Abstract: A part of a piston is composed of a metal matrix composite. The metal matrix composite is composed of a matrix of a light metal alloy and reinforcements formed of metallic fibers mixed in the matrix. The reinforcements are formed of an alloy that consists mainly of Fe and Cr and contains Al and/or Si. The Cr content and the Al and/or Si content of the reinforcements range from 5 to 30% and from 3 to 10%, respectively. The fiber diameter of the reinforcements ranges from &phgr;20 &mgr;m to &phgr;100 &mgr;m. The reinforcements are formed by the melt extraction method and have irregular peripheral surfaces. Solution-treatment of the metal matrix composite is carried out within a temperature range from 470° C. to 500° C. such that formation of intermetallic compounds is restrained.

Abstract: A part of a piston is composed of a metal matrix composite. The metal matrix composite is composed of a matrix of a light metal alloy and reinforcements formed of metallic fibers mixed in the matrix. The reinforcements are formed of an alloy that consists mainly of Fe and Cr and contains Al and/or Si. The Cr content and the Al and/or Si content of the reinforcements range from 5 to 30% and from 3 to 10%, respectively. The fiber diameter of the reinforcements ranges from ø20 &mgr;m to ø100 &mgr;m. The reinforcements are formed by the melt extraction method and have irregular peripheral surfaces. Solution-treatment of the metal matrix composite is carried out within a temperature range from 470° C. to 500° C. such that formation of intermetallic compounds is restrained.

Abstract: A suspension system comprises front and rear cantilever spring arms. First end portions of the arms are fixed to a vehicle body. Second end portions of the arms extend toward a member for supporting a wheel. The second end portions are connected to each other by means of a curved section. The spring arms are formed integrally with the curved section through the medium of the matrix resin and the fibers so as to be V-shaped as viewed from above. A joint assembly is fixed to the curved section, and a hub carrier is mounted on the assembly.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cushion, by impregnating a main body comprising organic synthetic fibers which are stereoscopically intertwined with a polyurethane prepolymer solution so as to allow the polyurethane prepolymer to attach the prepolymer to the fibers, subjecting the cushion body to centrifugation to remove excess solution from the cushion body, and bringing the polyurethane prepolymer attached to the fibers into contact with a curing agent comprising water so as to cure the polyurethane prepolymer.

Abstract: A suspension system comprises front and rear cantilever spring arms. First end portions of the arms are fixed to a vehicle body. Second end portions of the arms extend toward a member for supporting a wheel. The second end portions are connected to each other by means of a curved section. The spring arms are formed integrally with the curved section through the medium of the matrix resin and the fibers so as to be V-shaped as viewed from above. A joint assembly is fixed to the curved section, and a hub carrier is mounted on the assembly.

Abstract: A suspension system comprising a pair of fiber reinforced plastic spring arms, right and left, and a beam assembly connecting the respective free ends of the arms, said springs arms having a free-end-side portion and being vertically bendable, each spring arm serving as a suspension spring. A fixed end of each spring arm is fixed to a vehicle body. The beam assembly, which extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle body, includes an intermediate beam member of fiber reinforced plastic and metallic end beam members fixed individually to two opposite end portions of the intermediate beam member. Each end beam member is provided with an axle. If the right and left spring arms are subjected to loads of opposite phases at the time of turning, the intermediate beam member is twisted to produce a stabilizer effect.

Abstract: A cushion has a main body formed of fibers including organic synthetic fibers which are stereoscopically intertwined. A cured polyurethane resion covers surfaces of the fibers and binds the fibers at their intersections. The cured polyurethane resin is obtained by curing a polyurethane prepolymer with water or steam.

Abstract: An FRP plate spring member having spring characteristics of the invention has a protective layer of a resin formed on the entirety or part of the outer surface of an FRP base comprising a number of reinforcing fibers which are impregnated with and held in a cured matrix resin. A process for manufacturing such an FRP plate includes a step of applying a resin for forming the protective layer on the entirety or part of the inner surface of a mold for molding the FRP plate.