Abstract: A method of applying or repairing a coating on a substrate by inductive heating. A susceptor element is applied on the coating and the element and the substrate are inductively energized to cause the substrate and the coating to be heated. The susceptor element is removed from the heated coating before applying the coating or applying a patch to the coating.

Abstract: A crosslinked, predominantly polypropylene-based article comprises a silane-modified ethylene-based polyolefin, at least 50 percent by weight of a non silane-modified polypropylene, and a silane condensation catalyst. The article is moisture crosslinked to a sufficient degree that it possesses thermoset properties such that, when the article is heated to a temperature above the crystalline melting point of the non silane-modified polypropylene, it is softened but does not become liquid. The article preferably comprises a heat-shrinkable sleeve for a high-temperature transmission pipeline.

Abstract: A crosslinked, predominantly polypropylene-based article comprises a silane-modified ethylene-based polyolefin, at least 50 percent by weight of a non silane-modified polypropylene, and a silane condensation catalyst. The article is moisture crosslinked to a sufficient degree that it possesses thermoset properties such that, when the article is heated to a temperature above the crystalline melting point of the non silane-modified polypropylene, it is softened but does not become liquid. The article preferably comprises a heat-shrinkable sleeve for a high-temperature transmission pipeline.

Abstract: A method of heating a substrate and a coating on the substrate. A susceptor element is applied on the coating and the element and the substrate are inductively energized to cause the substrate and the coating to be heated.

Abstract: A moisture-crosslinkable polyolefin material, comprising a silane-grafted polyolefin blend, and coatings or insulations, including heat-shrinkable coatings and insulations, prepared therefrom. The coating material is formed by a process comprising: (a) reacting a pre-blended mixture of polyolefin and polypropylene, or higher polyolefin, resins and optional compatibilizing agent, with an appropriate silane and silane-grafting initiator to produce a silane-modified polyolefin blend composition; (b) forming the coating or insulating material by melt processing the composition produced in step (a) with a silanol condensation catalyst; and (c) crosslinking the formed coating or insulating material by exposing it to moisture, preferably at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A moisture-crosslinkable polypropylene material, comprising silane-grafted polyolefin or olefin-silane copolymer and non silane-modified polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer; and coatings or insulations, including heat-shrinkable coatings and insulations, prepared therefrom. The coating material is formed by a process comprising: (a) reacting polyolefin with a silane in the presence of a free-radical initiator to form a silane-grafted polyolefin, or copolymerizing a polyolefin with silane; (b) preparing a mixture of the silane-modified polyolefin prepared in (a) with polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer, and a silanol condensation catalyst; (c) forming the coating or insulating material by melt processing the mixture formed in step (b); and (d) crosslinking the coating or insulating material by exposing it to moisture, preferably at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A casing member for forming a connection between tubular sections. The member has heat shrinkable end portions, for connecting on respective adjacent end surfaces of the tubular sections adjacent the joint, and a middle portion for spanning between the end surfaces of the tubular sections. The end portions are formed integrally with at least a portion of the middle portion and have a zone that has a relatively small wall thickness while the middle portion having a relatively large wall thickness. This member may be made by heat shrinking a sleeve on an inner core on a mandrel or by uniting opposed ends of a heat shrink sheet having one or more auxiliary layers bonded to it. The properties of the core or auxiliary layer or layers may be tailored to provide desired properties or capabilities.

Abstract: A casing member (11) for forming a connection between tubular sections, having at least end portions that are heat shrinkable. The member (11) has a patch member (12, 16) bonded to a surface of a portion of the member (11). The patch member (12, 16) may be bonded to a continuous imperforate portion of the member (11), or an opening (22) may be formed through the patch member (12, 16) and through the adjacent portion of the member. The patch member facilitates application of a plug (23) for closing the opening (22).

Abstract: Thermoplastic, thermoshapable composite laminate bars, an orthopedic brace using the shaped composite bars as integral components, and a method of thermoshaping the composite bars for use as fitted components in the orthopedic brace are provided. The composite bars contain multiple fiber layers oriented in at least two directions with respect to the bar length to provide high flexural and torsional strength. The novel method of thermoshaping yields improved results over prior thermoshaping methods by providing an uncomplicated shaping capability while maintaining the structural and mechanical properties of the composite bar.

Abstract: Thermoplastic, thermoshapable composite laminate bars, an orthopedic brace using the shaped composite bars as integral components, and a method of thermoshaping the composite bars for use as fitted components in the orthopedic brace are provided. The composite bars contain multiple fiber layers oriented in at least two directions with respect to the bar length to provide high flexural and torsional strength. The novel method of thermoshaping yields improved results over prior thermoshaping methods by providing an uncomplicated shaping capability while maintaining the structural and mechanical properties of the composite bar.

Abstract: Polymer matrix composite materials containing a thermoplastic composite core bonded integrally with a fabric layer are provided. The fabric layer has a greater elasticity than the core, so that the fabric layer can conform smoothly to the core during thermoforming. This improvement has been demonstrated to improve aesthetic appearance and nearly eliminate wrinkling and distortion of the fabric layer when compared to conventional composite materials.

Abstract: A longitudinally heat shrinkable closure sheet has a hold-down adhesive portion adjacent each longitudinal end for application on the exposed end portions a heat shrinkable wrap-around sleeve applied around a pipe or other article to be covered. Heat is applied to the closure sheet in order to weld the adhesive free portion of the underside of the closure sheet to the end portions of wrap-around sleeve. The initial shrinkage of the closure sheet between the hold-down adhesive portions draws it tightly into contact with the upper side of the end portions. Shearing forces are applied between the closure sheet and the end portions firstly as the closure sheet contracts relative to the end portions, and secondly, as the sleeve shrinks, develops hoop stress and stretches the closure sheet, and a high strength fusion bond is achieved between the closure sheet and sleeve.

Abstract: A heat shrinkable covering in the form of a sheet which is heat shrinkable in a longitudinal direction, and a stiffening member connected at each of two longitudinally spaced transversely extending superimposable zones of the sheet. One stiffening member has holes and the other studs in the form of arm portions which are insertable through the holes to secure the stiffening members together. The arm portions can be flattened down onto the outside of the covering to retain the stiffening members together while reducing risk of the studs interfering with items such as cables adjacent the covered article. Preferably the studs have a resiliently compressible head portion which snap fits into holes formed through the sheet adjacent the holes in the stiffening member to facilitate locating the overlapped zones of the sheet relative to one another. In use, the sheet is wrapped around an article, the stiffening members are engaged together, and the sheet is then heat shrunk.

Abstract: A heat shrinkable covering for an article, such as a pipe, comprises a heat shrinkable material in the form of a flexible sheet which is wrapped around the article so that its ends overlap. The overlapping end portions are bonded together by means of a hold-down adhesive, preferably a shear-resistant adhesive, leaving an adhesive-free region at the interface. Heat is applied externally to the overlapping end portions so as to effect a fusion bond at the adhesive-free region of the interface, and the sheet is heat-shrunk onto the article in known manner. The covering offers the advantages and convenience of application common to conventional wrap-around sleeves, while having the intrinsic strength properties of a seamless tubular sleeve.