Abstract: Reinforcement of structures in high moisture environments is achieved by applying reinforcement layers which include a fabric portion (34) and an uncured resin portion (56) where the uncured resin contains a conversion agent and a thickening agent. The uncured reinforcement layer (44) is cured in place about the structure to form a composite reinforcement shell (32). The uncured reinforcement layer (44) is formed from woven or stitched unidirectional fabric. The invention finds particular use in reinforcing bridge supports and pilings which are at least partially submerged in water. Containment layers are used to prevent resin dilution and de-lamination during curing of the reinforcement structure. The resin used is non-toxic with respect to aquatic wildlife.

Abstract: A polymer-based blend which may be cured to form a non-cementious concrete-like material. The polymer-based blend includes 90 to 100 parts by weight low viscosity epoxy resin, 1 to 10 parts by weight of an aliphatic glycidyl ether epoxy diluent, 40 to 50 parts by weight polyoxy-propyleneamine curing agent, 30 to 100 parts by weight intumescent powder, 90 to 110 parts by weight hollow ceramic microspheres having a density of between 0.30 and 0.60 grams per cubic centimeter and 0.01 to 0.10 part by weight air release agent. The hollow ceramic microspheres are dispersed uniformly throughout the polymer-based blend to provide a non-cementious material which, upon curing, becomes a concrete-like material. The non-cementious concrete-like material is well-suited for use as a substitute for concrete and may be used alone or in combination with reinforcing materials.

Abstract: Reinforcement of structures in high-moisture environments is achieved by applying reinforcement layers which include a fabric portion and an uncured resin portion where the uncured resin contains a moisture curable silicon-modified polyether resin. The uncured reinforcement layer is cured in place about the structure to form a composite reinforcement shell. The uncured reinforcement layer is formed from either dry-woven fabric or woven fabric which is pre-impregnated with a cured resin and then coated with the moisture-curable silicon-modified polyether resin. The invention finds particular use in reinforcing bridge supports and pilings which are at least partially submerged in water. Containment layers are used to prevent de-lamination during curing of the reinforcement structure. Use of a containment layer not only prevents de-lamination caused by waves or other turbulent water, but also enhances the underwater curing process.

Abstract: A method is provided for reinforcing the face or faces of walls so as to prevent or reduce the likelihood of failure when such walls are subjected to atypical loadings such as are encountered during earthquakes. The method includes the step of applying a resin-impregnated fabric layer over a portion of an exposed face of a wall to be reinforced. The method includes the further step of anchoring the resin-impregnated fabric layer to a structural member of the wall using fabric fasteners, adhesives, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced composite material and a method for producing the same with a smooth outer surface wherein the shrinkage induced transferring of the fiber reinforcement's pattern to the composite surface is completely or substantially inhibited through the application of a shrinkage barrier which includes uniformly dispersed microspherical particles in a compatible resin matrix.

Abstract: A compound prepared by reacting at least one aromatic or aliphatic polyamine compound having at least two amine groups, which are separated by no more than one carbon atom, with at least one carbonyl-containing compound selected from the group consisting of aldehydes and ketones, wherein said polyamine compound is selected from:aliphatic polyamines having 2-20 carbon atoms corresponding to the formula: ##STR1## wherein A is a direct carbon-carbon bond or --CH.sub.2 -- and R.sub.3 and R.sub.

Abstract: A curable composition, and composites comprising (A) an epoxy resin and (B) a heterocyclic compound prepared by reacting at least one aromatic or aliphatic polyamine compound having at least two amine groups, which are separated by no more than one carbon atom, with at least one carbonyl-containing compound selected from the group consisting of aldehydes and ketones.