Abstract: A curved composite aircraft frame comprises a multi-ply composite laminate having a generally Z-shaped cross section. At least certain of the laminate plies include unidirectional reinforcing fibers that are substantially tangent at substantially all points along the curvature of the frame.

Abstract: Composite fiber reinforced balloons for medical devices are prepared by applying a web of fibers to the exterior of a preformed underlayer balloon, encasing the web with a matrix material to form an assembly, and inserting the assembly into a preformed outer layer balloon to form the composite balloon.

Abstract: An ink composition is provided that includes (A) a polymerizable silicone compound having an ethylenically unsaturated group and a silicone chain, (B) tetrahydrofurfuryl (meth)acrylate, and (C) a radical polymerization initiator. There are also provided an inkjet recording method that includes (a1) a step of discharging onto a recording medium the ink composition and (b1) a step of curing the ink composition by irradiating the discharged ink composition with actinic radiation, a printed material obtained by the inkjet recording method, and a process for producing a formed printed material that includes (a2) a step of forming an image on a support by discharging the ink composition by an inkjet method, (b2) a step of obtaining a printed material having a cured image on the support by irradiating the obtained image with actinic radiation so as to cure the ink composition, and (c2) a step of molding the printed material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a multilayer film comprising at least one polyethylene (except high pressure polyethylene) and polypropylene layer, wherein the adhesion between the polyethylene and polypropylene is enhanced without the use of any tie layer by processing the film with a freezing time of less than ten seconds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to generating a film suitable for medical packaging. The film is generated by blown film co-extrusion to form a multi-layer film which has a heat resistant layer, a barrier layer and a heat seal layer. The barrier layer includes a high barrier resin and a branched co-polymer. The high barrier resin has a density of at least 0.963 g/cm3. The barrier layer includes between 25% and 85% high barrier resin. The heat resistant layer may be comprised of polymers, papers and other materials. The heat seal layer, in some embodiments, comprises any of high density polyethylene and medium density polyethylene, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, an additional laminate layer may be affixed to the heat resistant layer of the multi-layer film. The final film is between 3.0 and 3.8 mils in thickness, and has a moisture vapor transmission rate of less than 0.08.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a resonator is disclosed in which a sleeve insert is placed into a fixture within a blow molding apparatus. The sleeve insert has a wall with a first plurality of apertures in the wall at a first axial distance and a second plurality of apertures in the wall at a second axial distance. A parison is slid over the sleeve insert; the mold is clamped over the parison causing the parison to press into the sleeve insert at three locations: near the ends of the sleeve insert and at a location between the pluralities of apertures; and air is blown into the sleeve insert, via a blow pin, to expand the parison into the walls of the mold to form cavities proximate the first and second pluralities of aperatures. After cooling, the mold opens to release the newly formed resonator.

Abstract: The techniques disclosed provide methods for making and using lamination films having one, two, three or more layers. The two layer lamination films may have an outer protective material comprising a styrenic polymer and an inner sealing material comprising a poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) (EVA). The three layer lamination films add a center adhesive layer comprising a blend of a low density polyethylene and an EVA. Laminated structures using said lamination films are also described.

Abstract: The present invention discloses multilayer blown films for shrink label and related applications. These multilayer blown films can comprise a core layer containing an ethylene polymer, and inner and outer layers containing conjugated diene monovinylarene block copolymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a skin for a motor vehicle trim element, intended to delimit an outer surface of the trim element and comprising at least one region with a substantially constant thickness. The skin comprises at least one first zone in which the skin comprises an outer layer, formed by a first translucent polyurethane material, and an inner layer, covered by the outer layer and formed by a second polyurethane material, different from the first polyurethane material, and at least one second zone, in which the skin comprises only said outer layer.

Abstract: A tool for the infusion of a resin into a preform made of fiber material includes a mould which can be closed around the preform and in the body of which at least one inlet duct is formed to allow resin to be injected into the mould so that the resin can be infused into the preform. At least one reservoir which can contain the resin, is also formed in the body of the mould and is connected to the at least one inlet duct. The mould can be inserted in an autoclave and the reservoir is configured to permit the transfer of the resin from the reservoir to the inlet duct under the effect of the temperature and of the pressure that are produced in the autoclave, thus allowing the resin to be injected into the mould.

Abstract: An interior trim part for a passenger compartment of a vehicle has a shaped part which has a front side which forms a decorative wear layer of the interior trim part, and having at least one carrier layer which forms a rear side of the interior trim part, at least one part region of the interior trim part being provided with at least one supporting structure which provides a pleasant tactile sensation at the surface of the part region, the shaped part having at least one connecting element which is attached to the carrier layer of the rear side of the internal trim part, and the supporting structure being formed as a separate supporting element and being held by the connecting element of the shaped part. Moreover, a method for producing an interior trim part for a passenger compartment of a vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A method of producing a composite shell structure in the form of a wind turbine blade shell part having a reinforced fibre material embedded in a cured resin includes: providing a mould part having a contour defining the outer surface of the composite shell structure; providing a preform forming part shaped complementary to the mould part moulding surface; forming a preform of dry fibre material on the surface of the preform forming part; arranging the mould part and the preform forming part in an assembled position with the mould part moulding surface facing the preform forming surface; releasing the preform from the preform forming surface so that it is received on the mould part moulding surface; removing the preform forming part from the mould part; forming a mould cavity by means of a second mould part arranged on the preform; providing resin in the mould cavity; and curing the resin.

Abstract: A load bearing panel member having a first portion, a second portion, and an appearance surface portion is formed by injection molding such that the first portion includes a plurality of rib members forming a grid pattern on the first portion and another plurality of rib members extending toward the periphery of the first portion which may be non-orthogonal to each other and to the rib members forming the grid pattern. A tubular cavity may be formed within each of the non-orthogonal rib members by injecting a gas into the rib member during the molding process forming the panel. An appearance surface portion attached to the first portion and second portion of the panel member forms an integral hinge between the first and second portions of the panel member. The panel member may be configured as a floor panel of a vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described where at least one roller (e.g., a kicker roller) is used to impregnate fibers (i.e., a charge or reinforcement) with a liquid resin (i.e., matrix) by eliminating air from the resin and fibers as they enter a pressurized zone. Air is forced out as the resin is first drawn into an entry zone of the roller, then into an entry gap adjacent to the roller, and then into the pressurized zone on the opposite side of the roller. The pressurized zone is an enclosed area at the output side of the roller where the resin is allowed to accumulate and the resin and composite combination are then forced out through a small exit gap. Shear forces between the surface of the quickly rotating driven roller and the resin provide the driving force. The fibers may be continuous (e.g., from a roller) or discontinuous or loose cut.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a housing is provided. A fiber film is placed on a first mold, and a second mold presses the fiber film to make it deform slightly. When the first mold and the second mold are not closed completely, the melt plastic material is injected from the second mold to the fiber film to press down the fiber film. Then, the molds are assembled while the melt plastic material is injected to form a molding product. Furthermore, the edge of the fiber film near the corner is cut off to obtain a housing with a well-attached fiber film.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for fabricating adhesive bonded joints while minimizing the voids and/or porosity found in the cured bondline. In accordance with various embodiments, the apparatus comprises an evacuation chamber combined with a pressure inducing device to produce bonded joints that are both void free and thoroughly compacted. The surfaces to be bonded are continuously evacuated throughout the bonding process (pre-mating, mating, debulking and cure). Continuous evacuation is provided via standard vacuum, while the induced pressure can be pneumatically or mechanically provided.

Abstract: A method for making a porous material, includes melt-blending two or more non-miscible polymers to obtain a co-continuous melt, solidifying the melt to obtain a solid mass consisting of two co-continuous polymer phases, and selectively extracting one of the co-continuous phases thereby creating within the solid mass an essentially continuous pore network having an internal surface. The method further includes replicating the internal surface of the pore network within the solid mass by coating the internal surface with successive layers of materials, and selectively extracting the solid mass without extracting the layers of materials, to thereby yield the product porous material, formed of the layers of materials. The material has a void fraction higher than about 75%, and mainly having essentially fully interconnected sheath-like non-spherical pores and essentially non-fibrous walls.

Abstract: Provided are blends of linear low density polyethylene copolymers with very low density, low density, medium density, high density, and differentiated polyethylenes and other polymers. The invention also includes articles produced from the linear low density polyethylene and polyethylene blends described herein.

Abstract: A method of producing a composite component, in which a hollow section is expanded, at least in regions, by internal high pressure. In a first step a region of the hollow section is expanded until it comes to lie against an edge region of a cavity of a combined hydroforming and injection mold. In a second step the cavity is filled with an injection molding compound. In a third step the hollow section, at least in regions, is expanded further, which increases the internal high pressure.

Abstract: Provided is a molded body in which at least one surface layer made of a copolyester polymer is laminated on one surface or both surfaces of a base layer made of aliphatic polycarbonate. When coextruding aliphatic polycarbonate and copolyester polymer, two layers adhere well to each other and are hardly delaminated from each other even without an adhesive and a tie layer, oxygen barrier property and low-temperature heat seal property can be provided as compared with a case where the copolyester polymer alone is used, the cost can be reduced because a separate adhesive or a tie layer is not required, and the manufacturing cost can be significantly reduced because the constitution of layers is simplified.

Abstract: A multilayer composite which has improved adhesion between the layers, with the following layers: I. an inner layer I selected from among a fluoropolymer molding composition and a polyolefin molding composition; II. a bonding layer II which has the following composition: a) from 2 to 80 parts by weight of a polyamine-polyamide graft copolymer, b) from 0 to 85 parts by weight of a polyester, c) from 0 to 85 parts by weight of a polymer selected from among polyamides, fluoropolymers and polyolefins, where the sum of the parts by weight of a), b) and c) is 100; d) not more than 50 parts by weight of additives; III. a layer III of a polyester molding composition.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a blade shell half of a pre-bent wind turbine blade by means of vacuum-assisted resin transfer moulding (VARTM), a fibre lay-up (16) is placed on a mould surface (14) and a distribution layer (24) is placed above the fibre lay-up (16). At least one segmentation area is provided in the distribution layer by providing at least one transversely extending flow barrier in the distribution layer (24) preventing or restricting longitudinal resin flow to the distribution layer. A longitudinally extending first feed channel (27) is placed above the distribution layer (24). The first feed channel (27) is divided into at least two feed channel sections, a feed channel section being arranged in each distribution layer segment. A vacuum bag (43) is arranged on top of the mould part (13) to define a mould cavity. The mould cavity (44) is evacuated and liquid resin is supplied to each feed channel section through a resin inlet to fill the mould cavity and impregnate the fibre lay-up.

Abstract: A biopolymer blown film extrusion system comprising an extruder receiving polymer pellets and at least two additives, and generating a molten mass having at least one layer; a die receiving the molten extrudates and generating a bubble having at least one layer from a die orifice; an internal bubble blower operably connected to maintain air inside the bubble; a bubble collapsing frame receiving the bubble and generating a biopolymer film having at least one layer, the film having a selected elongation at break of 180% or more in one direction and heat sealing at 195° F. or less; a nip roller operably connected to draw the biopolymer film from the bubble collapsing frame; a turning bar operably connected to change a travel angle of the biopolymer film; and a travel roller operably connected to direct travel of the biopolymer film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymer blends comprising: (a) from 5 wt % to 95 wt % of a HDPE having a density from 0.941 g/cm3 to 0.980 g/cm3 and an I22 of 10 dg/min or more; and (b) from 95 wt % to 5 wt % of a grafted mPE, which is a reaction product of (i) a mPE having a density from 0.860 g/cm3 to 0.935 g/cm3 and an I2 from 0.7 dg/min to 5.0 dg/min, and (ii) a silicon-containing grafting component, wherein the blend exhibits a high-temperature creep after extrusion that is at least 20% lower than a blend of the HDPE and the mPE that has not been grafted with a silicon-containing grafting component. These blends can advantageously comprise at least one layer of a film, e.g., made via extrusion.

Abstract: Polymeric films are provided. The films comprise an ethylene-derived resin that has a density of about 0.905 to about 0.945 g/cm3, a compositional distribution breadth index (CDBI) of at least 50%, a melt index (MI) of about 0.1 to about 5.0 g/10 min and a branching index (g?) of greater than about 0.7. The film may further comprise a propylene-derived resin having a density of about 0.86 to about 0.91 g/cm3. The films have excellent mechanical and optical properties and double-bubble extrusion processability.

Abstract: A method of making at least one stiffener element includes cutting out two substantially identical elongate flanks from fiber plates, each flank presenting two lateral projections on either side of a central portion. The flanks are superimposed with one another and stitched together along two parallel lines that mark the boundaries between the lateral projections and the central portions. The lateral projections are folded along the lines of stitching to either side of the assembly in order to form flanges.

Abstract: A thermal and vacuum assessment method includes providing a composite part having a repair area, installing a vacuum bag over the repair area, drawing a vacuum on the vacuum bag, testing for air leaks in the vacuum bag, heating the vacuum bag and obtaining a thermal image of the repair area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for blow molding an article wherein a parison is positioned between substantially opposed mold closures. The opposed mold closures and at least one other mold closure are advanced, wherein the at least one other mold closure is advanced into abutment with at least one of another of the substantially opposed mold closures, and another of the at least one other mold closure. Thereafter, a gas may be injected within the interior of the parison to form a molded article, the mold closures retracted along their respective axes, and the molded article removed.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus and a process for the production of a structure from fiber composite material, comprising a mold tool for receiving material which can be joined to provide a structure, and a vacuum system for molding and fixing the structure, wherein the vacuum system has a flexible layer, in particular a separation film or separation layer and/or a tear-off film, and a vacuum film for covering the structure. In accordance with the invention the vacuum system is free from ventilation material and/or tear-off material at least at a portion which corresponds to a portion of the structure to be covered, in which a step extends.

Abstract: A multilayer structure comprising a plurality of layers superimposed one on top of the other, each of which is made of one or more elements of wood material, wherein at least one of said elements of wood material is provided with at least a cavity into which a filling material is inserted using the vacuum infusion technique to glue each of said layers with the adjacent layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymer compositions comprising a grafted and at least partially crosslinked mLLDPE that is the reaction product of: (i) a mLLDPE having a density from 0.910 g/cm3 to less than 0.940 g/cm3 and an I2 from 0.7 dg/min to 5.0 dg/min; (ii) a silicon-containing grafting component; and (iii) a crosslinking agent, wherein the composition exhibits a die shrinkage upon extrusion that is at least 10% lower than the composition, prior to grafting and crosslinking of the mLLDPE. These compositions can optionally be blended with HDPE. The compositions can also comprise at least one layer of a film, e.g., made via extrusion.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a ceramic molded part from a suspension/dispersion with a solids content and a fluid content by depositing solids content at the periphery of a porous self-supporting support that is at least partially immersed in the suspension/dispersion and has the same shape as the molded part to be prepared, but with a reduced size, wherein: the solids content contains oxide-ceramic particles; the porous self-supporting support is detachably connected with a discharge in a zone that is not immersed in the suspension/dispersion; the suspension/dispersion is moved towards the porous self-supporting support by means of a positive pressure difference between a pressure prevailing in the suspension/dispersion and a pressure prevailing in the discharge; wherein the fluid content of the suspension/dispersion enters in the porous self-supporting support with depositing solids content at the periphery of the porous self-supporting support.

Abstract: An acrylic resin film material comprising at least a multilayer structure polymer with a particular structure prevent a molded item from being whitened during insert- or in-mold molding and meet the requirement for surface hardness, heat resistance, and transparency or matting performance for vehicle applications. It is also possible to use an acrylic resin film material exhibiting a difference of 30% or less between haze values as determined in accordance with the testing method of JIS K7136 (haze measurement method) after and before a tensile test where a test piece with a width of 20 mm is pulled under the conditions of an initial inter-chuck distance of 25 mm, a rate of 50 mm/min and a temperature of 23° C. until an end-point inter-chuck distance becomes 33 mm as well as having a pencil hardness of 2 B or higher as determined in accordance with JIS K5400.

Abstract: A reinforcement insert includes superposed laps of fiber which are coupled to each other by a coupling fiber which passes through the laps in order to form fiber sections wherein at least certain sections thereof are rectilinear. The fiber sections and laps are immersed in a cured resin. The total density of the fibers that make up the insert ranges from 50% to 60% of the volume of the insert and the fiber sections take up 3%-10% of the volume of the insert. A method for creating a sandwich structure includes at least one such insert.

Abstract: A device and a method for applying powder onto an application surface has a powder container (35) and a voltage source (32) for applying a voltage between the powder container and the application surface, wherein the powder container (35) at least partially consists of a conductive material and the powder container (35) has an opening (35a) or is completely open at its side facing the application surface when the voltage is applied.

Abstract: A single-sided, slip resistant, self-adhesive material is produced using a blown film process which produces a film having an interior layer capable of being treated or coated to accept a pressure sensitive adhesive, a middle layer of flexible polyolefin and an exterior polyolefin elastomer layer in combination with a blowing agent to produce a single-sided slip resistant material. A number of in-line rollers are provided after a pair of rollers, which form part of a machine direction orienter (MDO) that is used in line in the manufacturing process to heat, and then cool and condition (anneal and relieve any stresses and/or thickness inconsistencies) the film prior to the film being coated on one side with a pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: A thermoplastic film including a microporous polymeric membrane; and a non-woven web bonded to the polymeric microporous membrane, wherein the web comprises a plurality of fibers comprising polyolefin having a Tm?85.0° C. and a Te-Tm?10.0° C.

Abstract: A film containing an interpolymer of ethylene and a 3-substituted C4-10 alkene is prepared using a catalyst system comprising a Ziegler Natta or chromium oxide catalyst.

Abstract: A film, comprising: an interpolymer of ethylene; and a 3-substituted C4-10 alkene, wherein said interpolymer is prepared using a catalyst system comprising a single site catalyst.

Abstract: Material and method for reducing creep in orthotics and prosthetics. Thermoplastic resin plies and fiber veil plies with a substantially porous structure composed of discontinuous fibers held together by small amounts of polymeric binder between the fiber contact points are consolidated under heat and pressure. This causes the resin to flow into the porous voids and the binder to dissociate from the contact points, producing a composite material with an embedded fiber veil remnant that retains the three dimensional structure of the original fiber veil. The various fibers can move freely with respect to one another at melt temperature, while the orientation of the fibers in the fiber veil remnant resists bending in all directions at lower temperatures. This composite material can then be vacuum thermoformed into at least one complex component of an orthotic device or prosthetic device, such as a complex component with a double horizon bend.

Abstract: A blown film that comprises polypropylene that has a melt flow rate of 1.8 to 14.0 g/10 min. and a melting point of at least 115° C. The blown film has a haze of less than 10% and a gloss of greater than 70%. The blown film may be co-extruded with a medium density polyethylene or 15 wt % of an impact copolymer. A clarifier may also be incorporated. The blown film that comprises polypropylene is produced on a standard air cooled blown film line.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by layerwise consolidation of powder comprises a lowerable build platform for supporting the object during manufacture and a sealable chamber for controlling the atmosphere around the object. The apparatus also has gas transport devices, such as pumps and valves. Substantially all of the gas transport devices are maintained within a controlled atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention provides multilayer sheet structures especially suited for thermoforming applications such as refrigerator cabinet and door liners comprising a surface non-foamed layer A and a surface foamed layer B having a total sheet thickness of from about 0.5 to about 20 millimeters (“mm”). Improvements in thermoformability, including cycle time reduction and polymer and energy savings, are provided. Preferably the non-foamed thermoplastic polymer surface layer (A) has a thickness of from about 0.25 to about 6 millimeters and the foamed thermoplastic polymer surface layer (B) together with any other foamed polymer layers have a total density reduction of at least about five (5) weight percent and have a total thickness greater than the total thickness of the non-foamed layer A together with any other non-foamed layers. Also provided are improvements in the thermoforming process, thermoformed articles, processes for providing thermally insulating articles and thermally insulating articles.

Abstract: Filter media are described. The filter media may include multiple layers. In some embodiments, the filter media include a nanofiber layer adhered to another layer. In some embodiments, the layer to which the nanofiber layer is adhered is formed of multiple fiber types (e.g., fibers that give rise to structures having different air permeabilities and/or pressure drops). In some embodiments, the nanofiber layer is adhered to a single-phase or a multi-phase layer. In some embodiments, the nanofiber layer is manufactured from a meltblown process. The filter media may be designed to have advantageous properties including, in some cases, a high dust particle capture efficiency and/or a high dust holding capacity.

Abstract: The present application is directed to methods of preparing a wet composite patch for use in various applications, such as, for example, reworking a composite part of an aircraft. The method comprises heating the composite patch to a temperature that causes resin containing gaseous components to flow from the patch through a flow path. The gaseous components are vented from the resin while restricting the flow of resin from the composite patch by restricting the flow of resin through the flow path. Systems for performing the methods of the present application are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of providing a coated and grained surface to a thermoplastic sheet for a vehicle interior panel. One step includes imparting a first grain to a show surface of a thermoplastic sheet. Another step includes applying a coating to a portion or more of the show surface. And another step includes imparting a second grain to the coated portion by bringing the coated portion into direct contact with a graining surface of a tool of a thermoforming machine.

Abstract: A method of producing a panel having at least one feature comprising a discontinuation in curvature of surface in the surface, the method comprising the steps of: providing a first reinforced layer of long and/or continuous parallel fiber reinforced thermoplastic of a first polymer (102a, 104a); providing a core layer of thermoplastic with at least roughly 70% by volume of a second polymer which is compatible with the first polymer (106); providing a second reinforced layer of long or continuous parallel fiber reinforced thermoplastic of the first polymer (102b, 104b); stacking the layers such that the reinforced layers are separated by the core layer; introducing the stack into a panel mould and heating the mould to at least the melting point of the predetermined polymer to consolidate the layers and form the panel.

Abstract: A design module is a software module that is implemented in a computer system that comprises instructions stored in a machine-readable medium and a processor that executes the instructions. The design module receives inputs from a person to create a custom insert for a lighting control panel. The inputs identify the content and locations of labels and a decorative background of the insert. Each label is associated with a corresponding input device. Each input device is associated with an optical configuration or “scene” of an environment associated with the lighting control panel. Each label includes alphanumeric text and/or graphics that identify the scene of the label's corresponding input device. The design module causes the insert to be generated by instructing a printer to print the labels and background on a sheet of material, at the specified locations.

Abstract: A process includes introducing a base polymer into an extruder, heating to a temperature sufficient to form a polymer melt, introducing a liquid such as water including an additive with mixing and subsequent vaporization and venting of the liquid to produce an extrudate having a uniform distribution of preferably uniformly small additive particles.

Abstract: This invention relates to the composition and a solvent-free process for preparing novel imide oligomers and polymers specifically formulated with effective amounts of a dianhydride such as 2,3,3?,4-biphenyltetra carboxylic dianydride (a-BPDA), at least one aromatic diamine and an endcapped of 4-phenylethynylphthalic anhydride (PEPA) or nadic anhydride to produce imide oligomers that possess a low-melt viscosity of 1-60 poise at 260-280° C. When the imide oligomer melt is cured at about 371° C. in a press or autoclave under 100-500 psi, the melt resulted in a thermoset polyimide having a glass transition temperature (Tg) equal to and above 310° C. A novel feature of this process is that the monomers; namely the dianhydrides, diamines and the endcaps, are melt processable to form imide oligomers at temperatures ranging between 232-280° C. (450-535° F.) without any solvent.