Abstract: The leather-like sheet substrate of the present invention comprises a fiber-entangled nonwoven fabric that comprises a microfine fiber bundle (A) and a microfine fiber bundle (B) in a blending ratio (A)/(B) of 30/70 to 70/30 by mass and a polymeric elastomer contained in the fiber-entangled nonwoven fabric. The microfine fiber bundle (A) comprises 10 to 100 microfine fibers each of which has a single fiber fineness of 0.5 dtex or less and which are made of an elastic polymer having a JIS A hardness of 90 to 97. The microfine fiber bundle (B) comprises a microfine fiber which has a single fiber fineness of 0.5 dtex or less and which is made of a non-elastic polymer. Because of its excellent stretchability in both the machine and transverse directions and drapeability, the leather-like sheet substrate is particularly suitable as the material for clothing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing composite materials are provided. In a first embodiment, a binding material is placed on a heat-resistant filter that is placed on hollow particles in a pressurizable container. Under pressure and heat, the binding material flows through the filter and infiltrates the spaces between the hollow particles. In a further embodiment, composite material wire is produced by coating the surfaces of inorganic fiber bundles with a metal oxide by dipping in a solution of a hydrolyzable organic metal compound and hydrolyzing and heat-treating prior to continuous infiltration under pressure.

Abstract: A method of producing a metallic coating on an object emerging from a bath of molten metal. The object can for example be a wire or a plate. A magnetic field is created near the point of exit of the object. The object leaves the bath of molten metal via an exit channel containing a meniscus of the bath of molten metal. The thickness of the metallic coating is controlled as a function of the second derivative of the curve of the meniscus and of a capillary number Ca representing the ratio between the viscous forces of the molten metal and the forces of surface tension at the surface of the molten metal.

Abstract: The invention relates to method for applying a sealing coating on a metal wire and to a metal wire coated with a sealing coating. The sealing coating is giving the metal wire an improved corrosion resistance. The sealing coating may further comprise one or more coloring pigments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a polymer coating on an elongated substrate, preferably an elongate intracorporeal device in the form of a guidewire. An extrudable polymer cartridge is moved by a cartridge advancement mechanism into a guide chamber which is heated at an end with a die or orifice through which a desired portion of a guidewire may pass and be coated. Parameters such as guide chamber temperature, pull speed and force exerted by the cartridge advancement mechanism may be controlled with a computer program in order to achieve repeatable results. The guide chamber, extrudable polymer cartridge, die, and push tube may all be made from polymer components which can be reused or disposed of after a single use.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the modifying of substrates with multiple modifying agents in a single continuous system. At least two processing chambers are configured for modifying the substrate in a continuous feed system. The processing chambers can be substantially isolated from one another by interstitial seals. Additionally, the two processing chambers can be substantially isolated from the surrounding atmosphere by end seals. Optionally, expansion chambers can be used to separate the seals from the processing chambers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a continuous wire drawings process, wherein ferrous metal is drawn through multiple dies, in which the wire is coated in-line in an electroless coppering step between two wire drawing stages by being passed through a bath using transport means comprising ferrous metal components which contact solution in the bath, the bath containing an aqueous solution containing copper ions, bromide ions, a water soluble lubricant and an inhibitor compound such that a coating of copper is deposited on to the ferrous metal surface. A treatment composition as well as dry and liquid concentrate compositions are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method which can be utilized to apply a thin layer of viscous coating material to an elongated continuously moving filament whereby the filament can be cabled, coated, and spooled in a continuous operation. The apparatus has a coating material applicator to deliver a flowable material, an air applicator to supply compressed air, a mixer to mix the flowable material and compressed air, a delivery means to spray the mixed flowable material and air onto a filament, and a coating chamber through which the filament passes. The chamber has a material collector and a coating die, and a sealing attachment with an exit hole is located beneath the coating chamber. The filament is sprayed before it travels into the material collector.

Abstract: An improved method for producing impregnated reinforcing threads is disclosed. The method involves impregnating glass, carbon or aramid fibers with a twist ≦120 turns/m with a polymer dip, drawing the impregnated threads through a nozzle, drying the threads superficially in a first heating zone where they are kept moist in the core, and then providing them with a twist up to 400 turns/m in a second heating zone in which they are heated to fix this twist. The fibers are intimately impregnated with polymer, so that the impregnated threads have high fatigue strength, and a compact, constant cross section throughout their length. The impregnated threads are particularly suitable for reinforcing driving belts and high pressure hoses; they can be made into wovens and scrims which, in turn, can be used for reinforcing tires, conveyor belts and the like.

Abstract: A method of coating a substrate comprises immersing a surface portion of a substrate in a first phase comprising carbon dioxide and a coating component comprising a polymeric precursor; then withdrawing the substrate from the first phase into a distinct second phase so that the coating component is deposited on the surface portion; and then subjecting the substrate to conditions sufficient to polymerize the polymeric precursor and form a polymerized coating.

Abstract: A melting and impregnating apparatus includes an impregnating tank having an inlet sealing portion in the bottom portion thereof, an outlet sealing portion in the upper portion thereof and a drawing portion disposed between the sealing portions; a raw-material heating tank allowed to communicate with the impregnating tank through a heating passage; and pressurizing means for maintaining pressurized states of the inside portions of the impregnating tank and the pressurizing means.

Abstract: Disclosed is fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin pellets that satisfy the quality stability (homogeneous impregnation, deterioration prevention of reinforcing fiber) of the molding material and the strength performance of the molded product, using natural discontinuous fiber as the reinforcing fiber, and a manufacturing method of the pellets. A plurality of spun yarns with No. 5 to 80 counts are twisted 10 to 200 turns/m and pultruded when fiber-reinforced thermoplastic pellets containing natural fiber as the reinforcing fiber are manufactured by the impregnating pultrusion method.

Abstract: A composite fiber made from natural and/or synthetic fibers having mineral compounds such as gemstones, colors and wavelengths, piezoelectric crystals and magnets whereby said fabrics can be placed against the body, such as the longitudinal lines of acupuncture points called meridians, the chakra system and/or circulatory systems for the purpose of transporting and channeling energy. The methods of combining the gemstones with the natural/synthetic fibers include encasing the mineral compounds within the natural/synthetic fibers by bonding the mineral compounds to the natural/synthetic fibers or laminating the mineral compound or compounds to the natural/synthetic fiber.

Abstract: An inexpensive and high throughput process for manufacturing a printed circuit board (PCB) substrate includes first weaving a plurality of electrically non-conductive strands (e.g., fiberglass yarns) and at least one electrically conductive strand (e.g., a copper wire) to form a woven fabric with an upper surface and a lower surface. Next, the woven fabric is impregnated with a resin material to form an impregnated fabric, which is then cured to form a cured fabric. The upper and lower surfaces of the cured fabric are subsequently planed. The planing step segments the electrically conductive strand(s) and forms a PCB substrate that includes a planarized cured fabric with upper and lower planed surfaces and a plurality of electrically conductive strand segments extending from the upper planed surface to the lower planed surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a polymer coating on an elongated substrate, preferably an elongate intracorporeal device in the form of a guidewire. An extrudable polymer cartridge is moved by a cartridge advancement mechanism into a guide chamber which is heated at an end with a die or orifice through which a desired portion of a guidewire may pass and be coated. Parameters such as guide chamber temperature, pull speed and force exerted by the cartridge advancement mechanism may be controlled with a computer program in order to achieve repeatable results. The guide chamber, extrudable polymer cartridge, die, and push tube may all be made from polymer components which can be reused or disposed of after a single use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing resin impregnated wire windings by trickling an impregnating resin onto a heated rotating winding or by dipping the heated rotating winding in a bath filled with an impregnating resin. The impregnating resin comprises an epoxy resin and an initiator for the polymerization of the epoxy resin. The initiator is either a selected compound that is activated by ultraviolet irradiation, a heat-activatible initiator, or a mixture thereof. The heat-activatible initiator is a mixture comprising at least one quarternary ammonium salt and at least one thermal radical former.

Abstract: Liquid finish is applied to a travelling filament by bringing the travelling filament into contact with an arcuate surface portion associated with a normally stationary, but rotatable, annular finish applicator, and thereafter periodically rotating the annular finish applicator to bring at least one other arcuate surface portion thereof into contact with the travelling filament. Most preferably, an actuator assembly is provided having first and second actuator fingers which are capable of relative separable rectilinear movements towards and away from one another. These actuator fingers, in an especially preferred embodiment, are each pivotally moveable and magnetically coupled to one another. As such, separable movement will in turn cause that one of the actuator fingers connected to the annular finish applicator to pivot thereby rotating the later to expose a “fresh” arcuate surface region in contact with the filament.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a metal-carbon fiber matrix composite material which comprises removing a sizing agent from a bundle of carbon fibers, dipping the bundle of carbon fibers sequentially in an alkoxide solution and an alcohol, and then infiltrating the bundle of carbon fibers with a molten metal.

Abstract: A novel materials technology has been developed and demonstrated for providing a high modulus composite material for use to 1000° F. and above. This material can be produced at 5-20% of the cost of refractory materials, and has higher structural properties. This technology successfully resolves the problem of “thermal shock” or “ply lift,” which limits traditional high temperature laminates (such as graphite/polyimide and graphite/phenolic) to temperatures of 550-650° F. in thicker (0.25″ and above) laminates. The technology disclosed herein is an enabling technology for the nose for the External Tank (ET) of the Space Shuttle, and has been shown to be capable of withstanding the severe environments encountered by the nose cone through wind tunnel testing, high temperature subcomponent testing, and full scale structural, dynamic, acoustic, and damage tolerance testing.

Abstract: A method of coating a substrate comprises immersing a surface portion of a substrate in a first phase comprising carbon dioxide and a coating component comprising a polymeric precursor; then withdrawing the substrate from the first phase into a distinct second phase so that the coating component is deposited on the surface portion; and then subjecting the substrate to conditions sufficient to polymerize the polymeric precursor and form a polymerized coating.

Abstract: An apparatus and related process for immersing a moving wire within a both of molten metal is applicable to wire forming processes. A flat-bottomed tray has at one end a nozzle for dispersing molten metal across the floor of the tray, from a first end to a second end, in a sheetlike flow. The nozzle preferably includes a slot-like opening, and is associated with a chamber for receiving a supply of pressurized molten metal for discharge through the slot. The metal is discharged with sufficient velocity to create a hydraulic jump or standing wave, whereby the crest of the wave is elevated above the tray end walls. Within the wave, molten metal experiences a turbulent flow in a direction against the travel of the wire array. The wire array passes through the wave, thereby experiencing immersion while being drawn through the apparatus in a straight path without substantial declination.

Abstract: Methods for making metal matrix composite articles such as wires and tapes. The metal matrix composites include a plurality of substantially continuous, longitudinally positioned fibers in a metal matrix. The fibers are selected from the group of ceramic fibers, boron, carbon fibers, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method for providing a tin-plated wire which is free from thermal oxidation yellowing. In a tin-plated wire which comprises a core wire 1 with its surface being formed with a tin-plating layer 2, the composition of the plating is comprised of 30 to 500 wppm gallium, and tin or tin alloy that makes up the remainder thereof. With the content of Ga more than 30 wppm, thermal yellowing is able to be prevented. As too much content of Ga causes surface roughness, the content of Ga must be 500 wppm or below.

Abstract: Continuous bath or curtain processes for the thermal deposition of a coating from a coating solution onto a moving metal web are used to apply a coating onto the web. The compositions that result from the processes are substantially free of defects relative to batch processes. The continuous process is particularly applicable for priming zinc and zinc-alloy coated steel webs.

Abstract: Liquid finish is applied to a travelling filament by bringing the travelling filament into contact with an arcuate surface portion associated with a normally stationary, but rotatable, annular finish applicator, and thereafter periodically rotating the annular finish applicator to bring at least one other arcuate surface portion thereof into contact with the travelling filament. Most preferably, an actuator assembly is provided having first and second actuator fingers which are capable of relative separable rectilinear movements towards and away from one another. These actuator fingers, in an especially preferred embodiment, are each pivotally moveable and magnetically coupled to one another. As such, separable movement will in turn cause that one of the actuator fingers connected to the annular finish applicator to pivot thereby rotating the later to expose a “fresh” arcuate surface region in contact with the filament.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing copper-film-plated steel cord suitable for use in vehicle tires comprising plating zinc or tin on the surface of steel cord, drawing the zinc or tin-plated cord, and then plating copper film onto the zinc or tin plated steel cord by contact with a solution of cupric sulfate solution, cupric nitrate, cupric chloride or cupric acetate. Compared with the presently used brass-plated steel cord, manufacturing tires with copper-plated cord according to the present invention reduces manufacturing time due to faster formation of adhesion interphase, increases the storage period by enhancing moisture stability, and retards adhesion degradation thereby extending the service life of the tires.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a metal-carbon fiber matrix composite material which comprises removing a sizing agent from a bundle of carbon fibers, dipping the bundle of carbon fibers sequentially in an alkoxide solution and an alcohol, and then infiltrating the bundle of carbon fibers with a molten metal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of preparing pellets of a synthetic organic fiber reinforced polyolefin and discloses the process in which the reinforcing fiber is impregnated with the molten polyolefin. The invention is characterized in that the sufficient impregnation can be carried out by selecting the polyolefin and the synthetic organic fiber having the appropriate melting points and controlling the temperature of the molten polyolefin to minimize the heat deterioration of the synthetic organic fiber. The pellets obtained by the process of the invention provides a molded product having superior impact resistance and recyclability when used as raw materials for injection molding, injection-compression molding, extrusion, blow molding and a like molding process.

Abstract: Textile elements made of fibres which contain from 40% to 99.9% silicon dioxide and are coated with a silicone-containing emulsion are disclosed. The emulsion includes an anionically stabilized hydroxylated polydiorganosiloxane contains two hydroxyl groups which are linked with silicone by molecule and colloidal silica. The textile elements demonstrate considerable wear resistance. Methods of preparing the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for manufacture of an electric device having at least one conductor and a porous, fibrous and/or laminated electrically insulating dielectric system comprising a solid electrically insulating part impregnated with a dielectric fluid and a porous, fibrous and/or laminated body for use in an electric device produced with the method.

Abstract: There is described a method of applying insulative coating on high temperature superconductors and low temperature superconductors from sol-gel solutions prepared from Zr, or Zr with one of Mg, Y, Ce, In and Sn based precursor materials. The solution is prepared with isopropanol as a solvent and acetyl acetone as a catalyst. The conductors are dipped into the solution and thereafter dried at a temperature effective to evaporate the solvent. Thereafter, heat treatment in the presence of oxygen is applied at a temperature sufficient to oxidize the precursors to result in a ceramic insulative coating on the conductor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dielectric gelling composition, exhibiting a thermo-reversible liquid-gel transition at a transition temperature, Tt, wherein the gel comprises an oil and a combined gelator system having molecules of a polymer compound together with fine dielectric particles with a particle size in the nanomneter, 6 nm, range, preferably a particle size within the range from 0.001 to 1000 nm, the use of this dielectric gelling composition in an electric device comprising one or more conductors, a casing or enclosure and an insulation system comprising the dielectric gelling composition. An electric DC-cable having a conductor and an electrical insulation comprising a solid part with a porous, fibrous and/or laminated structure impregnated with the dielectric gelling composition and a method for production of such DC-cable wherein the combined gelator is prepared prior to impregnation are also disclosed.

Abstract: The method for the manufacture of unidirectionally fiber reinforced thermoplastic bands comprises a pressure impregnation of a fiber strand in a bath with a dispersion of thermoplastic particles. Heat treatments for the drying of the strand and a melting on of the particles taken up by the strand follow the pressure impregnation. The strand is drawn through the bath at a predetermined draw-off speed about a plurality of deflection elements. The dispersion of the bath is largely held in a stationary state, namely through the supply of an infeed dispersion with a first particle concentration and through an initial setting of a second particle concentration in the bath: The infeed dispersion is fed in continuously or periodically, with the first particle concentration being held constant. A corresponding feeding in of a dispersion of higher particle concentrations as well as an additional amount of dispersing medium is possible.

Abstract: A process for treating a yarn and/or a fabric to form fine inorganic particulate material in the intra-yarn pores and/or on the surface of the fibers constituting the yarn or fabric, which would substantially maintain fabric reflectance after repeated wash/wear cycles without affecting the desired characteristics of air permeability. The inorganic particles are preferably formed by reacting in an aqueous medium a first reagent selected from mineral and organic acids and a second reagent selected from alkali or alkaline earth metal salts with inorganic anions. The invention also relates to a treatment product composition directed to provide instant inorganic deposits in the yarn or fiber surface.

Abstract: Processed fiber for bonding to a rubber composition. The processed fiber consists of unprocessed fiber treated with a) a first processing liquid having at least one of an isocyanate compound and an epoxy compound, b) a second processing liquid having RFL that includes at least one rubber latex selected from acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber latex and hydrogenated nitrile rubber latex, and c) a third processing liquid having rubber paste including acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber composition dissolved in a solvent and an isocyanate compound. The weight ratio of the isocyanate compound to the acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber composition is from 1/1 to 1/3. The third processing liquid has a solid content of from 3-7%.

Abstract: An apparatus and related process for immersing a moving wire within a both of molten metal is applicable to wire forming processes. A flat-bottomed tray has at one end a nozzle for dispersing molten metal across the floor of the tray, from a first end to a second end, in a sheetlike flow. The nozzle preferably includes a slot-like opening, and is associated with a chamber for receiving a supply of pressurized molten metal for discharge through the slot. The metal is discharged with sufficient velocity to create a hydraulic jump or standing wave, whereby the crest of the wave is elevated above the tray end walls. Within the wave, molten metal experiences a turbulent flow in a direction against the travel of the wire array. The wire array passes through the wave, thereby experiencing immersion while being drawn through the apparatus in a straight path without substantial declination.

Abstract: A process for applying a metal to selected areas of non conducting substrates, including individual fibers, particularly optical fibers, comprises the steps of providing a non-conducting substrate having an uncoated portion to be treated with a sensitizer solution to provide a sensitized portion of the non-conducting substrate. Covering the sensitized portion with an activator solution provides an activated portion of the non-conducting substrate. Coating at least a section of the activated portion with a stannous salt solution forms at least one activated area and at least one deactivated area within the activated portion of the non-conducting substrate to produce a masked portion therefrom. Upon immersing the masked portion of the non-conducting substrate in an electroless plating bath, metal deposits on the activated area to provide a selectively metallized non-conducting substrate. This process provides selectively metallized articles including selectively metallized optical fibers.

Abstract: Polymer derivatives based upon polyalkyleneimine backbones having from about 20% to about 60% of their reactive amino functionalities substituted by C14-20 carboxylic acids, are disclosed. Fiber lubricants and/or sizing compositions comprising such polymer derivatives are also disclosed. The disclosed fiber lubricants exhibit excellent affinity for fiberglass fibers and have excellent hydrophobicity, while also providing excellent lubrication. Methods for preparing said derivatives are also disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for treating fibers using the polymer derivatives.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing an Al or Al alloy workpiece, including the steps of (a) providing an Al or Al alloy workpiece, (b) pre-treating of the outersurface of the Al or Al alloy workpiece, and (c) plating a metal layer including nickel onto the outersurface of the pre-treated Al or Al alloy workpiece. During step (c) the metal layer including nickel is deposited by electroplating both nickel and bismuth using an aqueous bath comprising a nickel-ion concentration in a range of 10 to 100 g/l and a bismuth-ion concentration in the range of 0.01 to 10 g/l. The invention further relates to an aqueous plating bath for use in the method of this invention.

Abstract: A process for the incorporation of an antimicrobial agent into a fibre, fabric or piece goods is described comprising treating said material by passing said fibre into an aqueous liquor containing an antimicrobial agent selected from (a) halogeno-o-hydroxydiphenyl compounds; (b) phenol derivatives; (c) benzyl alcohols; (d) chlorohexidine and derivatives thereof; (e) C12-C14 alkylbetaines and C8-C18 fatty acid amidoalkylbetaines; (f) amphoteric surfactants; (g) trihalocarbanilides; (h) quaternary and polyquaternary compounds; and (i) thiazole compounds.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing optical fiber ribbons which has a optical fiber gathering device, one or more coating applicators and a turn roller arranged in a straight line, with one or more alignment guide in plate form being provided on a travelling line of optical fibers or optical fiber ribbons upstream of the coating applicator. The alignment guide is chamfered to arch form on the side that contacts the optical fibers or the optical fiber ribbons. The alignment guide suppresses the optical fibers or the optical fiber ribbons from vibrating in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the arrangement of the optical fibers or the optical fiber ribbons.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive method of forming a film on a wire or strip material by immersing it in a solution bath containing a film-treating component, and then draining liquid off, and an apparatus thereof are disclosed. The time from taking out the material from the solution bath to completing liquid draining is not less than 4 times the immersion time in the solution bath to thereby improve drawability.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a optical fiber (102) which includes a furnace (104) for softening an optical fiber blank (106); a tractor (114) for drawing the optical fiber (102) from the softened optical fiber blank (106); and a first applicator (110) for applying a coating of a first coating material to the optical fiber (102), the first applicator having a rotatable die.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of mixing/dispersing solid phases of a carbon powder 4 and silicon powder 5, impregnating a woven fiber 2 with the powders, and subsequently exposing the woven fiber to a high temperature sufficient for reaction calcining to react/calcine the woven fiber, so that only small amounts of C and Si particles remain, a matrix forming speed is high, and CMC having high airtightness can be manufactured in a short time.

Abstract: Disclosed is fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin pellets that satisfy the quality stability (homogeneous impregnation, deterioration prevention of reinforcing fiber) of the molding material and the strength performance of the molded product, using natural discontinuous fiber as the reinforcing fiber, and a manufacturing method of the pellets. A plurality of spun yarns with No. 5 to 80 counts are twisted 10 to 200 turns/m and pultruded when fiber-reinforced thermoplastic pellets containing natural fiber as the reinforcing fiber are manufactured by the impregnating pultrusion method.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing flexible belts from fibers. Fibers that form the flexible belt are soaked with a liquid elastomer. The liquid elastomer soaked fibers are formed into the shape of a belt, beneficially by wrapping the fibers around a mandrel. The belt-shaped and soaked fibers are then cured. Multiple layer flexible belts can be formed by soaking fibers with a first liquid elastomer, wrapping those fibers around a mandrel, and then curing the mandrel to form a belt layer. Then, fibers are soaked with a second liquid elastomers. Those soaked fibers are then wrapped around the mandrel/belt layer. The fibers soaked with the second elastomer are then cured, forming a belt having two layers. The formed belt is then removed from the mandrel. The fibers and liquid elastomer(s) are beneficially chosen to introduce desirable belt properties.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a resin coated fiber composite of a rod shape, tubular-shape or plate shape comprises a plurality of first members having an annular shape with a semi-circular ring shaped internal surface, second members having a disc shape with a semicircular ring shaped external surface, first connectors for assembling the first members, second connectors for assembling the second members, an outer die member semi-assembled with the first members and connectors, an inner die member semi-assembled with the second members and connectors, a heater, an inlet nozzle and an outlet nozzle, a zigzag shaped tunnel formed between the inner and outer die members for providing a narrow flow path of the fiber filaments, and resin inlet ports to fill the molten resin in the zigzag shaped tunnel and pressurize the flow path of the fiber filaments.

Abstract: Dipped cords made from melt-spun filament yarns of an alternating copolymer of alkenes and carbon monoxide have a cord twist factor in the range of 120 to 250 and a breaking tenacity BT≧750 mN/tex, a TASE-2>70 mN/tex, and a HAS-2′-180° C. (5 mN/tex)<3.6%. These dipped cords are made by subjecting drawn filament yarns to a dipping treatment. Preference is given to dipped cords having a breaking tenacity BT≧850 mN/tex and a TASE-2>75 mN/tex, which are obtainable from yarns wherein after dipsimulation, the aspect ratio of the crystals 2&Lgr;002/(&Lgr;210+&Lgr;310) varies between 2.3 and 2.7. The cords are preeminently suitable to reinforce rubber articles such as car tires.

Abstract: An opening and resin-impregnation apparatus is used for impregnating a reinforcing fiber bundle (2) with a molten resin. The fiber bundle (2) is subjected to opening by bringing it into contact with opening pins (4). An auxiliary pin (5) is positioned within a specific region relative to the opening pin. The apparatus and a method which makes use of the apparatus permit the production of a continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin composite material having excellent impregnation characteristics and flexural strength while maintaining high stable productivity.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the production of continuous composite materials from unidirectional reinforcing fibers and from thermoplastics, the longitudinally moved bundle of parallel continuous reinforcing fibers being preheated and impregnated with a continuously supplied thermoplastic melt, whereupon the continuous composite material thus formed is cooled. In order to improve the impregnating operation, it is proposed, according to the invention, that the thermoplastic melt form an elongate impregnation stage, into which mechanical energy is introduced continuously in order to reduce the melt viscosity, and that the preheated fiber bundle be drawn continuously through the zone of reduced melt viscosity.