Abstract: The invention relates to a device for carrying out bending tests on panel-shaped or beam-shaped samples (1), in which two rotary drives are arranged at a distance from one another and a flange (3) is fastened to each of the drive shafts of the rotary drives, said drive shafts being oriented parallel to one another. At least two bar-shaped bending elements (2) oriented parallel to the axis of rotation of the drive shafts and arranged at a distance from the axis of rotation and at a distance from one another are provided on each of the flanges (3). A panel-shaped or beam-shaped sample (1) can be introduced between the two bar-shaped bending elements (2) on the two flanges (3). In the event of rotation of the rotary drives in opposite directions of rotation, bending forces are exerted on the sample (1) and each of the two rotary drives can be controlled individually and connected to an electronic open-loop or closed-loop control unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for carrying out bending tests on panel-shaped or beam-shaped samples (1), in which two rotary drives are arranged at a distance from one another and a flange (3) is fastened to each of the drive shafts of the rotary drives, said drive shafts being oriented parallel to one another. At least two bar-shaped bending elements (2) oriented parallel to the axis of rotation of the drive shafts and arranged at a distance from the axis of rotation and at a distance from one another are provided on each of the flanges (3). A panel-shaped or beam-shaped sample (1) can be introduced between the two bar-shaped bending elements (2) on the two flanges (3). In the event of rotation of the rotary drives in opposite directions of rotation, bending forces are exerted on the sample (1) and each of the two rotary drives can be controlled individually and connected to an electronic open-loop or closed-loop control unit.

Abstract: A method for imparting textures of grained or woven patterns to the surfaces of thermoset articles during the formation of the article includes a platen with a texture being introduced into a mold. A thermoset material is charged into the mold. Pressure and heat are applied to bring the thermoset material into contact with the platen to impart the texture to a surface of the thermoset material. The thermoset material is allowed to cure in the mold. The thermoset article is removed from the mold with the texture. The textured article is structurally improved relative to a like article formed with a smooth or other platen texture. A system for producing the article by way of the method is also provided.

Abstract: An automated process is provided for debundling carbon fiber tow that includes feeding a carbon fiber tow into a chopper. The carbon fiber tow is cut to form lengths of chopped tow portions. The lengths of chopped tow portions are distributed on a moving conveyor. The lengths of chopped tow portions are exposed to a first plasma discharge from a first plasma source on the moving conveyor to create debundled carbon fibers. Alternatively, the carbon fiber tow is exposed to the first plasma discharge prior to being cut into lengths. A system for applying chopped fibers to a sheet of molding compound includes a chopper for cutting a carbon fiber tow into lengths of chopped tow portions. A conveyor belt receives the lengths of chopped tow portions. At least one plasma generating source is arrayed across of the conveyor.

Abstract: An automated process is provided for debundling carbon fiber tow that includes feeding a carbon fiber tow into a chopper. The carbon fiber tow is cut to form lengths of chopped tow portions. The lengths of chopped tow portions are distributed on a moving conveyor. The lengths of chopped tow portions are exposed to a first plasma discharge from a first plasma source on the moving conveyor to create debundled carbon fibers. Alternatively, the carbon fiber tow is exposed to the the first plasma discharge prior to being cut into lengths. A system for applying chopped fibers to a sheet of molding compound includes a chopper for cutting a carbon fiber tow into lengths of chopped tow portions. A conveyor belt receives the lengths of chopped tow portions. At least one plasma generating source is arrayed across of the conveyor.

Abstract: A method for forming an article from a thermoset resin containing particle filler of glass microspheres is provided and includes exposing the particle filler to plasma to increase activation sites on the particle filler; and crosslinking said particle filler to the thermoset set resin via the activation sites. The method provides an exemplary method for treating thermoset fillers to promote bonding to a thermoset matrix. The present invention further provides an apparatus for treating thermoset fillers to promote bonding to a thermoset matrix which includes a fluidized bed reactor; at. least one gas source; at least, one valve for isolating said one gas source: and at least one gas inlet in fluid communication with said at least one gas source for gas delivery to said a fluidized bed reactor.