Abstract: Described are smooth, glossy finished fiber reinforced thermoplastic prepreg materials composed of reinforcement fibers impregnated with and surrounded by thermoplastic. Prior to consolidation, the material preferably consists of thermoplastic fibers and reinforcing fibers, intimately blended together. When heated, with the aid of pressure, the thermoplastic fibers melt, surround and impregnate the reinforcing fibers and provide a smooth, glossy finish to the reinforced article. Excellent surface appearance and the ability to accommodate high-speed processing characterize the prepreg materials of this invention.

Abstract: A method of forming a synthetic article by open forming techniques by providing a fluid composition containing a predominant quantity of synthetic resin and having a capability for delayed, substantial gas evolution. To produce reinforced articles, the composition is applied to the reinforcement at a temperature below a predetermined gas evolution temperature and is subjected to fluid spreading conditions to thoroughly wet the elements of reinforcement. Subsequently, the fluid composition reaches the predetermined temperature, the resultant gas evolution effectively expands the composition while it remains in thorough wetting contact with the reinforcement elements, and the resin then solidifies and cures to produce an intimately reinforced, expanded article. In important embodiments the preponderant gas evolution results from the reaction of an organic hydroperoxide with an isocyanate in the presence of a surfactant.

Abstract: A method of forming reinforced synthetic articles of polyester resin by reaction injection molding techniques comprising combining a set of reactants including a major base mass of polyester resin in fluid form, at least one polyester cure accelerator, a selected quantity of isocyanate, a surfactant, and an additive that is highly exothermically reactive with at least one other component in the mixture. The isocyanate is added in sufficient quantity to react with at least one other component in the mixture to provide mold filling and shrink-resistant quantities of carbon dioxide throughout the mixture. The resultant mixture is injected into a mold prior to substantial reaction. The additive is allowed to react and the heat produced by this exothermic reaction is effective to trigger and accelerate gas forming soon after injection. The gas formation generates pressure to expand the polyester base resin mass and maintain pressure through the curing reaction of the accelerator with the polyester resin.

Abstract: A method of forming synthetic articles of polyester resin by resin transfer molding techniques or the like comprising combining a set of reactants including a major base mass of polyester resin in fluid form, at least one polyester cure accelerator, a selected quantity of isocyanate, a surfactant and at least one promoter. The isocyanate is added in sufficient quantity to react with at least one other component in the mixture to produce quantities of carbon dioxide throughout the mixture. The resultant mixture is transferred into a closed mold prior to substantial reaction. The promoter is allowed to react exothermically with at least one other component of the mixture to trigger the isocyanate to react to evolve carbon dioxide gas to generate pressure to fill the mold. Thereafter a curing reaction between the cure accelerator and the polyester occurs to cure and solidify the expanded resin to produce an expanded article.

Abstract: For forming synthetic cellular materials, gas is generated by the reaction of an isocyanate and a hydroperioxide. The reactants produce a novel polymeric amine oxide foam. When the reactants are introduced to a base resin, cellular foam products (densities throughout the 50 to 2 lbs/ft.sup.3 range), extended resin products of even higher densities, and non-shrink resinous solids (with microcellular distribution of gas) can be obtained. When employed in resins curable with hydroperoxide, a small fraction of the hydroperoxide interacts with a promoter and serves to cure the resin while the larger fraction reacts earlier with the isocyanate to evolve gas before the gellation state of the base resin is reached. The foaming agent can be made commercially available as a premixture of isocyanate and appropriate surfactant for the hydroperoxide reaction. By mixing with low hydroxyl and carboxyl base resin, long pot life is obtainable.