Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for applying solution to a filament include an applicator for applying at least a partial coating of a solution to a filament, comprising: an applicator surface operable to at least partially coat a filament with a solution; a first container operable to supply the solution to the applicator surface, a volume of the solution in the first container corresponding to a solution level in the first container; a second container operable to contain a supply of solution in fluid communication with the solution in the first container such that the solution in the second container has a solution level indicative of the solution level of the solution in the first container; and a detector for determining the solution level within the second container, the detector operable to control an adjustment of the volume of the solution in the first container such that the solution level in the first container is maintained within a predetermined range of levels.

Abstract: A fiber glass mat adapted to reinforce thermoplastic polymeric molding material is provided with improved flow properties in the molding process without sacrificing strength and without unduly increasing loft of the mat. The improvement is achieved by needling the mat from both sides with the number of needle punches per unit area on one side being greater than that on the opposite side.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for applying solution to a filament include an applicator for applying at least a partial coating of a solution to a filament, comprising: an applicator surface operable to at least partially coat a filament with a solution; a first container operable to supply the solution to the applicator surface, a volume of the solution in the first container corresponding to a solution level in the first container; a second container operable to contain a supply of solution in fluid communication with the solution in the first container such that the solution in the second container has a solution level indicative of the solution level of the solution in the first container; and a detector for determining the solution level within the second container, the detector operable to control an adjustment of the volume of the solution in the first container such that the solution level in the first container is maintained within a predetermined range of levels.

Abstract: A fiber glass mat adapted to reinforce thermoplastic polymeric molding material is provided with improved flow properties in the molding process without sacrificing strength and without unduly increasing loft of the mat. The improvement is achieved by needling the mat from both sides with the number of needle punches per unit area on one side being greater than that on the opposite side.

Abstract: A fiber glass mat adapted to reinforce thermoplastic polymeric molding material is provided with improved flow properties in the molding process without sacrificing strength and without unduly increasing loft of the mat. The improvement is achieved by needling the mat from both sides with the number of needle punches per unit area on one side being greater than that on the opposite side.

Abstract: The present invention provides a needled mat adapted to reinforce a thermosetting matrix material to form a composite, composites formed therefrom, and methods related thereto. The needled mat includes a primary layer of a plurality of unidirectional continuous glass fiber strands coated with a composition which is compatible with the thermosetting matrix material and a secondary layer positioned thereon of a plurality of randomly oriented, generally continuous and/or chopped glass fiber strands coated with a composition which is compatible with the thermosetting matrix material. The mat has a total surface weight ranging from about 1300 to about 11,500 grams per square meter.

Abstract: A needled mat adapted to reinforce a thermoplastic matrix material to form a composite, the mat including: (a) a plurality of discontinuous glass monofilaments present in an amount ranging from at least about 30 weight percent to about 99 weight percent of the mat on a total solids basis and having a filament coating composition thereon which is compatible with a thermoplastic matrix material; and (b) a plurality of discontinuous glass fiber strands and having a strand coating composition thereon which is compatible with the thermoplastic matrix material, wherein the glass monofilaments and glass fiber strands are essentially uniformly distributed throughout the mat.

Abstract: A needled mat adapted to reinforce a thermoplastic matrix material includes (a) a primary layer having a plurality of thermoplastic fibers in an amount greater than about 20 weight percent of the primary layer on a total solids basis, the primary layer being less than about 20 weight percent of the mat on a total solids basis; and (b) a secondary layer having a plurality of discontinuous glass fiber strands and having thereon a strand coating composition which is compatible with the thermoplastic matrix material, the secondary layer being essentially free of individual glass monofilaments.

Abstract: Aqueous peroxide-free size compositions for application to glass fibers contain, as essential components, a reaction product of a polymeric amine and an amine-reactable organosilane, a film-forming polymer and an emulsified polyolefin. The reaction product can be preformed or made in situ, and is preferably the product of a polyalkylene polyamine and an epoxy-functional alkoxysilane. An optional added component is a water-soluble, non-volatile carboxylic acid. Glass fibers treated with the size composition can be made into mats, especially continuous strand, needled mats, useful for reinforcing thermoplastic polymers such as polypropylene in laminates which then can be used in molding processes to make articles of good physical properties.

Abstract: A composite material consisting of continuous random glass mats with a new non-peroxide sizing chemistry, polypropylene and a functionalized polypropylene. This composite gives unexpectedly higher performance in bumper beam applications. The functionalized polypropylene contains anhydride functionalities, which are preferably maleic anhydride.

Abstract: Aqueous size compositions for application to glass fibers contain, as essential components, a reaction product of a polymeric amine and an amine-reactable organosilane, a film-forming polymer and an emulsified polyolefin. The reaction product can be preformed or made in situ, and is preferably the product of a polyalkylene polyamine and an epoxy-functional alkoxysilane. An optional added component is a water-soluble, non-volatile carboxylic acid. Glass fibers treated with the size composition can be made into mats, especially continuous strand, needled mats, useful for reinforcing thermoplastic polymers such as polypropylene in laminates which then can be used in molding processes to make articles of good physical properties.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced thermoplastic parts having good surface characteristics are produced by a process involving: preheating fiber reinforced composite to achieve at least a flowable viscosity of the polymer, and (2) molding under controlled rheological conditions. The preheating is conducted on composites that are predominantly amorphous thermoplastic polymers, copolymers, polyblends or alloys reinforced with continuous glass fiber strand reinforcing mat. The amount of the mat present in the laminate is less than around 40 weight percent of the composite. The temperature of preheating is at least greater than the glass transition temperature of the polymer and less than the degradation temperature of the polymer to expand the composite.