Abstract: A reinforced continuous molded article which is equally reinforced in all aspects is suitable for molding into automobile exterior trim. The article comprises at least one thermoplastic, having essentially homogeneously mixed therein about 2% to about 15% by volume reinforcing particles having one or more layers of 0.7 nm-1.2 nm thick platelets, wherein more than about 50% of the reinforcing particles are less than about 20 layers thick. A method of producing reinforced articles comprising these reinforcing particles is also disclosed. Optionally, such articles may have embossed surfaces or may have a decorative film laminated thereto.

Abstract: A process for making a fiber composite involving: (a) providing a natural fiber; (b) providing a matrix material produced by a radical polymerization reaction of: (i) a monomer selected from the group consisting of ring opening products of epoxidized fatty compounds with olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acids, and (ii) a comonomer selected from the group consisting of olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acids; (c) providing a radical initiator; and (d) conducting the radical polymerization reaction of (i) and (ii) in the presence of the natural fiber so that the matrix material envelops the natural fiber, thus producing the fiber composite.

Abstract: A pattern for camouflage and a method for making the pattern. Rely on photographic images arranged in a synthetic perspective relationship, appearing to extend toward the horizon. The photographic images are images of landscape features in a selected environment. The pattern blends in with landscape features both in proximity to and distant from the camouflage pattern. In one embodiment, the pattern is adapted to be seamlessly repeatable across a surface. In one or two dimensions the method for making the camouflage includes taking photographs and selecting photographic images that represent the landscape features in the selected environment. The method also includes separating those images and arranging them into a repeating pattern. Photographic images are arranged in synthetic perspective which includes obscuring background images with foreground images in a manner that simulates the perspective in the selected environment.

Abstract: A siding assembly and method of manufacture are disclosed. Each siding unit is a profile of a composite material which includes a thermoplastic polymer and a cellulosic fiber. The preferred siding unit has a tapered thickness and a convex face. Each siding unit is interconnected to adjacent siding units with a tongue and groove mechanism. The preferred siding profile has a plurality of webs, and the exposed portion of the siding has a capstock layer to improve weatherability. The exposed width of the siding's face may be adjustable. The siding units are interconnected end-to-end by inserts which are positioned by means of an adhesive or thermal welding.

Abstract: A structural dielectrically tailored prepreg panel includes structural materials having desired electrical qualities in one or more desired areas without loss of structural integrity or the addition of parasitic weight. In one method of manufacture an applicator such as a spray nozzle applies a first dielectric material to a first area not covered by a mask. In another method, the dielectric material includes a dry material, which is sprinkled upon a tacky impregnating resin in a controlled volume percentage to provide a dielectric gradient. In yet another embodiment an applicator arrangement includes a plurality of applicators arranged to form a multiple of applicator sets which communicates with a controller to selectively activate a particular applicator and dispense a desired dielectric resin in a desired location.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mat having at least one primary area and at least one secondary area and adapted to reinforce a polymeric matrix material, the mat comprising (a) a first layer comprising a plurality of generally parallel, essentially continuous glass fiber strands oriented generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the mat, at least a portion of outer surfaces of the first layer glass fiber strands having applied thereon at least a partial layer comprising at least a partially dried residue of first coating composition which is compatible with a polymeric matrix material, wherein at least a first portion of the first layer glass fiber strands are positioned within the at least one primary area at a primary strand density and at least a second portion of the first layer glass fiber strands are positioned within the at least one secondary area at a secondary strand density which is different from the primary strand density; and (b) a second layer comprising a plurality of randomly oriented gl

Abstract: A radiation-curable composition is disclosed. An fluorinated oligomer is combined with a diluent monomer and a photoinitiator to form the radiation-curable coating composition. The fluorinated oligomer is substantially free of isocyanate groups. The radiation-curable compositions provide a suitable coating for substrates, are resistant to penetration by water and liquid hydrocarbons, retain their physical properties over a wide temperature range and exhibit immeasurably low surface friction properties.

Abstract: Described are microfiber articles and methods and intermediates for their production, the microfiber articles being preferably produced from co-extruded microlayer films, and the articles having a microlayer construction that allows selection of the different layers to have different properties such that the article can have a desired combination of properties.

Abstract: An oxidation resistant carbon composite material comprises nanocrystalline silicon carbide regions distributed throughout a carbon matrix. The composite is prepared by intermixing in a solvent a silicon carbide precursor and a carbon precursor and forming a solution that is free of solids. After removing the solvent from the mixture, the remaining material is pyrolyzed and forms the characteristic nanocrystalline silicon carbide in a carbon matrix. A composite made by the subject method and a part made from the composite are also provided.

Abstract: Process for variously decorating sections made of plastic materials, composite materials and the like, comprising a step of pre-treatment for the preparation of the surface, a possible step of pre-painting, a possible step of pre-heating, a step of decoration by transfer from a strip-like flexible support unwinding continuously from a first coil through the action of at least a rotating nip roll, suitably shaped, heated and thermostated, and lastly a possible step of sublimation and fixing, to obtain the transfer of the decoration and the polymerization of colors. Apparatus for the formation of the decoration, comprising a first coil from which a flexible support unwinds at least a rotating nip roll, shaped according to the section to be decorated, heated and thermostated, and at least a second coil for the rewinding of the flexible strip, once the decoration layer and the protection layer have been removed.

Abstract: A twist tie made of two dissimilar polymers forming a composite tying material that may be twisted upon itself forming a closure for a bag, container or bundle. A flat elongated ribbon like thermoplastic substrate (20) has a thermoplastic monofilament (28) disposed generally in the middle of one side and is bonded in place forming a homogeneous joint (40). Another configuration of the monofilament utilizes a pre-formed irregular shape singly or in opposed pairs. A second embodiment utilizes a ribbon of paper (26) laminated underneath the substrate.

Abstract: Decorative grasses having an appearance and/or texture simulating the appearance and/or texture of cloth are disclosed, as are methods for making such decorative grasses from materials wherein at least one surface of the material is modified to simulate the appearance and/or texture of cloth.

Abstract: A concrete product for promotion of afforestation, to be used in an environment where a sufficient amount of water for accelerating germination of seeds is supplied. Carbon fibers are disposed on the outer surface of a concrete body. The carbon fibers are made of filaments having a strand form, non-woven fabric form, woven fabric form, knitted form, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method to produce shaped multi-layer plates having super-imposed layers includes individually extruding raw materials comprising powder, granules, or crystals, in liquid form, to form a plurality of separate layers, each layer being mono-component or multi-component, superimposing the separate layers, co-extruding the superimposed layers through a co-extrusion head with plane lips to form a continuous flat multi-layer plate with a plane surface, subjecting the flat multi-layer plate emerging from the co-extrusion head to a calendering pass to provide thermal, chemical and dimensional stabilization, subjecting the flat continuous multi-layer plate emerging from the calendering pass to a pass of thermal adjustment and shaping, and cooling and shearing to size the shaped multi-layer plate emerging from the pass of thermal adjustment and shaping so as to obtain shaped multi-layer plate of the desired length.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of forming a prepreg material having substantially no voids. According to the process of the invention, the reinforcing material is heated to a temperature above the temperature of the impregnating resin. The prepreg formed has substantially no voids and does not require lengthy consolidation when formed into useful articles.

Abstract: Scented decorative grasses having an appearance and/or texture simulating the appearance and/or texture of cloth are disclosed, as are methods for making such scented decorative grasses from materials wherein at least one surface of the material is modified to simulate the appearance and/or texture of cloth.

Abstract: To provide an epoxy resin composition suitable as a matrix resin for fiber reinforcement, and a yarn prepreg suitable in unwindability, excellent in higher processability due to drapability, high in the tensile strength of the epoxy resin composition after curing, and high in efficiency of the strength of reinforcing fibers. A yarn prepreg, satisfying the following formulae (1) to (3): 50≦Wf≦80  (1) 20,000≦F≦100,000  (2) F/8,000≦d≦F/2,400  (3) where Wf is the content by weight of the fiber bundle (%), F is the number of filaments in the fiber bundle and d is the width of the prepreg (mm).

Abstract: A fiber laminate production method includes a step of controlling an influence of gravity on a fiber absorber during thermoforming.

Abstract: A thermally conductive polymer sheet includes a polymer matrix and graphitized carbon fibers as a thermally conductive filler. The graphitized carbon fibers are formed by spinning, infusibilization, carbonization, pulverized mesophase pitch before graphitizing the mesophase pitch. The graphitized carbon fibers have a coating layer of ferromagnetic material on their surface. The application of magnetic field to the coating layer allows the fibers to be oriented to be perpendicular to the sheet. Preferably, by X-ray diffractometry, the graphitized carbon fibers have an interplanar spacing (d002) of graphite planes of less than 0.3370 nm and a ratio (P101/P100) of diffraction peak (101) to diffraction peak (100) of at least 1.15. The ferromagnetic material is preferably at least one of a metal, an alloy, or a compound selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt and iron.

Abstract: A transparent and flexible composite membrane produced from two immiscible polymers. The first polymer is a polymeric fibrous network with interconnecting pores. The second polymer is an elastomer with a refractive index matching the first polymer. The resultant composite membrane is a transparent interpenetrated network of polymers with an altered molecular structure, and mechanical strength superior to the parent polymers. A method of producing the new composite membrane involves dissolving the elastomer in a suitable solvent to form a diluted elastomeric solution, impregnating the polymeric membrane with the elastomer by adding the diluted elastomeric solution to the membrane to form a wet composite membrane, and then drying the wet composite membrane to form an interpenetrated membrane.