Abstract: A composite plank (146) having a curved bottom surface (154) made by the method wherein a feed mixture of thermoplastic polymer material and glass fibers are provided to an extruder (10). The extruder compresses the feed mixture to form a thermoplastic/glass melt in the presence of a blowing agent. The melt is extruded through a die (26) to form a strand or extruded length (110) that is further shaped and cooled in an array of calibrators (112). A cutter (142) severs sections of the extruded length (110) to form planks (146).

Abstract: A low thermal expansion laminated plate which has excellent heat resistance, water resistance and toughness and whose average linear expansion coefficient within the temperature ranging from 40 to 150° C. is not higher than 20×10−6/° C. can be obtained by laminating and curing fiber-reinforced layers impregnated with a resin composition consisting of a radically polymerizable resin, radically polymerizable monomer and inorganic filler combined with a specific amount of a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A method of producing an endless belt includes the steps of: securing axial fibers relative to a mandrel, the axial fibers being spaced apart from one another at desired intervals and extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the mandrel; applying a polymeric base layer to the mandrel in a thickness sufficient to embed the axial fibers; wrapping circumferential fibers onto the polymeric base layer with sufficient tension to partially embed the circumferential fibers in the polymeric base layer; applying a polymeric top stock layer over the polymeric base layer and circumferential fibers; and curing the base layer and the top stock layer. This method can improve productivity and performance of endless belts, particularly if the wrapping and latter applying steps closely follow the first applying step.

Abstract: A composite material comprising an inorganic filler material and a oriented fibrous polymeric material characterised in that the fibrous material has areas of adjacent fibres fused together to form a network or continuous matrix while retaining oriented fibrous structure in the composite.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a non-metallic reinforcement member (10) such as a rod to be embedded in a structure of material such as concrete (30). This member comprises a longitudinal main body (20) having an outer surface (14) and spaced apart embossments (22) formed along its length and being integral therewith. When this member (10) is embedded in concrete (30), the embossments (22) mechanically interlock with the concrete (30). This reinforcement member (10) may be made of a plastic material such as thermoplastic resin so as to be bendable. The outer surface (14) may comprise layers of fiber reinforcement (18). Also disclosed herein is a process of making such a reinforcement member (10).

Abstract: An insulating paperboard contains at least one layer of cellulose fibers. The one layer is at least partially composed of bulky fibers. The paperboard is sufficiently insulated to provide a hot water &Dgr;T across the paperboard of at least 0.7° C.±2.3° C. per 0.1 mm of caliper. The paperboard may be embossed to decrease surface transmission of heat. A hot cup may be produced from the insulating paperboard.

Abstract: The invention includes the use of a high-modulus fiber metal matrix composite material as a backing plate for physical vapor deposition targets, as a lid for microelectronics packages, as a heat spreader, and as a heat sink. In one implementation, copper-coated carbon fibers are mixed with copper powder. In another implementation, the mixture is consolidated to a carbon fiber metal matrix composite by using a vacuum hot press. The resultant backing plate has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 4.9×10−6/C, thermal conductivity of at least 300 W/mK, density of greater than 99% of theoretical, and the composite material of the backing plate is 30% lighter than Cu while also having higher stiffness than Cu. The high-modulus fiber metal matrix composite backing plate can be used for high power W, Ta, and ceramic PVD targets.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an inorganic material-based article comprising the steps of

Abstract: A continuous reinforcing fiber sheet in which reinforcing fibers are arranged at an arbitrary angle to the main axis. The continuous reinforcing fiber sheet is well applicable to pultrusion forming without the risk of the reinforcing fibers being dispersed. This permits use of the continuous reinforcing fiber sheet in a long fiber-reinforced plastic structural member having remarkably improved torsional rigidity. The continuous reinforcing fiber sheet 1 has a continuous resin-penetrable support sheet 2 and a reinforcing fiber layer 3 held by the resin-penetrable support sheet 2. Long reinforcing fibers 4 in the reinforcing fiber layer 3 have substantially a certain length (F) and are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the resin-penetrable support sheet 2 at a prescribed angle (&agr;) to the longitudinal direction of the resin-penetrable support sheet 2.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interlayer for use with a laminated glazing. The interlayer may be formed from at least two sheets of polyvinyl butyral provided with a reinforcement inserted therebetween, with the elastic energy needed to deform the interlayer in tension being at least 80 J/m2 in all directions.

Abstract: An anti-microbial and/or anti-fungal synthetic fiber and various products made partially or wholly therefrom. The fiber comprises various thermoplastic polymers and additives in a mono-component form or a bi-component form in either a core-sheath or side-by-side configurations. The anti-microbial synthetic fibers comprise inorganic anti-microbial additives, distributed in certain areas to reduce the amount of the anti-microbial agents being used, and therefore the cost of such fibers. The fibers can incorporate anti-microbial additives so that they are not removed by repeated washing in boiling water and in dry clean cycles and become ineffective and conversely enhance access to the additives by washing or the like. The fibers comprise high tenacity polymers (e.g. PET) in one portion and hydrolysis resistance polymers (e.g. PCT) in another portion with the additives. The fibers can further be blended with non-anti-microbial fibers such as cotton, wool, polyester, acrylic, nylon etc.

Abstract: The present invention is a paper product including a thermally bondable fiber which may be surfactant coated. The paper product according to the present invention has improved strength and absorbency characteristics. The paper product of the present invention may be embossed and heat cured to result in an attractive and absorbent product.

Abstract: The invention relates to an external reinforcement for beams, columns, plates and the like, substantially consisting in the combination of fibers and a resin and whereby the majority of the fibers is situated in the longitudinal direction of the reinforcement, characterized in that at least well-defined portions of the external reinforcement are provided with an additional reinforcement formed by fibers which are arranged according to at least one direction differing from the longitudinal direction of the reinforcement.

Abstract: A composite shim is provided having a laminate structure that includes a composite layer having at least one circumferential fiber. The composite layer may be in combination with composite layers with radially oriented fibers, uniaxially oriented fibers, and/or biaxially extending fibers. By employing such laminate structures, the present invention may provide shims that have the desired strength and stiffness characteristics of metallic shims while possessing the beneficial weight characteristics generally associated with composite shims. Laminated bearings containing such composite shims are also provided.

Abstract: Non-thermoplastic starch fibers having no melting point and having apparent peak wet tensile stress greater than about 0.2 MegaPascals (MPa). The fibers can be manufactured from a composition comprising a modified starch and a cross-linking agent. The composition can have a shear viscosity from about 1 Pascal·Seconds to about 80 Pascal·Seconds and an apparent extensional viscosity in the range of from about 150 Pascal·Seconds to about 13,000 Pascal·Seconds. The composition can comprise from about 50% to about 75% by weight of a modified starch; from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of an aldehyde cross-linking agent; and from about 25% to about 50% by weight of water. Prior to cross-linking, the modified starch can have a weight average molecular weight greater than about 100,000 g/mol.

Abstract: A fibrous reinforcement including a fibrous support treated throughout or covered at least partially on one of its surfaces with a compound containing: i) one or more thermosetting prepolymers having a softening temperature of 150° C. or lower and/or one or more thermoplastic polymers having a glass transition temperature lower than 300° C.; and ii) one or more inorganic phosphorus compounds. The treatment ratio of the fibrous support with the inorganic phosphorus compound(s) falls within the range of 2%-20% by weight. The fibrous reinforcement is suitable for use as a fireproofing agent.

Abstract: A method for sintering a porous coating on an open-structure substrate, i.e., a substrate with pre-made pores or openings. The open-structure substrate is spread with a coating paste that is prepared with such a viscosity so that the paste will not drip through the pores/openings on the open-structure substrate. The coating paste is then sintered to form a porous layer on the surface of the open-structure substrate. Optionally, the porous coating may be further coated with a catalyst for fuel cell applications.

Abstract: A beneficiated fiber and composite including a fiber having a lumen with voids. A suspension including a bonding agent, chemical blowing agent, and catalyst is drawn into the lumen by a capillary action to beneficiate the fiber. The beneficiated fiber may be imbedded with a polymeric material to form the composite. The natural voids of the lumen are preserved by the suspension causing the fiber to maintain natural density and strength characteristics.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to laminated polymer composite material comprising, a base structural member having at least one major surface and an overlay layer of polymer linked, e.g by fusion bonding, to at least a portion of said at least one major surface of the structural member, wherein the polymer is any polymer which can be thermally activated to obtain chemical and/or physical links with the structural member, and to a process and apparatus for making same.

Abstract: In a material bond for a composite product composed of a fiber-reinforced material and a further material, such as an anode for an x-ray tube, wherein the fibers of the fiber-reinforced material exhibit a preferred orientation, and wherein the magnitude of the coefficient of thermal expansion of the fiber-reinforced material is direction dependent and depends on the preferred orientation of the fibers, the preferred orientation of the fibers is aligned, at least in a boundary region between the fiber-reinforced material and the further material, such that the coefficient of thermal expansion of the fiber-reinforced material and the coefficient thermal expansion of the further material are approximately equal along this boundary region, in which the bond is formed.

Abstract: A light-weight, highly rigid, high-strength environment-friendly fiber-reforced plastic (hereinafter, CFRP) board having a surface quality that can endure long-term use suitable for use in automobiles and the like is provided. A method for making the same is also provided.

Abstract: A fibrous core material is disposed between and bonded to metal skins to form a structural laminate having comparable strength to steel sheets of greater weight.

Abstract: A composite material having a reduced weight, while its strength is improved to provide a higher damage suppressing effect. Resin layers (2, 2) are laminated on each surface of the metal layer (1) formed of a shape-memory alloy (SMA) to which a strain was imparted. And a fiber-reinforced resin layer part (3) including a plurality of fiber-reinforced resin layers (31 to 34) is laminated on each resin layer (2, 2), respectively.

Abstract: A press belt for the formation of a nip between the belt and an opposing surface during processing of a fibrous pulp web, that includes a matrix of an elastomer material, a first layer of reinforcing fibers having a thickness and spacings therebetween, and extending in a direction transverse to a belt run direction, and a second layer of reinforcing fibers having a thickness and spacings therebetween, and extending in the belt run direction, where the thicknesses of the reinforcing fibers of the first layer and the second layer is about 0.5 mm, where the spacings between the reinforcing fibers of the first layer are less than or equal to about 3.0 mm, where the spacings between the reinforcing fibers of the second layer being less than or equal to 2.5 mm, and where the reinforcing fibers of the first layer are separated in a belt thickness direction from the reinforcing fibers of the second layer one layer by a distance of up to about 4 mm.

Abstract: A reinforcing structure designed for handling compression stress states when the structure is molded into a composite. The structure, specifically a wrapped cord with metallic filaments contained therein, is suitable for both compression and tension load forces. The reinforcing structure has a core comprising a plurality of essentially straight, nested filaments arranged in parallel, the filaments forming a line of contact with adjacent filaments that extends along the length of the filaments. Wrapped about the core is at least one helically wound wire.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sizing composition for use on glass fibers which are used to reinforce plastic resins used in the formation of fiber-reinforced plastics (FRPs). The sizing composition comprises a copolymer formed from at least one functional monomer that is selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, phenyl and alkoxylated functional groups. The glass fibers sized with the sizing composition of the invention have excellent computability with resins used in forming FRPs, as seen by a low level of white glass.

Abstract: A radiographic image conversion panel including, a support and a photostimulable phosphor layer formed on the support by a vapor deposition method. The support has a plurality of carbon fiber reinforced resin sheets each of which includes carbon fibers arranged in a direction and impregnated with a heat resistant resin such that directions of the carbon fibers in the carbon fiber reinforced resin sheets are different from each other and arranged at approximately equal angles.

Abstract: A friction material having a reinforcement material that includes mineral fibers, metal fibers, aramid fibers, cellulose fibers and combinations thereof but does not include carbon steel. The friction material has a relatively uniform coefficient of friction and causes relatively less wear of braking components.

Abstract: A fluorescent material is formed of two sets of fibers, one set being receptive to standard dyes and the second set being receptive to fluorescent dyes. The material thus formed has a standard color under normal light, and a pleasing fluorescent color under UV light. The two colors can be very different. The fibers are preferably colored using a cross-dyeing process after they are formed into the material. The material can be knit or woven.

Abstract: A multi-component composite extrusion includes various combinations of a hollow, high density profile filled in with a foamed, thermoplastic core. A further low density foamed profile can alternately surround the high density, hollow component. A capstock can be provided on either embodiment of the multi-component extrusion. All of the components are preferably substantially simultaneously extruded in a single multi-plate extrusion die, so that the various components are substantially laterally coextensive with one another and molecularly bonded to the adjacent component. The thin wall, high density component and the adjacent low density foamed thermoplastic component may optionally be provided with substantial wood fiber content to alter the macroscopic properties of the resulting multi-component extrusion. The extrusion has utility in the fenestration, decking, and remodeling industries.

Abstract: A preform can be molded by resin transfer molding and yields a composite material having excellent strength and excellent interlaminar debonding resistance. The preform, which is for producing a fiber-reinforced composite, comprises layers of laminated structure of a reinforcing material comprising reinforcement fibers and has, between these layers, a layer comprising a thermoplastic resin and having space so as not to inhibit a liquid resin from flowing therethrough. The preform is molded to yield a fiber-reinforced composite material.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aluminum conductor composite core reinforced cable (ACCC) and method of manufacture. An ACCC cable has a composite core surrounded by at least one layer of aluminum conductor. The composite core comprises a plurality of fibers from at least one fiber type in one or more matrix materials. The composite core can have a maximum operating temperature capability above 100° C. or within the range of about −45° C. to about 230° C., at least 50% fiber to resin volume fraction, a tensile strength in the range of about 160 Ksi to about 370 Ksi, a modulus of elasticity in the range of about 7 Msi to about 37 Msi and a coefficient of thermal expansion in the range of about −0.7×10−6 m/m/° C. to about 6×10−6 m/m° C. According to the invention, a B-stage forming process may be used to form the composite core at improved speeds over pultrusion processes wherein the speeds ranges from about 9 ft/min to about 60 ft/min.

Abstract: The addition of a small amount of plastic fibers to a mix of inorganic magnesium compound, water and other substances adapted to be extruded to form a synthetic construction panel will significantly reduce the degree of slumping which the extruded material will exhibit.

Abstract: A glass fiber wall covering is made by sequential application of aqueous dispersion and an image coating to selectively create an image for painted effects. The image pattern is based on a spatial expansion of second image coating upon heating during the drying process.

Abstract: A platform scale cover is reinforced with one or more scale mats formed of a fiber filled polyester thermoset plastic material (FFP). The mats can be securely and rigidly fixed to scale covers using conventional mechanical fasteners. The FFP can be molded with textures, colors and grain patterns which closely simulate natural materials such as marble, granite and other stone and brick type materials. Sturdy mountings can be molded on the mats to facilitate mounting the mat to a scale platform.

Abstract: A method for making moldable material comprises the initial step of providing a composite material comprised in part of an epoxy. A high performance strand is then distributed in the composite material to form a moldable material. Lastly, the moldable material is heated sufficiently to cause the composite material and the high performance strand to stick at least slightly together without melting the epoxy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber/resin composite comprising fibers (A), polypropylene resin (B) and modified polyolefin resin (C), the weight ratio of the polypropylene resin (B) to the modified polyolefin resin (C) being 99.9/0.1 to 60/40, the modified polyolefin resin (C) having a melt flow rate of 30 to 150 g/10 min, the fibers (A) being arranged parallel to each other in one direction, the composite having a length of 2 to 100 mm along the direction in which the fibers (A) are arranged, the fibers (A) having a weight average length equal to the length of the composite, wherein the polypropylene resin (B) is composed of propylene homopolymer segment (B-1) and propylene-ethylene copolymer segment (B-2), the propylene homopolymer segment (B-1) having an isotactic pentad fraction of at least 0.980 and the content of the propylene-ethylene copolymer segment (B-2) in the polypropylene resin (B) being 10 to 40% by weight.

Abstract: A stain resistant acoustical panel which incorporates within its structure a relatively small quantity of latex which forms an ultra thin coating within the panel such that water may pass through the inner structure of the panel. The panel may further include a primer coating applied to the facing side of the panel to prevent water stains. The coating contains a chelating agent which provides stain resistance to the coated face of the panel. Additionally, the panel may incorporate both latex within its structure and a primer coating comprising a chelating agent.

Abstract: A silica-based photocatalyst fiber having visible-light activity, which fiber comprises a composite oxide phase comprising an oxide phase (first phase) mainly made of a silica component and a titania phase (second phase), wherein the second phase contains a metal element other than titanium and the existent ratio of the second phase slopingly increases towards the surface of the fiber, and a process for the production thereof.

Abstract: An FRP molded article molded by hot runner injection molding with a mixture of thermoplastic resin and reinforcing fibers of 0.1-7 mm in average length dispersed in the thermoplastic resin; and a hot runner injection molding method therefore. The molded article is preferable for use as a housing for electronic terminal equipment, cellular phones, etc.

Abstract: A mixture of carbon-containing fibers, such as mesophase or isotropic pitch fibers, a suitable matrix material, such as a milled pitch is compressed while resistively heating the mixture to form a carbonized composite material. Preferably, the carbonized material has a density of at least about 1.30 g/cm3. Preferably, the composite material is formed in less than ten minutes. This is a significantly shorter time than for conventional processes, which typically take several days and achieve a lower density material. A treating component may be impregnated into the composite. Consequently, carbon composite materials having final densities of about 1.6-1.8 g/cm3 or higher are readily achieved with one or two infiltration cycles using a pitch or other carbonaceous material to fill voids in the composite and rebaking.

Abstract: The present invention provides composites prepared from melt blending compositions that generally include cellulosic pulp fibers having an alpha-cellulose purity of greater than 80% by weight, at least one water soluble binder, at least one lubricant, at least one compatibilizer, and at least one matrix polymer. The present invention further provides advantageous temperature profiles and feeding arrangements to be used in conjunction with the melt blending of such composites. The composites of the present invention exhibit reduced discoloration and improved fiber dispersion.

Abstract: A rough-surfaced substrate, such as a fiberboard, is provided with a smoother surface by applying a coating comprising calcium sulfate hemihydrate which has been prevented from hydrating to gypsum by set preventer, and which sets when brought into contact with a set initiator, e.g. aluminum sulfate, preferably present on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method for reducing the weight of metal-composite laminates that consist of two or more metal foil layers (1) and the polymeric binder layers (2) that hold these metal foil layers together and contain fiber reinforcement (3) designed in view of the intended area of application for the product. The desired weight reduction is achieved according to the invention in that at least parts of the fiber reinforcement (3) are made from hollow fibers, i.e. consist of tubular fibers, each of which contains at least one longitudinal internal hollow channel. The invention also includes products fabricated in accordance with said method.

Abstract: To provide a fiberboard capable of reducing a load on the environment at all states of producing, using, and abolishing and moreover having a high degree of bending strength and a high bending-strength retention rate at high temperature and high humidity so as to be usable for an automobile interior material or building material and a fiber-board producing method. The fiberboard is formed by mixing natural fiber with polylactic acid resin serving as a binder and has an apparent density of 0.2 g/cm3.

Abstract: A multi-layer elastic flat-shaped article having a predefined shape, consisting of at least two outer layers made of a porous fibrous or filamentous batting, and at least one inner layer, disposed between and adherent to a pair of said at least two outer layers. The inner layer is applied as at least one adhesive skein forming a latticework configuration. The adhesive skein is formed of a thermoplast having elastic properties at room temperature, and being adapted to recover its latticework configuration after tensile loading. The resulting article flat shaped article may be elastically stretched, and return to its original configuration. A preferred method for depositing the thermoplast is a printing process, for example intaglio printing, flexoprinting or screen printing. Nozzles may also be used to extrude hot thermoplast in a pattern defined by a relative movement of the outer layer or layers and the nozzle. The pattern may be continuous or interrupted.

Abstract: A coated fiber mat of improved tear strength upon dividing pieces of the coated mat and the coating is provided. The coated mat is a cured, non-woven mat including a mixture of fibers having different fiber lengths. The fibers contain a polysiloxane compound and are fixedly distributed in a binder.

Abstract: Provided is a fiberglass binder composition which comprises a polycarboxy polymer, polyol and an imidazoline. The binder also preferably includes a catalyst which is an alkali metal salt of a phosphorus-containing organic acid. The resultant binder provides minimal processing difficulties and a product which exhibits minimal water absorption.

Abstract: A polymer composite structure having resin matrix interlayers reinforced with shape memory alloy (SMA) particles. In one preferred form Nitinol® alloy particles are used for the SMA particles. The Nitinol® alloy particles may comprise cylindrical, oval or spherical shaped particles and are intermixed in the resin of the resin matrix interlayer(s) of the composite structure. The SMA particles provide superelastic, reversible strain properties that significantly improve the damage resistance, damage tolerance (e.g. compression-after-impact (CAI) strength) and elevated temperature performance of the composite structure without negatively affecting the hot-wet compression strength of the composite structure. The polymer composite structure is ideally suited for aerospace and aircraft applications where lightweight and structurally strong materials are essential.

Abstract: A condrapable hydrophobic nonwoven web of continuous fibers includes a hydrophobic nonwoven web of continuous fibers, and a fiber surface-modifying agent on the web to form therewith a condrapable hydrophobic web. The agent is essentially an amino-modified polydimethylsiloxane. The condrapable hydrophobic web is characterized by a substantial hydrophobicity, as measured by a strike-through of over 180 seconds and by a substantial increase in condrapability, as measured by a Handle-O-Meter decrease of at least 15% average for MD and CD.