Abstract: A method for forming a socket on a pipe of biaxially oriented polyvinyl chloride including: placing a support in an end section of the pipe, heating the pipe in the region of the end section; deforming the pipe to produce a socket in the region of the heated end section, the heated end section being supported internally while the socket is being formed; cooling the pipe in the region of the end section, the end section being supported internally during the cooling operation; and removing the support from the pipe. For the purpose of heating the internally supported end section of the pipe, the end section is first heated until the end section has reached, substantially homogeneously, the glass transition temperature of polyvinyl chloride and is then further heated until the end section has reached, substantially homogeneously, a temperature near, preferably just above, the orientation temperature of polyvinyl chloride.

Abstract: A method for forming a vehicle headliner comprises providing at least one layer of formable material and a cover member; heating the layer and the cover member; providing a mold having a pair of mold halves and a compressible seal disposed between the mold halves, at least one of the mold halves having an aperture and a channel in communication with the aperture; positioning the layer and the cover member between the mold halves; bringing the mold halves toward each other to effect a sealed relationship; and applying a vacuum pressure to the aperture to sufficiently draw the mold halves together and compress the seal, thereby compressing the at least one layer and the cover member together to form the headliner.

Abstract: Cosmetic/pharmaceutical/hygienic compositions (e.g., lipcolors) are formulated as homogeneous and stable, supple dough extrudates, said supple dough extrudates having at least one thermally-unmodified but normally heat-sensitive compound (for example a volatile compound and/or a compound having a low flash point) and at least one elevated melting temperature T compound (for example a wax) homogeneously distributed therethrough.

Abstract: A heating furnace is used in a drawing device for drawing a base material made of plastic. The base material is fed into the heating furnace, melted under heat and drawn into a plastic optical fiber. The heating furnace is divided into a pre-heating zone located upstream and a heat-melting zone located downstream in the advancing direction of the base material and of the plastic optical fiber made therefrom. The preheating zone includes a pre-heater for pre-heating the base material, while the heat-melting zone includes a melting heater for melting the base material. Both zones are controllable independently so as to give an appropriate temperature for each zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making sheet articles, for example, abrasive articles, retroreflective articles (such as traffic signs), pavement marking articles, or traction or non-skid articles. The method includes passing particles through a thermal sprayer to heat the particles and impinging the heated particles into a polymeric sheet so that the particles are at least partially embedded in the polymeric sheet. Preferably, the polymeric sheet is heated before impingement of the heated particles. One preferred method of softening the sheet is by a thermal sprayer that is used to heat the particles. A preferred thermal sprayer is a flame sprayer having a nozzle for emitting a flame, where the nozzle has a cross-web width and a downweb thickness, the width being substantially greater than the thickness.

Abstract: Methods of making thermoplastic articles having integral projections extending from a surface thereof. The methods utilize a mold plate having a top side, an underside and a cavity extending from the top side to the underside for forming the integral projection. The methods utilize an air escape passage for allowing escape of air from the cavity in the mold plate during the pressing operation. At least a portion of the molding operation is conducted while the temperature of the entrance to the air escape passage is below the molding temperature of the thermoplastic material being molded.

Abstract: A method for forming a test specimen from an asphalt concrete mixture includes providing a mold to receive a quantity of the mixture and adding a predetermined quantity of the mixture to the mold. The mixture in the mold is compressed at a pressure of at least about 7 psi while vibrating the mixture in the mold at a rate of at least about 2400 cycles per minute. The method also includes maintaining the vibration of and the application of compressing pressure to the mixture in the mold until the mixture obtains a predetermined mix design density within a range of about 90-97%.

Abstract: A method for continuously producing panels (7) of lignocellulose-containing particles (2). According to the invention, binder is continuously applied to the particles (2) which are continuously shaped to form a mat (4). The mat (4) is continuously precompressed and at the same time continuously preheated by the effect of a high-frequency high-voltage field. The mat (4), which is guided in a plane, is compressed to form the panels (7) under the effect of further heat.

Abstract: A process is described for the manufacture of tannin-bonded particle- and fiberboard wherein the binding of wood chips and fibers is accomplished by obtaining the formaldehyde necessary for the cross-linking of tannin by the hydrolytic decomposition of the binder present in old particle- or fiberboard. The formaldehyde obtained by hydrolytic decomposition is cross-linked with the tannin by high temperature and moisture during pressing.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating and blending thermoplastic material prior to delivering the material into the barrel of an extruder. The apparatus, has an elongated housing which contains two intermeshing feed screws that are driven to rotate in the same direction. Controlled heating is provided by electric band heaters which encircle the exterior of the housing, and electric cartridge heating elements fitted into aluminum cores that are received by an axial bore in each of the feed screws.

Abstract: An improved process of operating a mold frame for molding golf balls and comprised of a frame plate member having a plurality of cavities therein for receiving a plurality of half-molds and a plurality of bores for fluid communication between half-molds, defining a plurality of half-molds rows and having a cross bore extending across a first end of each of the half-mold rows, comprising the steps of (1) loading ball assemblies into the half-molds; (2) molding golf ball assemblies by flowing a hot thermal medium into the cross bore at least two distinct locations to define at least two flow paths and dividing each flow path into a least two parallel paths through the half-mold rows such that any portion of the hot thermal medium flows through only one of the half-mold rows; and (3) unloading the molded golf balls from the half-molds.

Abstract: In order to preheat a particle mat having upper and lower faces and edges to a predetermined desired temperature for pressing into a pressed board air is conditioned to a temperature below 100.degree. C. and a moisture content together imparting to the conditioned air a dew point generally equal to the desired temperature. This conditioned air is simultaneously introduced from above and below at the same rate into the respective faces of the mat to produce in the mat a pair of horizontal and vertically approaching fronts at which moisture condenses out of the conditioned air. Introduction of the conditioned air into the mat is ended when condensed moisture and the conditioned air are forced out of the edges of the mat.

Abstract: A laminated resin sheet consisting of (a) at least one layer of an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymeric resin (EVOH resin), (b) at least one layer of a hot-melt adhesive resin and (c) at least one layer of a polystrene-based resin, the layer (b) being interposed between the layers (a) and (c) to serve to adhesively bond them together. The laminated sheet has excellent moldability only when the EVOH resin has a thermal characteristic specified in terms of the integrated value of the peak areas in a diagram obtained by the DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) measurement in the course of temperature elevation. The sheet may be formed into a vessel having a multilayered wall structure by hot molding.

Abstract: A particle mat for pressing into a pressed board is heated by concurrently passing through the mat treatment air coming from an air-conditioning system and having a predetermined moisture content and dew point, heating the treatment air passing through the mat to a temperature which is greater by a dew-point differential than the dew point of the treatment air, and controlling the volume rate of flow of the treatment air and the moisture content of the treatment air such that the mat is preheated to a predetermined temperature while liquid in the treatment air is allowed to condense in the mat to at most a maximum liquid content.

Abstract: A tire vulcanization apparatus in which an encaser 3 makes it possible to introduce a tire into a mold 1 and, by means of inductors 42, transfers to the mold heat energy necessary for vulcanization and in which a chamber 5 receives several molds 1 and makes it possible to maintain each mold insulated from the environment in order to limit heat losses during the time necessary for the vulcanization.

Abstract: Underground pipelines that carry wastewater, water, natural gas, and industrial fluids deteriorate with age. This invention is a process and apparatus for installing a thermoplastic liner in a dry pipeline to accomplish in situ rehabilitation. It involves extruding a tube of thermoplastic liner material within the interior of a dried and preheated pipeline in situ, said tube having an outside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of said pipeline. The tube is next expanded so that the outside diameter of said tube is substantially equal to the inside diameter of said pipeline. The expanded tube is then cooled and hardened in a liner configuration.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for molding parts. The system comprises a plasticator and press. The plasticator is capable of receiving a plurality of molding materials comprising a predetermined amount of at least thermoplastic polymers and long reinforcing fibers, such as glass fiber. The plasticator is characterized in that it is capable of simultaneously receiving contaminated molding materials and relatively long glass fibers and molding them into a billet wherein the fibers remain substantially undamaged. The billet is subsequently placed in a compression molding press where other materials may be molded or applied to its surface. The method is further characterized in that a single thermal rise is used to plasticate the molding materials.

Abstract: A large-size paneling part made of thermoplastic synthetic resins for automotive vehicle interiors or equivalent uses includes a support made of polyolefin particle foam onto which is laminated a decorative layer of polymeric material having a predominantly polyolefin structure during forming of the molded part. This decorative layer includes a multilayer knit mesh or woven fabric with incorporated spacers of preferably polyolefinic polymer threads, having a decorative textile surface. This layer may be laminated on the topside with a decoratively designed film, predominantly on the basis of olefinic polymers or, respectively, be laminated additionally on the rear side with a polyolefin film.

Abstract: A method for producing a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer tube where the temperature of the mandrel and the extrusion pressure used for extruding a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer are determined before preparing the tube. The temperature of the mandrel and the extrusion pressure are set to overlap two predetermined temperature ranges. One temperature range permits hot drawing of the tube preform, and the second temperature range provides a tube preform free from the occurrence of bubbles on its surface. After the two temperature and extrusion pressure ranges are determined, a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer is extruded on the periphery of a heated mandrel under pressure using a mandrel temperature and extrusion pressure where the two predetermined ranges overlap. Thereafter, the mandrel is pulled out to provide a tube preform, and the tube preform is hot drawn to produce a tube having a desired outer diameter.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a novel liquid cast urethane rubber object that exhibits dimensional stability when subjected to temperature fluctuations including the steps of casting a liquid urethane polymer with curing agent in a heated mold and then subjecting the cast polyurethane part to compression in a second mold while heating (typically above 170.degree. F. and preferably 212.degree. F.) followed by cooling (typically below 40.degree. F. and preferably 32.degree. F.), thus inducing a low temperature set in the final cured product. Such a method is useful to mold a polyurethane object (e.g., a wear ring for marine jet pumps and the like) to exacting tolerances without machining.

Abstract: A method of producing a bent resin tube by heating a certain portion of a straight resin tube to be bent partially by a partial bending means, and bending the heated certain portion partially by a partial bending die, thereby rendering a desired bend shape to the tube. In this method, a large die for constraining the shape of the whose tube or a large oven is not required. Therefore, space for equipment can be reduced, and production efficiency is enhanced because the time required for bending operations is decreased remarkably. The heating may be done by high frequency induction heating, high frequency dielectric heating, or other conventional heating.

Abstract: A novel molded structure especially useful as a rigid, load-bearing structure, is provided. Also provided is a novel process for molding the structure, which may be in the form of a pallet. By the process, the structure is chilled as it is being formed. Recycled resins including contaminants of limited compatibility may be used.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing road vehicle tires, whereby a toroidal forming mold, housing a finished green tire, is fed successively through a first preheating station where peripheral heating elements preheat the tread portion of the green tire; through a second curing station where the tire is cured; and through a third postinflation station where the tire, fitted to a tubular support and removed from the mold, is engaged by a cooling element for cooling the bead portions of the tire.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rotationally applying polymers where the apparatus includes a rotational lining unit with a first support section rotatably secured to a main frame for rotation about a first axis, and a second support section secured to the first support section for rotation about a second axis. The second support section includes a portion for holding an enclosed structure to be lined. The unit also includes drive arrangements for driving the first and second support sections so that an enclosed structure can be held by the holding portion and rotated simultaneously about a plurality of axes.

Abstract: An optical coupler using round optical fibers whose ends have been formed into a predefined shape to allow greater physical packing densities in order to achieve greater uniform illumination efficiency. The interstitial space between optical fibers is greatly reduced by thermoforming the ends of round optical fibers in a mold that makes a gradual transition from a circular shape to the predefined shape to avoid optical loss. Since the change in shape is gradual, the total cross-sectional area of the fibers remains constant; and optical loss is minimal because there is no reduction in mode volume. The predefined shape may be substantially square or rectangular. The core and cladding materials of the optical fiber are carefully chosen with respect to the glass transition state temperatures of both materials because the temperature at which the materials are formed by a mold are slightly above the glass transition state of the core or cladding, whichever is higher.

Abstract: A method for temperature conditioning a blank of plastic material in which a conditioning mandrel is placed within the blank and thereafter expanded into reliable abutment against the inner surface of the blank. The mandrel is thereafter returned to its initial position. The outer surface of the mandrel is adjusted to and maintained at a certain temperature, whereby, during the abutment, an energy exchange takes place between the blank and the mandrel for adjusting the temperature of the blank. At high temperatures of the mandrel, the mandrel is displaced out of the blank after such short time that the plastic material in the region of the abutment surface never passes the critical temperature of tackiness of the plastic material and/or thermal crystallization of the plastic material. As a rule, the expansion and contraction of the mandrel is repeated one or more times.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and process for the continuous fabrication of resin impregnated material webs in which low-solvent resin is extruded to form a film which is joined with the material web to form a layer formation, or the resin is spread on the material web. The layer formation is subsequently subjected to an area pressure. The apparatus including an extruder or a spreading device, and a continuously operating double band press exerting an area pressure.

Abstract: A method for producing a plate denture which includes heating a flask after embedding a wax denture and wax elimination to a temperature for polymerizing a heat-curable resin, the flask being an assembly including a first half shell having a plaster cast with a corresponding mucosal surface and a second half shell having a plaster cast with artificial teeth embedded therein. The method further including placing the heat-curable resin into the heated flask for polymerization while the flask is at an elevated temperature from the heating, and polymerizing the heat-curable resin in the heated flask. Wherein, during the step of heating the first half shell is heated to a higher temperature level in a range of temperature for polymerizing the heat-curable resin while the second half shell is heated to a lower temperature level in the range than the first half shell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for molding an agglomerated preform of a fiber-reinforced composite material comprising a resin material as a matrix and reinforcing fibers dispersed therein, into a desired shape. In the molding method, the preform is heated from the interior thereof, whereby the temperature of the entire preform can be raised efficiently and uniformly. If an optional number of holes are formed in the agglomerated preform, rod-like heaters for heating or gas nozzles for the release of heated gas can be inserted into the preform easily through such holes, whereby uniform heating can be effected. Further, by incorporating an appropriate amount of a dielectric loss improver into the preform and thereafter subjecting the preform to high-frequency heating or microwave heating, the preform can be heated efficiently and uniformly in a short time.

Abstract: Plastic sheets of good optical quality suitable for use in the glazings of automotive vehicles, eye glasses etc., are made by depositing a hardenable liquid mass upon a taut moving ribbon of plastic which has been pretreated by tensioning and heating to remove wrinkles and creases which otherwise would render optically unsatisfactory the sheet formed on the ribbon upon hardening of the liquid mass. The temperature range within which the pretreatment should be conducted is 60.degree.-100.degree. C., with 70.degree.-90.degree. C. being preferred; the tension applied in the pretreatment should be a dekanewton or more per square millimeter, preferably 1.5-7.5 dekanewtons per mm.sup.2 ; and the time of pretreatment is at least a minute and preferably 5 or more minutes.

Abstract: A method for making improved surface profile composite structures containing crystalline thermoplastic materials involves employing individual glass filaments and molding with a hot mold insert. The method provides composites having smooth surfaces suitable for automotive applications.

Abstract: A process for bonding elastomeric material to a metal part includes coating a heat curable adhesive on surfaces of the metal part to be bonded, placing the metal part in a mold, preheating a bottom plate and an upper transfer pot of a transfer molding machine to a predetermined cure temperature, loading a predetermined quantity of uncured elastomeric material into the transfer pot, clamping the mold containing the adhesive coated metal part to the bottom plate, and almost contemporaneously, pressing the uncured elastomeric material into the mold while maintaining heat and pressure in the mold for a time sufficient to vulcanize and thereby cure the elastomeric material simultaneously with the adhesive, whereby contacting surfaces of the metal part are strongly bonded to the vulcanized elastomeric material.

Abstract: A process for installing a liner in a generally horizontal pipe section includes the steps of: providing a hollow generally cylindrical folded pipe liner; pulling the folded liner through the pipe section leaving end sections of the liner extending from the upstream end and the downstream end of the pipe; pulling an air hose and a steam hose through the folded liner from the downstream end to the upstream end; providing a floating plug assembly including at least two disk shaped expanders; attaching the steam hose to the floating plug assembly downstream of the disk shaped expanders; attaching the air hose to the floating plug assembly upstream of the disk shaped expanders; inserting the floating plug assembly into the liner at the upstream end; and providing steam to the steam hose and cooling air to the air hose, while pulling the floating plug assembly through the liner to progressively heat the liner to a softening point downstream of the disk shaped expanders, and expand the liner to fill the pipe and co

Abstract: A method of molding a plastic-backed carpet blank to a desired shape uses a minimum of work force and carpet material. The method utilizes a portable frame assembly having an open rack with yieldable holding clamps. The holding clamps are used to suspend a plastic-backed carpet blank in the rack. The frame assembly has a set of wheeled legs which allows it to be readily transported between work stations such as a heating zone and a molding zone. The yieldable holding clamps maintain the carpet under constant tension during the molding zone to result in a high quality molded carpet.

Abstract: A solid state extrusion process extrudes a semi-crystalling polymer billet through a die at the end of a pressure chamber. The temperature of the die is controlled so that a thin surface layer of the polymer profile being extruded is melted to form a thin, smooth surface layer on the profile of reduced orientation and increased toughness and which is substantially free of surface imperfections.

Abstract: A method of preheating, curing and stabilizing vehicle tires, whereby, just before being subjected to curing a first green tire (3) is preheated simultaneously with the stabilization of a second cured tire (6), thus using the heat given off by the second tire (6) as it is being stabilized.

Abstract: A method for providing an inlay on a substrate includes providing a recess in the substrate, preheating the substrate to a temperature of approximately 150.degree. F., mixing an epoxy resin with an epoxy hardener, and placing the mixture into the recess so that the mixture hardens in the recess and the heat stored in the substrate reduces the viscosity of the mixture, to aid in the removal of bubbles.

Abstract: A compact and precision extrusion system and method for extruding strips of rubber compounds with profiles of accurate dimensions. Strips of rubber compound are uniformly heated and mixed in an extruder and then passed through a low pressure drop strainer to remove foreign matter. The strained compound then is fed directly into a gear pump which delivers precise volumes of the rubber compound immediately into the spread chamber of an extrusion head after which it passes through a die to form a precise strip of the rubber compound. The strainer and extrusion head are movably mounted with respect to the gear pump for axial separation from the gear pump for easy removal of the rubber compound from the various components of the system to facilitate compound changes. A control system regulates the speed of the extruder to provide a near constant pressure at the entrance port of the gear pump to precisely regulate the rate of extrusion of the compound from the extrusion head.

Abstract: A method for temperature conditioning a blank of plastic material in which a conditioning mandrel is placed within the blank and thereafter expanded into reliable abutment against the inner surface of the blank. The mandrel is thereafter returned to its initial position. The outer surface of the mandrel is adjusted to and maintained at a certain temperature, whereby, during the abutment, an energy exchange takes place between the blank and the mandrel for adjusting the temperature of the blank. At high temperatures of the mandrel, the mandrel is displaced out of the blank after such short time that the plastic material in the region of the abutment surface never passes the critical temperature of tackiness of the plastic material and/or thermal crystallization of the plastic material. As a rule, the expansion and contraction of the mandrel is repeated one or more times.

Abstract: A process for forming a hollow container from a hot closed-end parison includes the steps of injection molding a hot closed-end parison, adjusting the temperature of the hot closed-end parison by heating or cooling the hot closed-end parison in a predetermined location within a temperature adjusting pot in a temperature adjusting device. The parison is then blow-molded into a hollow container having a predetermined configuration after the parison has been adjusted in temperature. The temperature adjusting step uses at least either of the temperature adjusting pot or a temperature adjusting core in the temperature adjusting device so as to apply a pre-treatment, such as by clamping, to a portion of said hot closed-end parison for obtaining a predetermined concavo-convex pattern in the hollow container formed at the subsequent blowing step. Thus, a hollow container, a portion of which has the desired concavo-convex pattern, can be mass-produced simply and inexpensively.

Abstract: A process for producing thermoplastic resin products where granulated or particulate vulcanized rubber is sprayed by a heated heavy paraffin distillate composition to form a first intermediate mixture composition. The first intermediate mixture composition is passed through a heating chamber on a conveyor and combined with particulate thermoplastic scrap material in an approximating weight percentage of 30% thermoplastic material to 70% first intermediate mixture material. The combination forms a second intermediate mixture composition which is masticated in a masticator and extruded through a single screw feed mechanism for pelletizing and producing thermoplastic resin products which are useful for molding.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a panel of sheet metal, a shaped plastic body or the like is performed by a one- or multi-layer stiffening member of essentially flat shape which comprises a layer at least partially consisting of a thermosetting resin. Thereby, the stiffening member is subjected to a first heat treatment until at least one of the surfaces of the stiffening member is sticky. Thereafter, the stiffening member is applied to the surface of an element to be reinforced. Finally, the stiffening member is subjected to a second, final heat treatment until all layers comprising a thermosetting resin material are cured. Thus, it is not necessary to manually prepare the stiffening member by removing a protection foil from its sticky surface prior to applying it to the element to be reinforced and fully automated handling is possible.

Abstract: A mold structure including layers with different physical properties is used to provide hot surface during molding. The use of a thin layer of low thermal conductivity covered by a smooth skin layer prevents quick cooling of the surface of the pre-heated plastic to be molded. The plastic surface remains molten and flows to fill the mold during press closing, resulting in smooth surfaces even when fiber reinforced plastics are used.

Abstract: A molding system utilizes a cold mold with a large thermal mass and contoured thin mold inserts with a low thermal mass. A composite sheet blank of glass fibers in a thermoplastic matrix resin is placed between the inserts, heated and then transported to the cold mold. The composite sheet is pressed in the cold mold between the mold inserts to flow form and then cool the part. The mold inserts keep the surfaces of the composite sheet hot during the forming process, thereby enabling the matrix resin to flow and form smooth surfaces.

Abstract: A crystalline saturated polyester resin such as polyethylene terephthalate, is molded into a desired shape in a molding machine under conditions such that the crystallization temperature of the resulting molded article is within 20.degree. C. of the crystallization temperature of the starting saturated crystalline polyester resin. This is accomplished by preheating the resin in the molding apparatus to a temperature above its melting point to lower the viscosity of the resin to such an extent that the resin is not substantially degraded in the compression section of the molding machine. By avoiding reductions in the crystallization temperature of the molded resin, the resin can be shaped by, for example, blow molding into a bottle or other configuration while satisfying simultaneously the requirements for transparency and dimensional stability.

Abstract: Paint-coated polymeric films which are bonded to substrates such as automobile panels, as a substitute for spray painted finishes, often develop surface blemishes or defects from the coating or web handling operations. These can be reduced or eliminated by vacuum thermoforming the film to the desired substrate in a plural stage procedure. The periphery of the film is clamped in a frame. Then the film is preheated to a temperature above its glass transition temperature until the film becomes taut in the frame. It is allowed to cool and is then reheated to at least the glass transition temperature and is then vacuum thermoformed to the substrate. This procedure eliminates many if not all of the visible surface defects in the thermoformed film.

Abstract: A two-part for reinforcing a hollow strucutral members and its method of use are provided. A method of reinforcing a structural member having a hollow cavity comprises the steps of preparing a first dough which includes a thermal setting resin, a first filler and unexpanded, thermally-expandable microspheres. A further step includes preparing a second dough which includes a curing agent, a colorant and a second filler. The curing agent is compatible with the thermosetting resin to promoter cross-linking of the thermosetting resin upon contact with the curing agent. The hollow structural member may be preheated to enhance the rate at whcih the thermosetting resin cross-links. The two dough are blended together until a reactive third dough of substantially uniform mixture is formed. The uniformity of the blending is confirmed when the reactive third dough attains a uniform color intermediate the color between the colors of the first and second doughs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming twin-wall polycarbonate sheets into desired arcuate forms to be used, for example, as awnings. The method is distinguished from known forming techniques which are generally not effective in forming the polycarbonate sheets hereinafter described.The method generally includes preheating a portion of the polycarbonate sheet within a heating chamber, engaging the sheet with the mould which is pivotally mounted to the frame of an apparatus within the heating chamber, frictionally restraining the movement of the sheet with respect to the frame at a position spaced from the mould, and outside the heating chamber, and pivoting the mould so as to form the sheet.The present invention generally overcomes the difficulties in forming twin-walled polycarbonate sheets thereby allowing this material to be used in place of other conventional awning materials such as fibreglass and corrugated iron.

Abstract: Continuous rod-like molding having a FRP core and an outer skin of thermoplastic resin is shaped by introducing the molding into a passage of a heated die, the passage having a diameter slightly smaller at an exit thereof than an initial diameter of the molding, plasticizing the thermoplastic resin by passing the molding through the passage, thereby removing a part of the outer skin, and solidifying the thermoplastic resin, thereby obtaining a product having a diameter equal to the diameter of the exit of the passage.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced thermoplastic parts having good surface characteristics are produced by a process involving: preheating fiber reinforced composite to achieve at least a flowable viscosity of the polymer, and (2) molding under controlled rheological conditions. The preheating is conducted on composites that are predominantly amorphous thermoplastic polymers, copolymers, polyblends or alloys reinforced with continuous glass fiber strand reinforcing mat. The amount of the mat present in the laminate is less than around 40 weight percent of the composite. The temperature of preheating is at least greater than the glass transition temperature of the polymer and less than the degradation temperature of the polymer to expand the composite.