Abstract: A method of dispensing a reinforcement strand includes the steps of chopping the reinforcement strand into discrete reinforcement fibers, directing the discrete reinforcement fibers into a dispensing nozzle so that the discrete reinforcement fibers travel along a path extending generally along a longitudinal axis of the nozzle, introducing a fluid into the nozzle in a circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal axis, thereby creating a vortex of the fluid surrounding the discrete reinforcement fibers in the nozzle, dispensing the discrete length reinforcement fibers from the nozzle as a flow, and controlling the flow of fibers dispensed from the nozzle by controlling the fluid introduced into the nozzle.

Abstract: A high solubility size composition is provided which may be applied to glass fibers useful for reinforcing polymeric materials. The size composition includes: a first film former comprising a polyether-based or polyester-based thermoplastic polyurethane derived from a saturated, non-crosslinkable polyether or polyester; a second film former comprising at least one ingredient selected from i) a vinyl acetate glycidyl methacrylate copolymer and ii) a mixture of a vinyl acetate glycidyl methacrylate copolymer and a vinyl acetate homopolymer; a silane coupling agent; and water. Using glass fibers coated with the high solubility size composition allows the advantageous production of low-pigmented or non-pigmented molded parts having enhanced surface appearance and color uniformity.

Abstract: An epoxy and polyurethane-based sizing composition for fibers used in the reinforcement of engineered thermoplastic molded composites, which exhibits improved hydrolytic stability and reduced discoloration.

Abstract: A method for dispensing reinforcement fibers to make a preform or laminate includes winding a continuous length of a reinforcement fiber into coils around a form having a longitudinal axis, moving the coils axially with respect to the form to engage a cutter, cutting the coils to form discrete length reinforcement fibers, and dispensing the discrete length reinforcement fibers.

Abstract: A method for dispensing reinforcement fibers to make a preform or laminate includes winding a continuous length of a reinforcement fiber into coils around a form having a longitudinal axis, moving the coils axially with respect to the form to engage a cutter, cutting the coils to form discrete length reinforcement fibers, applying a resinous material to the discrete fibers, and dispensing the discrete length reinforcement fibers.

Abstract: A high solubility size composition is provided which may be applied to glass fibers useful for reinforcing polymeric materials. The size composition includes: a first film former comprising a polyester-based thermoplastic polyurethane derived from a saturated, non-crosslinkable polyester; a second film former comprising at least one ingredient selected from i) a vinyl acetate glycidyl methacrylate copolymer and ii) a mixture of a vinyl acetate glycidyl methacrylate copolymer and a vinyl acetate homopolymer; a silane coupling agent; and water. Using glass fibers coated with the high solubility size composition allows the advantageous production of low-pigmented or non-pigmented molded parts having enhanced surface appearance and color uniformity.