Abstract: A reinforced composite material includes a decorative layer, and a strengthening panel, preferably directly fused to each other. The decorative layer is preferably made of one to three layers of (preferably printed) paper impregnated with a resin such as polyester or melamine resin. The strengthening panel may have a foil facing on one surface for fusion to the decorative layer, or may be roughed and directly fused to the decorative layer without such foil facing. Also provided is a method for the production of such a material.

Abstract: A reinforced composite material includes a laminate panel, a strengthening panel that includes a reinforcement embedded therein, and a layer of adhesive disposed between the laminate panel and the strengthening panel to adhere the laminate panel and the strengthening panel together. Preferably, the reinforcement in the strengthening panel may be fiberglass fibers, randomly oriented, or it may be provided in the form of a mesh or the like. In either case, the strengthening panel is preferably a plastic (polymeric) material of the type known as fiberglass reinforced polyester. Also provided is a method for the production of such a material.

Abstract: A method for isolating an active catalyst from a library of compounds that are potential catalysts is disclosed. The method involves providing a library which comprises a plurality of discrete solid supports, each solid support having a different organic compound bound thereto; and providing a reaction solution in a reaction vessel, the reaction solution containing the reactant or reactants necessary for a chemical reaction to occur in the presence of a catalyst for that reaction. The library and the reaction solution are then combined in the reaction vessel, and then one of the discrete solid supports is detected that is characterized by a temperature change in said solution greater than the temperature change of a plurality of other of said discrete solid supports in said solution. The detected solid support carries an active catalyst for the chemical reaction. Continuous flow apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for forming metal matrix composite bodies by using a barrier material. Particularly, an infiltration enhancer or an infiltration enhancer precursor or an infiltrating atmosphere are in communication with a filler material or a preform, at least at some point during the process, which permits molten matrix metal to spontaneously infiltrate the filler material or preform up to the barrier material. Such spontaneous infiltration occurs without the requirement for the application of any pressure or vacuum. Accordingly, shaped metal matrix composite bodies can be produced having superior surface finish.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for forming metal matrix composite bodies by using a reactive barrier material. Particularly, an infiltration enhancer or an infiltration enhancer precursor or an infiltrating atmosphere are in communication with a filler material or a preform, at least at some point during the process, which permits molten matrix metal to spontaneously infiltrate the filler material or preform up to the reactive barrier material. Such spontaneous infiltration occurs without the requirement for the application of any pressure or vacuum. Accordingly, shaped metal matrix composite bodies can be produced having superior surface finish.