Abstract: The invention provides a method of providing a formable composite material comprising providing a reinforcing material (9) having a plurality of superimposed layers (1-6), each layer consisting of a plurality of unidirectional non-woven yarns or threads (10) laid side-by-side, the yarns or threads in at least some of the different layers extending in different directions, said layers being stitched (12) together, and before said stitching incorporating in or with the reinforcing material (9) a matrix material (7, 8).

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for producing multi-axial non-woven fabric comprising an endless series of yarn guides (3) having upper and lower reaches which extend widthwise of the apparatus and which are driven in opposite directions, rotatable creel means (2) for supplying yarns (1) to the yarn guides (3), the creel means (2) being driven in the same direction and at substantially the same speed as the endless series of yarn guides (3), and stitching means (5) for stitching the yarns (1) laid by the endless series of yarn guides (3).

Abstract: A process for continuously forming reinforced articles (24) which includes producing a reinforcing material (13) having a plurality of superimposed layers (1-6), stitching together said layers (1-6), wetting said reinforcing material (13) with a matrix material (7, 8 or 19), forming the wetted reinforcing material and curing or consolidating the matrix material. Each layer (1-6) of the reinforcing material (13) includes a plurality of unidirectional non-woven yarns or threads (10) laid side-by-side, the yarns or threads (10) in at least some of the different layers (1-6) extending in different directions. Forming of the wetted reinforcing material may be effected by moulding, pultrusion or by wrapping wetted reinforcing material around a mandrel or former (25).

Abstract: The invention provides a self-supporting frame resistant composite material comprising at least one layer of lead material and at least one layer of flame resistant fibrous material, the layers having been bonded together, e.g., mechanically as by needling, to provide a self-supporting structure.