Abstract: Method for enhancing the crystallization rates of engineering thermoplastics through the use and incorporation of particulate additives with dimensions on the order of 10-1000 nm is described. The presence of nanoparticles at concentrations of, e.g., less than 10 weight percent of the composition, reduces the viscosity of the thermoplastics as compared to the respective homopolymer, thereby increasing polymer chain transport and diffusion to the crystallizing growth front. The prescription of this technology has been shown to reduce crystallization half times of some engineering thermoplastics by as much as 40 percent at optimal crystallization temperatures, an effect that is magnified as the temperature is reduced towards the glassy state of the amorphous phase. Nano-modified engineering thermoplastics with rapid crystallization kinetics and relatively low viscosities can be utilized in component fabrication processes that require rapid processing times, e.g., for the sake of cost efficiency.

Abstract: High quality thermoplastic composites and composite laminates containing nanoparticles and/or nanofibers, and methods of producing such composites and laminates are disclosed. The composites comprise a thermoplastic polymer and a plurality of nanoparticles, and may include a fibrous structural reinforcement. The composite laminates are formed from a plurality of nanoparticle-containing composite layers and may be fused to one another via an automated process.

Abstract: A tape placement head for applying thermoplastic tape to an object includes a heated feeder which guides the tape/tow to a heated zone. The heated zone has a line compactor having a single row of at least one movable heated member. An area compactor is located in the heated zone downstream from the line compactor. The area compactor includes a plurality of rows of movable feet which are extendable toward the tape/tow different distances with respect to each other to conform to the shape of the object. A shim is located between the heated compactors and the tape/tow. A chilled compactor is in a chilled zone downstream from the heated zone. The chilled zone includes a line chilled compactor and an area chilled compactor. A chilled shim is mounted between the chilled compactor and the tape/tow.

Abstract: A tape placement head for applying thermoplastic tape to an object includes a heated feeder which guides the tape/tow to a heated zone. The heated zone has a line compactor having a single row of at least one movable heated member. An area compactor is located in the heated zone downstream from the line compactor. The area compactor includes a plurality of rows of movable feet which are extendable toward the tape/tow different distances with respect to each other to conform to the shape of the object. A shim is located between the heated compactors and the tape/tow. A chilled compactor is in a chilled zone downstream from the heated zone. The chilled zone includes a line chilled compactor and an area chilled compactor. A chilled shim is mounted between the chilled compactor and the tape/tow.

Abstract: A flexible, self-adhering stretchable material with improved stretch and recovery properties is provided as a flashing for use in building openings such as windows. The material includes a microcreped topsheet and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The material extends to the desired length at a low applied force and recovers a low to moderate amount, making it particularly suited for use in the lower corners of window openings.

Abstract: A bearing mounting system and method that reduces vibration using a singular annular elastomeric member contained in a substantially enclosed area that includes open area free of elastomeric material. A bearing raceway surface and an adjacent support surface are spaced apart by a predetermined radial gap. The enclosed cross-sectional area is bounded by features on the bearing raceway surface and the supporting surface that could be either the rotating roll or a support shaft. The enclosed area has a depth and a width and includes the radial gap. The viscoelastic deformation of the elastomeric member contained in this enclosed area in conjunction with the amount of open area in the enclosed area, provides a dual stiffness system that reduces or eliminates the excessive vibration that occurs in chucks for textile fiber windups or similar systems, when there is relative movement to reduce the radial gap and the enclosed area containing the radial gap.