Abstract: An aqueous size composition for glass fibers is disclosed which includes a thermoplastic polymer resin powder, a coupling agent, and fugitive processing aids, such as binders or film formers. The composition is applied to the glass fiber surfaces during the fiber forming process. A fugitive rheology modifier material may be added to the size composition. One embodiment of the composition includes a polyethylene oxide binder material and a polyphenylene sulfide thermoplastic polymer resin.

Abstract: A method for painting a plastic lineal member comprises heating the surface of the lineal member to a temperature greater than about 130.degree. F., coating the lineal member with an aqueous solution, drying the lineal member, painting the lineal member, and curing the paint on the lineal member.

Abstract: A glass fiber strand impregnated with a liquid crystal polymer and an aqueous slurry composition useful for producing the liquid crystal polymer impregnated glass fiber strand are disclosed. The aqueous slurry composition includes a liquid crystal polymer resin powder and a thickener material. The slurry composition is applied to the glass fiber surfaces during the fiber forming process. Coupling agents, surfactants or lubricants material may optionally be added to the slurry composition. One embodiment of the slurry composition includes a polyethylene oxide binder material and a melt spinnable liquid crystal polyester which is optically anisotropic in the melt phase.

Abstract: A method for impregnating a strand of filaments during the strand manufacture with thermoplastic or thermoset polymer powder particles is disclosed. The method includes the steps of forming a strand of filaments, keeping the filaments separate, impregnating the filaments with an aqueous slurry containing the powder particles, and drying the filaments to remove the water and produce a strand impregnated with powder particles. The powder particles are present on the strand in an amount of between about 5 to 50 weight percent based on the weight of the impregnated strand. Glass fibers coated with the slurry according to the process of this invention are suitable for impregnation with thermoplastic powders.

Abstract: An aqueous size composition for glass fibers is disclosed which includes a coupling agent, a binder or film former material and a thermoplastic polymer resin powder, wherein said composition is applied to the glass fiber surfaces during the fiber forming process. A rheology modifier material may be added to the size composition. One embodiment of the composition includes an organosilane coupling agent, a polyethylene oxide binder material and a polyamide thermoplastic polymer resin.

Abstract: A thermoplastic impregnated fiberglass pipe or tube and the process for making such pipe are disclosed. The pipe or tube is made of thermoplastic impregnated fibrous roving which consists of a plurality of glass filaments, at least a portion of the filaments' surfaces being in contact with the residue produced by evaporating water from an aqueous size composition consisting of an organosilane coupling agent, a polyethylene oxide binder material, and a polypropylene thermoplastic polymer resin, wherein the composition is applied to the glass fiber during the fiber forming process. The pipe forming process includes filament winding the rovings around a spindle and thereafter heating the wound rovings to fuse the thermoplastic polymer resin.

Abstract: A non-aqueous coating for glass fibers consisting of 100 percent solids formulation of organosilane, an ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer, a hydrogenated heterocyclic hydrocarbon thermoplastic resin, a microcrystalline wax, a viscosity-reducing agent, an antioxidizing agent, and a whitening agent. When employing glass fibers coated with the size composition of the present invention in a non-acid modified polypropylene resin, the size formulation also includes a maleic anhydride-modified polyolefin. Glass fibers coated with the size composition of this invention are suitable for use in reinforcing resinous products, particularly polypropylene, to achieve a white or translucent molded glass fiber-reinforced product.

Abstract: Non-aqueous coatings for glass fibers consist essentially of a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin, an ethylene-ethylacrylate copolymer, a microcrystalline wax, a phenolic-modified terpene resin, and an organosilane. Glass fibers coated with the composition of the present invention are suitable for being utilized as reinforcement media for various polymeric resins including nylon, rubber modified styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer, acetal, and polybutyl terphthalate.

Abstract: A non-aqueous hot melt coating for glass fibers consisting of a silane, an ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer, a microcrystalline wax, a phenolic-modified terpene resin and a chemically modified polyolefin for coating glass fibers which can be employed as resin reinforcement.

Abstract: A hot melt, non-aqueous glass size composition consists of an ethylene-ethylacrylate copolymer, a micro-crystalline wax, a phenolic-modified terpene resin and a silane.

Abstract: A non-aqueous hot melt coating composition consisting of a thermoplastic rubber block copolymer, a polyethylene wax and a low molecular weight resin compatible with the end styrenic block of the rubber block copolymer is useful as a hot melt size.

Abstract: Apparatus for severing a moving, heavy strand of coated glass filaments is comprised of a conically shaped cutting head having a circular cutting edge that cooperates with a circular die into which the cutting head is moved upon activation.

Abstract: Method for producing discrete bundles of filaments includes applying a non-aqueous, hot melt coating material to continuous filaments and gathering the coated continuous filaments into a bundle. The coating material is solidified on the continuous filament bundle so as to establish a first cross-sectional shape and the bundle is then severed into discrete segments whereby the bundle segments are deformed so as to exhibit a second cross-sectional shape at the severed regions. The bundle segments are then heated sufficiently to soften the coating material to permit the bundle segments to substantially return to the first cross-sectional shape.The apparatus of the invention includes a primary applicator for applying a production coating to the filaments and an interim applicator for applying a start-up coating to the filaments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a sheet molding composite are provided. The sheet molding composite consists of two outer sheets of plastic material between which is sandwiched a moldable material or compound containing fiber-reinforced resin. The resin-containing material is maintained in a deformable, flexible state until it is placed in a mold and subjected to heat, at which time it is cured in the shape of the final molded product. The molding composite is made by depositing a layer of a pre-blended resin-containing material on the upper surface of one of the sheets of plastic material and by then depositing a layer of randomly disposed glass fibers onto this first layer. A second layer of preblended resin-containing material from the same source is also deposited on an upper surface of a second of the plastic sheets.