Abstract: A method and an apparatus for conforming a blank onto forming surface sections of a forming tool by drawing a vacuum against an elastic vacuum bag for transmitting forming forces from the elastic vacuum bag to the blank. The elastic vacuum bag includes at least one bag section having a different stiffness than other bag sections. The at least one bag section is an elongated bag section having a stiffness larger than that of surrounding bag sections. The location of the elongated bag section of the elastic vacuum bag corresponds, when the elastic vacuum bag after completion lies against the forming surface sections having the blank in between, with an elongated forming surface section of the forming tool where the blank requires a forming force being larger than that of the surrounding bag sections.

Abstract: Tooling aids for applying pressure in laminating, and methods for their use, are described herein. In one embodiment, a caul for applying pressure in laminating includes a base portion positioned between first and second corner portions. The base portion can have a curved shape when it is in a relaxed state, but it moves to a flatter shape when subjected to pressure during lamination. Movement of the base portion to the flatter shape causes the first and second corner portions to move outwardly and away from the base portion. In this manner, the caul can be used to compact laminating materials into corner regions of a corresponding female mold surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of producing fiber composite moldings by means of vacuum infusion applying a mold with a mold cavity, a plurality of inlet channels (3, 21, 22) communicating with the mold cavity and a polymer source (7) with liquid polymer, a plurality of vacuum channels (2) communicating with the mold cavity and a vacuum source (10), where fiber material (14) is inserted into the mold cavity prior to the process of filling said mold, and where a negative pressure is generated in the vacuum channels (2) and thus in the mold cavity with the result that liquid polymer is drawn from the polymer source (7) via the inlet channels (3, 21, 22) into the mold cavity. One or more of the inlet channels (3, 21, 22) can also communicate with a vacuum source, and/or one or more of the vacuum channels (2) can also communicate with a polymer source (7).

Abstract: A method is provided for making a composite laminate aircraft skin for a fuselage in multiple composite panels. A resin-impregnated composite tape is placed on a lay-up surface of a mandrel tool to form the composite laminate aircraft skin as a barrel that is substantially the shape of a fuselage section. The barrel is cut into a plurality of panels on the mandrel tool, and at least one panel of the plurality of panels is transferred, individually and independently of all other of the plurality of panels, from the lay-up surface of the mandrel tool to a first cure tool of a plurality of cure tools having an aero surface tooled to an outer mold line. The at least one of the panels is cured on the first cure tool to form a cured composite panel. The first cure tool defines and controls the outer mold line of the at least one panel. The cured composite panel is removed from the first cure tool.

Abstract: A multilayer film for the production of flexible packaging for thermal treatment has a plastic layer as outer layer and a sealable layer as inner layer, and middle layers. The outer layer, the inner layer and the middle layers are coextruded to form a biaxially oriented film, and the multilayer film has a maximum degree of dimensional change of 2% at most when exposed to temperature.

Abstract: A cured sandwiched article may be used to enhance a portion of a vehicle. In some embodiments, a cured sandwiched article may include a core sandwiched between one or more backing layers and one or more top layers cured to conform to a surface of a vehicle. A cured sandwiched article may be made by steps including shaping a core, positioning the core between one or more backing layers and one or more top layers to form the sandwiched article, and curing the sandwiched article. A cured sandwiched article may be connected to a surface of a vehicle by providing adhesive to a bottom surface of the cured sandwiched article, positioning the cured sandwiched article on a surface of the vehicle, and curing the adhesive. In some embodiments, the cured sandwiched article may include a plurality of fiber-optic fibers.

Abstract: Multilayer meltblown composites, articles made therefrom, and methods for making same. One method can include meltblowing a first material to form a first meltblown layer; meltblowing a second material to form a second meltblown layer; and meltblowing a third material to form a third meltblown layer, wherein each material is the same or different, each material includes at least one resin having a MFR of about 2,000 dg/min or less, as measured by ASTM D1238, 2.16 kg, 230° C., and at least one of the first, second, and third materials comprises an elastomer having a recovery of at least 70% after 100% deformation, as determined by ASTM D412.

Abstract: A method of laminating a sheet or sheets to a substrate and a method of laminating a plurality of articles. The substrate is inserted into a press. The sheet is inserted into the press over the substrate. Liquid thermoset polymer is injected into the press. Heat and pressure are applied forcing the liquid thermoset polymer against the sheet and forcing the sheet against the substrate. The liquid thermoset polymer is allowed to cure under heat and pressure forming a cured silicone rubber sheet. The cured silicone rubber sheet is removed from the press. A plurality of articles may be laminated by laminating the second of the articles while the first article is cooling.

Abstract: A new cladding panel for use on recreational vehicles is produced by either a hand-laid or vacuum infusion process. In hand-laid method, the cladding is formed by first introducing and curing a layer of gel coat onto a mold surface. Layers of fiber reinforced resin material are subsequently laid onto the gel coating and molded to form the cladding panel. In the vacuum infusion process, the gel coating is first laid onto a mold surface of a vacuum infusion mold, and then a dry ply materials are laid onto the gel coating. The mold is closed and a resin component is infused into the dry laminate material under vacuum pressure and cured. The cladding panels produced by these methods produced are seamless and have limited waste associated with post-production trimming processes. Cladding panels produced using the vacuum infusion process have a more consistent composition and achieve improved part-to-part consistency.

Abstract: Provided is a production process for an insert decorated molding provided with two or more kinds of pictures, in which a color of a resin is not seen from a boundary part between pictures and which has a high design property. The production process includes a vacuum molding step in which two or more kinds of decorative sheets are vacuum-molded and an injection step in which at least two kinds of the vacuum-molded decorative sheets are disposed in line in a female metal die and in which a molding resin is injected onto the decorative sheets.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for manufacturing a shell, in particular a fuselage shell, a wing shell, a horizontal stabilizer shell or a vertical stabilizer shell, that is reinforced with a plurality of stiffening elements, for forming component parts for aircraft with high dimensional stability, wherein the stiffening elements and a shell skin are made with epoxy resin from at least partially cured carbon fiber reinforced semi-finished parts, the method comprising the following steps: positioning the stiffening elements on the shell skin, abutting connecting elements against the shell skin and the stiffening elements, and curing the connecting elements to form the shell. The invention also concerns a shell, in particular a fuselage shell, a wing shell, a horizontal stabilizer shell or a vertical stabilizer shell, manufactured in accordance with the inventive method.

Abstract: It has been discovered that the properties of sheet or film materials of broad molecular weight distribution ethylene/propylene rubber impact-modified heterophasic copolymer (ICP) can be improved by blending the ICP with a second polyolefin. The second polyolefin may be a syndiotactic polypropylene (sPP), a random copolymer (RCP) of propylene and comonomer (e.g. ethylene and/or butene) made using a Ziegler-Natta or metallocene catalyst, medium density polyethylene (MDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), or low crystalline copolymer of propylene/?-olefin. Improvements include, but are not necessarily limited to, reduced motor amps, lower secant modulus, increased dart drop strength, increased gloss, reduced haze, increased elongation to yield, elimination of stress whitening, improved puncture resistance, and decreased seal initiation temperature. This sheet of film materials may be co-extruded with other resins or laminated with other materials after extrusion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a shell member of fiber composite material by means of vacuum infusion, where the fiber material is impregnated with liquid polymer, and applying a mould (18) with a mould cavity. In the mould cavity a lower distribution layer (11) is placed. A fiber insertion (1) including a plurality of fiber layers is placed above the lower distribution layer (11). A first upper distribution layer (9) and a second upper distribution layer (10) are placed at a transverse distance of each other above the fiber insertion, so that at least a part of the first distribution layer overlaps a first zone (2) of the fiber insertion (1), and at least a part of the second distribution layer overlaps a second zone (3) of the fiber insertion (1), the first zone (2) and the second zone (3) being separated by an intermediate zone (6) neither overlapping the first nor the second distribution layer (9, 10).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a retro-reflective shell having a curved or irregular surface for reflecting light in all directions from a laminated product, comprising a substantially flat sheet of a plastic material and a reflective layer on at least one side of said flat sheet plastic material. The reflective layer comprises a transparent adhesive substance and transparent glass or plastic pearls with a diameter between 0.01 and 0.05 mm. The substance adheres to the flat sheet plastic material, to form the laminated product. The product is heated to a thermo-vacuum-forming temperature, whereupon the product is vacuum-formed on a mould having the desired curved or irregular surface shape, in order to form a shell.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a reinforced matrix composite comprising the step of providing a composite preform having a fibrous structure and applying matrix material onto the preform in locations along the preform. A barrier material is applied to at least a portion of the coated preform to direct the flow of matrix material into the preform. The composite preform is heated to a temperature sufficient to render the matrix material viscous and insufficient to cure the matrix material. The pressure to the interior of the composite preform is reduced, while the pressure to the barrier material is increased. The temperature is maintained to flow the matrix material into the composite preform and to force gases from the fibrous structure. The composite preform is then cured and cooled to form a reinforced matrix composite having a low void content and a substantially uniform matrix distribution.

Abstract: An artificial nipple can include a nipple body portion connected to a mounting structure that is configured for mounting the nipple on an infant feeding bottle. A mammary papilla leading end portion can be disposed at the leading end portion of a mammary papilla portion and have a leading end opening portion. The inner layer on the inner side of the wall is formed of a shape holding layer made of a material having a rigidity capable of holding the wall shape. The outer layer on the surface side of the wall is formed of a tongue abutting layer having a smooth face. Between the shape holding layer and the tongue abutting layer there is disposed a deformation absorbing layer which is made of a material having a lower rigidity than that of the material of the shape holding layer and the tongue abutting layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a uniaxially oriented multilayer film comprising at least (i) a layer (A) and (ii) a layer (B), wherein said layer (A) comprises a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) comprising (e.g. selected from):—a multimodal LLDPE produced using a Ziegler Natta catalyst (znLLDPE), or—a LLDPE produced using a single site catalyst (mLLDPE) or—a mixture of a mLLDPE and a multimodal znLLDPE, said layer (B) comprises a multimodal LLDPE, and said multilayer film is in the form of a stretched film which is uniaxially oriented in the machine direction (MD) in a draw ratio of at least 1:3.

Abstract: To fabricate a composite item from a layup of composite material, the layup is degassed, debulked, and cured. To degas the layup, an envelope pressure within an envelope that includes the layup is reduced, a chamber pressure within a chamber that includes the envelope is reduced, and the layup is heated. To debulk the layup, the chamber pressure is increased relative to the envelope pressure so that the envelope exerts a compressive force upon the layup in response to the relatively higher chamber pressure as compared to the envelope pressure. To cure the layup, the layup is exposed to radiation.

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: A method of forming a layered article, the method comprises thermoforming a substrate sheet to form a shaped substrate, wherein the shaped substrate is a fiber-reinforced plastic material having a void content sufficient to allow a vacuum to be applied through the shaped substrate; pulling a vacuum through the shaped substrate; and pulling a film layer onto a surface of the shaped substrate to form the layered article.

Abstract: A method of forming a layered article, the method comprises thermoforming a substrate sheet to form a shaped substrate, wherein the shaped substrate is a fiber-reinforced plastic material having a void content sufficient to allow a vacuum to be applied through the shaped substrate; pulling a vacuum through the shaped substrate; and pulling a film layer onto a surface of the shaped substrate to form the layered article.

Abstract: Layers of materials are laminated together preserving potential spaces that can transmit pressure generated by the use of gases or fluids. Alternatively, pre-manufactured pressure conduits of suitable dimensions and geometries are integrated between the layers. Transmission of pressure to such conduits results in expansion of a compacted device to a predetermined shape. Maintenance and/or variation of said pressure results in preservation of said shape, fine static control of surface geometries and even remote control of precise movements. Osmotic Pressure is not required to achieve Turgor type control.

Abstract: Method of producing an oblong shell member made of fiber composite material by means of vacuum infusion, where the fiber material is impregnated with liquid polymer. A mould is applied with a mould cavity, in which a fiber insertion (3) with a first lateral face (1) and a second lateral face (2) is placed, and where said fiber insertion includes a plurality of fiber layers and a distribution layer (4), said distribution layer allowing a higher rate of flow for the liquid polymer than the fiber layers.

Abstract: Process for the production of an at least partly printed, metallized and/or otherwise coated thermoformed film part with at least the following process steps: a flat film piece which is at least partly printed, metallized and/or otherwise coated on one or on both surface(s) and is made of at least one thermoplastic, and which includes at least one film section which corresponds to the thermoformed part to be produced with respect to size and printing, metallizing and/or coating is provided; this film piece is mounted in a defined arrangement on a frame, only the edge sections of the film piece lying on the frame; the film piece lying on the frame in this way is introduced into a heating zone, and at least the film section is heated there to a given temperature; and the film piece heated in this way is introduced rapidly into a forming zone and is charged there immediately and directly with a fluid pressure means under a pressure means pressure of greater than 20 bar and is formed isostatically to give the

Abstract: A method is taught for increase crop yield and weight per acre comprising the steps of providing a degradable mulch film, then laying the degradable mulch film over a cleared field, and covering a portion of the degradable mulch film with soil. The mulch film is made up a below ground degradable film (B) an above ground degradable film (A), film B is co-extruded with film A and another film B to have a BAB structure where the films B and film A have a single layer feel. Film B is a plastic resin treated with an acid and having an additive that supplies a source of oxygen, and a metal stearate. Film A is a plastic resin an additive for aiding decomposition and an additive to retard decomposition.

Abstract: A method for producing a composite structure and a composite structure obtained by the method is described.

Abstract: The invention relates to films and methods of making the same. The inventive films comprise at least three layers, an inner layer and at least two outer layers located at opposite surfaces of the inner layer. In one embodiment, the inner layer is formed from a composition comprising an ethylene-based interpolymer or a propylene-based interpolymer, and at least one outer layer is formed from a composition comprising one or more propylene-based interpolymers. The invention also provides articles formed from the inventive films, and for methods of making the same.

Abstract: A system and method of producing a parabolic curved mirror are provided. The method includes: placing a plane mirror having a front surface and a back surface on a parabolic shaped form, such that the front surface of the plane mirror is facing the parabolic shaped form; pressing the plane mirror onto the parabolic shaped form, resulting in the parabolic curved mirror; and fixing the parabolic curved mirror by applying an adhesive to the back surface of the parabolic curved mirror.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for joining an uncured stringer to a structural component of an aircraft or spacecraft. The uncured stringer is supplied with at least one joining section and at least one web section. A rapidly curing low-temperature auxiliary material is deposited on web flanks of the at least one web section, which are to be supported. The at least one joining section of the uncured stringer is fitted to the structural component. Curing of the auxiliary material then takes place at a first curing temperature in order to form cured supporting elements for the web flanks of the at least one web section, which are to be supported. Curing of the uncured stringer is undertaken at a second curing temperature which is greater than the first precuring/curing temperature, and then the deposited and cured auxiliary material is removed.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for producing flexible, stretchable, and/or elastic products comprised principally of material such as natural elastomers and other synthetic polymers. The method and apparatus for producing stretchable products by spraying product material over a workpiece former, and method and apparatus for creating perforated products by spraying product material over a perforated surface or partly breathable surface, The invention also provides methods and apparatus for making double sided fibre coating of the product and, or to at least coating the product surface on the side facing the wall without the need for removing the product from the wall. The method and apparatus also enable easy removal of the product from the former. Workpiece formers are also provided.

Abstract: A multi-layer filter media including at least one layer of melt-blown fiber filter media and at least one layer of electrospun nanofiber filter media is provided. The multi-layer filter media of the present invention is configured such that the at least one layer of the melt-blown fiber filter media is on the upstream and the at least one electrospun nanofiber filter media is positioned downstream of the at lest one melt-blown fiber filter media.

Abstract: The invention discloses isostatic-pressing (IP) applied to polymer (e.g., PTFE) coated razor blade edges to produce thin, dense, and uniform blade edges which in turn exhibit low initial cutting forces correlating with a more comfortable shaves. The isostatic press utilized may be a hot isostatic press (HIP) or cold isostatic press (CIP) or any other isostatic press process. The HIP conditions may include an environment of elevated temperatures and pressures in an inert atmosphere. The HIP conditions may be applied to non-sintered coatings or sintered coatings or before or after a Flutec® process is applied to coatings. CIP conditions may include room temperature and elevated pressure. The polymeric material may be a fluoropolymer or a non-fluoropolymer material or any composite thereof. It may be deposited initially by any method, including but not limited to, dipping, spin coating, sputtering, or thermal Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a fibre-reinforced composite moulding, the method comprising the steps of: (a) disposing a surfacing layer on a portion of a mould surface, the surfacing layer comprising a first resin material and being in the form of at least one solid sheet; (b) disposing at least one layer of fibrous reinforcing material on the surfacing layer to provide, on the portion of the mould surface, an assembly of the surfacing layer and a structural layer comprising the at least one layer of fibrous reinforcing material; (c) applying a vacuum to the assembly; (d) infusing a flowable second resin material, under the vacuum, into the at least one layer of fibrous reinforcing material; and (e) curing the first and second resin materials to form the fibre-reinforced composite moulding which comprises a surface portion formed from the surfacing layer laminated to a structural portion formed from the at least one layer of fibrous reinforcing material and the second resin material.

Abstract: A vacuum forming machine includes a chamber configured to house a base member and a decorative sheet and including an exhaust port, an exhauster arranged to exhaust air from inside the chamber through the exhaust port, at least one static remover arranged to remove static electricity from a surface of the base member that has been loaded into the chamber, and a dust collector arranged so as to oppose the exhaust port.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process of thermoforming an acrylic polymer containing sheet by heating the sheet in a mold which comprises (a) a foam which would degrade if in contact with the heated sheet and (b) a thermal barrier which is intermediate the sheet and foam to prevent the foam from degrading. In many applications, the resulting article can be used without removal of the foam. Also, the foam can serve to protect the acrylic sheet such as during long distance shipping.

Abstract: In a method for optimizing the joints between layers along portions of the layers which are flush with the surface of a part obtained by computer-aided modeling or prototyping involving layer decomposition, the connecting profile of two successive layers is mathematically and numerically defined using an algorithm in which the surface of the joint at the end zone adjacent to the flush portions is always substantially normal to the plane tangential to the surface of the part along the flush portions.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a multi-resin composite article is provided. The method comprises providing at least one fiber preform in a mold; injecting a plurality of resins into the at least one fiber preform at a plurality of locations on the at least one fiber preform; and forming at least one transition region along a mutual contact surface between the resins. Each of the at least one transition regions is defined by a gradual transition in composition from one of the resins to another of the resins. A multi-resin composite article is also provided. The article comprises: at least one fiber preform; a plurality of resins, wherein the at least one fiber preform is infused with the resins; and at least one transition region extending along a mutual contact surface between respective ones of the resins. A system for manufacturing such a multi-resin composite article is also provided.

Abstract: A light emitting diode reflector molding process, and a construction thereof includes preparation of a first and a second green sheet structures, the first green sheet structure being provided with a first pattern; the second green sheet structure being placed on top of the first green sheet structure; a metallic layer being coated on the second green sheet structure, the second green sheet structure being molded along the opening pattern of and covering upon the first green sheet for the metallic layer to become the wall of the reflector opening.

Abstract: The invention provides a film comprising at least three layers, and wherein at least one layer is a inner layer with a thickness of 20 percent or less of the total thickness of the film, and wherein said inner layer, or a polymer component used to form said inner layer has one of the following properties: A) a MD tensile, 2 percent secant modulus at least two times higher than the MD tensile, 2 percent secant modulus of a skin layer, or B) a MD tensile, 2 percent secant modulus at least five times lower than the MD tensile, 2 percent secant modulus of a skin layer, and where the inner layer, or at least one polymer component of the inner layer, has one of the following properties: C) a melt index, I2 (190° C./2.16 kg) of less than, or equal to, 2 g/10 min, or D) a melt flow rate, MFR (230° C./2.16 kg) of less than, or equal to, 5 g/10 min. The invention also provides for articles prepared from the inventive films and for methods of making the same.

Abstract: Lightweight components of hybrid design, also termed hybrid component or hollow-chamber lightweight component, formed of a shell-type parent body which is reinforced by thermoplastics and is suitable for the transmission of high mechanical loads, where the thermoplastic is linear, semicrystalline polyamide, in combination with at least one filler and with at least one elastomeric modifier.

Abstract: A fuel tank that is substantially impermeable to fuel vapor has a shell with an interior for holding fuel, an opening for receiving fuel into the interior, and a fill nipple with a barrier layer. The fill nipple has an outer surface and an inner surface defining a passage extending between a pair of generally opposed ends of the fill nipple. One of the ends is attached to the shell such that the passage is aligned with the opening to allow fuel to flow through the passage and into the interior of the fuel tank. The fill nipple has an inner layer of material forming the inner surface, and an outer layer of material forming the outer surface, and has at least one intermediate layer of material forming the barrier layer. The intermediate layer is formed from a material that is different in composition from the inner and outer layers.

Abstract: An in-die cover forming method for integrally forming a cover member with a surface of a base member in a die is provided. The die including an upper die half and a lower die half. The upper die halves are movable relative to each other. The base member is set on the lower die half such that its back is opposed to the lower die half. Using position determining mechanisms located between the lower die half and the back of the base member, the position of the surface of the base member in relation to the lower die half in the die moving direction is determined. The cover member is placed between the base member and the upper die half. The cover member is integrated with the surface of the base member by closing the upper die half with respect to the lower die half while pressing the cover member against the base member through vacuuming.

Abstract: Mattresses and methods for processing a flexible foam material for use in a mattress to provide a mattress foam material that has more consistent firmness over time and area. The methods include pre-conditioning the foam pad or mattress by applying a force across a substantial portion of a major surface of the mattress to compress or stretch the height of the foam, the length of the foam, and/or the width of the foam to break or open closed cells. In certain embodiments, the force is applied by repeatedly pressing a platen against the foam pad or placing the foam pad between one or more rollers.

Abstract: A housing for use in a portable electronic device, comprises a base and a decorative film. The decorative film isintegrally molded with the base. The decorative film includes a surface facing away from the base. The decorative film is plastically deformed to form a plurality of spaced protrusions on the surface.

Abstract: Regrind is mixed with at least one low density metallocene polyethylene to increase the amount of regrind that can be used in a thermoformed article.

Abstract: The invention discloses high clarity multilayer films that are easy to tear in the transverse direction, wherein the core layer is made of a blend of from 5 to 50 wt % of crystal polystyrene and from 95 to 50 wt % of transparent styrene-butadiene block copolymer (5-40 wt % 1,3-butadiene, 60-95 wt % styrene) and the outer layers comprise from 85 to 100 wt % of a metallocene catalysed polyethylene (density:0.915-0.960 g/cm3, MI2:0.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions useful as a barrier layer in, for example, packaging products. The compositions generally comprise a blend of (i) a polyester resin, preferably an aromatic polyester resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and (ii) a polyamide material (e.g., MXD6). The blend optionally may further comprise (iii) an oxygen scavenging material. The present invention also provides containers (e.g., containers formed by expansion of preforms) having a multilayered body-forming portion including: a core layer comprising the aforementioned blend; and inner and outer layers of a formable polymer composition. The present invention also provides methods of making such containers.

Abstract: A method for molding an article having an upper portion, a lower portion, and an insert located between the upper portion and the lower portion, wherein the article is molded as a single, unitary piece with no seams or discontinuities located between the upper portion and the lower portion, includes providing a first semi-rigid membrane removably mounted to a first rigid housing to define a first fluid tight chamber therein, providing a mold plenum defined at least in part by the first semi-rigid membrane removably mounted to the first rigid housing, filling the first fluid tight chamber with a substantially non-compressible backing fluid to support the first semi-rigid membrane during injection of resin, positioning the insert in the mold plenum, providing fibrous reinforcing material within the mold plenum, the fibrous reinforcing material including portions positioned between the first semi-rigid membrane and the insert, the fibrous reinforcing material portions positioned between the first semi-rigid memb

Abstract: A method of making a fiber-reinforced medical balloon is described herein. The method entails pressurizing a portion of a balloon, and ejecting a fiber precursor fluid from at least one nozzle adjacent to the portion. One or more fibers are formed from the fiber precursor fluid and deposited on an exterior surface of the portion. Preferably, the fibers are polymer nanofibers, and the method is carried out using an electrospinning process.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite article having a decal occurs in a mold. The mold includes a surface that defines a mold cavity. A decal is introduced to the surface of the mold. A polyurethane elastomer composition is applied into the mold cavity to form an elastomeric layer over the decal. The composite article including the elastomeric layer and the decal may then be demolded from the mold. Alternatively, a paint composition is applied into the mold cavity to form a paint layer over the decal. The polyurethane elastomer composition is applied into the mold cavity to form an elastomeric backing layer over the paint layer. The composite article including the paint layer, the decal, and the elastomeric backing layer may then be demolded from the mold. The composite article may be a seat for an all-terrain vehicle.