Abstract: A process for manufacturing spherical objects which includes the steps of ejecting into a reaction medium layer a predetermined amount of liquid material which form spherical objects and allowing the spherical mass produced by the ejection to react and set while floating in the reaction medium layer. The reaction medium layer is restricted by a first blocking and protective liquid layer having a smaller specific gravity than the reaction medium layer and located above the level of ejection and a second blocking and protective layer having a greater specific gravity than that of the reaction medium and located below the level of ejection.

Abstract: A method of producing a reinforced rubber hose, including the steps of continuously extruding a long plastic mandrel from a plastic material and feeding the extruded plastic mandrel, extruding an unvulcanized inner rubber tube on the long plastic mandrel, forming a tubular reinforcing layer on the unvulcanized inner rubber tube, extruding an unvulcanized outer rubber tube on the tubular reinforcing layer, vulcanizing the unvulcanized rubber tubes, thereby preparing a long rubber hose formed on the long plastic mandrel, cutting the long rubber hose into short rubber hoses having a predetermined length, while concurrently cutting the long plastic mandrel into short plastic mandrels, removing the short plastic mandrels from the short rubber hoses, and crushing the short plastic mandrels into a starting form of the plastic material, and returning the starting form of the plastic material to an extruder for continuously extruding the long plastic mandrel.

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 platen roller producing process includes the steps of coating the circumferential wall of a core metal with a rubber material, inserting the core metal coated with the rubber material into a cylindrical mold and subjecting the mold to a heating treatment.

Abstract: A method of molding a polymeric containing article by exposing the article to ultraviolet radiation and a substantially uniform pressure. The method includes placing the precursor article within a pressure vessel and substantially filling the vessel with a solid, flowable, polymer medium that is substantially ultraviolet transparent under pressure. The polymer medium is pressurized so as to produce a substantially, uniform predetermined pressure on the surface of the article and the article is exposed to ultraviolet radiation that passes through the polymer medium to cure the article. Alternatively, the polymeric article may be passed through the medium containing vessel during exposure to ultraviolet radiation and a substantially uniform pressure.

Abstract: A process for producing polyethylene materials is disclosed in which particulate polyethylene is drawn at lower temperatures than its melting point, the polymer having an intrinsic viscosity of 5-50 dl/g at 135.degree. C. in decalin and resulting from the polymerization of ethylene at temperatures below the above melting point and with use of a selected catalyst. The polyethylene materials excel in mechanical strength and elastic modulus.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of molding a plastics material comprising the steps of placing the material with a quantity of an appropriate catalyst in granular (including powdered) form into a hollow mold shell; suspending the mold in a mounting system enabling rotation in a plurality of directions whereby the powdered material, together with the catalyst, is able to flow over all the interior surfaces; containing the mold and mounting system within an oven and heating the mold therein while rotating the same; cooling the mold and subsequently withdrawing the molded article therefrom.

Abstract: A process for dry fiber winding in the absence of resin and subsequent resin impregnating of objects such as projectile bodies having a recessed area for receiving the windings. The process includes winding the projectile body with dry glass or other dry fibers in the absence of resin, placing the wound projectile body into a heated mold, applying a vacuum, pressure injecting a metered amount of resin into the mold, applying pressure to the resin by means of a pressurized ram to impregnate the fibers, allowing the resin to cure to the gel stage within the mold, removing the projectile body from the mold without distrubing the gel surface, and completing cure of the resin at room temperature or in a curing oven.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for hot curing thermosetting resins and vulcanizable elastomers, based on the use of perfluoropolyethers in the liquid state as heat transfer media.

Abstract: A process for extruding a hydrolyzable particulate thermolastic copolymer coated with an organic peroxide, which, under extrusion conditions, will provide essentially no crosslinking per se, but will decompose to provide a silanol condensation catalyst, including passing the coated copolymer through an extruder having a die at about its downstream end with the proviso that the extruder is operated under such conditions that (i) the temperature of the extruder before the die is maintained at a level sufficient to extrude the copolymer, but below the decomposition temperature of the organic peroxide; (ii) the temperature of the extruder at or after the die is maintained at or above the decomposition temperature of the peroxide; and (iii) there is sufficient moisture in the environment to crosslink the copolymer in the presence of a silanol condensation catalyst.

Abstract: A shaped and drawn aromatic imide polymer article, for example, a film or filament, is produced by shaping an aromatic polyamic acid solution containing an imidizing agent in a polar organic solvent while simultaneously imidizing a portion of the aromatic polyamic acid to an extent such that the resultant self-supporting precursory article contains 20% to 87% by weight of a volatile substance and has a tensile strength of at least 1.5 kg/mm.sup.2 and an ultimate elongation of at least 30%, by drawing the precursory article at a draw ratio of 1.3 or more and by heat-treating the drawn article at a temperature of 150.degree. C. or more.

Abstract: A method for preparing a gas sensor includes forming a mixture containing an aqueous buffer solution including a dissolved dye, a polymeric precursor of a cross-linked polymeric material, and a cross-linking agent and reacting the polymeric precursor and the cross-linking agent in the mixture to form a gas sensor including micro-compartments of the aqueous buffer solution dispersed in the cross-linked polymeric material.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing molded products of polyethylene terephthalate by injection molding or extrusion molding a material containing polyethylene terephthalate as the principal component characterized by using virgin and/or waste polyethylene terephthalate of average molecular weight of more than 10000 to which polymer such as nylon and/or inorganic fillers can be added as required, and molding said material under the following molding conditions by a general type or vent type molding machine:(a) Control of a temperature of a cylinder of the molding machine in the range of melting temperature of resin plus/minus 35.degree. C., and(b) Control of the staying hour of resin in the cylinder to be within 15 minutes.

Abstract: Water absorbent, water insoluble, cross linked polymer fibre or film can be made by dry extrusion of a solution of a substantially linear polymer formed from a water soluble blend of monoethylenically unsaturated monomers comprising a plasticizing monomer, evaporating the solvent and forming polymeric fibre or film plasticized by an external plasticizer, stretching the fibre or film while the external plasticizer remains in the fibre or film, and then cross linking the polymer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing a fiber-reinforced rubber hose having an inner rubber tube, a tubular reinforcing fiber layer, an outer rubber tube, and a resin cover tube, which are formed in this order on a core mandrel. After the formed cover tube is cooled to a temperature sufficiently low to harden the resin to an extent that substantially inhibits expansion of the outer rubber tube in the hardened cover tube, the unvulcanized inner and outer rubber tubes are microwave-heated to soften the rubber tubes, and to cause a thermal shrinkage of the tubular reinforcing fiber layer, for thereby causing a portion of the inner rubber tube to be forced through a network of an interlaced structure of the reinforcing fiber layer into the outer rubber tube. After the unvulcanized inner and outer rubber tubes are vulcanized, the resin cover tube is removed, and the fiber-reinforced rubber hose is prepared.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for making a shaped crosslinked extruded polymeric product by extruding compacted, melted polymer, e.g., polyethylene, into a mixer formed on or fitted to the discharge end of an extruder, injecting proportionate amounts of a mixture of compounding ingredients including olefinically unsaturated hydrolyzable silane, free-radical generator and, preferably, a silanol condensation catalyst into the compacted, melted polymer. The polymer and compounding ingredients are blended in the mixer until the silane is grafted to said polymer, and the resulting grafted polymer mixed with the silanol condensation catalyst is extruded thruugh a die to form the product of the required final shape. The resulting product is subjected to the action of H.sub.2 O until the grafted polymer is crosslinked.

Abstract: A method for the grafting of at least two different monomers onto molten hydrocarbon polymer, in which the monomers are capable of undergoing thermally induced copolymerization, is disclosed. The method involves contacting one of said monomers with the other of said monomers in the presence of molten polymer and under admixing conditions such that the monomers and polymer are rapidly admixed. In preferred embodiments, the process is operated in the absence of initiator for the grafting reaction and in the substantial absence of antioxidant in the polymer. Preferably, one of the grafting monomers is selected from the group consisting of styrene, 2-methyl styrene, 4-methyl styrene, alpha-methyl styrene, beta-methyl styrene, 4-vinyl anisole, stilbene and indene, and mixtures thereof, and the other of the grafting monomers is selected from the group consisting of maleic anhydride, itaconic anhdride, citraconic anhydride, maleimide and N-phenylmaleimide, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Superabsorbent articles in the form of soft, nonwoven fibrous webs are produced from aqueous fiber-forming polymer solutions by forming the polymer into water soluble filaments, contacting the filaments with a primary air stream having a velocity effective to attenuate and to partially dry the filaments, contacting the attenuated filaments with a secondary air stream having a velocity effective to fragment the filaments into fibers and to transport the fibers to a web-forming zone while also further attenuating and drying the fibers, collecting the fibers in reticulated web-form in the web-forming zone and curing the web to a water insoluble state. The temperature and air stream velocities are controlled with respect to ambient humidity and water content of the fiber during the fiber and web formation such that the fibers are collected without sticking. Collection is preferably on a wire belt followed by transport through a curing oven to compacting rolls and web take-up.

Abstract: The invention concerns the production of oriented polymeric films in which a layer of a heat curable silicone resin composition is formed on a layer of a polymeric film which is thereafter stretched at an elevated temperature to effect orientation of the film. The heat curable silicone resin composition includes a volatile inhibitor for inhibiting curing of the composition while stretching is effected. Suitable inhibitors include volatile amines, alkynes and acetylene alcohols. Films so produced can be used as release films.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for making an oriented polymer film product which comprises:(a) applying a solventless, curable silicone release composition to an extrudable, orientable polymer;(b) extruding the polymer as a sheet or film;(c) orienting the sheet or film such that curable silicone release composition migrates to at least one surface of the sheet or film forming a substantially continuous layer thereon; and(d) subjecting the oriented sheet or film to silicone-curing conditions whereby said curable silicone release composition forms a substantially continuous release layer thereon.

Abstract: A method of making a bonded permanent magnet including the steps of dissolving, in a solvent, an uncured epoxy resin having an incorporated catalyst which is inactive at a temperature of about 120.degree. F. Particles of a rapidly quenched rare earth-iron-boron alloy are added to the epoxy resin solution. The solution with the particles are mixed at a temperature of about 120.degree. F. until the solvent is removed and the magnetic particles are substantially uniformly coated with the resin. The epoxy coated particles are then cold-pressed into a compact to form a magnet and the epoxy compact is then cured by heating.

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: The invention is directed to the method, products and apparatus for the manufacture of a high optical quality sheet of plastic comprising a polyurethane layer having energy-absorbing properties obtained by reactive pouring or reactive pulverization of the reaction components.In accordance with the invention, the polyurethane layer is treated, while it is in a state of ongoing polymerization corresponding to an NCO/CH ratio of less than 0.7, with water in a liquid or vapor form and then subsequently, after rolling with an interpolated film, stocking and unrolling, the layer is subjected to heat treatment.

Abstract: A molded article of methacrylic resin formed of a cross-linked polymer having at least part of the surface thereof coated with an abrasion resistant layer in contact with a basic molding material made of a methacrylic partially cross-linked gel thereby allowing the methacrylic partially cross-linked gel consequently produced to possess the property of retaining the polymerization in a stopped state, and simultaneously polymerizing said two materials held in mutual contact under a condition capable of imparting a desired shape to the combined materials.

Abstract: In the production of a thread-reinforced hose from polymeric material, the still formable material, a mold core, and the reinforcing thread or threads are fed continuously into a shear head and united. This takes place while utilizing the rotary movement of the shear mandrel contained in the shear head such that each thread used is passed axially through the shear mandrel and is wound around the mold core after emerging from an opening at the end. The embedding of the thread into the material and its winding about the mold core take place simultaneously. After the finished hose emerges from the nozzle of the shear head the material solidifies and the mold core is removed.

Abstract: A method for curing rubber in a heated mold in which the temperature of the mold is measured after closure and variations in temperature from an optimum cure temperature are used to adjust elapsed cure times which decrement an optimum cure time. The adjustment of elapsed cure time is determined by an algorithm which utilizes the 18.degree. F. (10.degree. C.) doubling rule; that is, that the rate of cure doubles for each increase in temperature of 18.degree. F. (10.degree. C.) and halves for each decrease in temperature of 18.degree. F. (10.degree. C.). Accordingly, the algorithm reduces the cure time remaining at a rate exceeding the actual elapsed time if the temperature of the mold is measured and determined to be above the optimum or set point temperature, and conversely, the cure time remaining is lengthened by reducing the cure time remaining at a rate below the actual elapsed time rate if the measured temperature of the mold is below the set point temperature.

Abstract: A process for preparing collagen tubes includes extruding an aqueous gel containing about 1.5% native collagen through a cylindrical spinneret equipped with a central concentric tube designed to receive a part of a coagulation bath, followed by coagulation of the internal and external walls of the tube, leaving the spinneret in a coagulation bath constituted by about 70% acetone and 30% ammonia, followed by drying. Following drying, the collagen tube may be subjected to reticulation by dehydration carried out at about 80.degree. C. under a pressure of about 0.1 mm of Hg (vacuum) for about 24 hours. The reticulated collagen tube may eventually be subjected to a treatment which permits the introduction of azide groups onto the molecule without requiring that the collagen be coupled to any external molecule.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of hollow articles, in which a photocurable resin is introduced into a mold which transmits light, the mold is irradiated until the resin has polymerized to the desired depth, the remaining resin is allowed to run out and the partially polymerized layer is then fully cured. The hollow articles may be used in particular as expendable cores in the manufacture of plastics containers by the winding process.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing an extruded product of a fire-retardant crosslinked polyolefin composition, including the steps of mixing 10 to 200 parts by weight of at least one material selected from the group consisting of an inorganic fire retardant, an organic fire retardant, and an inorganic filler to 100 parts by weight of polyolefin, adding predetermined amounts of an unsaturated alkoxysilane and a radical polymerization initiator to the resultant mixture to cause silicone grafting, and bringing a reacted mixture into contact with water in the presence of a silanol condensation catalyst, a cooling zone is formed between an extruder and a crosshead to set a uniform temperature of a molten resin composition and to cool the composition temperature to a desired temperature.

Abstract: An analytical technique for controlling the curing process of fiber-reinforced composite materials that are formed using thermosetting resins. The technique is the percent gel method and involves development of a time-to-gel equation as a function of temperature. From this equation a rate-of-gel equation is then determined, and a percent gel is calculated which is the product of rate-of-gel times time. Percent gel accounting is used to control the proper pressure application point in an autoclave cure process to achieve desired properties in a production composite part.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for inducing dimensional stability in cured composite structures using acoustic emission analysis to identify the appropriate level and extent of coincident thermal conditioning. Temperature of the composite structure is lowered at a bounded rate to a minimum temperature typical of the intended operating environment. Passive stress wave acoustic emissions of the composite are analyzed to generate a signature of stress relaxation events over time. When the rate of stress relaxation events decreases below a predetermined percentage of the maximum rate, and remains below that level for a period of time sufficient to predict operational stability, thermal conditioning is terminated.

Abstract: EPDM roof sheeting is prepared by ionizing radiation curing of a sheet calendered from 100 parts uncured EPDM elastomer, 40-150 parts carbon black, 30-100 parts process oil and an ionizing radiation crosslinking promoter. Preferably, the promoter is dicumyl peroxide, .alpha.,.alpha.'bis (t-butylperoxy) diisopropylbenzene, liquid high vinyl 1,2-polybutadiene resin or ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and an average dose of ionizing radiation of about 15 to about 35 megarads is used to produce sheeting meeting RMA (Rubber Manufacturers Association) Roofing Council tensile strength and elongation requirements for non-reinforced black EPDM rubber sheeting used in roofing applications.

Abstract: Acrylic resin sheets having an excellent heat moldability and solvent resistance are prepared by:(1) preparing a syrup of methyl methacrylate or a monomer mixture comprising at least 60 weight % of methyl methacrylate and not more than 40 weight % of an acrylic acid ester by partially polymerizing the monomer or monomers in the presence of 0.01 to 2.0 weight %, based on the monomer or monomers, of a chain transfer agent, as well as a polymerization initiator; and(2) incorporating the thus-prepared syrup with 0.02 to 1.0 weight %, based on the syrup, of a cross-linking agent, and subjecting the resulting mixture of cast polymerization under such conditions that if the crosslinking agent is not present, the intrinsic viscosity of the completely polymerized sheet is in the range of 0.05 to 0.12 l/g.

Abstract: A crosslinked polyolefin insulated power cable with remarkably improved AC breakdown voltage and impulse withstand voltage has been obtained by a process which comprises extrusion-coating, on the outer surface of a conductor, (1) a material for the formation of an inner semiconductive layer, comprising a base polymer and N-vinylcarbazole, (2) a crosslinkable polyolefin material for the formation of a crosslinked polyolefin insulating layer and (3) a material for the formation of an outer semiconductive layer in this order and then subjecting the coated conductor to a crosslinking treatment to form, on the outer surface of the conductor, an inner semiconductive layer, a crosslinked polyolefin insulating layer and an outer semiconductive layer in this order.

Abstract: A fire wall constructed of a composite materials (10) includes a fire-protecting layer of intumescent material (16) integrated into the structure thereof. A plurality of layers of composite material (18) are laminated together to form the fire wall. An outer layer (14) is a shielding material such as fiber glass. Another layer (16) is an intumescent material in juxtapositional relationship between the outer shielding layer (14) and the composite layers (18). The shielding layer (14) and the intumescent layer (16) are co-cured with the composite layers (18) to make a fire wall having integrated fire-protection that is immediately usable without need of additional thermal protection materials.

Abstract: A process for the production of a polyimide film having an increased adhesiveness which includes the steps of: evenly coating a surface treating solution which contains a heat-resistant surface treating agent of aminosilane type, epoxysilane type or titanate type in an amount not less than 0.5 wt. % on a surface of a solid film comprising an aromatic polymer composition which contains 100 parts by weight of an aromatic polyamic acid and 5-150 parts by weight of an organic polar solvent and heating the solid film having the coated surface treating solution at a temperature of 100.degree.-600.degree. C., to imidize the polyamic acid constituting the solid film as well as to dry the film.

Abstract: A method for molding a thermosetting resin pipe having a balanced compressive strength between the axial direction and the direction normal to the pipe axis is disclosed. The method includes steps of molding a thermosetting resin in a smooth zone in the front section of a screw to such an extent that the resin after being extruded from the cylinder is capable of retaining its own shape, and orienting the resin and/or a fibrous filler randomly. An apparatus for producing such a thermosetting resin, and a thermosetting resin having a balanced compressive strength are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing a pneumatic vehicle tire, the beads of which can be mounted on the radially inner periphery of a rim, and are pivotably relative to the bead cores. A carcass along with the adjacent rubber layers, and the tire beads, with their pull and compression resistant cores, are combined on a drum to form an essentially cylindrical blank. What will later be the insides of the tire initially face radially outwardly, and the interfaces of the initially radially outwardly extending beads form an essentially right angle with the cylindrical surface of the blank. At least the bead regions of the tire blank are preliminarily vulcanized, whereupon the blank is turned in and has imparted thereto a toroidal shape. The blank is then provided with a tread strip, and is final-vulcanized.

Abstract: A part made of a resin-containing composite material, also having at least one insert made of a different material, is hardened by electron beam radiation in zones having a surface mass at the most equal to 4 g/cm.sup.2 and by X-radiation in zones having a surface mass above 4 g/cm.sup.2. The X-radiation, in doses up to 10 Mrad, is produced by action of the electron beam on a target placed between the part and the electron beam.

Abstract: Extruded articles such as filaments and films are fabricated by blending the components of a curable liquid silicone rubber composition at temperatures of from -60.degree. to +5.degree. C. and then extruding the composition into water maintained at a temperature of at least +25.degree. C. to cure said composition. The water bath preferably contains a surfactant to facilitate processing of the extruded article. The present method provides uniformly cured articles that are almost bubble-free and have low shrinkage ratios.

Abstract: A process for producing a microcellular cast resin product, by casting a water-in-oil emulsion of polymerizable components which will gel and partially polymerize by an exothermic reaction, and placing the partially polymerized casting in a fluid medium maintained at a temperature and pressure such that evaporation of water and monomers is inhibited but sufficient to promote complete polymerization while retaining dispersed water within a microcellular structure. The water content of the emulsion can range from about 1% to about 90% by weight, and the microcellular structure may be either the open cell or the closed cell type.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the manufacture of molded bodies of polyurethane integral foam, such as body parts for the automotive industry, in which the first step of the process, the polyol component is prepared and in the second step of the process the polyol component is reacted with the isocyanate component according to the reaction injection molding method. In the mold and/or after removal from the mold, the molded bodies are subjected to thermal aftertreatment within the framework of a third process step for thirty minutes to three hours at 120.degree. to 180.degree. C. Also, the polyol component may contain nucleating agents, so that the nucleated molded bodies may or may not need be thermally aftertreated.

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 method of preparing ceramic materials or articles by the pyrolysis of preceramic silazane polymers, wherein the preceramic silazane polymers are rendered infusible prior to pyrolysis by treatment with steam or a steam and oxygen mixture, is disclosed. This method is especially suited for the preparation of ceramic fibers.

Abstract: A polyester film having on at least one surface thereof a primer layer comprising a crosslinked product of a polyurethane having at least one functional group selected from a carboxyl group, a sulfo group, a hemisulfate group, and salts of these groups and a polyepoxy compound. The polyester film having a primer layer can be produced by coating an aqueous primer coating composition comprising a polyurethane having at least one of a carboxylic acid salt group, a sulfonic acid salt group and a hemisulfate salt group on at least one surface of a polyester film before its crystallization and orientation are completed, and thereafter completing the crystallization and orientation by subjecting the coated film to drying, stretching and heat-treatment, and is useful as a base film for magnetic recording media.

Abstract: A polycarbosilastyrene copolymer which comprises recurring carbosilane units of the formula I: ##STR1## and recurring silastyrene units of the formula II: ##STR2## is useful for producing a shaped sintered silicon carbide article by shaping the polycarbosilastyrene copolymer to a desired form, by applying an ultra-violet ray treatment or heat treatment to the shaped article, and by sintering the resultant cross-linked, non-fusible shaped article at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A method for producing nonspherical particles including those of prolate spheroidal, oblate spheroidal, and ellipsoidal shape is described. A microparticulate latex can be produced wherein the microparticles in the latex are substantially identical in all dimensions. The overall shape, volume, and aspect ratio or aspect ratios of the particles can be systematically controlled. Non-spherical particles ranging in sizes from about 0.01 microns to about 100 microns can be produced from a variety of polymeric materials. Such particles can be used as model particles for a variety of scientific studies, calibration standards for electron microscopes, and in a variety of optical, thermal, electrical, and biomedical applications.

Abstract: A method for producing a rigid resin mold for preparing plastic moldings which comprises:(1) preparing a composition (I) consisting essentially of(A) a cyanate ester resin composition, and(B-1) a metallic substance which does not substantially accelerate gelation of the cyanate ester resin composition (A),(2) preparing a composition (II) consisting essentially of(C) epoxy resin, and(B-2) a metallic substance which accelerates gelation of the cyanate ester resin composition (A) and does not substantially accelerate gelation of the epoxy resin (C) at temperatures below or equal to 100.degree. C.,(3) mixing composition (I) of step (1) and composition (II) of step (2) to form composition (III),(4) casting composition (III) of step (3) into a mold(5) and gelling the cast resin.

Abstract: A process for producing a surface-embossed, deep-drawn article suitable for an interior finish or lining of a motor vehicle, for example, starts with a partially-crystalline polymeric material, i.e., one having crystallites, in film form. The film-form material is heated to a temperature below the melting point of its crystallites an surface embossed. The embossed material is then cooled and crosslinked. The crosslinking is preferably done by irradiating the cooled material with a high-energy beam such as an accelerated electron beam, for example. The cooled and crosslinked material is then reheated, this time to a temperature above the melting point of its crystallites, and deep drawn into the shape of the article.

Abstract: Clamps mounted on a reciprocal frame grip a web of connected molded fibrous articles and move toward a cutter a distance equal to one article length, thereby presenting to the cutter the connecting portion between adjacent articles and also pulling the next portion of uncured fibrous material into the mold press for shaping and curing. After the cutting operation the clamps open and move toward the mold into position to again grip and feed the web toward the cutter. Connected rows of webs can also be handled by slitting the rows as they move toward the cutter. The articles, which can be quite deep compared to the thickness of the connecting portions between articles, are supported during travel and while stationary by support plates separate from the reciprocal frame. The various components which contact or cause movement or cycling of the apparatus can be adjusted to permit handling of articles and webs of different dimensions.