Abstract: The invention relates to a pellet comprising a thermoplastic polymer sheath intimately surrounding glass filaments, which glass filaments are covered at least in part with an impregnating agent and extend in a longitudinal direction of said pellets, wherein the thermoplastic polymer sheath is prepared from a thermoplastic polymer composition comprising A) a heterophasic propylene copolymer consisting of a propylene-based matrix and a dispersed ethylene-?-olefin copolymer, wherein the heterophasic propylene copolymer has a melt flow rate of at least 40 g/10 min as determined in accordance with ISO 1133 (230° C., 2.16 kg) and a FOG value of at most 350 ?g/g as determined by VDA 278, wherein the glass filaments are present in an amount of 10-70 wt % based on the pellet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tape comprising a plurality of sheathed continuous multifilament strands, wherein each of the sheathed continuous multifilament strands comprises a core that extends in the longitudinal direction and a polymer sheath which intimately surrounds said core, wherein each of the cores comprises an impregnated continuous multifilament strand comprising at least one continuous glass multifilament strand, wherein the at least one continuous glass multifilament strand is impregnated with an impregnating agent in an amount from 0.50 to 15.0 wt %, for example from 0.5 to 10.0 wt % or for example from 10.0 to 15.0 wt % based on the sheathed continuous multifilament strand, wherein the impregnating agent has a melting point of at least 20° C. below the melting point of the thermoplastic polymer composition, has a viscosity of from 2.5 to 200 cSt at 160° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pellets of a flame retardant long glass fiber reinforced polypropylene composition having a core containing glass fibers and a sheath of a polypropylene compound comprising a flame retardant composition and surrounding said core, wherein the flame retardant composition comprises a mixture of an organic phosphate compound, an organic phosphoric acid compound and zinc oxide. The invention further relates to flame retardant molding compositions and articles manufactured using the pellets or the molding compositions.

Abstract: A curable aqueous binder composition comprising sheared or extruded cross linked starch particles and a crosslinking agent for use in the formation of composite materials such as mineral, natural organic or synthetic fibre products including mineral fibre insulation, non-woven mats, fibreglass insulation and related glass fibre products as well as wood based products and construction materials. In one application the curable aqueous starch binder composition may be blended with a second non-formaldehyde resin to make fibreglass insulation. In another application the curable aqueous starch binder composition may be mixed into a formaldehyde based resin to make fibreglass roof shingles.

Abstract: A method of forming a needled fiberglass glass insulation product is provided. The formation of the needled insulation product may be conducted in a process in which the fibers are formed, a binder is sprayed onto the fibers, the fibers are collected and formed into a fiberglass pack, the fiberglass pack is passed through the oven, and at least partially cured insulation blanket is passed through a needling apparatus. The reduction in thickness and increased density caused by the needling process permits the production of lower thickness and high density insulation products.

Abstract: A method for forming an insulation product based on a composite of mineral wool and another first material comprising the steps of: (1) forming mineral wool fibers using at least one fiberizing device; (2) introducing the first material to the formed mineral wool fibers at a location proximate the fiberizing device to form a first mixture; (3) drawing the first mixture into a collector to form a structure having a predetermined thickness; and (4) subsequently processing the first mixture to form the insulation product, wherein the first material is disposed throughout the insulation product.

Abstract: A crucible holding member includes a mesh body having an axis direction. The mesh body includes a hollow, an opening, and a plurality of strands. The hollow is provided inside the opening. The opening faces toward one end of the axis direction. The plurality of strands include a plurality of carbon fibers and are woven diagonally with respect to the axis direction to provide the hollow and the opening. The plurality of strands are folded inwardly or outwardly at an edge of the opening, thereby providing a two-layered portion along the edge of the opening. A matrix is filled between the plurality of carbon fibers of the mesh body.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for monitoring and controlling the amount of moisture introduced into the forming hood area in the manufacture of mineral fiber insulation products. Moisture from coolant liquids, binder dispersions and binder diluents are all introduced deliberately into a forming hood; ambient moisture and water from combustion are additional sources. A series of global variable control valves, one for each fluid system; as well as individual variable control valves for each fiberizing unit are provided with associated meters. Sensors monitor fibrous pack conditions and ambient conditions and provide inputs to the valve control system. A specific 3-ring liquid dispensing system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A glass fiber and a method of manufacturing a glass fiber for reinforcing a transparent composite matrix is disclosed. The glass fiber includes a first glass material having a first refractive index, a first modulus, and a first durability characteristic and a second glass material having a second refractive index, a second modulus, and second durability characteristic. The second durability characteristic is greater than the first durability characteristic. Durability characteristic is selected from the group comprising resistance to chemical attack, resistance to acid attack, resistance to fading from exposure to ultra-violet radiation, and resistance to mechanical abrasion.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a composite yarn including continuous glass filaments intermingled with continuous organic thermoplastic filaments and an apparatus for implementing the process. The continuous glass filaments come from a bushing and are separated into plural sheets. The continuous organic thermoplastic filaments come from a spinning head and are separated into plural sheets. The thermoplastic filaments are thrown into the glass filaments so as to mingle them, in a ratio of at least one sheet of thermoplastic filaments in each sheet of glass filaments, the mingled filaments then being gathered into at least one composite yarn.

Abstract: A glass fiber and a method of manufacturing a glass fiber for reinforcing a transparent composite matrix are disclosed. The glass fiber includes a first glass material having a first set of mechanical properties including a first modulus and a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and a second glass material having a second set of mechanical properties including a second modulus and a second CTE. The second glass material forms a substantially uniform coating on the first glass material. The second CTE is less than the first CTE. The glass fiber is formed by reducing the cross-section of a glass fiber preform of the first glass material coated with the second glass material by hot working. Because of the selected difference in the CTE's, the first glass material imparts a compressive force upon the second glass material, which improves the strength of the glass fiber.

Abstract: A glass fiber and a method of manufacturing a glass fiber for reinforcing a transparent composite matrix is disclosed. The glass fiber includes a first glass material having a first refractive index, a first modulus, and a first durability characteristic and a second glass material having a second refractive index, a second modulus, and second durability characteristic. The second durability characteristic is greater than the first durability characteristic. Durability characteristic is selected from the group comprising resistance to chemical attack, resistance to acid attack, resistance to fading from exposure to ultra-violet radiation, and resistance to mechanical abrasion.

Abstract: A glass fiber and a method of manufacturing a glass fiber for reinforcing a transparent composite matrix are disclosed. The glass fiber includes a first glass material having a first set of mechanical properties including a first modulus and a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and a second glass material having a second set of mechanical properties including a second modulus and a second CTE. The second glass material forms a substantially uniform coating on the first glass material. The second CTE is less than the first CTE. The glass fiber is formed by reducing the cross-section of a glass fiber preform of the first glass material coated with the second glass material by hot working. Because of the selected difference in the CTE's, the first glass material imparts a compressive force upon the second glass material, which improves the strength of the glass fiber.

Abstract: A rotary fibrous insulation product that is soft to the touch is provided. The fibrous insulation product is formed of glass fibers having an average fiber diameter less than about 5.5 microns. The low fiber diameter helps to impart a soft feel to the insulation product. Additionally, the insulation product contains an oil with a flashpoint of at least 580° F. in an amount up to 5% by weight of the insulation product. The insulation product may contain up to about 85% by weight recycled glass. In exemplary embodiments, the binder is a low-formaldehyde, polyacrylic based binder. The combination of the low fiber diameter, the binder, and the oil create a synergistic effect to produce an unexpectedly soft insulation product. The insulation product is useful in a variety of thermal applications, such as in basements, in attics, and in walls of residential dwellings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a long glass fibre-reinforced thermoplastic polymer composition, comprising the subsequent steps of a) unwinding from a package of at least one continuous glass multifilament strand containing at most 2% by mass of a sizing composition; b) applying from 0.5 to 20% by mass of an impregnating agent to said at least one continuous glass multifilament strand to form an impregnated continuous multifilament strand; and c) applying a sheath of thermoplastic polymer around the impregnated continuous multifilament strand to form a sheathed continuous multifilament strand, wherein the impregnating agent is non-volatile, has a melting point of at least 20° C. below the melting point of the thermoplastic matrix, has a viscosity of from 2.5 to 100 cS at application temperature, and is compatible with the thermoplastic polymer to be reinforced.

Abstract: A substantially white powder for use as a filler and/or extender derived from by-products of manufacturing vitreous low alkali, low iron glass fibers, and a method for producing the powder. The filler has very low alkalinity and by virtue of its being essentially free of crystalline silica is non-hazardous to health and therefore safe for consumer-based and industrial-based uses.

Abstract: Composite materials exhibiting very high strength properties and other characteristics are disclosed. The materials comprise one or more nanomaterials dispersed within one or more matrix materials. The nanomaterials can be in a variety of forms, such as for example, carbon nanotubes and/or nanofibers. The matrix material can be glass, fused silicas, or metal. Also disclosed are various processes and operations to readily disperse and uniformly align the nanotubes and/or nanofibers in the flowing matrix material, during production of the composite materials.

Abstract: A non-woven product having a core layer (32) containing dense particulate additive between adjacent layers (33) which are substantially free of additive is made by fiberising a mineral melt on a spinner (1) comprising at least one fiberising rotor (2, 3, 4) mounted for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis, and the resultant fibres are collected in air streams (5) as a cloud of fibres which travels towards a travelling collector (11) on which a web (14) is formed and carried out of the spinning chamber (9). Dense particles such as magnesium hydroxide are ejected from a suitable ejector (15) on to a baffle (16) by which they are deflected across the width of the chamber and lengthwise over the length of a intermediate collecting zone (B) to form the core layer (32) while the initial and final collecting zone (A and C) are substantially free of the dense particulate additive.

Abstract: A method of drawing a glass clad wire is provided herein, the method comprising: (i) sealing off one end of a glass tube such that the tube has an open end and a closed end; (ii) introducing a wire material inside the glass tube; (iii) heating a portion of the glass tube such that the glass partially melts to form a first ampoule containing the wire material to be used in a drawing operation; (iv) introducing the first ampoule containing the wire material into a heating device; (v) increasing the temperature within the heating device such that the glass tube is heated enough for it to be drawn and wire material melts; and (vi) drawing the glass clad wire comprising a continuous wire of wire material, wherein the wire material is a metal, semi-metal, alloy, or semiconductor thermoelectrically active material, and wherein the wire diameter is equal to or smaller than about 5 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of mineral fibers and to an apparatus which can be used in such a process. In particular, the process of the present invention comprises: providing a furnace; charging to the furnace mineral materials which comprise iron oxides; melting the charged mineral materials in a reducing atmosphere, such that there is a base zone in the furnace in which molten iron collects, and a melt pool above the base zone where mineral melt collects; removing mineral melt from the furnace and converting it to mineral fibers; and removing molten iron from the base zone. During the process, an additive is released directly into the base zone of the furnace wherein the additive comprises one or more substances selected from oxidizing agents and non-reducing gases.

Abstract: Carbon particles, such as, carbon fibrils and carbon nanotube molecules, are assembled into aligned fibers using processes derived from the processes used to manufacture optical fiber. More particularly, the carbon particles are embedded in glass, which is then drawn to align them. By aligned it is meant the axis along the longest dimension of each of the various particles in a local vicinity are substantially parallel.

Abstract: A glass fiber and a method of manufacturing a glass fiber for reinforcing a transparent composite matrix are disclosed. The glass fiber includes a first glass material having a first set of mechanical properties including a first modulus and a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and a second glass material having a second set of mechanical properties including a second modulus and a second CTE. The second glass material forms a substantially uniform coating on the first glass material. The second CTE is less than the first CTE. The glass fiber is formed by reducing the cross-section of a glass fiber preform of the first glass material coated with the second glass material by hot working. Because of the selected difference in the CTE's, the first glass material imparts a compressive force upon the second glass material, which improves the strength of the glass fiber.

Abstract: A glass fiber and a method of manufacturing a glass fiber for reinforcing a transparent composite matrix is disclosed. The glass fiber includes a first glass material having a first refractive index, a first modulus, and a first durability characteristic and a second glass material having a second refractive index, a second modulus, and second durability characteristic. The second durability characteristic is greater than the first durability characteristic. Durability characteristic is selected from the group comprising resistance to chemical attack, resistance to acid attack, resistance to fading from exposure to ultra-violet radiation, and resistance to mechanical abrasion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of drawing a thermoelectrically active material in a glass cladding, comprising sealing off one end of a glass tube such that the tube has an open end and a closed end, introducing the thermoelectrically active material inside the glass tube and evacuating the tube by attaching the open end to a vacuum pump, heating a portion of the glass tube such that the glass partially melts and collapses under the vacuum such that the partially melted glass tube provides an ampoule containing the thermoelectric material to be used in a first drawing operation, introducing the ampoule containing the thermoelectric material into a heating device, increasing the temperature within the heating device such that the glass tube melts just enough for it to be drawn and drawing fibers of glass clad thermoelectrically active material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of drawing nanowires, comprising sealing off one end of a glass tube such that the tube has an open end and a closed end, introducing a nanowire material inside the glass tube and evacuating the tube by attaching the open end to a vacuum pump, heating a portion of the glass tube such that the glass partially melts under the vacuum such that the partially melted glass tube provides an ampoule containing the nanowire material to be used in a first drawing operation, introducing the ampoule containing the nanowire material into a heating device, increasing the temperature within the heating device such that the glass tube melts just enough for it to be drawn and drawing fibers of glass clad nanowire material. The invention further provides a method for bunching together such fibers and redrawing them one or more times to produce arrays of nanowires clad in glass.

Abstract: A glass wool molded product comprising a layered body of glass wools is characterized in that the layered body does not contain any binder, the layered body is needle punched in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the wools thereof, that the layered body is integrally formed, the wools have an average diameter of 3 to 7 ?m, and each of the wools has a length between 10 and 200 mm. Preferably, the molded product has a multilayer structure in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the wools, and the average diameter of the fibers or wools of a first layer differ from each other. Preferably, a density of the second layer that of the second layer differ from each other.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a composite yarn including continuous glass filaments intermingled with continuous organic thermoplastic filaments and an apparatus for implements the process. The continuous glass filaments coming from a bushing and are separated into several sheets. The continuous organic thermoplastic filaments come from a spinning head are separated into plural sheets. And the thermoplastic filaments are thrown into the glass filaments so as to mingle them, in a ratio of at least one sheet of thermoplastic filaments in each sheet of glass filaments, the mingled filaments then being gathered into at least one composite yarn.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for making continuous coextruded intermingled glass filaments and continuous thermoplastic organic filaments that enable non-spinnable compounds to be incorporated at the thermoplastic filaments. The invention is characterized in that the thermoplastic filaments are obtained by coextrusion of a thermoplastic material acting as core and a thermoplastic material containing at least one non-spinnable compound. The invention also concerns a device for implementing the method. The resulting composite yarn is provided with specific core properties provided by the non-spinnable compounds.

Abstract: A white pozzolan derived from by-products of manufacturing vitreous low alkali, low iron glass fibers, and to the method for producing the white pozzolan. The invention relates as well to cement compositions based on the white pozzolan, such as white and pigmented blended pozzolanic cements of high durability for use in applications such as white or colored architectural concrete, building materials, and manufactured cementitious products. The white pozzolan also functions as a high performance pozzolan with grey cement.

Abstract: A composite for a dental restoration is presented comprising ground, densified, embrittled glass fibers together with fillers and a polymeric matrix precursor composition. The ground, densified, embrittled glass fibers are obtained by grinding glass fibers which have been densified and embrittled by heating glass fibers at a temperature substantially below the softening point of the glass fibers, without significant fusion or melting together of the fibers. The composite is particularly useful as a direct filling material, in that it has the feel and workability of an amalgam.

Abstract: A method for processing a glass fiber material, wherein the glass fiber material has been heat treated at a temperature less than or equal to the annealing temperature of the glass for a length of time effective to prevent separation and fraying of the edges of the material upon cutting.

Abstract: New glass fibers having an average length of about 100 to 400 &mgr;m and an apparent density of about 1 to 0.2 g/cm3 are produced by spinning glass fibers, comprising spinning glass fibers into bundles, cooling with liquid to form wet bundles, directly cutting such bundles in the wet state, without previous drying, grinding said bundles to milled glass fibers in a high-efficiency mixer with the addition of a liquid, and then drying. The fibers are especially suited for filling polyurethanes by the PUR-RIM process.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for the manufacture of a composite fibrous strand comprising glass fibers. Glass fibers and an additive fibrous material (e.g., thermoplastic polymeric fibers) are each introduced separately into a substantially rotationally symmetric zone that is closed circumferentially except for a longitudinal introduction locale. The glass fibers and the fibers of the additive fibrous material are subjected to a vortex to form a homogeneous composite fibrous strand. Good admixture of the fibrous components is made possible thereby facilitating the ultimate production of composite articles wherein the glass fibers are disposed as reinforcement in a highly uniform manner. Such homogeneity and uniformity provides improved mechanical properties to the end user.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for the manufacture of a composite fibrous strand comprising glass fibers. Glass fibers and an additive fibrous material (e.g., thermoplastic polymeric fibers) are each introduced separately into a substantially rotationally symmetric zone that is closed circumferentially except for a longitudinal introduction locale. The glass fibers and the fibers of the additive fibrous material are subjected to a vortex to form a homogeneous composite fibrous strand. Good admixture of the fibrous components is made possible thereby facilitating the ultimate production of composite articles wherein the glass fibers are disposed as reinforcement in a highly uniform manner. Such homogeneity and uniformity provides improved mechanical properties to the end user.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for the manufacture of a composite fibrous strand including glass fibers. Glass fibers and an additive fibrous material (e.g., thermoplastic polymeric fibers) are each introduced separately into a substantially rotationally symmetric zone that is closed circumferentially except for a longitudinal introduction locale. The glass fibers and the fibers of the additive fibrous material are subjected to a vortex to form a homogeneous composite fibrous strand. Good admixture of the fibrous components is made possible thereby facilitating the ultimate production of composite articles wherein the glass fibers are disposed as reinforcement in a highly uniform manner. Such homogeneity and uniformity provides improved mechanical properties to the end user.

Abstract: A composite for a dental restoration is presented comprising ground, densified, embrittled glass fibers together with fillers and a polymeric matrix precursor composition. The ground, densified, embrittled glass fibers are obtained by grinding glass fibers which have been densified and embrittled by heating glass fibers at a temperature substantially below the softening point of the glass fibers, without significant fusion or melting together of the fibers. The composite is particularly useful as a direct filling material, in that it has the feel and workability of an amalgam.

Abstract: A method of making a fibrous pack includes centrifuging at least two sets of mineral fibers from molten mineral material using at least two rotary mineral fiber spinners that are arranged in a machine direction along a collection surface, directing each set of the mineral fibers into a downwardly moving veil beneath one of the mineral fiber spinners, generating a downwardly moving array of aligned organic fibers from at least one orificed die that is spaced apart from each of the mineral fiber spinners and directing the array into contact with the mineral fibers, and collecting the mineral fibers and organic fibers as a fibrous pack.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for producing composite strands. The apparatus comprises a heated bushing for supplying streams of molten glass to be drawn into continuous first fibers; a drawing device adapted to draw the streams into the first fibers; supply equipment for supplying one or more second fibers of a second material; one or more applicators for applying a size to the first and second fibers; and a device for gathering the first and second fibers into one or more composite strands. The composite stands are made by drawing glass fibers from the bushing; applying sizing to the glass fibers and the second fibers; contacting the fibers with a heated contact plate to dry the fibers; and then commingling the fibers to form one or more composite strands.

Abstract: A method for producing mineral fibers includes centrifuging mineral fibers from one or more rotary mineral fiber spinners to establish one or more downwardly moving veils of mineral fibers positioned above a collecting surface, centrifuging organic fibers from molten organic material using one or more rotary organic fiber spinners to establish one or more downwardly moving veils of organic fibers positioned above the collecting surface, the veils of mineral fibers being generally colinear with the veils of organic fibers, the veils of organic fibers alternating with the veils of mineral fibers to integrate the organic material and the mineral fibers, and collecting the integrated organic material and mineral fibers on the collecting surface.

Abstract: Composition and process for the preparation of high temperature stable continuous glass ceramic fibers with an upper temperature use limit of 2300.degree. F. are provided. The compositional formulation, in mole percent, is 62-85% SiO.sub.2, 9.5-20% Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, 5-15.5% MgO, 0.5-5% TiO.sub.x, and 0-5% ZrO.sub.2. The continuous fibers are prepared by an economical direct melt method, and demonstrate high tensile strength, high Young's modulus, and low linear thermal shrinkage characteristics.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced glass matrix composite has a glass matrix or glass ceramic and a plurality of primary and secondary reinforcing fibers dispersed in the matrix. The primary fibers may be continuous or discontinuous. The secondary fibers are discontinuous. The secondary reinforcing fibers which are shorter than the primary fibers fill regions of the matrix not filled with the primary reinforcing fibers. The composite may be made by uniformly distributing the secondary reinforcing fibers in a dispersant. A glass powder is mixed in a carrier liquid to create a slurry and the secondary reinforcing fibers and dispersant are slowly added to the slurry so the fibers uniformly disperse as they are added. A binder is also added to the slurry. A continuous fiber is impregnated with the slurry and the impregnated fiber is dried to remove the carrier liquid. The impregnated yarn is cut to a suitable length and molded by a suitable molding method to form a fiber reinforced glass matrix composite.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the production of a composite thread of glass and of organic material wherein continuous filaments of thermoplastic organic material are mixed in the form of a sheet with a bundle or sheet of glass filaments, with the speed of the thermoplastic filaments during their penetration into the bundle or sheet of glass filaments being greater than the speed of drawing of the glass filaments.

Abstract: A fiber glass air filtration media comprises a blanket of glass fibers with about 25% to 35% by weight of the glass fibers being fine glass fibers having an average diameter of less than 3.5 microns and about 65% to 75% by weight of the glass fibers being coarse glass fibers having an average diameter of more than 3.5 microns. The fine and coarse glass fibers are randomly intermingled throughout the blanket. The blanket is formed by producing the fine glass fibers on a first set of fiber generators and the coarse glass fibers on a second set of fiber generators. The fiber generators are laterally aligned across the width of and direct gaseous streams of the glass fibers at a moving collection surface where the blanket is formed. The fiber generators of the first set alternate with the fiber generators of the second set and the glass fibers produced by the two sets of fiber generators are mixed together before being deposited on the collection surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a composite thread formed by the association or blending of continuous glass filaments and continuous filaments thermoplastic organic matter. The thermoplastic filaments are, while in the form of a sheet, blended with a cluster or sheet of glass filaments after having been heated to a temperature in excess of their transformation temperature, stretched and then cooled in their stretched state.