Abstract: The present invention provides an at least partially coated fiber strand comprising a plurality of glass fibers having a coating composition on at least a portion of at least one of the glass fibers, the coating composition comprising at least one coating comprising greater than 20 weight percent on a total solids basis of a plurality of particles selected from inorganic particles, organic hollow particles, composite particles, and mixtures of any of the foregoing, wherein the plurality of particles have a Mohs' hardness value which does not exceed the Mohs' hardness value of the glass fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides non-heat cleaned glass fiber fabrics comprising resin compatible coatings that offer higher tensile strengths than corresponding fabrics that have been heat cleaned and silane finished. These fabrics can be used in a wide variety of applications, such as reinforcements for composites such as printed circuit boards. In one nonlimiting embodiment, the invention provides a non-heat cleaned fabric comprising a plurality of fiber strands in a warp direction and a fill direction, each fiber strand comprising a plurality of E-glass fiber, and having a resin compatible coating composition on at least a portion of a surface of at least one fiber strand, wherein the fabric has a tensile strength of at least 267 Newtons when measured in the warp direction or fill direction. Although not required, the fabric also has a tensile strength of at least 1.5 times that of a corresponding fabric that is heat cleaned by heating the corresponding fabric to a temperature of at least 380° C.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates generally to sizing compositions, methods and apparatus for cleaning sized fiber glass strands, yarns and fabric without the use of high temperature thermal processes. More specifically, the invention relates to sizing compositions comprising a photocatalytically degradable organic material and a photocatalyst material, and methods and apparatus for cleaning photocatalytically degradable organic materials from the surface of the fiber glass strand.

Abstract: A fabric comprising at least one fiber strand comprising a plurality of fibers and having a resin compatible coating composition on at least a surface of the at least one fiber strand, wherein the at least one fiber strand has an Air Jet Transport Drag Force value of greater than 100,000 gram force per gram mass of strand as determined by a needle air jet nozzle unit having an internal air jet chamber having a diameter of 2 millimeters and a nozzle exit tube having a length of 20 centimeters at a strand feed rate of 274 meters per minute and an air pressure of 310 kiloPascals.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates generally to sizing compositions, methods and apparatus for cleaning sized fiber glass strands, yarns and fabric without the use of high temperature thermal processes. More specifically, the invention relates to sizing compositions comprising a photocatalytically degradable organic material and a photocatalyst material, and methods and apparatus for cleaning photocatalytically degradable organic materials from the surface of the fiber glass strand.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fabric comprising fiber strands having a coating that is more soluble in a resin matrix material than conventional slashing and/or silane finishes. As a result, the coating does not have to be removed prior to combining the coated fiber strand with a resin matrix material. These fabrics can be used in a wide variety of applications, such as reinforcements for composites, such as printed circuit boards.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting abrasive wear of a fiber strand comprising at least one glass fiber by sliding contact with surface asperities of a solid object, comprising (a) applying a composition to at least a portion of a surface of at least one glass fiber of a glass fiber strand; (b) at least partially drying the composition to form a sized glass fiber strand having a residue of the composition upon at least a portion of the surface of the at least one class fiber; and (c) sliding at least a portion of the glass fiber strand to contact surface asperities of a solid object, the surface asperities having a hardness value which is greater than a hardness value of the at least one glass fiber, such that abrasive wear of the at least one glass fiber of the glass fiber strand by contact with the surface asperities of the solid object is inhibited by the inorganic solid lubricant particles.

Abstract: Prepregs for an electronic support comprising: (a) a matrix material; and (b) at least one non-degreased fabric comprising at least one strand comprising a plurality of fibers, wherein at least a portion of the fabric comprises a coating which is compatible with the matrix material, and wherein the at least one strand has a shape factor of greater than 1, measured in the warp direction or the fill direction of the at least one non-degreased fabric. Laminates for an electronic support comprising: (a) a matrix material; and (b) at least one non-degreased fabric comprising at least one strand comprising a plurality of fibers, wherein at least a portion of the fabric comprises a coating which is compatible with the matrix material, and wherein the at least one strand has a shape factor of greater than 1, measured in the warp direction or the fill direction of the at least one non-degreased fabric. Electronic supports and electronic circuit boards comprising at least one prepreg or at least one laminate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming an aperture in an electronic support, comprising: (A) positioning an electronic support in registry with an aperture forming device; and (B) forming an aperture at least partially through the electronic support with the aperture forming device while dispensing a fluid stream comprising at least one solid lubricant, proximate the aperture forming device during at least a position of the forming, such that the at least one solid lubricant contacts at least a portion of an interface between the aperture forming device and the electronic support.

Abstract: At least partially clad laminates comprising: (a) a cladding material; (b) a matrix material; and (c) at least one non-degreased fabric comprising at least one strand comprising a plurality of fibers, wherein at least a portion of the at least one non-degreased fabric comprises a coating which is compatible with the matrix material, and wherein at least a portion of the at least partially clad laminate has a roughness factor less than 8 microns using a one ounce clad, measured in either the warp direction or the fill direction of the at least one non-degreased. Electronic supports and electronic circuit boards comprising at least one at least partially clad laminate.

Abstract: The present invention provides non-heat cleaned glass fiber fabrics comprising resin compatible coatings that offer higher tensile strengths than corresponding fabrics that have been heat cleaned and silane finished. These fabrics can be used in a wide variety of applications, such as reinforcements for composites such as printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A glass fiber chemical delivery system including water soluble fiberglass particles containing a chemical composition. The water soluble fiberglass particles may define pores in which the chemical composition is contained or the water soluble fiberglass particles may each define a hollow core containing the chemical composition. As the fiberglass particles dissolve in an aqueous environment, such as within cells of a blood vessel wall or in a reaction vessel, the chemical composition is released.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is an orthopedic splint for temporarily supporting an injured body limb, comprising: a non-woven mat at least partially impregnated with a curable resin matrix material; a first resin impermeable layer extending along at least a portion of at least one major surface of the mat; a second resin impermeable layer extending along at least along a portion of an opposing major surface of the mat; and a curing agent permeable cover surrounding the mat and the first and second resin impermeable layers. In one particular embodiment of the invention, the resin matrix material comprises a moisture curable, ambient air dried resin matrix material, the mat comprises a needled mat comprising randomly oriented continuous glass fibers and having a weight, prior to resin impregnation, of between about 0.15 to about 2.44 kilograms per square meter, the first resin impermeable layer is a heat insulating layer, and the cover is a water permeable cover.

Abstract: A glass fiber chemical delivery system including water soluble fiberglass particles containing a chemical composition. The water soluble fiberglass particles may define pores in which the chemical composition is contained or the water soluble fiberglass particles may each define a hollow core containing the chemical composition. As the fiberglass particles dissolve in an aqueous environment, such as within cells of a blood vessel wall or in a reaction vessel, the chemical composition is released.

Abstract: The present invention provides semi-solid and reinforced soil mixtures formed from aqueous soil mixtures such as dredge material, discrete reinforcing fibers such as glass fibers. The reinforced mixtures can include additives for partially solidifying the aqueous soil mixture, such as calcium-containing materials, cementitious materials, silicon-containing materials, aluminum-containing materials and mixtures thereof. The pH of the reinforced soil mixture can be adjusted to control deterioration of the reinforcing fibers, as desired.

Abstract: The present invention provides image display panels, spacers and spacer units for the same and methods for making and using the same. The spacer units include an assembly having a first layer of generally parallel fibers positioned to form intersections with generally parallel fibers of a second layer. At least one fiber of the first and/or second layer includes a bonding agent at the corresponding intersection. The intersections form passageways which permit the passage of energy therethrough between the emitter and the display of an image display panel. A sealing frame is positioned about and engages the periphery of the spacer, the emitter and the display. The sealing frame has a deformable sealing material for providing an essentially sealed region between the spacer, emitter and display. Methods of making and using such spacers in image display panels and spacers including a fiber protectorant are also included in the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides image display panels, spacer units for the same and methods for making and using the same. The spacer units include an assembly having at least one layer of generally parallel fibers which form passageways which permit the passage of energy therethrough between the emitter and the display of an image display panel. A sealing frame has a support which is positioned about and engages the periphery or side of the spacer, the emitter and the display. The sealing frame has a sealing material for providing an essentially sealed region between the spacer, emitter and display. Methods of making and using such spacer units in image display panels are also included in the present invention.

Abstract: Removal of classified particles from the classifier apparatus is simplified by the addition of a polymeric dispersant in the slurry, added in an amount substantially in excess of that needed to disperse the particles.

Abstract: A process for forming articles from inorganic sinterable particulates includes providing a well-dispersed, low pressure injectable slurry, freeze-forming the slurry into a desired geometry, and drying the piece so formed by a predominantly sublimative process, to produce a green article that can be conventionally sintered. The vehicle has a volume change on freezing of not more than .+-.10% by volume; to further control the volume change on freezing, an emulsion derived from different vehicles can be tailored. The slurries preferably have a solids content of at least about 35 v/o, a viscosity of preferably not more than about 1000 cP at 100 s.sup.-1, and are preferably injectable at not more than about 1000 psi, usually at less than 100 psi.

Abstract: Dense, flaw free, complex, 3-dimensional, metal or refractory shapes are formed by preparing a low viscosity, pourable aqueous-based suspension. The aqueous suspension preferably contains ceramic or metal particulates, water, and a compatible mixture of additives for performing dispersant, cryoprotectant, and strength enhancing functions. The low viscosity slip is cast or injection molded at low pressure into a complex mold, frozen, demolded, and freeze dried without the formation of a continuous liquid phase. The green part is subsequently sintered by conventional techniques to achieve a dense part.