Abstract: A composite having a plurality of filaments arranged in a fibrous web that is held together in a unitary structure by a domain matrix. The domain matrix comprises a plurality of matrix islands that individually connect, or bond, at least two filaments, to thereby hold the filaments in a unitary structure. Portions of the filament lengths within the unitary structure are free of matrix islands, causing the domain matrix to be discontinuous. The composite possesses a greater flexibility than coated structures. The composite may be formed into cross-plied structures. A method of making the composite also is disclosed.

Abstract: Fiber spinning of two polymer compositions wherein one of the compositions contains carbon nanotubes produces structures such as fibers, ribbons, yarns and films of carbon nanotubes. The polymers are removed and stabilization of the carbon nanotube material is achieved by post-spinning processes. The advances disclosed herein enable the carbon nanotube composites to be used in actuators, supercapacitors, friction materials and in devices for electrical energy harvesting.

Abstract: Fiber spinning of two polymer compositions wherein one of the compositions contains carbon nanotubes produces structures such as fibers, ribbons, yarns and films of carbon nanotubes. The polymers are removed and stabilization of the carbon nanotube material is achieved by post-spinning processes. The advances disclosed herein enable the carbon nanotube composites to be used in actuators, supercapacitors, friction materials and in devices for electrical energy harvesting.

Abstract: A composite having a plurality of filaments arranged in a fibrous web that is held together in a unitary structure by a domain matrix. The domain matrix comprises a plurality of matrix islands that individually connect, or bond, at least two filaments, to thereby hold the filaments in a unitary structure. Portions of the filament lengths within the unitary structure are free of matrix islands, causing the domain matrix to be discontinuous. The composite possesses a greater flexibility than coated structures. The composite may be formed into cross-plied structures. A method of making the composite also is disclosed.

Abstract: A composite having a plurality of filaments arranged in a fibrous web that is held together in a unitary structure by a domain matrix. The domain matrix comprises a plurality of matrix islands that individually connect, or bond, at least two filaments, to thereby hold the filaments in a unitary structure. Portions of the filament lengths within the unitary structure are free of matrix islands, causing the domain matrix to be discontinuous. The composite possesses a greater flexibility than coated structures. The composite may be formed into cross-plied structures. A method of making the composite also is disclosed.

Abstract: Blast resistant and blast directing container assemblies for receiving explosive articles and preventing or minimizing damage in the event of an explosion. The container assembly includes an opening covered by a band of blast resistant material with at least one slit therethrough in the hoop direction of the band, and optionally, a blast mitigating material located within the container. The container can be collapsible for storage when empty. The container assemblies have utility in aircraft where weight is an important consideration, more particularly as cargo holders or containment devices in the passenger cabin. They are also particularly useful to bomb squad personnel as transport devices for hazardous materials such as gunpowder, high explosives and combinations of high explosives with shrapnel, e.g., grenades and pipe bombs.

Abstract: A network of non-porous polyethylene fibers substantially free of voids formed by preparing a network of gel spun fibers, applying pressure to the network at a temperature and pressure and for a time adequate to form a translucent film substantially free of voids.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved, composite article of manufacture which comprises a network of fibers having a tensile modulus of at least about 500 grams/denier and an energy-to-break of at least about 22 Joules/gram. An elastomeric matrix material having a tensile modulus of less than about 6,000 psi, measured at 25.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved article of manufacture which comprises at least one network of high strength, extended chain fiber or yarn selected from the group consisting of extended chain polyethylene (ECPE) extended chain polypropylene (ECPP) fibers, extended chain polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber and extended chain polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber. The fibers and yarn have a denier of not more than about 500 and a tensile modulus of at least about 200 g/denier. The fibers and yarn preferably have a tensile modulus of at least about 500 grams/denier and an energy-to-break of at least about 22 Joules/gram. Optionally, a low modulus elastomeric material, which has a tensile modulus of less than about 6,000 psi, measured at about 23.degree. C., substantially coats the fiber and yarn of the network.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved, complex composite article of manufacture which comprises a network of high strength fibers having a tensile modulus of at least about 160 grams/denier and a tenacity of at least about 7 g/denier. An elastomeric material substantially coats each of the individual fibers, and has a tensile modulus of less than about 6,000 psi, measured at 25.degree. C. The coated fibers are provided with at least one additional rigid layer on a major surface of the coated fibers to produce a rigid complex composite. Composites of this construction have improved resistance to environmental hazards, improved impact resistance, and are unexpectedly effective as ballistic resistant articles such as armor plate or helmets.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved, flexible articles of manufacture comprising a plurality of first flexible layers arranged in a first portion of said article, each of said first layers consisting essentially of fibers, the fibers of each of said flat layers comprising fibers having a tensile modulus of at least about 300 g/denier and a tenacity of at least about 15 g/denier and a plurality of second flexible layers arranged in a second portion of said article, each of said second flexible layers comprising fibers, the resistance to displacement of fibers in each of said second flexible layers being greater than the resistance to displacement of fibers in each of said first flexible layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved fabric which comprises at least one network of fibers selected from the group consisting of extended chain polyethylene (ECPE) extended chain polypropylene (ECPP) fibers, extended chain polyvinyl alcohol fibers and extended chain polyacrylonitrile fibers. A low modulus elastomeric material, which has a tensile modulus of less than about 6,000 psi, measured at about 23.degree. C., substantially coats the fibers of the network. Preferably, the fibers have a tensile modulus of at least about 500 grams/denier and an energy-to-break of at least about 22 Joules/gram.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved, ballistic-resistant composite article of manufacture which comprises a network of high strength fibers having a tensile modulus of at least about 500 grams/denier and an energy-to-break of at least about 22 Joules/gram. An elastomeric matrix material substantially coats each of the individual fibers, and has a tensile modulus of less than about 6,000 psi, measured at 25.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved, complex composite article of manufacture which comprises a network of high strength fibers having a tensile modulus of at least about 160 grams/denier and a tenacity of at least about 7 g/denier. An elastomeric matrix material substantially coats each of the individual fibers, and has a tensile modulus of less than about 6,000 psi, measured at 25.degree. C. The fibers in the matrix are provided with at least one additional rigid layer on a major surface of the fibers in the matrix to produce a rigid complex composite. Composites of this construction have improved resistance to environmental hazards, improved impact resistance, and are unexpectedly effective as ballistic resistant articles such as armor or helmets.

Abstract: Fibers prepared by spinning, drawing and drying dilute solutions of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene or polypropylene are modified by including in the dilute solution a polymeric additive. The polyethylene fibers so prepared have melting points above 140.degree. C. and exhibit improved adherence to matrices, resistance to fibrillation and other advantageous properties. Additives include lower molecular weight polyolefins, oxidized polyolefins, olefin copolymers, polyolefin graft copolymers and polyoxymethylenes.

Abstract: High tenacity, high modulus ultrahigh molecular weight fibers of polyethylene or polypropylene are coated with polyethylene, polypropylene or an ethylene and/or propylene copolymer. The coating improves certain properties of the monofilament or multifilament, including adhesion to various matrices in complex composites and resistance of the fiber to fibrillation.

Abstract: High tenacity, high modulus ultrahigh molecular weight fibers of polyethylene or polypropylene are coated with polyethylene, polypropylene or an ethylene and/or propylene copolymer. The coating improves certain properties of the monofilament or multifilament, including adhesion to various matrices in complex composites and resistance of the fiber to fibrillation.

Abstract: A composite containing a network of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene or polypropylene fibers of high tenacity and modulus and a matrix which has ethylene or propylene crystallinity, e.g. polyethylene, polypropylene or copolymers. The composite can be formed by heating the matrix to its melting or sticking temperature around the fibers. The composite retains a high proportion of the tenacity of the fiber.

Abstract: Articles such as vests, helmets and structural elements containing a network of ultrahigh molecular weight, high strength, high modulus polyethylene or polypropylene fibers. The fibers, and especially polyethylene fibers of 15, 20, 25, 30 or more g/denier tenacity, and 300, 500, 1,000, 1,500 or more g/denier tensile modulus impart exceptional ballistic resistance to the articles in spite of the melting points, e.g. 145.degree.-151.degree. C. for the polyethylene fibers and 168.degree.-171.degree. C. for the polypropylene fibers, which are high for these polymers, but substantially lower than the 200.degree. C. or more melting point previously thought necessary for good ballistic resistance.

Abstract: Fibers prepared by spinning, drawing and drying dilute solutions of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene or polypropylene are modified by including in the dilute solution a polymeric additive. The polyethylene fibers so prepared have melting points above 140.degree. C. and exhibit improved adherence to matrices, resistance to fibrillation and other advantageous properties. Additives include lower molecular weight polyolefins, oxidized polyolefins, olefin copolymers, polyolefin graft copolymers and polyoxymethylenes.