Abstract: A system is provided for forming a continuous mineral fiber wool tow and cutting the tow into discrete lengths. The system comprises a conveying apparatus for pulling a mineral fiber wool tow from a mineral fiber pack at a first location and transporting the tow to a chopping station. A chopping apparatus is positioned at the chopping station for chopping the tow into discrete lengths. The conveying apparatus further receives the discrete lengths at the chopping station and transports the discrete lengths to a collecting station. The conveying apparatus further includes a collection device located at the collecting station for receiving the discrete lengths of mineral fiber wool material and collecting the discrete lengths for subsequent use.

Abstract: A process for forming flat plate ballistic resistant composites which includes impregnating a low-alkali magnesia-aluminum-silicate glass fiber woven roving with an impregnating composition. The impregnating composition includes a resin solution of a polyester resin in a polymerizable monomeric solvent a free radical catalyst and optionally, a thickening agent and further optionally a flame retardant material. The impregnated woven roving is cured in a molding unit at a temperature of about 225.degree.-255.degree. F. for a sufficient period of time and at a sufficient pressure to allow the impregnated woven roving to substantially conform to the mold unit. The temperature and pressure used are sufficient to maintain the exothermic temperature at about 300.degree. F. or below and to catalytically crosslink the polyester resin and monomeric solvent.

Abstract: A process is provided for manufacturing ballistic resistant composites of an isophthalic thermoset polyester and woven roving made of magnesia aluminosilicate glass fibers. An impregnating solution is provided whereby prepregs can be conveniently formed and then vacuum bag molded. The ingredients i the impregnating solution are critically selected to provide prescribed viscosities after the elapse of certain periods of time and thereby allow the final articles to be formed in an economical and expedient manner.

Abstract: Failure of free radical catalyzed unsaturated polyester laminating compositions containing wax for suppression of styrene evaporation, but not more than about 10 weight percent of non-reinforcing filler, to develop interlaminar adhesion as great as similar compositions without wax can be at least partially overcome by incorporating at least about 0.1 weight percent of a tertiary monoamine having a single aromatic group and two alkyl or hydroxyalkyl groups on the amino nitrogen.