres embedded in the matrix material is provided. Fibre spacers are embedded in the matrix material between the fibres to avoid direct fibre-to-fibre contacts.

Abstract: A prepreg containing a carbon fiber [A] and a thermosetting resin [B], and in addition, satisfying at least one of the following (1) and (2). (1) a thermoplastic resin particle or fiber [C] and a conductive particle or fiber [D] are contained, and weight ratio expressed by [compounding amount of [C] (parts by weight)]/[compounding amount of [D] (parts by weight)] is 1 to 1000. (2) a conductive particle or fiber of which thermoplastic resin nucleus or core is coated with a conductive substance [E] is contained.

Abstract: Methods of making fiber reinforced composite articles are described. The methods may include treating fibers with a sizing composition that includes a polymerization compound, and introducing the treated fibers to a pre-polymerized composition. The combination of the treated fibers and pre-polymerized composition may then undergo a temperature adjustment to a polymerization temperature at which the pre-polymerized composition polymerizes into a plastic around the fibers to form the fiber-reinforced composite article. Techniques for introducing the treated fibers to the pre-polymerized composition may include pultrusion, filament winding, reactive injection molding (RIM), structural reactive injection molding (SRIM), resin transfer molding (RTM), vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM), long fiber injection (LFI), sheet molding compound (SMC) molding, bulk molding compound (BMC) molding, a spray-up application, and/or a hand lay-up application, among other techniques.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a product and a method for preparing same. The product is an electrically conducting metallized fibers and a non-conducting composite containing the metallized fibers. In a preferred embodiment, the product is a composite of metallized cellulose fibers disposed in an electrically non-conducting matrix. The method includes the steps of hydrating cellulose fibers to prevent absorption of chemical reagents; activating the cellulose surface of the fibers for metal deposition; removing from the fibers excess activator and reagents used in the activation; drying the fibers to a free-flowing condition whereby the fibers acquire the color of the activator by virtue of its deposition on the fibers; metallizing the fibers to deposit thereon a metal capable of absorbing electromagnetic radiation; drying the metallized fibers whereby they are free-flowing; and forming a composite composed of an electrically non-conductive matrix having dispersed therein the matallized fibers.

Abstract: A composite material, the composite material comprising a prepreg, said prepreg comprising at least one polymeric resin and at least one conductive fibrous reinforcement, electrically conducting particles dispersed in the polymeric resin and a top layer of a metal-coated carbon fibre comprising a further resin component, wherein the metal comprises one or more metals selected from nickel, copper, gold, platinum, palladium, indium and silver.

Abstract: A steel filament adapted for the reinforcement of elastomer or for thermoplastic products has a carbon content ranging up to 0.20 per cent by weight. The steel filament is provided with a coating promoting the adhesion with elastomer or thermoplastic products. The steel filament is drawn until a final diameter of less than 0.60 mm and a final tensile strength of more than 1200 MPa. Intermediate heat treatments are avoided so that the carbon footprint of the steel filament is substantially reduced.

Abstract: An artificial dielectric material comprising a plurality of blocks of dielectric material, each block have at least one conductive fibre or wire embedded within. A method of making the material is disclosed where a plurality of strands or wires are embedded in dielectric layer which is then chopped in blocks. These blocks then fall randomly into a container in any order or pattern and are glued into a solid layer.

Abstract: The present invention, in one aspect, provides a fiber glass strand comprising an electrically conductive structure comprising one or more glass fibers coated with a coating composition comprising an aqueous dispersion, the aqueous dispersion comprising carbon nanotubes and a polymeric carrier.

Abstract: Disclosed are formaldehyde-free, thermally-curable, alkaline, aqueous binder compositions, curable to formaldehyde-free, water-insoluble thermoset polyester resins, and uses thereof as binders for non-woven fibers and fiber materials.