Abstract: Methods that apply decorative particles in-line in the manufacturing process to form a decorative structured mat or veil that is ready for direct commercial application. The decorative particles or decorative paint patterns should be of a size and/or color to be visible at a distance of five meters from the decorative mat or veil. In preferred embodiments, the particle size ranges from about 100 to about 500 microns in size. A formulation for coating a glass fiber mat with decorative particles is also provided.

Abstract: A recyclable tufted carpet meeting EPA recyclable content standards and having improved dimensional stability that reduces skew, bow, and wrinkles during manufacture and installation is formed by combining prior art primary and secondary backings into a single, fiber-reinforced primary backing layer. Consolidating either a glass fiber fabric layer, a glass veil, or a glass mat with a fiber-reinforced extruded film forms the fiber-reinforced primary backing layer. An additional glass fabric fiber layer can also be introduced to the primary backing to provide additional dimensional stability.

Abstract: A formulation for controlling the thickening profile for sheet molding compositions to a lower viscosity for use in low pressure molding conditions is provided. The B side addition of a modified alkaline earth oxide thickening system using a combination of oxides results in a sheet molding compound that is tack free at lowered viscosities. These sheet molding compounds exhibit extended shelf lives, good flowability, and excellent handling characteristics.

Abstract: A power steering pump for an automotive vehicle comprises a can housing that defines a compartment for receiving a cam plate and a pressure plate. The compartment is sealed by a cover that is threaded into an open end of the canister housing. The cover includes an annular contact that engages the pressure plate to urge the pressure plate against the cam plate. This produces a tight fit that reduces vibration and noise during pump operation. The cover also includes a central recess within the annular pressure plate contact that cooperates with the adjacent pressure plate to form a hydraulic fluid sump.

Abstract: The invention relates to an in-line process for producing high-temperature stable glass. A sizing composition is advantageously used to reduce plasticizing between the resinous matrix and the glass fibers. The in-line process uses a melter or furnace apparatus, including a top charging and melting section and an intermediate flow regulator section having a baffle system improving the heat pattern across the glass flow, and a bushing having a tip plate for receiving molten glass from a furnace. The bushing has an enlarged size that allows drawing of a significantly increased number of glass fibers at one time. The fibers have essentially no catenary and may be wound to create a tightly wrapped package of glass fibers of uniform exterior diameter throughout their width. High-strength, high-silica fiber made according to the invention may be advantageously used in filament-winding, pultrusion and weaving processes.

Abstract: A compatibilized polyolefin/polyolefin composite material includes a polyolefin/polyolefin composite substrate and a reinforcing mat formed from reinforcing fibers and a thermoplastic polymer powder. The mat may also incorporate an optional emulsion polymer binder. In addition the compatibilized polyolefin/polyolefin composite material may incorporate an additional film layer so that the mat is sandwiched between the substrate and the film layer. A method of producing such materials from a polyolefin/polyolefin composite substrate that is topologically/mechanically bonded to a reinforcing mat formed from reinforcing fibers and thermoplastic polymer powder is also described.

Abstract: Methods that apply decorative particles in-line in the manufacturing process to form a decorative structured mat or veil that is ready for direct commercial application. The decorative particles or decorative paint patterns should be of a size and/or color to be visible at a distance of five meters from the decorative mat or veil. In preferred embodiments, the particle size ranges from about 100 to about 500 microns in size. A formulation for coating a glass fiber mat with decorative particles is also provided.

Abstract: A formulation for controlling the thickening profile for sheet molding compositions to a lower viscosity for use in low pressure molding conditions is provided. The B side addition of a modified alkaline earth oxide thickening system using a combination of oxides results in a sheet molding compound that is tack free at lowered viscosities. These sheet molding compounds exhibit extended shelf lives, good flowability, and excellent handling characteristics.

Abstract: A compatibilized polyolefin/polyolefin composite material includes a polyolefin/polyolefin composite substrate and a reinforcing mat formed from reinforcing fibers and a thermoplastic polymer powder. The mat may also incorporate an optional emulsion polymer binder. In addition the compatibilized polyolefin/polyolefin composite material may incorporate an additional film layer so that the mat is sandwiched between the substrate and the film layer. A method of producing such materials from a polyolefin/polyolefin composite substrate that is topologically/mechanically bonded to a reinforcing mat formed from reinforcing fibers and thermoplastic polymer powder is also described.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming coated fibers suitable for making a composite article. A plurality of fibers are coated with an aqueous- or non-aqueous-based chemical treatment containing a curable resin such that the resin on the fibers is in a partially cured or uncured state. The coated fibers may then be formed into a composite article in a subsequent forming operation, for example, by filament winding, pultrusion, weaving, knitting, or extrusion coating. The strand of fibers may also be shaped into a preform which can be used in resin transfer molding (RTM) and injection molding processes.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming pre-impregnated fibers suitable for making a composite article. A plurality of fibers (14) are pre-impregnated with about 50% by weight of an aqueous-based chemical treatment containing a curable resin, and then contacted with a drying device (41) which effects drying of the chemical treatment without effecting full curing of the resin. The pre-impregnated fibers may then be formed into a composite article in a subsequent forming operation, for example, by filament winding, pultrusion, weaving, knitting, or extrusion coating.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming pre-impregnated fibers suitable for making a composite article. A plurality of fibers (14) are pre-impregnated with about 50 % by weight of an aqueous-based chemical treatment containing a curable resin, and then contacted with a drying device (41) which effects drying of the chemical treatment without effecting full curing of the resin. The pre-impregnated fibers may then be formed into a composite article in a subsequent forming operation, for example, by filament winding, pultrusion, weaving, knitting, or extrusion coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fiberglass composite which possesses outstanding armor properties. This ballistic resistant composite material employs high strength magnesia aluminosilicate glass fibers and phenol formaldehyde condensation product as the matrix resin. The composite is produced from sheet molding compound using little or no solvent.

Abstract: Panels are disclosed which are suitable for joiner, non-structural bulkheads.The panels are a laminate having a central portion of gypsum or a magnesium oxy-chloride cement which may or may not be glass fiber reinforced and externally exposed fire-resistant skins directly bonded to opposite sides of the central or core material. These skins are formed of a solid phenol-formaldehyde glass resin composite such as for example a prepreg formed from a woven glass roving of a high strength, high melting point glass and a cured phenol-aldehyde resin.

Abstract: A process for forming flat plate ballistic resistant composites which includes impregnating a low-alkali magnesia-aluminum-silicate glass fiber woven roving with an impregnating composition. The impregnating composition includes a resin solution of a polyester resin in a polymerizable monomeric solvent a free radical catalyst and optionally, a thickening agent and further optionally a flame retardant material. The impregnated woven roving is cured in a molding unit at a temperature of about 225.degree.-255.degree. F. for a sufficient period of time and at a sufficient pressure to allow the impregnated woven roving to substantially conform to the mold unit. The temperature and pressure used are sufficient to maintain the exothermic temperature at about 300.degree. F. or below and to catalytically crosslink the polyester resin and monomeric solvent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fiberglass composite which possesses outstanding armor properties. This ballistic resistant composite material employs a high strength magnesia aluminosilicate glass fabric and a prescribed phenol formaldehyde condensation product as the matrix resin. The composite is produced from a prepreg by molding under controlled conditions and the prepreg material is formed with a controlled heating cycle.