Abstract: A method of making an article includes the steps of feeding fiber yarn, bundle or roving into a chopping device, chopping the fiber yarn, bundle or roving into fiber segments, texturizing the fiber segments, simultaneously introducing the fiber segments and a binder into a mold and molding the article.

Abstract: A method of making an article includes the steps of feeding fiber yarn, bundle or roving into a chopping device, chopping the fiber yarn, bundle or roving into fiber segments, texturizing the fiber segments, simultaneously introducing the fiber segments and a binder into a mold and molding the article.

Abstract: A low cost, glass preform for use in making SRIM molded composite parts is formed by introducing a commercially available, b-stageable thermosetting powder binder either a preformed matting structure or to a continuous glass fiber strand that is subsequently chopped to form a matting structure. The b-stageable thermosetting powder binder will selectively migrate to the junction of two the glass fiber strands contained in the matting at elevated temperatures without crosslinking to adhere the two strands together, therein forming a preform having good retention characteristics. The preform may then be introduced to a mold and combined with a liquid thermosetting matrix resin to form a composite part.

Abstract: A low cost, glass preform for use in making SRIM molded composite parts is formed by introducing a commercially available, b-stageable thermosetting powder binder either a preformed matting structure or to a continuous glass fiber strand that is subsequently chopped to form a matting structure. The b-stageable thermosetting powder binder will selectively migrate to the junction of two the glass fiber strands contained in the matting at elevated temperatures without crosslinking to adhere the two strands together, therein forming a preform having good retention characteristics. The preform may then be introduced to a mold and combined with a liquid thermosetting matrix resin to form a composite part.

Abstract: A liner for insulating against the transmission of sound and heat energy, such as from the engine compartment of a vehicle, is disclosed. The liner is formed of an insulating layer or core and first and second structural layers. By creating regions or areas of the liner that are selectively lofted or compressed, the attenuation of undesirable sound energy and absorption of heat energy can be balanced with the desired degree of structural enhancement to be afforded for a particular application.

Abstract: A liner is disclosed that is capable of being tuned or adjusted during manufacturing to absorb or reflect sound energy, as necessary or desired for a particular application. The liner is formed of a composite material comprising a combination or mixture of mineral fibers, such as glass fibers, and organic fibers, such as polypropylene fibers.

Abstract: A vehicle trim panel/radiator element combination is provided comprising a first substrate having at least one rib and at least one opening adjacent to the rib. The first substrate defines a vehicle interior trim panel. A multi-layer second substrate is located so as to extend at least partially over the opening, is secured to the first substrate rib, and defines a speaker radiator element. Further provided is a vehicle trim panel/radiator element integral unit comprising a multi-layer substrate. The substrate is formed so as to have a first region compressed to a first thickness and a second region having a second thickness, which is greater than the first thickness. The first region defines a speaker radiator element.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing element for a vehicle component is provided. The element is formed of a composite material comprising a combination or mixture of mineral fibers, such as glass fibers, and organic fibers, such as polypropylene fibers.

Abstract: A method of making an article includes the steps of feeding fiber yarn, bundle or roving into a chopping device, chopping the fiber yarn, bundle or roving into fiber segments, texturizing the fiber segments, simultaneously introducing the fiber segments and a binder into a mold and molding the article.