Abstract: A PTFE/fiberglass composite for use as a conveyor belt comprises a fiberglass fabric having oppositely facing surfaces. The fabric has a structure defining a substantially uniform pattern of openings extending from one to the other of its major surfaces, with the average area of the individual openings being at least about 0.20258 mm2. PTFE films are laminated to the major surfaces of the fabric. The laminated films are interconnected by fluroropolymer ties extending through the fabric openings and are adhered to the major surfaces with a peel strength of between about 5-13 pli. The composite has a thickness of less than about 20 mils and a fiberglass content of less than about 25%.

Abstract: A PTFE/fiberglass composite for use as a conveyor belt comprises a fiberglass fabric having oppositely facing surfaces. The fabric has a structure defining a substantially uniform pattern of openings extending from one to the other of its major surfaces, with the average area of the individual openings being at least about 0.20258 mm2. PTFE films are laminated to the major surfaces of the fabric. The laminated films are interconnected by fluroropolymer ties extending through the fabric openings and are adhered to the major surfaces with a peel strength of between about 5-13 pli. The composite has a thickness of less than about 20 mils and a fiberglass content of less than about 25%.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an endless conveyor belt comprises providing a flexible web in the form of a PTFE cross film laminate which in its as laminated state has a first length and a first lengthwise yield strength. The web is prestressed by lengthwise stretching to a second length greater than its as laminated first length to thereby achieve a second lengthwise yield strength greater than its as laminated first lengthwise yield strength. The ends of the prestressed web are then interconnected.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an endless conveyor belt comprises providing a flexible web in the form of a PTFE cross film laminate which in its as laminated state has a first length and a first lengthwise yield strength. The web is prestressed by lengthwise stretching to a second length greater than its as laminated first length to thereby achieve a second lengthwise yield strength greater than its as laminated first lengthwise yield strength. The ends of the prestressed web are then interconnected.

Abstract: A finished PTFE film is produced by first preparing an extruded, dried, unsintered and unexpanded PTFE feed film, and then reducing the thickness of the feed film by more than 20% by passing it with back tension through a roll nip.

Abstract: A method of bonding an unsintered unexpanded PTFE feed film to a flexible PTFE coated substrate comprises providing a three roll calender comprising a metal surfaced roll coacting with two filled rolls to define first and second nips. The PTFE feed film is calendered in the first nip, with the thus calendered PTFE film remaining supported on the metal surfaced roll for transport to and through the second nip. The PTFE coated substrate is directed through the second nip for calendering with and bonding to the calendered PTFE film to thereby produce a laminated composite.

Abstract: A method of bonding an unsintered unexpanded PTFE feed film to a flexible PTFE coated substrate comprises providing a three roll calender comprising a metal surfaced roll coacting with two filled rolls to define first and second nips. The PTFE feed film is calendered in the first nip, with the thus calendered PTFE film remaining supported on the metal surfaced roll for transport to and through the second nip. The PTFE coated substrate is directed through the second nip for calendering with and bonding to the calendered PTFE film to thereby produce a laminated composite.

Abstract: A finished PTFE film is produced by first preparing an extruded, dried, unsintered and unexpanded PTFE feed film, and then reducing the thickness of the feed film by more than 20% by passing it with back tension through a roll nip.

Abstract: A single membrane insulation material including a nonwoven insulation mat, a fluoropolymer dispersion surface coated to one side of the mat and a fluoropolymer film component laminated to the thus coated side of the mat under conditions of elevated temperature and pressure. The coating has a depth of penetration which is less than the total thickness of said mat.

Abstract: A flexible composite expansion joint material comprises a fluoropolymer containing woven fabric substrate with mutually perpendicular warp and fill yarns. The substrate is subdivided into plural segments which are arranged successively in a longitudinally extending assembly with the warp and fill yarns of each segment extending obliquely with respect to the assembly length. At least one other component extends over the assembly length. The successively arranged substrate segments are spliced together and integrally joined to the other component by lamination under conditions of elevated temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A flexible duct comprises inner and outer perfluoroplastic tubes with a melt bondable adhesive interposed therebetween. A resilient helical coil is interposed between the adhesive and one of the tubes. The adhesive serves to thermally laminate the tubes together at wrinkled locations between the turns of the coil.

Abstract: A single membrane insulation material including a nonwoven insulation mat, a fluoropolymer dispersion surface coated to one side of the mat and a fluoropolymer film component laminated to the thus coated side of the mat under conditions of elevated temperature and pressure. The coating has a depth of penetration which is less than the total thickness of said mat.

Abstract: A flexible composite expansion joint material comprises a fluoropolymer containing woven fabric substrate with mutually perpendicular warp and fill yarns. The substrate is subdivided into plural segments which are arranged successively in a longitudinally extending assembly with the warp and fill yarns of each segment extending obliquely with respect to the assembly length. At least one other component extends over the assembly length. The successively arranged substrate segments are spliced together and integrally joined to the other component by lamination under conditions of elevated temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A flexible composite expansion joint material comprises a fluoropolymer containing woven fabric substrate with mutually perpendicular warp and fill yarns. The substrate is subdivided into plural segments which are arranged successively in a longitudinally extending assembly with the warp and fill yarns of each segment extending obliquely with respect to the assembly length. At least one other component extends over the assembly length. The successively arranged substrate segments are spliced together and integrally joined to the other component by lamination under conditions of elevated temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A flexible fluoroplastic laminate comprising a plurality of unsintered oriented PTFE films laminated under conditions of elevated temperature and pressure. At least one of the films has its direction of orientation disposed angularly with respect to that of at least one other of the films. The films retain their orientation following lamination.

Abstract: A laminated composite comprising first and second components, and a bonding interlayer interposed between the first and second components. The bonding interlayer includes a non-fluoroplastic carrier element coated with a fluoroplastic which melts under conditions of elevated temperature and pressure to effect a bond between the first and second components. The tensile strength of the carrier element is less than the combined tensile strengths of any substrates included in the first and second components.