Abstract: A partially degradable polymeric fiber includes a thermally degradable polymeric core and a coating surrounding at least a portion of the core. The thermally degradable polymeric core includes a polymeric matrix including a poly(hydroxyalkanoate), and a metal selected from the group consisting of an alkali earth metal and a transition metal, in the core polymeric matrix. The concentration of the metal in the polymeric matrix is at least 0.1 wt %. The partially degradable polymeric fiber may be used to form a microvascular system containing one or more microfluidic channels.

Abstract: Described are materials for a shoe upper, in particular for soccer shoes, with a particularly low weight and improved tensile strength. The material includes a first foil layer and a textile reinforcement layer, which is at least partially laminated with the first foil layer. The textile reinforcement layer includes a first textile material with at least three axes, each axis defining an orientation of a set of essentially parallel yarn-portions in the textile material.

Abstract: Surface films, paints, or primers can be used in preparing aircraft structural composites that may be exposed to lightning strikes. Methods for making and using these films, paints or primers are also disclosed. The surface film can include a thermoset resin or polymer, e.g., an epoxy resin and/or a thermoplastic polymer, which can be cured, bonded, or painted on the composite structure. Low-density electrically conductive materials are disclosed, such as carbon nanofiber, copper powder, metal coated microspheres, metal-coated carbon nanotubes, single wall carbon nanotubes, graphite nanoplatelets and the like, that can be uniformly dispersed throughout or on the film. Low density conductive materials can include metal screens, optionally in combination with carbon nanofibers.

Abstract: A three dimensional woven preform, a fiber reinforced composite incorporating the preform, and methods of making thereof are disclosed. The woven preform includes two or more warp steered fabrics. The warp steered fabrics include a darted portion and an un-darted portion. The darted portions of the warp steered fabrics are joined to un-darted portions of one another so as to provide continuous fiber in the circumferential and radial directions of all portions of the preform. An un-darted portion in one steered fabric reinforces a darted portion in the other. The warp steered fabrics can be woven on a loom equipped with a differential take-up mechanism. The warp steered fabrics can be single or multilayer fabrics. The final preform can be a portion of an aircraft window frame.

Abstract: Energy-absorbing textile structure, in particular for use in vehicle construction, which has high-tensile yarns for absorbing force, is formed by a braided fabric (2) with standing ends (3) in the force input direction and in that the textile structure has at least one region (4) with local modification of the fiber structure (2, 3).

Abstract: A tubular structure which includes a plurality of axial sites in circular relation to one another and a plurality of bias sites that interconnect the axial sites to form the tubular structure. The tubular structure's axial sites have a greater diameter than the structure's bias sites.

Abstract: Auxetic structures exhibiting negative Poisson's ratios are disclosed including planar auxetic structures formed from x-axis and y-axis strands of selected waveforms. Portions of the auxetic structure referred to as unit cells comprise four joints formed by two adjacent x-axis strands overlapping two adjacent y-axis strands display symmetry about x and y axes. Each unit cell comprises four sub-unit cells formed from segments of ½ wavelength of the wave form. The planar auxetic structures may be formed into three-dimensional auxetic structures or cylindrical or spherical auxetic structures.

Abstract: An enhanced weaving method and a loom for implementing this method. The loom includes a weaving area (18) into which weft threads are inserted into at least one upper channel and one lower channel, each of these weft threads being inserted between at least two warp threads by at least one weft insertion element: first element for focusing on one of these channels and determining the position of the warp threads relative to the weft thread, and second element for inserting at least one binding thread (16) above, between and below these channels. The loom includes at least one element for gripping the at least one binding thread and element for moving the at least one gripping element out of and into the weaving area (18) so as to place the at least one gripping element in contact with the at least one binding thread and to allow the drawing of the at least one binding thread.

Abstract: A tubular structure which includes a plurality of axial sites in circular relation to one another and a plurality of bias sites that interconnect the axial sites to form the tubular structure. The tubular structure's axial sites have a greater diameter than the structure's bias sites.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multidirectionally reinforced fiber preforms that conform easily to complex curvatures, such as, composite turbine fan cases, jet engine containment rings, aircraft fuselage frames, aircraft window frames, and flanged rings for attaching nacelles to aircraft engines. The present invention provides multidirectionally reinforced shape woven preforms with improved strength for composite structures that are axisymmetric as well as non-axisymmetric in nature. The invention is a preform used to reinforce a composite structure which includes a contour woven fabric portion, bi-axially braided, tri-axially braided or bias fabric portion, and/or a polar woven fabric portion, and a method of making thereof. The preform may optionally include a three-dimensionally woven portion. The combination of different forms of fabrics allows the preform to be produced without cutting and darting of the individual plies.

Abstract: A fabric comprising a first plurality of yarns, a second plurality of yarns and a third plurality of yarns wherein the first, second and third pluralities of yarns have a yarn orientation that is different from each other. The third plurality of yarns is oriented in an axial direction. The second plurality of yarns is interwoven with the first plurality of yarns. The third plurality of yarns have no crimp. The yarns of the second plurality of yarns have an average linear density greater than or equal to the average linear density of the yarns of the first plurality of yarns and the yarns of the third plurality of yarns have an average linear density greater than the average linear density of the yarns of the second plurality of yarns and less than three times the average linear density of the yarns of the first plurality of yarns.

Abstract: A reinforcement for a darted three-dimensional Pi or T-shaped preform, a method of making thereof and a composite structure including the reinforcement is disclosed. The reinforcement is a steered fabric having a width, a length, a first face surface and a second face surface separated by a thickness. The first face surface of the steered fabric is affixed to a darted component of the preform. The steered fabric reinforcement can be a single layer or multilayer fabric, which can be woven using a programmable take up system.

Abstract: A weaving method that makes it possible to directly produce three-dimensional structures having two-dimensional walls with corners, without requiring sewing or other joining between two edges. The weave is created by turning weft threads (24) into warp threads to create at least one face. The method is particularly suitable for weaving reinforcing pieces for composite structures such as three-dimensional corner reinforcements.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods and apparatuses for filtering a fluid through a porous membrane, and more particularly, it provides filtration methods and apparatuses for tangential-flow filtration using Vibration Induced Dynamics (VID) with a spiral-wound membrane filter element. Embodiments provided herein induce vibration via rotation of an unbalanced inner tube within a central filtrate drain tube, via axial deformation of a substantially circular-cylindrical outer shell, or a combination thereof. Also disclosed herein are friction-reducing separator fabrics for interleaving with the membrane of a spiral-wound filter element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible sheet comprising (i) a woven fabric comprising yarns containing polyethylene fibers; and (ii) a plastomer layer adhered to at least one surface of said woven fabric wherein said plastomer is a semi-crystalline copolymer of ethylene or propylene and one or more C2 to C12 ?-olefin co-monomers and wherein said plastomer having a density as measured according to ISO1183 of between 870 and 930 kg/m3, wherein the flexible sheet has a shrinkage of at most 1.9%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-dimensional woven hollow layer-connecting fabric, comprising an upper layer-surface (10) formed by crossing upper ground warp yarns (1), (2) and a weft yarn (3) and a lower layer-surface (11) formed by crossing lower ground warp yarns (4), (5) and a weft yarn (6); the weft yarns (3) and (6) on the upper and lower layer-surfaces are also crossed with poil warps (7), (8) besides ground warp yarns (1), (2) and (4), (5) on their own layer-surface; the spatial walking direction of poil warps (7), (8) woven from one layer-surface to another is opposite to the weft-inserting direction of the fabric. The framework feature of the composite layer-connecting fabric of the present invention is distinct, and the vertical support function of poil warps between two layer-surfaces is good. The spatial structure of the layer-connecting fabric is varied in conformation, easy to design and adapted to produce on a large scale.

Abstract: To achieve further weight reduction and thinning of a seat structure. A laminated body obtained by sandwiching a planar member 4 made of cloth between planar members 2 and 3 made of synthetic resin to join them to one another via adhesive agent is used in a shell type frame member of the seat structure. Upon receipt of an impact, delamination is caused between the respective layers configuring the laminated body. Thereby, both the tensile stress and the Izod impact strength of the laminated body are lowered as compared with those of a homogeneous laminated body obtained by joining planer members made of homogeneous materials. That is, impact energy is converted to a force causing delamination between the planar members in the laminated body to be consumed, thereby absorbing the impact energy. Since the shell type frame member itself can absorb the impact, further weight reduction and thinning of the shell type frame member and a seat structure using the same can be achieved.

Abstract: A three dimensional woven preform, a fiber reinforced composite incorporating the preform, and methods of making thereof are disclosed. The woven preform includes one or more layers of a warp steered fabric. A portion of the warp steered fabric is compressed into a mold to form an upstanding leg. The preform includes the upstanding leg and a joggle in a body portion. The body portion and upstanding leg are integrally woven so there is continuous fiber across the preform. A portion of the warp steered fabric includes stretch broken carbon fibers in the warp direction, and another portion includes conventional carbon fibers. The warp steered fabric can be woven on a loom equipped with a differential take-up mechanism. The warp steered fabric can be a single or multilayer fabric. The preform or the composite can be a portion of an aircraft window frame.

Abstract: This invention provides a pneumatic tire having a highly improved steering stability, wherein a reinforcing layer formed by spirally winding a strip-shaped triaxial fabric or triaxial fabric-rubber composite having a width W satisfying a relation of the following formula (I): W?2/3×31/2×(2b/a+d)??(I) [wherein d=4×(D/(??))1/2×10?2, D is a thickness (total dtex) of cord constituting the triaxial fabric, ? is a density (g/cm3) of the cord constituting the triaxial fabric, and a is weaving density (cords/b mm) in one axis constituting the three axes] in a circumferential direction of the tire is disposed in one or more of a bead portion 1, a sidewall portion 2 and a belt portion 5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multidirectionally reinforced fiber preforms that conform easily to complex curvatures, such as, composite turbine fan cases, jet engine containment rings, aircraft fuselage frames, aircraft window frames, and flanged rings for attaching nacelles to aircraft engines. The present invention provides multidirectionally reinforced shape woven preforms with improved strength for composite structures that are axisymmetric as well as non-axisymmetric in nature. The invention is a preform used to reinforce a composite structure which includes a contour woven fabric portion, bi-axially braided, tri-axially braided or bias fabric portion, and/or a polar woven fabric portion, and a method of making thereof. The preform may optionally include a three-dimensionally woven portion. The combination of different forms of fabrics allows the preform to be produced without cutting and darting of the individual plies.

Abstract: Biomimetic tendon-reinforced” (BTR) composite structures feature improved properties including a very high strength-to-weight ratio. The basic structure includes plurality of parallel, spaced-apart stuffer members, each with an upper end and a lower end, and a plurality of fiber elements, each having one point connected to the upper end of a stuffer member and another point connected to the lower end of a stuffer member such that the elements form criss-crossing joints between the stuffer members. The stuffer members and fiber elements may optionally be embedded in a matrix material such as an epoxy resin. The fiber elements are preferably carbon fibers, though other materials, including natural or synthetic fibers or metal wires may be used. The stuffer members may be rods, tubes, or spheres, and may be constructed of metal, ceramic or plastic. The stuffer members are preferably spaced apart at equal distances. If the members are tubes, the fiber elements may be dressed through the tubes.

Abstract: A fabric (2; 20) formed from a plurality of first fibers or filaments (4), and a plurality of second fibers or filaments (6); the first fibers or filaments being non-conductive and comprising an electro-optically active material; and the second fibers or filaments being conductive; whereby a voltage difference between two second fibers causes a colour change in a first fiber positioned therebetween.

Abstract: The invention concerns a textile surface having at least a high-visibility face. It is obtained from yarns or fibres of at least three types, of blanketing yarns or fibres, heat-stable yarns or fibres and high-visibility yarns or fibres. The surfaces provide excellent protection against fire and flames.

Abstract: A prepreg containing fibers and a curable matrix, the prepreg having a core and a surface part encasing the core, where the matrix of the core and of the surface part are made of the same material and where the proportion of the matrix to the fibers is higher in the core than in the surface part. A composite obtainable from the prepreg as well as the use of the composite or prepreg are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for forming a material having an individually stabilized ply includes providing a ply having a non-orthogonal orientation. A stabilizing agent is then applied to maintain the orientation of the ply. The stabilizing agent could alternately be applied before forming the ply. The ply may be woven in a non-orthogonal orientation, or may have its orientation changed to the final non-orthogonal orientation. Changing may occur over multiple steps and may include using an accumulator and/or payout station to change the orientation.

Abstract: A flexible composite includes a ply having a non-orthogonal orientation. The flexible composite may be a component of a flexible assembly. The flexible assembly may be any number of fabric-based assemblies such as a radome cover of a radome, a belt for an industrial machine, an expanision joint to connect ducts of a factory, and/or a roof or skylight of a structure (notably permanent structures). The ply may be individually stabilized by a stabilizing agent such as a matrix material. The ply may be woven and may include warp yarns and fill yarns.

Abstract: A structural fabric having a first fiber with a first ultimate strain and a second fiber with a second ultimate strain greater than the first ultimate strain, the first and second fibers being in the same plane. The invention is further directed to a structural fabric having a plurality of axial fibers and a plurality of first diagonal fibers braided with the axial fibers and oriented at a first braid angle relative thereto. The axial fibers include first and second fibers each with an ultimate strain. The ultimate strain of the second fiber again being greater than the ultimate strain of the first fiber. Additionally, the invention is directed to a concrete beam strengthened with the structural fibers of the present invention.

Abstract: According to the invention the labels (22) are produced in a broad woven fabric (21) comprising ground warp yarn (4) and ground weft yarn (5) for a ground woven fabric (11), embroidery weft yarn (12) which forms a figure and code weft yarn (10) which forms a barcode, said yarn being distinguishable from the ground warp yarn only in a light outside the visible spectrum. In the broad woven fabric (21) several labels (22) are produced whose longitudinal sides (1) adjoin each other in the weft direction and remain unfolded and whose lateral sides (2) are adjacent to each other in the warp direction and can be folded. The embroidery weft yarn (12) and the code weft yarn (10) extend parallel to each other and at a distance from the longitudinal sides (1) so that the backs of the labels (22) are evenly covered and thus uniformly transparent.

Abstract: A resin distribution system and method for use in resin transfer molding including a 3-D orthogonal fiber structure having capillary channels therein for permitting a fluid to flow through the structure, wherein the 3-D orthogonal fiber structure further includes X-, Y-, and Z-direction fiber systems, each of having substantially no crimp within a body of the structure, thereby providing a system for distributing the fluid uniformly through the structure.

Abstract: A light-weight and impact-resistant composite material formed from a three-dimensional textile structure preform comprising at least three systems of yarns that define a plurality of interstices within the textile structure. A cellular matrix material impregnates the textile structure so as to fill the interstices of the three-dimensional textile structure and to coat at least a portion of the surface area thereof.

Abstract: A composite friction unit of a three dimensional composite body is formed of a substantially uniform array of predominately glass strands of primary reinforcing fibers in matrix of phenolic resin material, the reinforcing fibers in the form of fabric distributed throughout the body forming a friction unit having a predetermined size and configuration and uniform distribution and alignment of fibers throughout. An alternate friction unit includes a substantially rigid backing co-pultruded in forming the unit. The units are produced in a pultrusion process wherein the reinforcing fibers and matrix are pulled through a forming die.

Abstract: A tufted backing and a method of manufacturing a tufted backing from thermoplastic polymer fibers or filaments that are processed to yield a spunbonded nonwoven are described, the spunbonded nonwoven containing only fibers or filaments having a titer of 1 to 15 dtex, the mass per unit area of the tufted backing being 70 to 110 g/m2, its density being 0.18 to 0.28 g/cm3 and the 5% modulus value in the machine direction being >60 N/5 cm, but at least 0.6 N/gm2.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite laminate and a composite laminate manufactured according to the method are provided. The laminate comprises a series of fabric plies (1 to 15) of fibrous reinforcing material set in plastics matrix material. The method includes the steps of providing a relatively small number of fabric styles from which to choose; selecting at least one of those fabric styles according to design requirements for a particular portion of the laminate; laying up that portion with the said selection, and repeating the selection and layup steps as required to complete the layup of the laminate.

Abstract: A light-weight and impact-resistant composite material formed from a three-dimensional textile structure preform comprising at least three systems of yarns that define a plurality of interstices within the textile structure. A cellular matrix material impregnates the textile structure so as to fill the interstices of the three-dimensional textile structure and to coat at least a portion of the surface area thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unidirectional fiber sheet comprising an arranged fiber layer, a multi axial scrim, and a release paper having 3 to 80% of its surface area coated with an adhesive. The adhesive is applied to the release paper in the form of stripes which may be positioned parallel, perpendicular or oblique to the filaments of the arranged fiber layer. The unidirectional fiber sheet according to the present invention is prepared by partially coating a release paper with an adhesive, and heat-pressing together an arranged fiber layer prepared from filament tows, a multi axial scrim having a net structure to support the arranged fiber layer, and the release paper so as to bind the three together.

Abstract: The composite fabric comprises a load-carrying grid disposed between cloth and a flexible layer that are held to each other, the load-carrying grid which is at least two-directional being made up at least of warp thread and weft thread which are held to one another, the mesh defined by the grid having openings of area greater than the area of the gaps defined by the texture of the decorative cloth, the decorative cloth being held directly to the flexible sheet through the mesh of the load-carrying grid such that the fabric prevents outer ribs due to the thickness of the weft threads.

Abstract: The present invention is a composite layered protective fabric having an outer primary layer composed of an abrasive material and an inner primary layer composed of an inherently cut-resistant material positioned below the outer primary layer and when assembled into a garment is positioned proximate to the wearer's skin. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a secondary layer is added to the inner and outer layer framework. The secondary layer is composed of a material that provides additional protection against potential threats other than cuts, that increases comfort or that improves aesthetics. The invented composite fabric is continuously manufactured in a one-step process which plates the layers of yarn. Thus formed, the invented composite fabric can be formed into cut-resistant apparel and articles that provide a high level of protection against sharp objects.

Abstract: In a loop holding mechanism (31), loop engaging pins (39) which are carried by pin blocks (38) are arranged successively to engage at a feed end (310) of the mechanism loop portions of yarns formed at opposite side edges of a multi-axial yarn structure being formed. The pin blocks (38) at each side of the mechanism (31) advance in abutting relationship along an advancement track (32) to a delivery end (311) of the mechanism (31) where they are returned along a return track (34) and again engaged in the successively formed loop portions.

Abstract: An endless woven fabric for condensing paper material and a method for forming such an endless fabric which removes ink and other extraneous substances from the aqueous solution of reclaimed paper material. On the endless fabric formed by weaving plastic monofilaments, an antiflexing part, 30-50 mm in width, is provided on at least one end of the selvage in the direction of width by causing thermoplastic resin to fill not less than 85% of an empty space in the endless woven fabric. Further, a guide ridge of thermoplastic resin is formed by causing thermoplastic resin to fill an empty space in the end parts on the running surface of the endless fabric, and is welded with the antiflexing part integrally. Platelike reinforcing strips are formed in a length nearly equal to the width of the endless fabric. The strips are extended between the opposite ends of the endless fabric by causing thermoplastic resin of the strips to fill not less than 85% of an empty space in the endless fabric.

Abstract: A fiber preform having a web and at least one flange has fibers disposed in the web such that each follows a zig-zag path and is interlocked with the fibers of the flange. A manufacturing method for the preform includes interlocking the web yarns with those of the flange and engaging the web yarns at a plurality of points spaced longitudinally of the prefrom and also spaced from the flange in the direction of the web to define the required web dimension.

Abstract: A device for forming from warp sheet a bias yarn assembly comprising two superposed bias yarn sub-assemblies in which the bias yarns of one sub-assembly are inclined to the bias yarns of the other sub-assembly and in both of which the bias yarns are inclined to the warp feed direction includes a yarn transfer mechanism having a lower yarn guide member with upstanding yarn guide elements which extend through the thickness of the warp sheet and define warp yarn guide openings through which the warp yarns of the warp sheet pass and which hold the warp yarns in positions spaced apart in the weft direction and an upper yarn transfer member which includes yarn guide elements which extend downwardly and which define transfer openings for the reception of yarns of the warp sheet from the yard guide openings for transfer to the other yarn guide openings.

Abstract: A triaxial fabric composed of carbon fiber strands is provided, which has a crimp releasing ratio (L'-L)/L satisfying ?(L.sub.0 -L)/L.sub.0 !.times.0.7.gtoreq.(L'-L)/L.gtoreq.0. Since the crimps of the fiber strands composing the fabric are preliminarily fixed, fiber breakage due to abrasion in the intersecting portions of the fabric is prevented, whereby a high quality triaxial fabric is obtained. A method for the production of such a fabric is also provided.