Abstract: A sizing composition that permits in-line chopping and drying of reinforcement fibers for reinforcing thermoset resins is provided. The size composition includes at least one coupling agent and one or more blocked polyurethane film forming agents. The blocking agent preferably de-blocks at a temperature that permits simultaneous or nearly simultaneous de-blocking and curing of the polyurethane film former. The sized fiber strands may be chopped to form chopped strand segments and dried in a fluidized bed oven, such as a Cratec® drying oven, in-line. The chopped fiber strands may then be used in a bulk molding compound and molded into a reinforced composite article. Chopping the glass fibers in-line lowers the manufacturing costs for products produced from the sized fiber bundles. Further, because the reinforcement fibers can be chopped and dried at a much faster rate with the inventive size composition compared to conventional off-line chopping processes, productivity is increased.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to method and apparatus for facilitating the withdrawal of strand from the interior of a wound package a strand comprising biasing a movable manifold means against a portion of the arcuate periphery of the package, the manifold means having an apertured section in contact with the package; and drawing a vacuum in the manifold means effective to retain the strands at the periphery of the package until withdrawn to facilitate the complete withdrawal of the strand from the package.