Abstract: Molded articles prepared from flexible sheet molding compounds, and method of making the same. A flexibility modifying agent is incorporated into a thermoset resin composition (e.g. sheet molding compound) to improve the flexibility characteristics of the thermoset resin composition by lowering the flexural modulus. The thermoset resin composition also contains therein an isocyanate terminated urethane prepolymer; a thickening agent; a catalyst; a fibrous reinforcing material; and an inert filler.

Abstract: Sheet molded compound (SMC) charges are preheated before being molded into exterior automotive body panels using compression molding techniques under vacuum.

Abstract: Molded articles prepared from flexible sheet molding compounds, and method of making the same. A flexibility modifying agent is incorporated into a thermoset resin composition (e.g. sheet molding compound) to improve the flexiblity characteristics of the thermoset resin compositon by lowering the flexural modulus. The thermoset resin composition also contains therein an isocyanate terminated urethane prepolymer; a thickening agent; a catalyst; a fibrous reinforcing material; and an inert filler.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for bonding fiber reinforced plastic exterior automotive body panels to reinforcement members using dielectric heating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for bonding fiber reinforced plastic automotive body parts to reinforcement members using dielectric heating.

Abstract: A method for making a part with a smooth surface, such as an exterior automotive body panel, by compression molding a charge containing a curable resin. The charge is placed on the molding surface of one of the dies of a compression mold so that the charge covers 40%-80% of the surface area of the molding surface. The molds are moved to a partially closed position and the mold cavity is quickly evacuated. The mold is then closed so that the dies compress the charge to cause it to fill the mold cavity and, after the resin cures, the part is removed from the mold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery and development of a novel class of phase stabilization additives for thermoset polyester resins. The use of these materials imparts improved glass read out and superior homogeneity when compared to art-disclosed systems thus producing an overall improved Class A quality thermoset polyester resin surface finish for a variety of products.The phase-stabilizing agents or additives of the present invention comprise a select group of compounds from three classes: fatty acids, dimer acids, and polyester polyols. More specifically, the phase-stabilizing agents of the present invention comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of:(i) a saturated or unsaturated C.sub.5 to C.sub.28 fatty acid;(ii) a C.sub.20 to C.sub.54 dimer acid or trimer acid; or(iii) a polyester polyol having an average molecular weight of about 200 to about 6,500.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making a part with a smooth surface, such as an exterior automotive body panel, by compression molding a charge containing a curable resin. The charge is placed on the molding surface of one of the dies so that the charge covers 40%-80% of the surface area of the molding surface. The molds are moved to a partially closed position and the mold cavity is quickly evacuated. The mold is then closed so that the dies compress the charge to cause it to fill the mold cavity and, after the resin cures, the part is removed from the mold.

Abstract: A tank tread pad and composition for making. A tank tread pad is formed from a polymeric material which is formed by an inter penetrating polymer network comprising a first urethane component and a second resinous component which cures under different conditions and is substantially unreactive with the urethane. A fiberous reinforcement is present in the cured resinous material.

Abstract: An isocyanate terminated urethane prepolymer composition having an equivalent ratio of NCO to OH from about 1.2/1 to about 5/1. The isocyanate terminated urethane prepolymer acts as dual functional additive and is prepared by reacting one equivalent weight of a polyol having an average molecular weight of about 600 to about 4,000 and an average functionality of about 2 to about 6 and preferably 2 to 3 and most preferably 2 and 1.2 to 5 equivalents of polyisocyanate and preferably two equivalent weights of polyisocyanate, and preferably a diisocyanate, whereby the reactants combine in a one-step addition process to yield an isocyanate terminated urethane prepolymer of controlled molecular weight to impart improved low shrink, dynamic impact, molding characteristics as measured by viscosity index properties in thermoset polyester resin products, and particularly sheet molding compositions (SMC) by covalently bonding to the polyester resin matrix of the SMC.

Abstract: A method for repairing plastics, metal and the like. The method uses a compound comprising a thermosetting unsaturated polyester resin, a thermoplastic resin mixed with said polyester, particulate inorganic filler, as well as additional metallic particulate material, fibrous materials and a catalyst. The compound when cured at a relatively elevated temperature of about 325.degree.-350.degree. F. provides a low shrink material which can be painted and baked on normal processing lines up to 350.degree. F. without separating from the underlying substrate.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved, matured, moldable flame resistant, thermosetting polyester resin system which includes two different polyester resin compositions. One of the resins is a relatively fast reactive resin and generally contains a minor amount of isophthalic acid and a second, slower reactive system devoid of such acid. The resin system includes suitable flame retardant or flame extinguishing compounds including antimony trioxide and a halogenated organic compound. Also present are inert filler materials such as reinforcing fibers or inert, inorganic materials.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved, matured, moldabe, thermosetting polyester resin system which includes at least two different polyester resins, one of which is faster reactive and containing a minor amount of isophthalic acid and the other of which is slower reactive and devoid of such acid, such system also including suitabe reinforcing fibers and inert filler along with an organic polyisocyanate, a metallic oxide or hydroxide, an aliphatically-unsaturated monomer, a free radical polymerization catalyst, and an internal mold release agent, the resin system being especially useful for pressure molding of precisely-formed articles having greatly improved impact resistance and flexibility.