Abstract: A polymer composite material (10, 110, 210, 310) is described. The material includes a settable matrix material (12), a plurality of reinforcement members (14) and a plurality of capsule members (16). Each capsule member (16) includes a shell layer (22) encapsulating an indicator material (24). The polymer composite material comprises an initial condition in which each shell layer contains the indicator material, and a damaged condition in which at least one shell layer is ruptured, releasing indicator material. The polymer composite material is changed from the initial condition to the damaged condition by the application of a predetermined force to the polymer composite material.

Abstract: Bonding apparatus (10) for bonding a thermoplastic first material (12) to a second material (14) includes a heater arrangement (22) for heating a bonding surface (16) of the first material (12) to melt the bonding surface (16), and moving means (30) for moving the first and second materials (12, 14) together to a bonded condition.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting a flexible liner 2 including a layer 3 of composite material comprising thermoplastics material and reinforcing fibres, into a structural member within a duct 1, has a front portion 6 for insertion in the liner 2, a central portion 7 for heating one side of the layer 3 and a rear portion 20 which forces the heated layer 3 against the duct 1 for consolidation and cooling under pressure. The central portion 7 has heating means 8 producing hot gas which is forced under pressure through the layer 3 of composite material to heat the layer 3, and provides an air gap 14 on the opposite side of the layer 3 while heating takes place. This ensures uniform heating of the layer 3, to melt the thermoplastics material which then mixes intimately with the reinforcing fibres, and is consolidated and cooled to form the structural member.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting a flexible liner 2 including a layer 3 of composite material comprising thermoplastics material and reinforcing fibres, into a structural member within a duct 1, has a front portion 6 for insertion in the liner 2, a central portion 7 for heating one side of the layer 3 and a rear portion 20 which forces the heated layer 3 against the duct 1 for consolidation and cooling under pressure. The central portion 7 has heating means 8 producing hot gas which is forced under pressure through the layer 3 of composite material to heat the layer 3, and provides an air gap 14 on the opposite side of the layer 3 while heating takes place. This ensures uniform heating of the layer 3, to melt the thermoplastics material which then mixes intimately with the reinforcing fibres, and is consolidated and cooled to form the structural member.