Abstract: We have developed a new pattern for continuous strand fiberglass mat which gives improved torsional rigidity to the molded structure. The pattern is basically an elongated elliptical loop where the strands lay on the conveyor and look like lazy whirl formations or concentric circles with diameters dependent upon properties such as bending rigidity and torsional rigidity. The lay-down pattern looks cycloidal in nature. Elongated elliptical strand loops become further elongated until at some point they also contain "pigtails" or somewhat straight strands with small elliptical loops oriented in the cross-machine direction.

Abstract: According to this invention, there is provided a reinforcement blanket having a plurality of layers of fiber-reinforcement materials sewn together. The sewing together of the various layers of the fiber-reinforcement materials provides a plurality of channels extending through the reinforcement blanket. The reinforcement blanket can be shaped into a preform or can be used directly as a reinforcement in a molding process. The channels in the reinforcement blanket aid in distributing a matrix resin during an impregnation process.

Abstract: A process for forming a continuous strand preformable mat is disclosed which consists of applying a binder matrix material which includes a thermosetting polyester binder material and a thermoplastic polyester binder to the continuous strand mat. The mat is heated such that the thermosetting binder material cures and hardens while the thermoplastic binder material softens and flows around strand intersections. The mat is thereafter cooled in order to solidify the thermoplastic polyester material of the binder matrix for additional handling for packaging and for subsequent handling by the customer. The preforms are made by heating the mat to over 200.degree. F., placing in a cold mold, and then closing the mold to form and solidify the mat shape.

Abstract: A mat comprised of at least one layer of highly dispersed continuous glass fiber strands is produced according to defined parameters for use in reinforcing thermoplastic as well as thermosetting materials.

Abstract: A mat of randomly disposed multifilament glass strand of indefinite length bonded to each other within a binder consisting essentially of the dried residue of an aqueous dispersion of emulsified polyurethane or epoxy resin having an average particle diameter of at least about 0.6 .mu.m and an amine-functional organosilane, where the individual filaments are sized with a mixture of an amine-functional organosilane and an amide reaction product of a fatty acid with an aliphatic polyamine, the reaction product having residual amine functionality, gives improved impact strength when used to reinforce thermoplastic, and especially polyamide, laminates which are stamped to form shaped articles.

Abstract: A glass mat, the fibers of which are sized with a size comprising a polyester compatible material, the fibers of the mat being bonded with an emulsion bonding agent comprising a polyvinyl acetate and a polyester.

Abstract: A fibrous body which includes at least two layers of strands of continuous filaments and binder particles in each layer. One of the layers has filaments of the strands therein at least partially dispersed to form a mesh size which entraps binder particles therein which have a mesh size larger than the mesh size of the dispersed filament layer, as well as smaller size particles lodged at intersections and crossovers. Another layer has strands which form a mesh size which do not necessarily entrap binder particles but may retain particles therein at interstices of strands. The fibrous body has a binder content in the dispersed filament layer which is larger per unit volume than the binder content of the other layer. Preferably a plurality of successive layers of continuous multi-filament strands are deposited on a collecting surface in a mat-like mass.