Abstract: An impact beam (40) comprises a polymer matrix and a reinforcing structure, the structure comprises a number of metal reinforcing cords (22) and non-metal elongated binding elements (26) or non-metal coated elongated binding elements arranged between the cords for holding the metal reinforcing cords together. Each of the metal cords has a metallic cross-sectional area Ametal, and the ratio of the metallic area Ametal to the area of the circumscribed circle (TTdcord2/4) is at least 0.60. The metal cords further have a non chemically binding with the matrix, and non-metal elongated binding elements or non-metal coated elongated binding elements have a chemical bond with said polymer matrix. By not having a mechanical interlocking and a non chemically binding with the matrix, the whole metal cord is stressed and not a local point while in the latter case the metal cord would locally break due to the very high impact forces.

Abstract: An impact beam (40) comprises a polymer matrix and a reinforcing structure, the structure comprises a number of metal reinforcing cords (22) and non-metal elongated binding elements (26) or non-metal coated elongated binding elements arranged between the cords for holding the metal reinforcing cords together. Each of the metal cords has a metallic cross-sectional area Ametal, and the ratio of the metallic area Ametal to the area of the circumscribed circle (TTdcord2/4) is at least 0.60. The metal cords further have a non chemically binding with the matrix, and non-metal elongated binding elements or non-metal coated elongated binding elements have a chemical bond with said polymer matrix. By not having a mechanical interlocking and a non chemically binding with the matrix, the whole metal cord is stressed and not a local point while in the latter case the metal cord would locally break due to the very high impact forces.

Abstract: A flexible hose or pipe (42) is reinforced by means of at least one flattened steel wire (10, 20) with natural edges. The steel wire has a thickness-to-width ratio t/w below 0.95, a tensile strength Rm exceeding 3500?2000×d, where d is the diameter of a circle having the same cross-sectional surface and where Rm is expressed in Mpa and a permanent elongation at maximum load Ag of at least 0.70%. The flattening of the steel wire (10, 20) allows to recuperate ductility which has been lost as a result of the drawing until the final tensile strength Rm.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an impact absorbing device has following steps: a) providing a matrix volume (101); b) providing a tape-like device (107) with elongated metal elements; c) press-molding the matrix volume (101); d) attaching said tape-like device (107) to the press-molded matrix volume (101). This two-step approach allows more freedom in the design of the impact absorbing device and complex structures can be obtained.

Abstract: A flexible hose or pipe (42) is reinforced by means of at least one flattened steel wire (10, 20) with natural edges. The steel wire has a thickness-to-width ratio t/w below 0.95, a tensile strength Rm exceeding 3500?2000×d, where d is the diameter of a circle having the same cross-sectional surface and where Rm is expressed in MPa and a permanent elongation at maximum load Ag of at least 0.70%. The flattening of the steel wire (10, 20) allows to recuperate ductility which has been lost as a result of the drawing until the final tensile strength Rm.

Abstract: A strip for the reinforcement of plastic tubes is claimed. The strip is reinforced with steel cords that anchor mechanically very well in the polymer matrix. No chemical adhesion is needed to ensure the force transfer. With such a strip a small connector length from tube to tube or from tube to end-fitting is made possible. The characteristics of such a steel cord are identified.

Abstract: A strip (10) for use in manufacturing a flexible pipe or tube (30) comprises a thermoplastic matrix (12) with reinforcing elements (14) and further comprises a barrier layer (16, 18, 20), which is bonded to the thermoplastic matrix (12). The strip provides the two functions of both reinforcement and barrier and allows simplifying the way of manufacturing a flexible pipe or tube.

Abstract: An impact beam (101, 102, 103) comprises a polymer matrix, preferably a GMT and a metal reinforcing structure (106), which comprises at least one elongated metal element such as a wire, cord or metal plate. The elongated metal element has a plastic elongation at rupture of more than 3%.

Abstract: A textile product as subject of the invention comprises at least one layer of non-metallic fibers and metal cords. The textile fabric is characterized in that the metal cords are bond to this layer of non-metallic fibers by means of stitches.

Abstract: The invention relates to a layered structure comprising at least one metal structure comprising elongated metal elements and at least one metal sheet. The metal sheet is bonded to the metal structure by means of a polymer material. The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing an article comprising a layered structure and to the use of a layered structure as structural component.