Abstract: A thermosetting asphalt product includes a blend of an asphalt and an epoxy-functionalized polymer, the epoxy-functionalized polymer being present in an amount within the range of from about 4 to about 30 percent of the combination of asphalt and epoxy-functionalized polymer, where the epoxy-functionalized polymer forms a continuous phase within the asphalt product.

Abstract: Vacuum insulation panels include an insulating media made up of glass fibers having a carbonized asphalt coating thereon. When such carbon-coated glass fibers are used as fillers for metal jacketed vacuum insulation panels, the resulting panels can be used for substantially higher temperature applications. The carbon on the carbon-coated fibers can be activated to absorb any outgassing that occurs from the insulation media within the panels to help ensure satisfactory vacuum levels over time.

Abstract: A thermosetting asphalt composition includes a blend of an asphalt and an epoxy-functionalized polymer, the epoxy-functionalized polymer being present in an amount within the range of from about 4 to about 30 percent of the combination of asphalt and epoxy-functionalized polymer.

Abstract: A method for producing asphalt fibers includes supplying molten asphalt to a rotating asphalt spinner, centrifuging asphalt fibers from the asphalt spinner, and collecting the asphalt fibers. The molten asphalt is supplied to the asphalt spinner at a temperature within the range of from about 270.degree. to about 500.degree. F. Also disclosed is a method for integrating asphalt with reinforcement fibers including the steps of establishing a downwardly moving veil of reinforcement fibers, such as glass fibers, and centrifuging asphalt fibers from a rotating asphalt spinner positioned within the veil of reinforcement fibers to integrate the asphalt with the reinforcement fibers. A method for making an asphalt roofing shingle includes the steps of assembling together a mat of asphalt fibers with a mat of reinforcement fibers, coating the assembled mats to form an asphalt coated sheet, applying granules to the asphalt coated sheet, and cutting the asphalt coated sheet into roofing shingles.

Abstract: A method for making asphalt fibers includes supplying molten asphalt to a rotating asphalt spinner at a temperature between about 270.degree. F. and about 500.degree. F., centrifuging asphalt fibers from the asphalt spinner, and collecting the asphalt fibers. A method for integrating asphalt with reinforcement fibers includes establishing a moving veil of reinforcement fibers, such as glass fibers, and centrifuging asphalt fibers from a rotating asphalt spinner positioned within the veil of reinforcement fibers such that the asphalt is integrated with the reinforcement fibers. A method for making asphalt roofing shingles includes assembling together a mat of asphalt fibers with a mat of reinforcement fibers, coating the assembled mats to form an asphalt coated sheet, applying granules to the asphalt coated sheet, and cutting the asphalt coated sheet into roofing shingles.

Abstract: Glass fibers are coated with an asphalt emulsion wherein the coating is catalyzed with a Friedel-Craft catalyst. The preferred catalyst is ferric chloride. The coated glass fibers are especially useful as thermal insulation.

Abstract: A vulcanizable rubber compound is provided which has an improved low cost tackifier included with the vulcanizable rubber. The tackifier is the reaction product, preferably an organic peroxide initiated reaction product, of a mixture of asphalt and an elastomer.

Abstract: A coating composition substantially prevents fraying of glass fiber yarn packages. The composition is composed of an aqueous solution of a resin formed of the hydrolysis product of a copolymer of vinyl aromatic monomer and maleic anhydride, an organo silane glass fiber anchoring agent and an effective amount of a water-soluble pyrrolidone-containing polymer sufficient to form a protective film over the glass fiber.

Abstract: A coating composition substantially prevents fraying of glass fiber yarn packages. The composition is composed of an aqueous solution of a resin formed of the hydrolysis product of a copolymer of vinyl aromatic monomer and maleic anhydride, an organo silane glass fiber anchoring agent and an effective amount of a water-soluble pyrrolidone-containing polymer sufficient to form a protective film over the glass fiber.

Abstract: An improved aqueous composition for impregnating multifilament glass strand comprises emulsified polybutadiene homopolymer, butadiene-styrene-vinylpyridine terpolymer, resorcinol-formaldehyde resin, emulsified wax, a thickening agent and a defoaming agent with the homopolymer and the terpolymer emulsified with a synthetic anionic surfactant having sulfate, sulfonate or sulfosuccinate groups.

Abstract: An impregnating composition used in the treatment of glass fibers to provide a good bonding relationship between glass fibers and elastomeric materials in the manufacture of glass fiber reinforced elastomeric products formed of a resorcinol-aldehyde resin, a butadiene polymer, a wax and a copolymer of butadiene and vinyl pyridine.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing a bead for a pneumatic tire comprising applying a coating to a bundle of glass filaments partially drying but not curing the coated bundle, winding the bundle to form a bead and curing the bead member such as the bead will essentially retain the same geometric cross-sectional characteristics during incorporation into the tire as it had before being incorporated into the tire.