Abstract: A polymer composite includes a thermoplastic plastic polymer having a fine grain metal or metal oxide dispersed therein. Preferably, the fine grains has a size of about 1,000 nm or less. A method of making the polymer composite by adhering a metal layer to a thermoplastic polymer layer in a thermodynamically nonequilibrated condition followed by relaxation of the polymer layer to obtain thermodynamic equilibrium which causes the metal layer to be absorbed by the polymer layer as fine grains is also disclosed.

Abstract: An elastomeric electrode having an electrically conductive base, a protective layer enclosing the base formed of an elastomeric material having electrically conductive material selected from the group consisting of highly conductive carbon black, graphite, and glassy carbon distributed therein and present in the amount of 10 to 30 parts by weight to 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric material. A terminal extends from the base to exteriorly of the protective layer.

Abstract: A thermally self-regulating elastomeric composition and heating element made therefrom. The composition includes a body of elastomeric material in which is distributed electrically conductive particulate material, such as carbon black. Short fibers are also distributed in the elastomeric matrix. In the disclosed invention, the short fibers are present in the amount of approximately 0.5 to 20 volume percent. In one alternate form, the matrix is foamed. Different arrangements of the electrodes in electrical conductive association with the thermally self-regulating elastomeric body are disclosed. Preferred proportions and characteristics of the particulate conductive material and short fibers providing optimum thermally self-regulating characteristics of the composition are disclosed.

Abstract: A toothed power transmission belt (10) is manufactured by an improved method to have substantially improved resistance to tooth root face cracking. The manufacture utilizes a modified rubber blend forming the teeth (15) and may utilize the same blend for embedding the load-carrying cords (14) to provide improved bonding of the teeth (15) to the cords (14) over a wide range of temperatures.

Abstract: A pressure-responsive variable electrical resistive rubber material including at least one inorganic filler selected from a group consisting of conductive carbon black, short fibers of nonmetallic inorganic material, powder, and whiskers. The filler is dispersed in a matrix formed of an electrically insulative rubber. The rubber material exhibits a gradually reducing resistance value as a gradually increased pressing force is applied thereto. The rubber material provides a wide range of relationship between the applied force and the electrical resistance thereof. The rubber material is adapted for use as a pressure sensor having excellent fatigue creep resistance.

Abstract: A power transmission belt wherein at least a portion thereof is formed as a composite of 1 to 100 parts by weight of whiskers distributed in 100 parts by weight of rubber. The composite may form the compression section of the belt. The composite may be utilized as impregnating rubber for a fabric cover portion of the belt. The whiskers preferably have a diameter in the range of approximate 0.1 micron to 1.0 micron, and a length of approximately 10 microns to 500 microns. In the illustrated embodiment, the whiskers are acicular single crystal whiskers.

Abstract: A power transmission belt having a compression portion. The belt is composed of rubber having disposed therein at least approximately 2 to 100 parts by weight of ceramic powder per 100 parts by weight of rubber. The belt provides remarkably improved wear and adhesive resistance without decreased bending resistance.