Abstract: A method for impregnating a strand of filaments during the strand manufacture with thermoplastic or thermoset polymer powder particles is disclosed. The method includes the steps of forming a strand of filaments, keeping the filaments separate, impregnating the filaments with an aqueous slurry containing the powder particles, and drying the filaments to remove the water and produce a strand impregnated with powder particles. The powder particles are present on the strand in an amount of between about 5 to 50 weight percent based on the weight of the impregnated strand. Glass fibers coated with the slurry according to the process of this invention are suitable for impregnation with thermoplastic powders.

Abstract: An aqueous size composition for glass fibers is disclosed which includes a coupling agent, a binder or film former material and a thermoplastic polymer resin powder, wherein said composition is applied to the glass fiber surfaces during the fiber forming process. A rheology modifier material may be added to the size composition. One embodiment of the composition includes an organosilane coupling agent, a polyethylene oxide binder material and a polyamide thermoplastic polymer resin.

Abstract: A non-aqueous coating for glass fibers consisting of 100 percent solids formulation of organosilane, an ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer, a hydrogenated heterocyclic hydrocarbon thermoplastic resin, a microcrystalline wax, a viscosity-reducing agent, an antioxidizing agent, and a whitening agent. When employing glass fibers coated with the size composition of the present invention in a non-acid modified polypropylene resin, the size formulation also includes a maleic anhydride-modified polyolefin. Glass fibers coated with the size composition of this invention are suitable for use in reinforcing resinous products, particularly polypropylene, to achieve a white or translucent molded glass fiber-reinforced product.

Abstract: Non-aqueous coatings for glass fibers consist essentially of a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin, an ethylene-ethylacrylate copolymer, a microcrystalline wax, a phenolic-modified terpene resin, and an organosilane. Glass fibers coated with the composition of the present invention are suitable for being utilized as reinforcement media for various polymeric resins including nylon, rubber modified styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer, acetal, and polybutyl terphthalate.

Abstract: A non-aqueous hot melt coating for glass fibers consisting of a silane, an ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer, a microcrystalline wax, a phenolic-modified terpene resin and a chemically modified polyolefin for coating glass fibers which can be employed as resin reinforcement.

Abstract: A hot melt, non-aqueous glass size composition consists of an ethylene-ethylacrylate copolymer, a micro-crystalline wax, a phenolic-modified terpene resin and a silane.

Abstract: A non-aqueous hot melt coating composition consisting of a thermoplastic rubber block copolymer, a polyethylene wax and a low molecular weight resin compatible with the end styrenic block of the rubber block copolymer is useful as a hot melt size.

Abstract: Apparatus for severing a moving, heavy strand of coated glass filaments is comprised of a conically shaped cutting head having a circular cutting edge that cooperates with a circular die into which the cutting head is moved upon activation.

Abstract: Method for producing discrete bundles of filaments includes applying a non-aqueous, hot melt coating material to continuous filaments and gathering the coated continuous filaments into a bundle. The coating material is solidified on the continuous filament bundle so as to establish a first cross-sectional shape and the bundle is then severed into discrete segments whereby the bundle segments are deformed so as to exhibit a second cross-sectional shape at the severed regions. The bundle segments are then heated sufficiently to soften the coating material to permit the bundle segments to substantially return to the first cross-sectional shape.The apparatus of the invention includes a primary applicator for applying a production coating to the filaments and an interim applicator for applying a start-up coating to the filaments.

Abstract: Glass fibers coated with a size composition comprising gamma-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and an alkoxysilane are disclosed. When a glass fiber size composition of this invention is employed on glass fibers incorporated into plastics reinforced by the incorporation of the fibers, the resulting product exhibits improved strength properties.

Abstract: Polytetrafluoroethylene fluorocarbon resin dispersion-containing coatings for glass fibers are disclosed. In one embodiment, the polytetrafluoroethylene fluorocarbon resin dispersion-containing composition also comprises a lubricant and is suitable for use as a padding composition for glass fiber fabric. In another embodiment, the polytetrafluoroethylene fluorocarbon resin dispersion-containing composition also comprises a film-forming polymer, a thixotropic gelling agent, a silane coupling agent and, optionally, a lubricant and is suitable for use as a size composition for glass fibers.

Abstract: A glass fiber size composition comprising a film-forming polymer, a thixotropic gelling agent, a heat-curable polyurethane latex and an organo silane coupling agent is disclosed. When a coloring agent is incorporated into the glass fiber size composition, the resulting sized glass fibers exhibit excellent color intensity.

Abstract: Bundles of glass fibers for use as reinforcement for elastomeric materials in which individual glass fibers are sized with a composition consisting essentially of an aqueous emulsion of a polyolefin, and the resulting coated glass fibers are formed into bundles which are impregnated with a blend of a resorcinol-aldehyde resin and an elastomer without subjecting the coated glass fibers to temperatures above 120.degree. F prior to impregnation.