Abstract: The present technology provides a carbon fiber reinforced plastic that includes carbon fibers covalently bonded to an energetic polymer and a polymer matrix. Also described is a method for recycling carbon fibers from the carbon fiber reinforced plastic material using microwave energy to separate the carbon fibers from the polymer matrix.

Abstract: Fiber webs that may be coated and used in filter media are provided. In some embodiments, the fiber web is a non-woven web that is coated with a resin including at least two components (e.g., a first component and a second component) that may react with one another to form a copolymer. In some embodiments, the coated fiber web may be sufficiently self-supporting, durable, and strong, such that filter media and/or elements formed of the web do not require additional support structures (e.g., a scrim).

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel binder system and its use for bonding textile fabrics as well as products containing such bonded textile fabrics. The materials of the invention are suitable for the manufacture of lining materials which can be used in the manufacture of sarking membranes, roofing sheets and water-proof sheetings, in particular of coated sarking membranes, roofing sheets and water-proof sheetings, or in the manufacture of carpets and PVC floorings as a textile backing or as a textile reinforcement.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cationic polymer emulsion binder that may be combined with a cationic active ingredient and used as a non-woven binder. This combination of cationic binder and cationic active ingredient may occur as a mixture of a cationic binder and at least one cationic active ingredient, which is then applied to loose fibers to form a non-woven; or the combination may occur after a non-woven is formed using a cationic binder, and said non-woven is then contacted with a cationic active ingredient. Non-woven wipes of the invention retain far less cationic active ingredients during use, resulting in less waste and less use of the active ingredients for the same effect as wipes made with anionic or non-ionic binders.

Abstract: An aqueous adhesive composition includes a polymer adhesive material having a pH of less than 7, a cationic thickener or an anionic thickener formed from at least one anionic monomer having a pKa of less than 3, and water. The adhesive composition has a stringing length of 9 cm or less and a sag distance of 10 mm or less.

Abstract: A method for increasing the thickness of a fibrous sheet including stretching the sheet beyond its relaxed length and returning the sheet to about the relaxed length, causing the sheet to have a second thickness greater than the first thickness. The sheet can be a wet-wipe. The wet-wipe includes an elastic layer and a fibrous layer, which increases in thickness when stretched then relaxed. The wet-wipe can be stored in a container which causes the wet-wipe to stretch as it is removed from the container.

Abstract: An adhesive composition includes a polymer adhesive material and a thickener. The adhesive composition has a stringing length of 9 cm or less and a phase lag of 45 degrees or less or a sag distance of 5 mm or less. The adhesive can be formed by combining a vinyl acetate polymer, an alkali swellable thickener, an alkali material, and water.

Abstract: Textiles treated with hydrophobic dispersions that exhibit superior drying rates and lower spin-dry water contents are disclosed. Polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinyl acetate, and polyvinyl acetate/acrylic copolymer dispersions are used to treat textiles, including yarns, fabrics, linens, and articles of clothing. The use of dispersions create textiles with a discontinuous treatment of discrete individual hydrophobic particles applied to the surface. The treated textiles exhibit superior drying properties at very low levels of treatment. Also provided are methods for treating textiles with hydrophobic dispersions. The incremental cost to the textile of the treatment is minimized by low levels of treatment and flexibility in application.

Abstract: An expansion joint patch apparatus for repairing failed or torn expansion joint belting having a substantially flat, woven substrate material, and a cured solution of suspended elastomer, coating the substrate material. The substrate material is selected from the group consisting of aramid, fiberglass, corrosion resistant alloy wire, polyester, ceramic and kevlar fabrics. The elastomer material is selected from the group consisting of chloroprene, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, ethylene propylene, chloronated isobutylene isoprene, fluoroelastomers and silicone rubbers. The invention further includes a method for forming a fluoroelastomer patch for repairing fabric expansion joints.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel airbag coating compositions comprising at least two separate and distinct layers. The first layer (base coat), being in contact with the airbag surface. comprises a composition of at least one coating material which may comprise up to 30% by parts of the total amount of material in the first layer of a silicone resin which provides excellent adhesion, excellent tensile strength, and overall lower cost than standard silicone airbag coating materials. The second layer, being a coating for the first layer, provides excellent reinforcement and aging characteristics to prevent degradation of the first layer. Such a second layer (topcoat) is preferably a silicone material. This two-layer system permits excellent strength and aging properties to prevent seam combing at relatively low cost due to the inexpensive basecoat materials and the relatively low amount required for the topcoat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a needled mat adapted to reinforce a thermosetting matrix material to form a composite, composites formed therefrom, and methods related thereto. The needled mat includes a primary layer of a plurality of unidirectional continuous glass fiber strands coated with a composition which is compatible with the thermosetting matrix material and a secondary layer positioned thereon of a plurality of randomly oriented, generally continuous and/or chopped glass fiber strands coated with a composition which is compatible with the thermosetting matrix material. The mat has a total surface weight ranging from about 1300 to about 11,500 grams per square meter.

Abstract: A method of directing extruded synthetic fibers toward at least one surface of a mineral fiber insulation batt, and corresponding apparatus and resulting product. In certain embodiments, a row of extrusion heads is provided for directing extruded synthetic fibers (e.g. fibers including ethyl vinyl acetate or EVA) toward a surface(s) of the batt(s) to be impregnated with same. Optionally, extrusion heads may be provided all around the batts so as to impregnate substantially all surfaces thereof with the extruded synthetic fibers. As the fibers exit the heads, they are hit with pressurized heated air streams which cause them to go into an insipid spin which increases directional tensile strength of the resulting batt in all directions. In certain embodiments, every other batt of a plurality of batts passes over an elongated member which extends over top of the conveyor in order to more efficiently impregnate edge surfaces of the batts.

Abstract: A thermal and acoustical insulation product prepared from a mixture of fiberglass, scrap nylon of less than 0.25" in length and a thermo-setting resin. The insulation product is in a ductliner or molded form. The fiberglass will generally be in a concentration of from 20 to 80 percent by weight of the product; the nylon will be from 1 to 30 percent by weight of the product; and the thermo-setting resin will be from 5 to 35 percent by weight of the product.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced composite structure and method for fabricating the composite, are described wherein four sets of mechanically flexible fibers are interwoven in a three-dimensional woven structure wherein each fiber is woven through the structure generally along one of the four directions defined generally parallel to a body diagonal of a cube, and wherein the woven structure is impregnated with polymeric, metallic or ceramic matrix material to form a composite material which is braced against deformation by shear applied in any orientation.

Abstract: A mineral fiber (e.g. fiberglass) thermal insulation batt is disclosed wherein a base mineral fiber layer is impregnated with a two-layer layering system so as to produce a batt which is substantially vapor impermeable with a perm vapor rating less than about one. The first layer of the layering system is of a low melt material while the second layer is of a high melt material, the first layer being sandwiched between the base insulating layer and the second layer, and functioning to bond the layering system to the base. In certain embodiments, the first layer includes quick blooming ethyl vinyl acetate (e.g. from about 10-25%) and a low density (e.g. 22-26 lbs. per cubic foot) polyethylene, and the second layer includes high density (e.g. 28-38 lbs. per cubic foot) polyethylene. The resulting insulation batt is vapor impermeable, less susceptible to cold-crack, easier to manufacture, a better fire retardant, more durable, and easier to handle.