Abstract: A braided wire sheathing is formed with a chrome appearance. This is done by using a silverplated wire coated with a clear enamel tinted with a preferably blue coloring material that is insufficiently present to make the wire look blue, but sufficiently present to give the wire a chrome appearance. When such wire is braided into sheathing, the sheathing also has a chrome appearance.

Abstract: An electroconductive composition comprising a two-dimensional network of antimony-containing tin oxide crystallites in association with amorphous silica, the composition according to one aspect of the invention comprising a powder of submicron to tens of micron size particles capable of forming a conductive network within a carrier matrix, such as a thin film matrix, and a process for preparing the composition.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced plastic pipe comprising a cylindrical inner layer formed by winding a prepreg sheet containing a thermosetting resin as a matrix and an outer layer formed by winding a thermoplastic resin sheet or tape around the inner layer, said inner and outer layers being heat cured and thermocompression bonded in one united body; and a process for manufacturing the fiber reinforced plastic pipe. When the fiber reinforced plastic pipe is manufactured, the thermosetting resin is used for forming the inner layer and the thermoplastic resin is used for forming the outer layer. Moreover, a metal coat can be firmly bonded to the surface of the outer layer. Hence, a fiber reinforced plastic pipe prominently improved in impact resistance, abrasion resistance and lightweight properties can be provided.

Abstract: Preparation of bluish luster pigments by treating titania-coated silicatic platelets with a reducing gas mixture, which comprises treating titania-coated silicatic platelets whose titania coating has a geometric layer thickness of from 10 to 60 nm at from 800.degree. to 900.degree. C. with a gas mixture comprising a vaporized organic compound and ammonia, and also bluish luster pigments based on silicatic platelets comprising a reduced titania coating with a geometric layer thickness of from 10 to 60 nm and CIELAB color coordinates -2.ltoreq.a*.ltoreq.2 and b*.ltoreq.-20 (measuring angle 20.degree., standard illuminant D65).

Abstract: Described herein are textile fiber-working units and methods for preparing them. These units have at least one layer made of a mixture of a polyamide, a crosslinked acrylonitrilebutadiene rubber, a plasticizer and a crosslinking agent. This layer forms a ring and has an outer fiber-working surface which forms an endless path for processing fibers. The units are made by combining the ingredients to form a uniform blend which is then worked into a shape, heated to crosslink the rubber, and then producing the fiber-working unit using appropriate finishing techniques such as cutting, grinding, and polishing.

Abstract: A pre-impregnation has a ribbon-shaped tow of reinforcing fibers and a ribbon of thermoplastic resin laminated on the ribbon-shaped tow and fixed thereto at intervals, and the thermoplastic resin is allowed to uniformly impregnate into the ribbon-shaped tow under heat application so that a void does not take place in the ribbon-shaped tow.

Abstract: An elastic binding devise consisting of a core of one or more latex rubber tubes covered with a woven jacket that can be elongated and contracted with the core.

Abstract: Hollow rods are formed with at least one inner ply of graphite fibers in a first thermoset resin matrix and at least one outer ply of nickel-coated graphite fibers in a second thermoset resin. An outermost protective ply may be added to protect the integrity of the nickel-coated graphite fibers through the finish grinding steps. The nickel-coated graphite fibers impart increased impact strength to the final structure and serve to protect the inner graphite fiber layer(s) by preventing crack propagation that would lead to failure of the composite. The rods may be formed into suitable shapes for fishing rods, golf shafts, and arrow shafts.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced plastic FRP formed about concrete piles and columns. The FRP components generally includes an exterior shell and an interior pultruted component. The exterior shell can include multilayers of fibers wrapped in straight hoop patterns in single sheets with or without longitudinal axial fibers. Alternatively the exterior shell can include angled wrapped fibers. The interior FRP pultruted component comes in various forms such as pultruted ribs, crossed attached ribs, interior co-axial concentric cylinders and additional shapes such as ones having an H cross-shaped pattern. The FRP materials can consist of fiber and resin such as a preferred embodiment of approximately 60% glass and 40% polyester. Other fiber type materials include but are not limited to glass, carbon, Kevlar, combinations thereof, and the like. Types of resin include but are not limited to polyester, vinylester, epoxy, combinations thereof, and the like.

Abstract: An elongated, tapered seamless and hollow tubular member of net shape is disclosed. The tubular member is made by a method comprising providing an elongated, tapered mandrel, applying a composite material consisting of reinforced fibers with a resin on the mandrel, providing a shell having an elongated, tapered bore, inserting the mandrel with the composite material applied thereon into the bore of the shell to provide a mold assembly, heating the mold assembly, displacing the mandrel and shell longitudinally toward each other to compress the composite material of the article being formed by simultaneously applying a tensile force at one end of the mandrel and a compressive force at the other, allowing the mold assembly to cool, and then separating the shell and mandrel from the molded article.

Abstract: This invention relates to improvements to reinforced ribbed structures, and in particular to reinforced or strengthened spirally wound pipes or tubes made from composite materials.

Abstract: An electroconductive composition comprising a two-dimensional network of antimony-containing tin oxide crystallites in association with amorphous silica, the composition according to one aspect of the invention comprising a powder of submicron to tens of micron size particles capable of forming a conductive network within a carrier matrix, such as a thin film matrix, and a process for preparing the composition.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a structural member comprising a thermoplastic composite core with an exterior reinforcing layer, the core member is initially extruded in the shape of a profile. The profile is then contacted with reinforcing fiber and resin to form the exterior reinforcing layer. The exterior thermosetting layer is cured to form a reinforcing layer. The structural member is preferably manufactured using a pultrusion method in which a tractor device is used to provide linear movement of the profile from the extrusion head to the exterior coating operation. The fiber-reinforced thermoset is coated on the entirety of the exterior of the profile or is applied only on a portion of the profile requiring reinforcement in a defined load-bearing direction. The preferred thermoplastic core comprises a polymer-fiber composite material.

Abstract: Resin compositions useful for filament winding applications comprising an epoxy component including at least one polyepoxide resin curable by heat, an olefinicially unsaturated monomer component including at least one polyolefinically unsaturated monomer curable by actinic radiation, at least one photoinitiator, at least one organic peroxide, and a heat activated curing agent for epoxides. The compositions have a viscosity less than about 2000 centipoise (cps) and are capable of retaining this viscosity for at least about 2 hours at a temperature of from about ambient temperature to about 60.degree. C. The resins are capable of being immobilized by actinic radiation exposure and further heat cured without substantial resin drip. One or more organic peroxides are employed, selected from the group of organic peroxides having 10 hour decomposition half lives at temperatures of from about 50.degree. C. to less than about 104.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention provides a tubular composite member which has a plurality of plies and a generally elongate and selectively curved axis. The plies can include helically oriented fiber components, a matrix material, and thermoplastic tubes. An intermediate layer preferably has two tri-axially braided plies arranged at selective angles relative to the member's axis and as a function of the curvature of the member. Interior and exterior plies of circumferential windings can be part of the member such that the intermediate ply is contiguous and between the interior and exterior ply. In one practice, the member can be formed into a selective shape and then cured. Alternatively, the member is formed between a thermoplastic core and a thermoplastic sheath to facilitate a secondary process of heating and bending the member into a selective axially-curved shape.

Abstract: A structural element suitable for walls, tanks and bulkhead structures comprising opposed, axially extended surface structures and ribbing interposed therebetween in freely movable relation responsive to a temporary first relative dimensional condition of the surface structures and ribbing, and in blocking relation against separation of the surface structures responsive to a persistent second relative dimensional condition of the surface structures and ribbing.

Abstract: A method of making a product including continuously feeding an elongated flexible tubular bladder, and braiding a first ply of a tubular braid of first yarns including reinforcing fibers and moldable material on the bladder, the tubular bladder having sufficiently high temperature degradation characteristics with respect to a molding processing temperature of the material such that the bladder maintains its structural integrity when the material is molded thereon.

Abstract: A multi-vane structure for incorporation in an aircraft gas turbine engine has vanes of complex geometry made of braided fibers which are continuous about the cavities defined by the vanes. These complex geometry parts are prepared by providing a plurality of removable mandrels, stacking the mandrels along a horizontal axis in a cavity end to cavity end configuration, braiding about the mandrels, cutting the mandrels adjacent the cavity end faces, side stacking the mandrels so the faces are placed in a parallel orientation and molding. Utilizing braided fibers instead of hand lay-up woven fibers eliminates seams and produces cavities having continuous fibers about the periphery thereof which substantially increases the strength and dimensional reproducibly of the part.

Abstract: An elongated structural element includes an external tubular casing (11) with the hollow interior space filled with a polymer binder (12) containing a plurality of elongated parallel continuous strands of fiber reinforcement material (13) extending lengthwise of the element. A method for preparing such an element is provided by filling a preformed tubular casing (11) with a polymer binder (12) in liquid form in which is dispersed the fiber reinforcement material (13) and allowing the polymer binder to solidify. The element may be initially shaped prior to solidification or reheated into another shape such as a helical coil or spring. An internal casing (29) can also be used where the fiber reinforcement strands (13) are between the external and internal casings (11) and (29).

Abstract: The invention provides acicular electroconductive tin oxide fine particles which has a mean diameter of 0.005-1 .mu.m and a mean length of 0.05-10 .mu.m and an aspect ratio of 3 or higher. The invention further provides a process for producing the acicular electroconductive tin oxide fine particles, which comprises firing a starting material containing tin, silicon and an alkali metal halide at 700.degree.-1200.degree. C. and removing soluble salts from the resulting fired product.

Abstract: A cleaning tape is edge-stabilized using an adhesive that is solvent resistant. The edge-stabilizing adhesive is a one-step cross-linkable formulation of polyvinyl alcohol, ammonium zirconium carbonate, an acetylinic surfactant and a non-silicone defoaming agent. The formulation is applied to the sides of a woven cotton cleaning tape roll and then is allowed to dry and cure. The resulting cleaning tape can be used in a surface buffing operation in which a solvent is applied to the cleaning tape, without contamination of the surface to be buffed by fibers from the tape or by the edge-stabilizing adhesive.

Abstract: Method for the production of a silicone-based fire-proof protection article. The protection article includes an inner polymerized unfilled silicone coating (3) adhering to an object (2) to be protected, and a fire-resistant fibrous jacket (5) carried by said inner coating (3), without adhering to it. The protection article can be used for the protection of pipes, especially hydraulic pipes.

Abstract: Resin compositions useful for filament winding applications comprising an epoxy component including at least one polyepoxide resin curable by heat, an olefinicially unsaturated monomer component including at least one polyolefinically unsaturated monomer curable by actinic radiation, at least one photoinitiator, at least one organic peroxide, and a heat activated curing agent for epoxides. The compositions have a viscosity less than about 2000 centipoise (cps) and are capable of retaining this viscosity for at least about 2 hours at a temperature of from about ambient temperature to about 60.degree. C. The resins are capable of being immobilized by actinic radiation exposure and further heat cured without substantial resin drip. One or more organic peroxides are employed, selected from the group of organic peroxides having 10 hour decomposition half lives at temperatures of from about 50.degree. C. to less than about 104.degree. C.

Abstract: An antibacterial fiber includes an ion exchange fiber and an antibacterial metal ion entrapped within the ion exchange fiber through an ion exchange reaction. The invention also discloses antibacterial textiles and water-treating element using the fibers.

Abstract: These transparent members, capable of withstanding mechanical stresses, comprise at least one glass member (A1) of stem, reed, tube, strip or sheet type and/or glass members (A2) of bead, particle or fragment type, transparent fibers (B) and a cured transparent resin (C) in which the fibers (B) and the members (A2) are embedded; the fibers (B) and the resin (C) with which they are coated being bonded to the members (A1), the resin (C) being chosen so as to exhibit, in the cured state, a refractive index which does not differ, at a wavelength of 510-520 nm, by more than 0.001 from that of the fibers (B) and from that of the members (A1) and (A2), it being nevertheless possible for the difference in index between the resin (C) and the members (A1) of strip or sheet type to range up to 0.01 when these members are large in dimension in relation to the overall structural member.

Abstract: The invention provides improvements to a composite member that has a plurality of plies. The improved composite member has (1) an interior ply which functions to dampen or resist sudden forces exerted on the composite member, (2) an intermediate load-carrying ply, and (3) an exterior abrasion-resistant ply. These plies have multiple, often intertwined fiber components disposed or imbedded with a matrix material, preferably Nylon-6 thermoplastic, to inhibit sharp edges during breakage. One or more of the plies typically has "bi-axial" or "tri-axially" braided fiber geometries wherein one or more fibers are helically wound about the circumference of the member. The helically oriented fibers are oriented at a selectively variable angle which influences the overall bending strength of the composite material.

Abstract: Composite materials which generate delayed dimensional change and force due to prestressed fibers constrained and controlled within and by a responsive polymer matrix which yields in a predetermined manner, and methods for preparing the same. In various embodiments the response may be externally-activated on-demand or self-activated time-dependent.

Abstract: The invention provides improvements to a composite member that has a plurality of plies. The improved composite member has (1) an interior ply which functions to dampen or resist sudden forces exerted on the composite member, (2) an intermediate load-carrying ply, and (3) an exterior abrasion-resistant ply. These plies have multiple, often intertwined fiber components disposed or imbedded with a matrix material, preferably Nylon-6 thermoplastic, to inhibit sharp edges during breakage. One or more of the plies typically has "bi-axial" or "tri-axially" braided fiber geometries wherein one or more fibers are helically wound about the circumference of the member. The helically oriented fibers are oriented at a selectively variable angle which influences the overall bending strength of the composite material.

Abstract: A colored ceramic composition comprising, as inorganic components, from 55 to 75% by weight of a glass powder, from 1 to 17% by weight of a metal powder, from 1 to 25% by weight of a scale-like refractory filler and from 13 to 30% by weight of a heat-resistant coloring pigment.

Abstract: The disclosure relates broadly to a new class or type of electroconductive powders (ECP), designated as Polytype ECP (PECP), comprising intimate mixtures of several types of ECP powders. PECP mixtures possess a lower electrical resistivity, or a higher electroconductivity, than would be expected from the weighted average of the component ECP powders. PECP are multi-component and may contain many different types of ECP. ECP components of the PECP can be selected from at least one member of the group consisting of crystallites of tin oxide containing antimony in solid solution, crystallites of antimony-containing tin oxide with uniformly distributed amorphous silica, two dimensional networks of crystallites of antimony-containing tin oxide in a unique association with amorphous silica or silica-containing material, filler materials, metal coated powders, conventional ECP materials such as carbon, aluminum powder, among others.

Abstract: A thin, tacky, non-pourable film of incompatible in situ-expandable thermoplastic particles and thermosettable matrix resin that contains an essentially uniform density and thickness across the breadth of the film. The in situ-expandable mass is not pourable yet can be easily dispensed in a uniform manner within a mold and thereafter expanded to the dimensions of the mold. Composites and reinforced compositions, as well as methods of molding, are disclosed.

Abstract: In the magnetic recording medium, the non-magnetic substrate has at least one under-coat layer including the flake powder of non-magnetic material on its surface, thereby splendid property of running durability and electromagnetic transducing characteristics is achieved in spite of thinning the total thickness of the magnetic recording medium.

Abstract: Platelet-shaped colored pigments containing titanium dioxide, one or more suboxides of titanium and an oxide or oxides of one or more metals other than titanium or non-metals and a process for the preparation thereof is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved graphite composite shaft which can be used in fishing rod or golf clubs includes a base shaft made at least partially of graphite composite material provided in one or more layers or plies. Each shaft has a relatively slender tip that is normally prone to impact damage. An outer concentric reinforcement layer made of a composite material having thermoplastic fibers, such as Vectran, Spectra, or the like, is provided on the base shaft. The reinforcement layer extends only part of the way up the length of the base shaft from the tip thereof. The reinforcement layer makes the shaft more resistant to impacts occurring at the tip, thus increasing the durability of the shaft without decreasing the performance of the fishing rods or golf clubs that incorporate the shaft.

Abstract: A composition comprising: (1) a susceptor of magnetically coupled radio frequency energy comprising a non-magnetic particulate substrate, e.g., an electrically insulative material in particulate form, bearing a thin magnetic coating, e.g., a magnetic inorganic film, and (2) a matrix that is substantially non-reflective of radio frequency energy, e.g., silicone rubber, which matrix can be heated upon the composition's being subjected to magnetically coupled radio frequency energy. It has been discovered that thin magnetic coatings on non-magnetic particles provide energy transfer with induction heaters equal to or better than many commonly used solid susceptor particles. It has also been discovered that the temperature of the composition of this invention can be regulated so as not to exceed a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A metal base board comprising a metal plate, a circuit conductor section, and an insulating layer provided between the circuit conductor and the metal plate wherein the insulating layer comprises an organic insulating material with flaky inorganic fillers added therein and the flaky inorganic fillers are stacked in the insulating layer in a stratified state.

Abstract: This invention provides a shaped ceramic composite article comprising ceramic oxide fiber(s), a first coating comprising a carbonaceous matrix which includes boron nitride particles in contact therewith, and a second coating comprising silicon carbide. The inventive composite article is useful in applications requiring good heat resistance and mechanical properties, such as gas fired radiant burner tubes, gas burner nozzle liners, heat exchangers, thermowells, core busters or flame dispersers, and other gas fired furnace components.

Abstract: Sealable container assemblies include containers for materials which are to be microwave heated, such as in digesting or extracting operations, made of thermoplastic material, such as fluoropolymer, that is strengthened by reinforcing means that may be a fiber reinforced thermoplastic of high tensile strength, such as polyetherimide, with reinforcing continuous fibers in a matrix of such thermoplastic, which fibers are very preferably in the shape of a sleeve or sleeves and are of glass or other heat resistant and microwave transmissive material. The containers may be strengthened by incorporating the fiber reinforced thermoplastic in a wall or walls of the container or preferably by inserting the container into a reinforcement, which is a sleeve or collar of the reinforced thermoplastic. In both such constructions the reinforcing means protects the container against radial failure due to pressure that is generated by the microwave heating of the container contents.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a significant departure from known shielded enclosure designs by providing an enclosure for electronic modules, comprising walls made of composite material including conductive fibers for shielding the enclosure interior from electromagnetic radiation, and means for securely mounting at least one module inside the enclosure with a fastener means, the mounting means comprising composite material. The present invention further contemplates methods for making shielded enclosures and card guides for such enclosures that represent a significant improvement over known enclosure designs. This invention contemplates composite cold walls and composite fins. These composite fins and cold walls may be used alone or together in structures and enclosures which are useful in conducting heat.

Abstract: Low molecular weight cyclic oligomers of formula (I) ##STR1## in which n is an integer of 2 to 20, and each C in the oligomer is a radical of formula (II): ##STR2## and each X in the oligomer is --O--R--O-- or --S--R--S--, B and D are both carbonyl groups CO, or together represent a divalent radical of formula ##STR3## in which A.sub.1, A.sub.2, A.sub.3 A.sub.4, Ar.sub.1, Ar.sub.2 and Ar.sub.3 are selected from a variety of aromatic radicals, A.sub.1, A.sub.2, Ar.sub.3 and Ar.sub.4 also possibly being hydrogen, are useful in the production of high molecular weight, linear, polyketones, polyphthalazines and polyisoquinolines; the cyclic oligomers have low melt viscosities when heated above their softening temperatures and can be readily molded, whereafter they can be ring-open polymerized to form molded high molecular weight polymer products with excellent properties.

Abstract: The heterogeneous polymerization of water-insoluble polymer in CO.sub.2 is disclosed. The method comprises providing a heterogeneous reaction mixture comprising CO.sub.2, a monomer, and a surfactant, then polymerizing the monomer to form a water-insoluble polymer.

Abstract: A process for the production of structural and semi-structural composites formed by compressing planar layers of nonwoven preform materials formed from aqueous blends of reinforcing fibers and thin thermoplastic fluoropolymer flake. The flakes have an irregular periphery with microfibrils extending therefrom, having a Canadian Standard Freeness greater than 800. The planar layers which are unconstrained in the in-plane direction are preconsolidated by heating the layer to above the melting point of the fluoropolymer, the applying pressure normal to the plane of the layer causing the fluoropolymer to flow thus orienting the fibers in the plane of the layer. The composites are useful in applications which require higher strength and/or modulus, and where chemical and/or heat resistance is needed, as in chemical processing.

Abstract: A composite prepreg for producing a tennis racket, which is light and tough and superior in flexibility and vibration absorption abilities, comprises thermosetting resin and reinforcing fibers, wherein the reinforcing fibers are a combination of (a) aromatic polyamide or polyester fibers and (b) carbon fibers, the fibers (a) being formed into a first type of strand and the fibers (b) being formed into a second type of strand, the first and second types of strand being arranged with certain regularity. The present invention is also directed to a tennis racket comprising a circular frame constituting a ball hitting area and a shaft connecting with the circular frame, the frame and shaft having a plurality of layers structured so that at least one layer is formed from the above described composite prepreg.

Abstract: An improved article of manufacture and method thereof utilizing a fibrous structure of initially discrete layers, each having first and second sides. At least one side of each layer is rough and the structure has a shrinkage of no more than about 2 percent. The structure is impregnated with a thermoplastic-type polymeric material, and in the final structure there is no visible layer separation.

Abstract: A pipe liner bag is provided for reliably lining a pipe into which water may penetrate. The pipe liner bag has a double layer structure including an inner layer of a tubular nonwoven fabric made of fine yarn of three deniers or less and an outer layer of a tubular nonwoven fabric made of fat yarn of 3-15 deniers. The tubular nonwoven fabric constituting the inner layer is impregnated with highly viscous and thixotropic hardenable resin mixed with granule fillers of a small diameter, while the tubular nonwoven fabric constituting the outer layer is impregnated with hardenable resin mixed with granule filler of a large diameter. After the pipe liner bag is everted and inserted into a pipe to be repaired by fluid pressure, the hardenable resin impregnated in the pipe liner bag is cured while maintaining the internal pressure thereof constant. When this pipe liner bag is used to repair a pipe from which a branch pipe is branched off, it can be integrated with a branch pipe liner bag.

Abstract: A coloring structure for generating a color having a wave length in an area of a visible light by reflecting and interfering actions of a natural light includes first substance layers having an optical refractive index of n.sub.a and second substance layers having an optical refractive index of n.sub.b. The second layers overlie respective first layers in an alternating arrangement of the first and second layers. In order to generate a brilliant color by the reflecting and interfering actions, the optical refractive indexes n.sub.a and n.sub.b are established to satisfy both of relationships "1.3.ltoreq.n.sub.a " and "1.1.ltoreq.n.sub.b /n.sub.a .ltoreq.1.4". The coloring structure may contain a fluorescent pigment.

Abstract: Coils for use as cushioning, such as dunnage, made from spiral coils of paper that are recyclable and biodegradable, or from other thin, flexible, resilient strips. The coils are cylindrical or cylindrical with a transverse fold, and when used as dunnage are randomly oriented to provide cushioning for packaged articles.

Abstract: A fuel tank for aircraft includes a rigid securement for securing the tank to the aircraft, a skin connected to the securement, and a liner inside the skin. The skin includes an elastic fiber and a tensile fiber embedded in a flexible matrix. In one embodiment, the elastic fiber and the tensile fiber are wound in layers within the flexible matrix, and the elastic fiber is wrapped spirally about the tensile fiber. The elastic fiber is preferably an elastomeric fiber such as an elastic, segmented polyurethane fiber. The tensile fiber is preferably an aramid polymer fiber such as an aromatic polycarbonamide fiber. The flexible matrix may be formed of natural rubber or neoprene rubber. When the tank is filled, the elastic fiber lengthens until the tensile fiber resists further stretching. The elastic fiber tends to contract as the tank is emptied, substantially reducing the storage space required by the tank. The tank is nestable when empty, but is nonetheless substantially ready to receive fuel.

Abstract: This invention provides a barrier film for packaging comprising:(a) a first layer containing a polyolefinic extrudate composed of a non-polar polyolefinic material containing an amount of an amphiphilic resin of the structureA-B-A'sufficient to modify the surface energy of the polyolefinic extrudate, wherein each of A and A' is selected from an essentially non-polar hydrocarbonous group and B is an essentially polar group derived from a telechelic diol, and wherein the amount of amphiphilic resin ranges from about 0.05 to about 10% by weight of the total weight of the first layer; and(b) a second layer composed of a more polar material than the first layer bonded to the first layer,wherein the barrier film contains from about 0.0127 to about 0.508 millimeters thickness of the first layer and from about 0.0127 to about 0.508 millimeters thickness of the second layer and wherein the bonding strength between the first and second layers is greater than about 50 N/m in the absence of a tie layer.

Abstract: A composite member (10) features a unique ply geometry which contributes to improved bending strength. The composite is constructed of a plurality of plies, each comprising a fiber component disposed within a polymer matrix. An inner ply (16) has a fiber component (18) which has fibers which are circumferentially extending. An intermediate ply (22) has first axially extending fibers (24) which are disposed about the circumference of the composite, as well as second axial fibers (30) which are interwoven with helically oriented fibers (36) and embedded in a polymer matrix (14). An outer layer (38) is similar to the inner layer as it features circumferentially extending fibers (40) which are embedded in a polymer matrix.The composite materials may be used to manufacture a wide range of items which require light weight combined with high strength.