Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making a composite material in which at least one reinforcement thread is deposited on a surface according to a path having at least one curved area on the deposition surface, wherein the reinforcement thread is connected to the surface by a polymeric binder, characterized in that a twist is applied to the reinforcement thread before the deposition thereof at least in order to compensate the length differences of the extreme paths of the thread on either side of the width as measured in a direction parallel to the deposition surface: the invention also relates to the composite material thus obtained.

Abstract: A process for placing at least one fiber element on a surface is disclosed so as to provide a deposited fiber element having a width that varies longitudinally. The process may provide a step in which the width of the fiber element is modified upstream of the deposition step using a width control device. A device for performing the process is also disclosed. Further, fibrous sheets containing one or more deposited fiber element having a width that varies longitudinally are also disclosed. Preforms formed from one or more of the fibrous sheets are also disclosed.

Abstract: An applicator head for cutting yarn into segments of yarn and depositing the segments of yarn on a deposition surface. The applicator head includes a single mechanism that moves the yarn towards said deposition surface and also cuts the yarn into segments.

Abstract: An intermediate material made up of an array of individualised ribbons, each ribbon being composed of a tape of unidirectional reinforcing fibres associated, by adhesion, on each of its faces with a veil of thermoplastic fibres.

Abstract: Applicator head for reinforcement yarns (2) on a deposition surface (3), said head comprising: a cutting mechanism (8) for reinforcement yarns (2) upstream of an application zone (5), including at least one cutting unit (10) and one motor unit (11) for moving the cutter (10), first along a forward stroke (f1) to avow the cutting of the reinforcement yarns (2), and secondly along a return stroke (f2) in a reverse direction, to allow the release of the cutter (10) from the reinforcement yarns (2), and a redirection system (16) for the reinforcement yarns after cutting, at least up to the application zone (5), The cutting mechanism (8) powers the redirection system (16) with means designed to, firstly not feed the reinforcement yarns (2) in the forward stroke (f1) of the cutter (10) and, secondly, to feed the reinforcement yarns (2) at least up to the application area (5), during the return stroke (f2).

Abstract: A plurality of unidirectional sheets (30a, 30b, 30c) are superposed in different directions and they are bonded together. At least one of the unidirectional sheets is made by spreading a tow so as to obtain uniform thickness, width not less than 5 cm, and a weight of no more than 300 g/m2, cohesion being imparted to the sheet so as to enable it to be handled prior to being superposed with other sheets. Advantageously, the unidirectional sheets are made of carbon fibers and are obtained by spreading out large tows.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making a composite part including an assembly of superimposed webs of reinforcement threads imbedded at least partially in a polymer matrix, said part including at least one curved area and the method comprising steps of draping or stacking plies of a composite material, characterised in that, in at least one area adjacent to a curved area, at least one draping or stacking step is carried out with a ply of composite material, that comprises a web, or twisted thread web, including at least one twisted reinforcement thread in order to at least compensate the length differences of the extreme paths of the thread on either side of the width as measured in a direction parallel to the surface of the web; the invention also relates to the composite materials thus obtained.

Abstract: A plurality of unidirectional sheets (30a, 30b, 30c) are superposed in different directions and they are bonded together. At least one of the unidirectional sheets is made by spreading a tow so as to obtain uniform thickness, width not less than 5 cm, and a weight of no more than 300 g/m2, cohesion being imparted to the sheet so as to enable it to be handled prior to being superposed with other sheets. Advantageously, the unidirectional sheets are made of carbon fibers and are obtained by spreading out large tows.

Abstract: Process and system for fabricating a multidirectional fibrous reinforcement designed to be a porous preform for producing a part made of a composite material. Reinforcing thread is deposited in successive layers on a support surface. A binder is provided in association with the reinforcing thread so as to adhere the reinforcing thread to the support surface and the successive layers of thread. The reinforcing thread is pressed against the support surface in a manner that exerts a pressure substantially perpendicular to the support surface at the point where the thread is deposited. The binder may be pre-applied to the support surface or it can be applied simultaneously with the reinforcement thread.

Abstract: Panel assemblies that include a core sandwiched between face sheets made from composite material. A pigmented topcoat layer is applied directly to the composite material without the need for a separate adhesive. The pigmented topcoat layer includes a thermoplastic binder resin/pigment mixture that can be cured with the composite material in a single step. The topcoat may include permanent and/or temporary substrates for carrying the binder resin/pigment mixture and for providing a surface finish to the panel assembly.

Abstract: A fibrous reinforcement including a fibrous support treated throughout or covered at least partially on one of its surfaces with a compound containing: i) one or more thermosetting prepolymers having a softening temperature of 150° C. or lower and/or one or more thermoplastic polymers having a glass transition temperature lower than 300° C.; and ii) one or more inorganic phosphorus compounds. The treatment ratio of the fibrous support with the inorganic phosphorus compound(s) falls within the range of 2%–20% by weight. The fibrous reinforcement is suitable for use as a fireproofing agent.

Abstract: A plurality of unidirectional sheets (30a, 30b, 30c) are superposed in different directions and they are bonded together. At least one of the unidirectional sheets is made by spreading a tow so as to obtain uniform thickness, width not less than 5 cm, and a weight of no more than 300 g/m2, cohesion being imparted to the sheet so as to enable it to be handled prior to being superposed with other sheets. Advantageously, the unidirectional sheets are made of carbon fibers and are obtained by spreading out large tows.