Abstract: A string binder is disclosed which is useful for making reinforcing articles for use in the manufacture of molded composite articles. The string binder comprises a fibrous carrier substrate covered with a solidified coating comprising a binder resin material having an acid value of less than about 30 mg KOH/g of resin. Additionally, the fibrous carrier substrate may be coated with at least one layer of a pre-coating or post-coating comprising a catalyst composition. The string binder may be co-roved with one or more ends of a separate fibrous reinforcing material to make a product suitable for use in various molding applications.

Abstract: The present invention refers to multi-layered decorative laminates including a decorative layer, such as a wood veneer layer, and one or more reinforced polymer layer(s), such as a reinforced polyvinyl chloride (PVC) layer. Methods of making and using such laminates and of producing overly and underlay layers, which supplement the decorative layer, are described herein. The invention also relates to laminates of improved fire resistance including reinforced polymer layers.

Abstract: The present invention refers to multi-layered decorative laminates including a decorative layer, such as a wood veneer layer, and one or more reinforced polymer layer(s), such as a reinforced polyvinyl chloride (PVC) layer. Methods of making and using such laminates and of producing overly and underlay layers, which supplement the decorative layer, are described herein. The invention also relates to laminates of improved fire resistance including reinforced polymer layers.

Abstract: An optical cable reinforcement in the form of glass fiber strands ?30! having a first coating ?32! of a binding agent such as a latex mixture and a second coating ?34! of particles ?36! of a water blocking agent such as a polyacrylate salt. The particles ?36! of water blocking agent are adhered to the glass fiber strands ?30! by the binding agent without the binding agent entirely coating the particles of water blocking agent. The unoccluded surface areas of water blocking agent thus provided serve to rapidly absorb/desorb water and protect the optical cable from moisture. A unique powder coating station ?60! is used to apply the particles ?36! of water blocking agent to glass fiber strands ?30! which have been coated with wet binding agent so that the proper adherence of the particles ?36! of water blocking agent without complete embodiment, is obtained.