Abstract: The present invention relates to fiber-size compositions for coating glass or other reinforcing fiber materials that are used in the manufacturing of composites. The fiber-size composition contains at least about 4% by weight of a polyvinylpyrrolidone film former, at least one lubricant and a coupling agent. The sizing composition gives the fibers desirable properties such as high strength, improved flexibility, fuzz formation resistance, and fiber smoothness and softness.

Abstract: A bumper/muffler assembly is provided comprising a bumper; and a muffler having an outer shell. The outer shell may be formed from a non-high impact resistant material, such as a thin metal or a composite material. The muffler may comprise a separate element from the bumper, which is coupled thereto, or is formed as an integral part of the bumper.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for making densified glass fiber pellets substantially encapsulated in a polymeric shell from chopped segments of multi-filament glass strand is described. The densified pellets may be advantageously produced by hydrating chopped glass strands and then pelletizing them by tumbling in a rotary drum, densifying the resulting pellets by tumbling in a rotating zig-zag or undulating tube, drying the pellets and encapsulating them in a polymeric composition. The resulting pellets exhibit enhanced degradation resistance during bulk storage and handling.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for making densified glass fiber pellets substantially encapsulated in a polymeric shell from chopped segments of multi-filament glass strand is described. The densified pellets may be advantageously produced by hydrating chopped glass strands and then pelletizing them by tumbling in a rotary drum, densifying the resulting pellets by tumbling in a rotating zig-zag or undulating tube, drying the pellets and encapsulating them in a polymeric composition. The resulting pellets exhibit enhanced degradation resistance during bulk storage and handling.

Abstract: A bumper/muffler assembly is provided comprising a bumper; and a muffler having an outer shell. The outer shell may be formed from a non-high impact resistant material, such as a thin metal or a composite material. The muffler may comprise a separate element from the bumper, which is coupled thereto, or is formed as an integral part of the bumper.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for making densified glass fiber pellets substantially encapsulated in a polymeric shell from chopped segments of multi-filament glass strand is described. The densified pellets may be advantageously produced by hydrating chopped glass strands and then pelletizing them by tumbling in a rotary drum, densifying the resulting pellets by tumbling in a rotating zig-zag or undulating tube, drying the pellets and encapsulating them in a polymeric composition. The resulting pellets exhibit enhanced degradation resistance during bulk storage and handling.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a composite part. The method comprises the steps of: providing continuous strand material including continuous reinforcing fibers; providing a mold having an inner cavity; placing the continuous strand material in the mold cavity; providing a composite material containing discontinuous reinforcing fibers; adding the composite material to the mold cavity; and molding a composite part from the composite material and the strand material such that the part is reinforced by continuous and discontinuous reinforcing fibers.

Abstract: A system for making densified glass fiber pellets from chopped segments of multi-filament glass strand is described. The densified pellets may be advantageously produced by hydrating chopped glass strands and then pelletizing them by tumbling in a rotary drum, and densifying the resulting pellets by tumbling in a rotating zig-zag or undulating tube for a period of time sufficient to increase their density but insufficient to degrade the fibers to a point where composite articles formed from such pellets have lower tensile or impact strengths than comparable composite articles formed from unpelletized strand segments.

Abstract: A system for making densified glass fiber pellets from chopped segments of multi-filament glass strand is described. The densified pellets may be advantageously produced by hydrating chopped glass strands and then pelletizing them by tumbling in a rotary drum, and densifying the resulting pellets by tumbling in a rotating zig-zag or undulating tube for a period of time sufficient to increase their density but insufficient to degrade the fibers to a point where composite articles formed from such pellets have lower tensile or impact strengths than comparable composite articles formed from unpelletized strand segments.

Abstract: A composite having enhanced flame retardant behavior includes a polymer and glass fibers coated with fumed silica. The composite can be based on a wide variety of polymers such as polybutylene and polyethylene terephthalates, polycarbonates, polyethylenes, polypropylenes and nylons. The glass fibers are also preferably coated with fibrillar polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: A reinforcing composition is provided comprising pellets produced by the process of hydrating glass fibers to achieve a water content on the glass fibers of from about 11 weight percent to about 20 weight percent, mixing the glass fibers for at least about three minutes, thereby forming pellets, and drying.

Abstract: An aqueous glass size composition comprising a water dispersible phenoxy resin modified with an acid, cyanurate or isocyanurate, and an organosilane coupling agent is disclosed. The glass fibers coated with the aqueous size composition are useful for incorporation into molding compositions for strength improvement.

Abstract: A non-discoloring glass strand size comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane emulsion produced by the chain extension of an NCO-terminated prepolymer, which prepolymer is prepared by the reaction of an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic diisocyanate with a polyalkylene ether polyol and is particularly suitable for glass incorporated in polyamide resins.