Abstract: A process for forming a composite film on a substrate comprises providing a suspension comprising an ionised polymer and functionalised carbon nanotubes in a solvent, at least partially immersing the substrate and a counterelectrode in the suspension, and applying a voltage between the substrate and the counterelectrode so as to form the composite film on the substrate. Electrical charges on the polymer and on the nanotubes have the same sign and the voltage is applied such that the charge on the substrate has the opposite sign to the charge on the polymer and the nanotubes.

Abstract: A fiber sizing formulation includes (1) a nanoparticle (NP)solution that includes a dispersion of transition metal nanoparticles (NPs) in a solvent and (2) a first fiber sizing agent. The NPs disperse throughout the first fiber sizing agent after application of the fiber sizing formulation to a fiber and removal of the solvent. The NPs serve a function selected from a secondary sizing agent, a catalyst for further nanostructure growth on the fiber, and combinations thereof. A fiber includes a sizing disposed about the fiber. The sizing includes transition metal nanoparticles dispersed throughout the sizing. A method includes applying the sizing formulation to a fiber during manufacture of the fiber, and removing the solvent from the applied formulation. A method includes adding a solution of transition metal NPs to a sizing-coated fiber and baking, whereby the sizing solution of NPs is added before baking the sizing.

Abstract: A fiber size composition contains a modified polyolefin, a hydrophilic coupling agent, a boron-containing, fluorine-containing compound, a blend of at least two fatty acids and a compound selected from phosphorus(V) compounds and sulfur(VI) compounds, the fiber size composition being substantially free of conventional lower oxidation state antioxidants and optical brighteners. Composite materials produced from reinforcing fiber materials sized with a fiber size composition according to the invention exhibit improved properties such as, for example, increased strength and/or improved color stability.

Abstract: The present invention discloses: a resin composition comprising, 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, in which resin composition 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 and 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, and a prepreg produced using the resin composition.

Abstract: A composition includes a carbon nanotube (CNT)-infused carbon fiber material that includes a carbon fiber material of spoolable dimensions and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) infused to the carbon fiber material. The infused CNTs are uniform in length and uniform in distribution. The CNT infused carbon fiber material also includes a barrier coating conformally disposed about the carbon fiber material, while the CNTs are substantially free of the barrier coating. A continuous CNT infusion process includes: (a) functionalizing a carbon fiber material; (b) disposing a barrier coating on the functionalized carbon fiber material (c) disposing a carbon nanotube (CNT)-forming catalyst on the functionalized carbon fiber material; and (d) synthesizing carbon nanotubes, thereby forming a carbon nanotube-infused carbon fiber material.

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 conductive ink comprising 10 to 75 wt % of at least one solvent comprising ?20 wt % water; 0 to 50 wt % of at least one radiation curable material having a Mn in the range of from 50 to 10,000 g/mol; 5 to 70 wt % of at least one polyurethane having a Mw in the range of from 4,000 to 70,000 g/mol, 0 to 5 wt % of isocyanate-reactive component(s) bearing ionic or potentially ionic water-dispersing groups and a free isocyanate group content <0.5 wt % and 20 to 85 wt % of a conductive material.

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: 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: A method of preparing carbon nanotube/polymer composite is disclosed, which includes: forming a layer of TiO2 on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with a precursor of TiO2 by a sol-gel or hydrothermal method, a weight ratio of the TiO2 precursor to CNT being 0.3:1 to 30:1; modifying the TiO2-coated CNTs with a coupling agent to improve the affinity thereof to a polymer; and mixing a polymer with the resulting modified TiO2-coated CNTs to form a TiO2-coated CNT reinforced polymer composite. The mechanical properties of the polymer composite can be enhanced by using an additional fiber reinforcement material.

Abstract: A combination structural support and thermal protection system is provided. A cured preceramic polymer matrix reinforced with carbon fibers can be used alone or in a multiple component system.

Abstract: An aqueous glass fiber sizing composition that includes a polymeric film forming component, at least one silane coupling agent, and one or more lubricants is provided. The polymeric film forming component of the sizing composition includes a silanated polyvinyl acetate, an epoxidized polyvinyl acetate, and a modified epoxy emulsion. In preferred embodiments, the film formers are present in the sizing composition in ratios of 70:25:5, 50:25:25, or 63:18:18 of silanated polyvinyl acetate, epoxidized polyvinyl acetate, and modified epoxy emulsion respectively. Fibers sized with the sizing composition in a sheet molding compound process have improved wet-out characteristics.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition, in particular a dispersion, which contains nanofiber material in at least one organic matrix component, said nanofiber material being pre-treated in at least one method step for adjusting the physical properties of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides aqueous sizing compositions for application to glass fibers as well as polymeric resins reinforced with glass fibers at least partially coated with the aqueous sizing compositions. In some embodiments, sizing compositions of the present invention demonstrate advantageous properties resulting from the presence of an acid-amine component therein.

Abstract: An isotropic fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin sheet wherein a chopped strand prepreg comprising a thermoplastic resin and a reinforcing fiber is layered so that the fiber orientation is random, the prepreg having a fiber volume fraction (Vf) of 20% to 50%, a length in the fiber axis direction of 15 to 45 mm, and a thickness of no greater than 0.13 mm, and the layered material is molded into sheet form by heating and pressing, and a molded plate obtained from the isotropic fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin sheet. Even if the volume fraction of the reinforcing fiber is relatively low, a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin sheet and a molded plate that are excellent in terms of mechanical properties and their uniformity can be obtained.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite of embedded nanofibers in a polymer matrix is disclosed. The method includes incorporating nanofibers in a plastic matrix forming agglomerates, and uniformly distributing the nanofibers by exposing the agglomerates to hydrodynamic stresses. The hydrodynamic said stresses force the agglomerates to break apart. In combination or additionally elongational flow is used to achieve small diameters and alignment. A nanofiber reinforced polymer composite system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of nanofibers that are embedded in polymer matrices in micron size fibers. A method for producing nanotube continuous fibers is disclosed. Nanofibers are fibrils with diameters 100 nm, multiwall nanotubes, single wall nanotubes and their various functionalized and derivatized forms. The method includes mixing a nanofiber in a polymer; and inducing an orientation of the nanofibers that enables the nanofibers to be used to enhance mechanical, thermal and electrical properties.

Abstract: A composite structure is provided. In one embodiment, the structure includes at least one ply of preimpregnated material formed into a curved elongated member of continuous fibers onto a mandrel. The fibers have a select orientation and the curved elongated member has a defined length. The curved elongated member further has a cross-sectional geometry that varies along the length.

Abstract: The invention relates to glass strands and glass strand structures coated with an electrically conducting coating composition which comprises (as % by weight of solid matter): 6 to 50% of a film-forming agent, preferably 6 to 45%, 5 to 40% of at least one compound chosen from plasticizing agents, surface-active agents and/or dispersing agents, 20 to 75% of electrically conducting particles, 0 to 10% of a doping agent, 0 to 10% of a thickening agent, 0 to 15% of additives. The invention also relates to the electrically conducting coating composition used to coat the said strands and strand structures, to their process of manufacture and to the composite materials including these strands or strand structures. Application to the preparation of structures and composite materials which can be heated by the Joule effect or which can be used for electromagnetic shielding.

Abstract: A three-ply product includes a particleboard core assembled with a patterned vulcanized fibre sheet or layer on each surface. One of the vulcanized fibre sheets may have a preprinted decorative pattern provided thereon. The other vulcanized fibre sheet may also be decorative, or merely a plain sheet of vulcanized fibre. 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 fibre processes, the process of making the vulcanized fibre sheets preprints a pattern, in a preprinting process, on the top sheets of cellulose paper plies.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a structural support, includes applying a reinforcement system comprising an AR-glass fibrous layer embedded in an inorganic matrix to the structural support. The AR-glass fibrous layer has a sizing applied thereon, and a resinous coating applied is applied over the sizing. The inorganic matrix is adherent to the resinous coating and the resinous coating is adherent to the sizing.

Abstract: A transparent composite composition is provided which is low in coefficient of linear expansion and excellent in transparency, heat resistance and solvent resistance and can serve as an optical sheet for a liquid crystal display device or organic EL display device, for instance and can thus serve as a glass substitute. The transparent composite composition has a transparent resin (a) and a glass filler (b), and the transparent resin (a) is a copolymer obtained from at least one reactive monomer lower in refractive index than the glass filler (b) and at least one reactive monomer higher in refractive index than the glass filler (b).

Abstract: Provided are: a composite formed by mixing a carbon nanotube structure and a metal-containing material, the carbon nanotube structure having a network structure constructed by mutually cross-linking functional groups bonded to plural carbon nanotubes through chemical bonding of the functional groups together; and a method of manufacturing the same. The composite of the carbon nanotube and the metal-containing material is capable of effectively using characteristics of the carbon nanotube structure.

Abstract: Paper including bodies carrying at least one biochemical marker and of sufficient size to be capable of being taken individually.

Abstract: An aqueous glass fiber sizing composition that includes a polymeric film forming component, at least one silane coupling agent, and one or more lubricants is provided. The polymeric film forming component of the sizing composition includes a silanated polyvinyl acetate, an epoxidized polyvinyl acetate, and a modified epoxy emulsion. In preferred embodiments, the film formers are present in the sizing composition in ratios of 70:25:5, 50:25:25, or 63:18:18 of silanated polyvinyl acetate, epoxidized polyvinyl acetate, and modified epoxy emulsion respectively. Fibers sized with the sizing composition in a sheet molding compound process have improved wet-out characteristics.

Abstract: A binder slurry for a continuous filament mat used in a phenolic pultrusion system comprising a phenolic compatible silane, a non-ionic surfactant, a defoamer, water, an organic acid and a bisphenol epoxy powdered resin having a thermally active dicyandiamide cross-linking resin. The binder slurry resin is unique in that the bisphenol epoxy powdered resin having a thermally active dicyandiamide cross-linking resin is compatable with presently available phenolic resins, and as such pultruded parts made have improved surface and mechanical properties as compared with traditional polyester type binder slurries which are not compatable with phenolic resins. Continuous filament mats made with the new binder slurry also may also be made into epoxy prepreg that can be used to make composite parts.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a connector or circuit includes a substrate having a plurality of conductive members and a plurality of non-conductive members. The conductive members include a plurality of conductive fibers in association with a polymer material. The conductive members and the non-conductive members are disposed in the substrate member and are selectively situated with respect to each other forming a modular matrix configuration of contacts suitable for an array or association with other circuitry.

Abstract: Fiber for reinforcing rubber products, which comprises glass fiber coated with a coating film formed by a treating agent comprising a water-soluble condensate of resorcinol and formaldehyde, a latex of a solid acrylonitrile/butadiene copolymer and a latex of a liquid acrylonitrile/butadiene copolymer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for light curing of composite materials in which the radiation required to initiate the curing is delivered via one or more lossy fiber optics. The fiber optics are made lossy by methods such as bending the fiber, weaving the fiber into a mat to create periodic micro-bends, tailoring the thickness of the fiber cladding to allow evanescent wave transmission, or simply removing the cladding at intervals along the fiber. Distribution of the light through out the composite material results in dramatic power and time reductions over traditional light curing methods. Unlike thermal curing of composite materials, there is no need for an auto-clave and hence no limit on the size of the part that may be created. Additional benefits include the possibility of curing at operational temperature and so avoiding thermal stresses.

Abstract: A composition suitable for sizing of glass fibers is disclosed. The composition contains water dispersible, water-soluble or water emulsifiable resin selected from the group consisting of polyepoxide, polyester, polyvinyl acetate, polyacrylate and polyurethane, water, an organofunctional silane, and a nucleating agent. Optional components include emulsifiers, lubricants, wetting and anti-static agents. Glass fibers sized with the composition are suitable for preparing composites having improved mechanical properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reinforced thermoform or blow-molded article, and the process for preparing the same, where the reinforcement is provided by a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite that contains a thermoplastic resin, such as a rigid thermoplastic polyurethane, and a plurality of continuous reinforcing fibers impregnated with the resin. The reinforced thermoform blow-molded article is useful in a variety of products such as boat hulls, table tops, automotive and non-automotive seat structures, small vehicle structures such as golf carts and golf cart roofs, pallets, containers, and skis.

Abstract: Chopped strands having a sizing agent impregnated on glass fiber strands, to be used for a molded product of unsaturated polyester resin BMC, wherein the sizing agent comprises a urethane resin, a vinyl acetate resin and a silane coupling agent, and wherein the mass ratio of the urethane resin to the vinyl acetate resin is from 30:70 to 70:30.

Abstract: A method for making moldable material comprises the initial step of providing a composite material comprised in part of an epoxy. A high performance strand is then distributed in the composite material to form a moldable material. Lastly, the moldable material is heated sufficiently to cause the composite material and the high performance strand to stick at least slightly together without melting the epoxy.

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 gypsum wallboard may have a paper-covered first face with shaped regions formed along side portions near the wallboard edges, and a fibrous mat-covered second face. The fibrous mat material covering the second face extends around the wallboard edges and is overlapped by portions of the paper on the first face. The wallboard can be manufactured by depositing a gypsum slurry onto a moving web of the fibrous mat material, applying a web of the paper to the deposited gypsum slurry, and forming shaped regions in the side portions of the top surface.

Abstract: A composition and method for selectively increasing the resin flow and gel time of an epoxy resin that fills the capillary region between filaments in fiberglass yarns making up a woven fabric. The composition and method are used in the lamination of fiberglass reinforced composites such as copper clad laminates for circuit boards and reduces the occurrence of voids in the capillary region.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of chemistry and to a fiber composite material which is used, for example, in aircraft. The invention provides a fiber composite material in which delamination can be significantly reduced. This is achieved by a fiber composite material with multiple layers, each containing a duromer matrix and reinforcing fibers, inner layers contain fibers featuring a high level of adhesion to the duromer matrix, outer layers contain fibers featuring a low level or no adhesion to duromer matrix. There is also provided a method in which the reinforcing fibers include a coating and the layers are structured in such a way that, on the interior of the fiber composite material, layers are arranged which contain fibers with a high level of adhesion to the duromer matrix and that outer layers which contain fibers with a lower or low level of adhesion, or no adhesion to the duromer matrix are arranged on and/or around these inner layers.

Abstract: A concrete product for promotion of afforestation, to be used in an environment where a sufficient amount of water for accelerating germination of seeds is supplied. Carbon fibers are disposed on the outer surface of a concrete body. The carbon fibers are made of filaments having a strand form, non-woven fabric form, woven fabric form, knitted form, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A transparent plastic pane of acrylic glass with internal plastic filaments, which largely hold together the fragments formed in the event of a break characterized in that the plastic filaments are at least partly sized. The internal filaments can be sized completely and/or partly, for example in portions. Hereby the matrix adhesion of the filaments can be adjusted to the effect that any fragments which may be formed in the event of break are largely held together by the filaments without permitting undesired detachment of the filaments during thermal stresses in the normal range of −20 to 120° C. The plastic panes are suitable in particular as a noise protection wall.

Abstract: A dry friction device, in particular a clutch friction wheel or a brake disc for a motor vehicle, includes at least one friction liner made of a dry friction material containing reinforcing fibers. Such a friction material comprises a mat of fibers impregnated with a thermosetting resin, the fibers having a length of at least 40 mm. Glass fibers are preferably incorporated into the mat.

Abstract: This invention provides a functional peptide fiber which comprises a plurality of peptide structure units each containing at least one peptide chain, wherein peptide chains contained in each adjacent peptide structure units do not form peptide bond but are structured into a fibrous form by taking a &bgr;-sheet structure, and wherein at least one of the plurality of peptide structure units contains a peptide chain having a functional material connected thereto. Also disclosed are a method for producing the functional peptide fiber and a method for recovering peptide chains from the functional peptide fiber.

Abstract: Shaped load-carrying structures are fabricated using bamboo linear fibers with a compatible bonding material and synthetic polymers such as polyesters, epoxies, and polyolefins. The structures are manufactured by coating at least one of bamboo culms, split bamboo culms, bamboo fiber tape, or prepared bamboo fibers with a bonding material to produce a core. The core is then combined with a polymer matrix and extruded or molded to form a structure having the desired shape. The structures compare favorably with wood, steel, and concrete regarding strength, longevity, price and ability to withstand earthquakes. The structures may be used as beams, columns, telephone poles, marine piles and pallets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforcing structure (13), comprising metallic elements (15) (16), to be used to reinforce stiff composite articles (14) comprising such reinforcing structure and a polymer matrix. The reinforcing structure comprises metallic elements with structural deformations in order to improve the bending properties of the reinforcing structure and the impact properties of the stiff composite article, for which the reinforcing structure is used. The metallic elements run essentially parallel to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel nanocomposite dielectric comprising a polymer matrix and a plurality of carbon nanotubes dispersed therein. A method for increasing a dielectric constant of a polymer matrix, as well as a laminate and mobile antenna comprising the novel dielectric are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sprayable polymeric material and a process for preparing the material which contains a fibrous material, dispersed throughout the polymeric material. A restriction free spray nozzle is provided for mixing and spraying the polymeric material having a fibrous material, the nozzle having a restriction free check valve. A reinforced structure, and a method of making the structure are provided, the structure having layers of the polymeric material (both film and foam) containing the fibrous material. A flexible liner is provided of a porous geotextile fabric and a polyurethane composition comprising the fibrous material sprayed over the geotextile fabric.

Abstract: A molding material comprises at least the following components A, B and C, with the component C arranged to contact a composite comprising the components A plus B. The components are elongated members identified as: A A continuous reinforcing fiber bundle, B A thermoplastic polymer or oligomer having a weight average molecular weight of 200 to 50,000 and a melt viscosity lower than that of the component C, and C A thermoplastic resin having a weight average molecular weight of 10,000 or more.

Abstract: This invention relates to single-wall carbon nanotube/polymer composites, a process for the production of such, and their use as fibers, films and articles.

Abstract: Reinforced composites containing cellulosic pulp fibers dispersed in a matrix, wherein the matrix comprises a thermoplastic polymeric material melting above 180° C. and the cellulosic pulp fibers have an alpha-cellulose purity greater than 80% by weight. Methods of making and using the reinforced composites.

Abstract: A filler material comprising a fibrous material and one or more forms of surface-modifying particles for use in dental composites and dental restorations. The surface-modifying particles are bonded to the fibrous material to increase the surface area of the fibrous material and improve the bonding properties of the fibrous material to enable it to better bond to a resin matrix material in a dental composite. In accordance with the present invention, the fibrous material possesses a lower melting temperature than the surface-modifying particles. The surface-modifying particles and the fibrous material are heated to a temperature below the softening temperature of the fibrous material but at a temperature and time sufficient to soften the surface of the fibrous material in order to bond the surface-modifying particles thereto.

Abstract: Reinforced composites containing cellulosic pulp fibers dispersed in a matrix, wherein the matrix comprises a thermoplastic polymeric material melting above 180° C. and the cellulosic pulp fibers have an alpha-cellulose purity greater than 80% by weight. Methods of making and using the reinforced composites.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composite (FRCMC) structure exhibiting tailored characteristics such as ductility, hardness, and coefficient of friction. Generally, this tailoring involves incorporating fibers into the composite in sufficient quantities to produce a certain degree of ductility, and if desired, incorporating filler material into the composite in sufficient quantities to produce a desired degree of other characteristics such as hardness and coefficient of friction. In both cases, the degree to which these respective characteristics are exhibited varies with the percent by volume of fibers and filler materials incorporated into the structure. Additionally, the degree to which these respective characteristics are exhibited varies with the form of fibers used (i.e., continuous or non-continuous) and with type of filler material employed.