Abstract: A method of manufacture of a composite component is provided, the method comprising the steps of providing two layers of pre-preg composite material, one of which has an edge adjacent a surface of the other. Pressure and, optionally, vibrational energy is applied to the edge to thereby smooth the ply drop.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a composite component is provided, the method comprising the steps of providing two layers of pre-preg composite material, one of which has an edge adjacent a surface of the other. Pressure and, optionally, vibrational energy is applied to the edge to thereby smooth the ply drop.

Abstract: Process for forming a permanent join between two sections of fibrous material contained in a thermosetting resin matrix, said process comprising overlaying the two sections and subjecting the overlaid sections to ultrasonic welding to form a permanent join between the two sections, wherein there is no significant change in the sub-ambient Tg of the fibrous material contained in the thermosetting resin matrix in the region of the permanent join.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite material (10) comprising a layer of electrically conductive material (12) being provided on both sides with a lightweight fibrous veil (14), each veil (14) being coated on its surface remote from the electrically conductive material layer (12) with a curable thermosetting resin matrix material (16).

Abstract: There is provided a process for preparing a prepreg (31) comprising reinforcement fibre (13) impregnated with a thermosetting resin matrix (20), said process comprising: a) providing a layer (24) of reinforcement fibre (13); b) applying a layer (24) of a first thermosetting resin matrix (20) to the first surface (15) of the layer (24) of reinforcement fibre (13) and bringing the first surface (15) of the layer (24) of reinforcement fibre (13) into contact with the support surface (5) of a first continuous belt (3), so that the layer (24) of first thermosetting resin matrix (20) is positioned between, and in contact with, the first surface (15) of the layer (24) of reinforcement fibre (13) and the support surface (5) of the first continuous belt (3); c) heating the layer (24) of first thermosetting resin matrix (20) applied to the first surface (15) of the layer (24) of reinforcement fibre (13) in contact with the support surface (5) of the first continuous belt (3); d) bringing the second surface (17) of the

Abstract: The present invention defines a pultrusion apparatus. The apparatus comprises a portion for receiving fibres, a portion for injecting resin into the fibres, a portion for impregnating the resin injected fibres, and a portion for shaping the impregnated fibres, wherein the fibres, following their passage through the receiving portion, converge in the resin injection portion to receive the resin and the resin flows outwards following injection as the fibres progress from the injection portion through the impregnation portion.

Abstract: A fiber tow spreading apparatus comprising: fiber supply for supplying a fiber tow; a fiber spreader for spreading the filaments of the fiber tow to form a spread tow having an increased width; a guide member for directing the fiber tow in relation to the fiber spreader; a driver for driving the fiber tow in relation to the fiber spreader; wherein the driver comprises a moveable contacting surface to which the fiber is adhered.

Abstract: Process for forming a permanent join between two sections of fibrous material contained in a thermosetting resin matrix, said process comprising overlaying the two sections and subjecting the overlaid sections to ultrasonic welding to form a permanent join between the two sections, wherein there is no significant change in the sub-ambient Tg of the fibrous material contained in the thermosetting resin matrix in the region of the permanent join.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite material (10) comprising a layer of electrically conductive material (12) being provided on both sides with a lightweight fibrous veil (14), each veil (14) being coated on its surface remote from the electrically conductive material layer (12) with a curable thermosetting resin matrix material (16).

Abstract: The present invention defines a pultrusion apparatus. The apparatus comprises a portion for receiving fibres, a portion for injecting resin into the fibres, a portion for impregnating the resin injected fibres, and a portion for shaping the impregnated fibres, wherein the fibres, following their passage through the receiving portion, converge in the resin injection portion to receive the resin and the resin flows outwards following injection as the fibres progress from the injection portion through the impregnation portion.