Abstract: A process of producing carbon fibers, which comprises oxidizing polyacrylonitrile filaments having a tensile strength at 240.degree. C. of 0.3 g/d or higher and a tensile modulus at 240.degree. C. of 2.0 g/d or higher in an oxidizing atmosphere under a high tension of 0.2 g/d or higher, and carbonizing the oxidized filaments under a high tension.

Abstract: The adhesive strength of highly oriented, highmolecular polyolefin filaments for polar polymeric matrices is improved by subjecting the filaments to a corona treatment with a total irradiation dosage of ##EQU1## effected intermittently in several smaller dosages. The process is particularly suited for treating superstrong polyethylene fibers, and making reinforced materials while applying as matrix a polyester, polyamide or epoxy resin.

Abstract: Procedure for the production of magnetic plastic laminate in which at least one of the paper fiber sheets impregnated with phenolic and melaminic resins, is first of all spread, using the silk screen process, with a cloth with a weave of from 9 to 24 threads per cm.sup.2, with a ferrous powder based paste with a percentage comprised of between 55%-80% and a binder with a percentage comprised of between 45%-20%; after drying the percentage of ferrous powders is comprised of between 75%-80%, the thickness of the paste of between 0.5 and 2.0 mm and the plastic laminate thus obtained is permanently magnetized through an electric charge thanks to the presence of the ferrous powders inside it.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making pieces of furniture, more particularly arm-chairs and the like, starting from flat sheets of felt or the like, and comprising the following phases:preparation of a flat sheet formed by a felt or similar compressed material including or adapted to be associated with a hardening substance;punching of the flat sheet in a pattern corresponding to the flat lay-out of the piece of furniture to be produced, arranging all the incisions and holes required for the successive foldings and applications of its parts;possible softening of the hardening substance included in the felt or the impregnation of the felt with a hardening substance;shaping of the flat sheet to the final form of the piece of furniture to be obtained;hardening of the hardening substance in the zones which must be given the required rigidity, leaving the other zones in the natural state;assembly of any further parts of the piece of furniture for its completion;finishing treatments of the piece of furniture.

Abstract: A preformed yarn useful in forming fiber-reinforced carbon composite articles is disclosed which includes a core of a multiplicity of inorganic reinforcing fibers, a mixed powder provided in the interstices between the fibers and including a finely divided carbonaceous binder pitch and a finely divided coke, and a flexible sleeve formed of a thermoplastic resin and surrounding the core.

Abstract: A polyamide yarn having on the surface of the polyamide yarn a hydrophobic organic ester dip penetration regulator having a melting point greater than 27.degree. C. and convertible by conventional means into a tire cord having low stiffness and high air permeability and a process for making polymeric tire yarns is disclosed.

Abstract: A process of forming a tape of long reinforcement in a continuous thermoplastic matrix. A roving of long fibers carrying a thermoplastic resin is introduced into the inlet of a wedgeshaped passage between the tongue and the groove of a tongue-in-groove die. The fibers are bounded by sidewalls for the entire length of the die. Both heat and pressure is applied to consolidate the resin in the fibers while the pressure is adjusted on the rovings by adjusting the inlet and the outlet clearances while the roving is being pulled through the die.

Abstract: A process for forming a continuous strand preformable mat is disclosed which consists of applying a binder matrix material which includes a thermosetting polyester binder material and a thermoplastic polyester binder to the continuous strand mat. The mat is heated such that the thermosetting binder material cures and hardens while the thermoplastic binder material softens and flows around strand intersections. The mat is thereafter cooled in order to solidify the thermoplastic polyester material of the binder matrix for additional handling for packaging and for subsequent handling by the customer. The preforms are made by heating the mat to over 200.degree. F., placing in a cold mold, and then closing the mold to form and solidify the mat shape.

Abstract: An improved multifilamentary fibrous material is formed having particles of a matrix-forming thermoplastic polymer substantially uniformly dispersed among adjoining filaments in the absence of fusion bonding. The polymer particles initially are dispersed in an aqueous medium containing an effective amount of a dissolved polymeric binding agent and the viscosity of the medium subsequently is substantially increased to at least 50,000 cps. to form a gelled impregnation bath having a plastic flow characteristic with shear-thinning behavior wherein the polymer particles are substantially uniformly suspended. The resulting impregnation bath is caused to flow between the adjoining filaments of the multifilamentary fibrous material with a concomitant viscosity reduction which aids in the incorporation of the polymer particles. The concentration of the aqueous medium in the product is controlled to yield a uniform, handleable, drapable, tacky, and highly stable product.

Abstract: A tangled fibrous material from cut glass fibre bundles, with the cut glass fiber bundler being fed into a compressed air flow and a glass fibre-laden air being deflected into a turbulent eddy flow of varying direction, so that a tangled fibrous material of wadding-like consistency is formed. Through the simultaneous addition of dry polymer-based binder powder, it is possible to obtain a tangled fibrous material as a starting product for a production of glass fibre-reinforced plastic moundings, which can be compressed to a felt. This can be packed as an intermediate or further processed in a heated belt press to glass fibre-reinforced plastic plates.

Abstract: Medical devices for the sutureless repair of lacerated, severed, or grafted nerves comprising longitudinally-openable, porous, rough-surfaced tubes of a body-absorbable polymer are disclosed. The tubular devices of the invention are prepared by sintering or otherwise bonding together granules or fibers, or melt processing suitable polymers in the form of the desired device.

Abstract: The invention is a process for the manufacture of sections of thermoplastic resin reinforced with continuous fibers and the equipment for carrying out the process. The process consists of coating rovings, having their fibers previously arranged in the form of a sheet, in a coating zone fed with a molten thermoplastic, then, to ensure impregnation of each of the fibers of the rovings, the coated rovings are passed into a forced impregnation zone prior to passing into the channel for shaping the final product.

Abstract: Polyimide polymer composites having a combination of enhanced thermal and mechanical properties even when subjected to service temperatures as high as 700.degree. F. are described. They comprise (a) from 10 to 50 parts by weight of a thermoplastic polyimide resin prepared from 2,2-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane and (b) from 90 to 50 parts by weight of continuous reinforcing fibers, the total of (a) and (b) being 100 parts by weight. Composites based on polyimide resin formed from 2,2-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane and pyromellitic dianhydride and continuous carbon fibers retained at least about 50% of their room temperature shear strength after exposure to 700.degree. F. for a period of 16 hours in flowing air. Preferably, the thermoplastic polyimide resin is formed in situ in the composite material by thermal imidization of a corresponding amide-acid polymer prepared from 2,2-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane.

Abstract: A multilayer molded article having improved appearance and feeling is produced by wetting a skin material including a fabric or a thermoplastic resin sheet as an outermost layer with at least one liquid material which is water, an aqueous solution, a volatile material which is liquid in an ordinary state, or a solution including the volatile material as a medium, supplying the wet skin material between male and female molds, supplying a thermoplastic resin melt between the molds and closing the molds to form the multilayer molded article including the integrally adhered skin material and the thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: Manufacture of a multifilament polyester yarn which is suitable for use as an industrial yarn, particularly tire yarn, and displays a specific breaking strength at high spinning speeds, the yarn is made in accordance with a process comprising the successive steps of spinning a molten polymer through a plurality of holes, cooling and drawing the resulting filaments, and finally collecting them, the polymer flow in each of the spinneret holes exhibits a core portion having a higher relative viscosity and a sheath portion having a lower relative viscosity, the difference between said relative viscosities amounting to less than 0.100, preferably 0.040-0.003.

Abstract: A device and method to prevent delamination at load-bearing apertures in structural composite substrates is disclosed. The device is a composite reinforcing grommet having a hollow, generally tubular member of braided filaments impregnated with polymer. The member may be radially deformed for insertion into an aperture in a structural composite substrate and is then capable of being radially expanded to form flanges to secure the structural composite between the flanges. A method of reinforcing a substrate having an aperture therethrough including the step of cobonding a composite reinforcing grommet to a structural composite substrate is also disclosed.

Abstract: Filament wound or dry lay-ups of structural shapes are impregnated with a binder of thermoplastic resin. Impregnation is achieve by adding a polymer solution to a centrifuge containing reinforcing material. The centrifuge is spun at high rotational speed. Solution is metered into the centrifuge and contacts the inner surface of the reinforicng material. A preheated carrier gas flow is circulated in the centrifuge using baffles, then released to a solvent recovery system. Alternatively, vacuum drying to recover solvent can be used.

Abstract: Apparatus for the impregnation of a continuous length of multifilament or multifiber yarns with a molten thermoplastic polymeric resin includes a pair of convex/concave (mating) surfaces for spreading the multifilaments or multifibers apart during their immersion in a bath of the molten resin. The shape, configuration and location of the surfaces facilitates homogeneous impregnation, particularly with highly viscous metls, to produce a uniform and thorough encapsulation of the filaments or fibers.

Abstract: An increased volume synthetic fiber consists of a porous central core and a large number of short porous lateral threads integral with the core and distributed along the whole length of the fiber so as to form a voluminous branching structure. The process used to produce the fiber consists of the mixing of a synthetic polymer with an expanding agent which expands when heated, then spinning by melting the mixture which results in the expansion and fringing of the threads produced, caused by the expansion agent, followed by the drawing and fixing of the threads thus produced while they are still hot.

Abstract: Thread bundles which are transported from top to bottom, can be wetted with liquids by means of a device consisting of a system releasing the liquid, conduits and a storage container as well as suitable transporting means for the liquid, whereby the system releasing the liquid has at least two slotted nozzles positioned one above the other and opposite each other, having a horizontal slot and whereby rods are attached at the slot ends which, seen from above, form an angle with the slot of from 100 to 170.degree., preferably from 115 to 160.degree..

Abstract: A method of molding oriented structural yarn/polymer matrix composite structural articles in which a preform of oriented yarn layers saturated with a resin is placed in a shape-defining mold, which is put in an enclosure, and subjected to heat and pressure to cure the resin, after which a cooling medium may be introduced. To enable the use of lightweight multi-part molds, and a mixture of pressure is distributed evenly, an internal liner is collapsed about the mold prior to curing. The process is extremely productive, and allows for accuracy and reproducibility through the use of real time temperature monitoring and closed loop feedback control.

Abstract: Preparation of a novel polyester fiber, such as a poly(ethylene terephthalate) fiber, having at least one continuous groove wherein the surface of the groove is rougher than the surface outside the groove is accomplished through a drafting process involving surface hydrolysis. The fibers have improved cover, softness, and wetting characteristics.

Abstract: A light wave conductor-sensor for tension, comprises a primary coated light wave conducting element, at least one coil wound on the primary light wave conducting element and forming together with the latter a sensor core, and a compound including longitudinally extending tension-proof fibers embedded in a synthetic plastic matrix, the compound forming a casing for the sensor core.

Abstract: The present invention relates to breathable, waterproof sheet materials comprising a microporous polymeric film and a hydrophilic filler material infiltrated into the pores of the film, and to methods for making such sheet materials. In the methods of the present invention, the liquid hydrophilic material or precursor thereof is infiltrated into the pores of the microporous film after the film has been stretched in the lengthwise direction, but before the film is stretched in the transverse direction. By coating the microporous film prior to the transverse stretching step, superior waterproof sheet materials are obtained.

Abstract: A binder for use in the preparation of a synthetic board from cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic material comprising an organic polyisocyanate and a polyester polyol, especially an aromatic polyester polyol.

Abstract: Articles from filaments of thermotropic liquid crystal polymers are formed by pultrusion without use of extraneous binder, wherein the filaments formed in a bundle are essentially parallel to permit the greatest surface contact between adjacent filaments.

Abstract: A process for impregnating with thermoplastic as well as thermosetting polymers in solid state fibers of great length, comprises realizing in a non-aqueous inert and volatile liquid in the absence of any other moistening, dispersing or emulsifying agent, a suspension of the powder polymer, continuously passing through said suspension the fibers fed in a single and preferential direction, separating such fibers during their passage through the suspension or during their staying time therein, into their unitary elements or filaments so as to expose maximum surface of each of them to contact with said suspension, assembling said unitary elements or filaments to maintain, therebetween and within fibers leaving the suspension, a given quantity of polymer powder, as well distributed as possible, eliminating the suspension liquid, submitting the obtained impregnated fibers to a thermal treatment to bring the polymer to the liquid or pasty state, then supplying the assembly to a forming or preforming unit in order to

Abstract: This invention relates to a process of making flat stock fibrous cellulosic food casings containing a low plasticizer level of between about 10 wt. % and about 17 wt. %, including at least about 9 wt. % polyol, both based upon the bone dry weight of cellulose in the casing, This process comprising forming a fibrous web into a tube, annularly extruding viscose onto the tube, passing the viscose coated tube through a regenerating bath, and incorporating water-soluble plasticizer into either or both the resulting cellulosic gel stock fibrous tube and the dried fibrous tube.

Abstract: Pultruded marking devices (29,42,45,48,50,55,57,58) made of fiber reinforcement materials (10,14,16,17) embedded in a cured polyester resin matrix that contains about 2% to 25% by weight of cellulose solid particulates. Unidirectional reinforcement materials (10) are the major portion of the reinforcement materials and form about 30% to 60% by weight of the total weight of the marking devices.

Abstract: Process for producing resin-impregnated fiber tow or strand in the form of prepreg tape which includes unique coating wheels for surface-coating the strand with molten, flowable resin and a kneading section to work the strand and disperse the molten resin uniformly among and between the individual fibers of the strand. The strand, after chilling, has good dimensional stability and is useful as prepreg in forming composite structures.

Abstract: A fiber web reinforced plastic is formed by applying dry resin powder to opposite sides of a vertically moving web, and then melting and pressing the power into the web. The dry powder is applied to the web by being thrown thereagainst. The powder thus more effectively occupies the voids in the web to minimize the presence of air in the web. The thrown-on powder can be melted before the laminating pressure is applied.

Abstract: A method for fibrillating carbonaceous fibers, which comprises contacting a tow of carbonaceous fibers to rotating surfaces of rollers for fibrillation, wherein at least two rollers are disposed so that the center axes of the rollers intersect the direction of advance of the tow of carbonaceous fibers and the rotating surfaces of the rollers are substantially alternately inclined in opposite directions, thereby to exert a shearing force to the tow in a direction transverse to the direction of advance of the tow.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a composite material formed of reinforcing fibers, regularly distributed and oriented in more than two directions, and of a matrix filling up the space between said fibers.According to the invention, said process consists in: producing a convex brush of said reinforcing fibers, regularly distributed and fixed by one of their ends on a convex base, said fibers being subjected to an intensive D.C. electrostatic field, oriented in parallel to said fibers so that the fibers are immobilized in stretched condition perpendicularly to the base surface; inserting between said fibers, layers or grids of fibers, disposed successively at 90.degree. from one another, said insertion being carried out while the reinforcing fibers fixed on said base are subjected to the intensive D.C.

Abstract: A fastener member and method of formation are provided wherein a bolt and nut are formed from a block of resin-impregnated fibers woven in a first, second and third plane each perpendicular to the other wherein the fibers in the first plane extend continuously and longitudinally through the fastener member and the fibers in the second and third plane extend to form the peaks and valleys of the helical thread.

Abstract: A carbonizable body is formed by infusing a plurality of preoxidized, preferably stabilized by known processing to have about 9 to 14 weight percent oxygen, polyacrylonitrile fibers in a polar liquid plasticizer, preferably water, capable of extracting a tarry leachate from the fibers. The infusion of the fibers in the plasticizer is continued for a sufficient time for a substantial amount of leachate to form on the surface of the fibers, and are then consolidated or diffusion-bonded to one another or other fibers, as by orienting the treated fibers in a mold and subjecting them to isostatic pressing at relatively low temperatures and pressure. Further processing of the consolidated fibers with appropriate heat treatment in an inert atmosphere will produce a carbonized bulk product with higher values of Young's modulus for the carbonized material than have been previously achieved at such carbonization temperatures.

Abstract: A carbonizable body is formed by infusing a plurality of preoxidized, preferably stabilized by known processing to have about 17 to 30 weight percent oxygen, fibers prepared from pitch, in a non-polar liquid plasticizer, typically quinoline, capable of extracting a tarry leachate from the fibers. The infusion of the fibers in the plasticizer is continued for a sufficient time for a substantial amount of leachate to form on the surface of the fibers. The treated fibers are then consolidated or diffusion-bonded to one another or other fibers, as by orienting the treated fibers in a mold and subjecting them to isostatic pressing at relatively low temperatures and pressure. Further processing of the consolidated fibers with appropriate heat treatment in an inert atmosphere will produce a carbonized bulk product with higher values of Young's modulus for the carbonized material than have been previously achieved at such carbonization temperatures.

Abstract: In order to achieve defined fiber orientation angles in the fiber-reinforced plastic material of a hollow shaft, consisting of such material, the hollow shaft having regions of different diameters, a braided fiber tube constituting the starting material is pulled over a core, is impregnated with settable plastic, and is hardened.

Abstract: A method of continuous molding a rod-like product includes forming an uncured rod-like molding by passing reinforcing fibers impregnated with uncured thermosetting resin through a squeezing die having a predetermined shape. Molten thermoplastic fluororesin is extruded in a ring shape to enclose the rod-like molding. A sheathing layer of the thermoplastic resin is formed by causing the thermoplastic resin to come into contact with the outer periphery of the uncured rod-like molding and by cooling and solidifying the thermoplastic resin. The uncured rod-like molding and the sheathing layer are introduced into a heated tank thereby hardening the thermosetting resin. The sheathing layer is stripped from the molding to form a rod-like product having a surface of fiber reinforced thermosetting resin.

Abstract: A process relating to the manufacturing of a structural reinforcing material which is made of a glass fiber reinforced plastic, a carbon fiber reinforced plastic or similar material wherein a precise sectional shape is not required. A fiber body including a plurality of reinforcing fibers is impregnated with a hardenable material and subsequently introduced into a drawing die having a desired sectional shape so as to be formed into a drawn article having a predetermined sectional shape. A tape is coiled therearound so as to cover the article. A string member is coiled therearound to thrust into the surface of the article. Thereafter, the drawn fiber body is subjected to a hardening treatment and the tape and string member are removed.

Abstract: A method for molding composite prepregs using high temperature substantially cured thermosetting resins that reduces fiber damage. Fiber plies are impregnated with solutions of high temperature substantially cured thermosetting resins and the plies are stacked to form a prepreg. A solid flowable particulate silicone rubber is caused to apply pressure to the prepreg to form a composite.This invention makes a significant advance in the field of molding high temperature resin composites by providing methods of molding that reduce fiber damage, shorten molding time and result in denser parts.

Abstract: A process for producing a hollow fiber mass transfer module with a number of hollow fibers sealed into a housing is improved according to the invention with regard to the development of a desirable flow space in the surface area of the hollow fibers by the fact that a spacing material is applied to the outsides of the hollow fibers before their insertion into the housing (2). The thickness of the material is chosen to conform to the desired separation of the hollow fibers. The hollow fibers are arranged substantially parallel and inserted as a bundle into the housing and are fixed with the grout. The spacing material can have a layered or particulate and granular form. A hollow fiber mass transfer module produced by the process pursuant to the invention has hollow fibers suitably arranged at uniform mutual spacings.

Abstract: A process and system for providing a design pattern in a material wherein a seleced medium is applied to the material, the material being positioned adjacent a surface of a template which surface has selected surface characteristics either topographical or non-topographical in nature. The material is held against the template surface at a selected pressure and for a selected time period, at least a portion of the medium coming into contact with the template surface. The surface characteristics of the template interact with the material and the medium as the medium comes into contact with the surface to produce the desired pattern.

Abstract: A continuous rod of a product such as a cigarette filter material is coated with a treating liquid by being passed axially through a cylindrical applicator zone comprising a permeable cylindrical wall, the cylindrical wall being concentrically enclosed within a reservoir and manifold zone connected to a source of liquid. The feed supply for the liquid additive can be pressurized and/or heated, so that application of the additive can be in either liquid or vapor form. The process and apparatus of this invention may be used alone or in conjunction with prior art homogeneous applicators and processes.When used to apply a plasticizer to a rod of continuous filament tow, e.g. for use in producing cigarette filters, annular regions of varying concentrations of the plasticizer are produced in the rod. A relatively dense region of plasticized fiber can be produced on the outside of the filter. Filter rods having wrapping paper uniformly adhered about the periphery of the rod can be produced.

Abstract: A non conductive, edge-strip for use on an electrolytic metal refining anode or cathode to prevent metal deposit problems over the edge contours of this cathode. The edge-strip is in the shape of an elongated profile member with a U-shaped cross-section sized to extend over, and fit snuggly onto an edge of the cathode. The edge-strip is made by pultrusion of fiberglass impregnated with a polymeric resin resistant to acids and alkalis, and externally covered with a surfacing veil resistant to acids and electrochemical attacks.

Abstract: A constant cross-sectional area filament wound composite material leaf spring of optimal energy storage efficiency given the constraints of filament winding and maximum spring width comprises a portion which widens toward the end of the spring, the rate of increase of width of the spring being such that the longitudinal side surfaces of the spring along such portions follow a lateral, outwardly convex curve of radius R.sub.I, wherein R.sub.I at each point is substantially equal to the camber, i.e., the longitudinal radius of curvature R.sub.C at that point.

Abstract: A roving laid flat of unitary metal, mineral or synthetic filaments is treated with a powder, whose grain size is equal to the diameter of the filaments, of a plastic material chosen either from the group of thermosetting polyers including the epoxides, the phenolics, the polyesters with terminal groups --COOH, the polyimides, the acrylics and the polyurethanes, or prepolymerized polyamides modified by diamines, polyolefins modified by maleic anhydride or acrylic acid, partially hydrolized EVA copolymers, the E-VA-maleic anhydride terpolymers and eva copolymers grafted by the acrylic radical, then the powder charged rovings are coated by a thermoplastic polymer, such as polyamides, copolyamides and linear polyesters, the material thus obtained being placed in a mold under pressure and at a temperature not exceeding 170.degree. C.

Abstract: Rigidized composite preforms are fabricated by first serving individual reinforcement strands with a thread of a thermoplastic material. After shaping the reinforcement strands into a desired geometry, the shaped strands are heated to melt the thermoplastic threads. By then cooling the shaped reinforcement strands, the thermoplastic material solidifies and acts as an adhesive or glue in holding the preform together in a rigid fashion. Such rigid preforms are particularly suitable for handling, storage and transportation to other locations and media prior to densification. Densification may be performed by conventional techniques to produce the final composite article. Pyrolysis of the matrices and subsequent densification of the matrix may be accomplished.

Abstract: An ornamental facing structure has an elongate base supporting a plurality, typically four, of facing members, which may simulate bricks, in side-by-side relationship; the structure has a thin bar for insertion into a narrow elongate slot in a surface on which the facing structure is to be mounted; the facing structures can be readily applied in side-by-side relationship to face a wall surface.

Abstract: Non-slip properties are imparted to molded plastic articles by adhering a layer of latex or a latex-impregnated sheet material onto the surface of the molded article. Preferably, the latex layer is applied prior to thermoset curing of the molded article and is adhered to the thermoset article during the curing process. The plastic may be reinforced, and the latex is preferably an acrylic latex impregnated into a sheet material such as cloth or paper.

Abstract: A compound composite structure is a combination of plastics and other materials forming a structure usable in the fabrication of manufactured products or components. A compound composite structure is composed of a thermoplastic resin material bonded to, by mixture with, a composite reinforcing structure. The composite reinforcing structure consists of fibers imbedded in a thermoplastic resin material. The composite reinforcing structure may be formed by passing extruded plastic resin material through a die which imbeds fibers. The compound composite structure may be formed by mounting a preformed composite reinforcing structure in a molding die and by injecting thermoplastic resin material into the molding die.