Abstract: Reinforcing fibers are wound onto a spool together with fibers or strips composed at least in part of a material which is to form a matrix for the reinforcing fibers. The spool is likewise at least partially constituted by such a material. After winding, the resulting assembly is placed into a container having an inner diameter which is the same or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the assembly. The container is also composed at least in part of a material which is to form a matrix for the fibers. The resulting composite blank is then placed in an induction oven and heated to a temperature which does not detrimentally affect the reinforcing fibers but which is sufficient to favorably influence the formation of reaction layers between the reinforcing fibers and the matrix material.

Abstract: Metal fibers are produced in a magnetic field by generating magnetic flux lines which extend normal to a planar supporting surface located in an enclosed space. Metallic substances are fed into the enclosed space for travel lengthwise of the flux lines and normal to the supporting surface. The space is heated to a decomposition temperature at which the substances undergo thermal decomposition and liberate metal atoms which agglomerate under the influence of the flux lines on the supporting surface and form thereon metal fibers which project from the supporting surface in direction normal thereto. The supporting surface is then moved in the direction of travel of the incoming metallic substances past a fiber transporting device, and when it has moved to a position downstream of the fiber transporting device, the fiber transporting device engages the fibers and effects their further transportation.