Abstract: Reinforced composites containing cellulosic pulp fibers dispersed in a matrix, wherein the matrix comprises a thermoplastic polymeric material melting above 180° C. and the cellulosic pulp fibers have an alpha-cellulose purity greater than 80% by weight. Methods of making and using the reinforced composites.

Abstract: Reinforcing tape (1) that includes a ply (2) of longitudinal, aramid-, glass- or carbon-based high-tenacity yarns (3) bound together by weft yarns (4), which tape includes two thermoplastic films (5, 6), each placed on one side of the ply (2) of high-tenacity yarns (3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a consolidated form of the commingled continuous filaments of glass fibers and polymeric fibers as reinforcement. The consolidation of the commingled fibers into composite reinforcement can be used in a continuous form or bulk molding compound pellets. The consolidation of the commingled fibers into composite reinforcement can be made in-situ during in-line extrusion of the final end product extrudate, or prepared as a tape or rod and incorporated into an off-line extrusion of final product. The bulk molding pellets are used solely or diluted with an addition of polymeric material for mono or co-extrusion or compression molding.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced composite prepreg includes a prepreg containing reinforcing fiber and an uncured matrix resin, and a thermoplastic urethane elastomer film laid on the prepreg. A fiber reinforced composite laminate is formed by subjecting the fiber reinforced composite prepreg to hot pressing techniques. The thermoplastic urethane elastomer film enhances the bonding strength between the laminate and other materials bonded thereto.

Abstract: A friction material includes a fibrous base material comprising at least one type of petroleum pitch-based carbon fiber.

Abstract: A composite-based rim includes multiple fiber-based, commingled layers wherein the strength and/or stiffness increases from the innermost to the outermost layer of the rim, but wherein the radial stress and strain generated in the rim decreases from the innermost to the outermost layer. At least some layers have a mixture of carbon fiber tows and glass fiber tows. The ratio of carbon fiber tows to glass fiber tows in each layer is constant, and the distribution of carbon fiber tows is macroscopically uniform in each layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber sheet having a heat-treated surface layer, comprising a polyester fiber applicable as heat insulating and sound absorbing materials. The fiber sheet is prepared by forming a surface layer at a particular level by continuously heat-treating a surface of the fiber sheet using 1 to 3 sets of hot press rollers at a post-process, where one set of the rollers consists of two rollers vertically arranged. Compared to the conventional products, the fiber sheet of the present invention has improved desurfacing property and bending strength, and good workability and interior property, as well as having improved texture, sound absorbing property and moisture resistance by regulating the size of surface pores.

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 relates to a component part, especially a rear parcel shelf, and to a method for the production thereof, whereby the component part is provided with a honeycomb-like core layer (2) which is provided with a reinforcing layer (3, 4) on each side. This layer comprises a nonwoven that contains thermoplastic fibers. The core layer (2) is made of thermoplastic material and is connected to the thermoplastic fibers of the reinforcing layer (3, 4) b material fit. The reinforcing layer (3, 4) is precompressed and air permeable and has an air flow resistance ranging from 500 Nsm−3<R<3500 Nsm−3.

Abstract: A multilayer product which comprises a first element consisting of a layer of spongy, semi-rigid polymer (A), impregnated on one or both sides with polyurethane resin (B), and inserted between two layers of glass fibre, natural fibre or a combination of glass fibre and natural fibre (C) coupled with the central layer (B) (A) (B), wherein the first element is coupled with at least a second element comprising a layer of spongy, semi-rigid polymer (A) , wherein the second element is impregnated on one or both sides with polyurethane resin (B), and wherein the second element is coupled with an additional layer of glass fibre, natural fibre or a combination of glass fibre and natural fibre (C).

Abstract: The present invention relates to aliphatic polyester microfibers, films having a microfibrillated surface, and methods of making the same. Microfibers of the invention can be prepared by imparting fluid energy, typically in the form of high-pressure water jets, to a highly oriented, highly crystalline, aliphatic polyester film to liberate microfibers therefrom. Microfibrillated films of the invention find use as tape backings, filters for particulate contaminants, such as face masks and water or air filters, fibrous mats, such as those used for removal of oil from water and those used as wipes, and thermal and acoustical insulation. Microfibers of the invention, when removed from the film matrix may be used in the preparation of woven or nonwoven articles and used as wipes for the removal of debris or dust from a surface. The microfibers and microfibrillated articles of the invention may be biodegradable, rendering them useful for geotextiles.

Abstract: A substantially planar sheet having two opposable surfaces, the sheet having at least one layer formed from a first optionally polymeric material and a second optionally polymeric material, the second material having a lower elasticity modulus (1% Secant) than the first material, incorporation of the second material producing a sheet having a tensile strength and/or elasticity modulus of about 90% or less of that of a sheet without such material when measured in any direction parallel to the sheet surface. Such conformable sheets and films are particularly useful for labelling and graphic art applications.

Abstract: A thread or other element for bonding fibers in a fibrous reinforcement for use in a fiber composite is such that it is at least degraded in the course of the production of said fiber composite.

Abstract: Method for the production of a laminate and bent product produced from such a laminate. The laminate is made up of at least two outer sheets of metal material with a layer of fibre-reinforced resin between them. During production the fibre layer is applied dry and the layer of resin material is applied around the fibre material only at a later stage. This can take place either by injection or by rendering fluid a layer of resin material that is applied adjoining the layer of fibre material in the laminate. In this way it is ensured that complete filling of the adjacent sheets of metal material with fibre-reinforced resin takes place even in bends.

Abstract: Small cross-section composites are used as reinforcements for concrete. The composites include longitudinally oriented fibers embedded in a depolymerizable and repolymerizable thermoplastic matrix. The composites are mixed into the wet concrete and poured with the concrete to form a reinforced concrete structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides cellulosic fibers having high wet bulk and methods for their preparation. In one embodiment, the invention provides cellulosic fibers catalytically crosslinked with glyoxal and, optionally, a glycol. In another embodiment, cellulosic fibers are crosslinked with a combination of glyoxal and a glyoxal-derived resin selected from the group consisting of a glyoxal/polyol condensate, a cyclic urea/glyoxal/polyol condensate, a cyclic urea/glyoxal condensate, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nonflammable epoxy resin composition for using a thin copper film laminate, which is applied to a printed circuit board (PCB), and using the same. The present invention provides for nonflammable epoxy resin composition for using a thin copper film laminate, comprising bisphenol A-type epoxy resin, multifunctional epoxy resin, an imidazole-based curing catalyst, and a curing retarder, and using the same. As described above, since the ring-open of the epoxy group is prompted by an imidazole catalyst, without the use of dicyandiamide, epoxy polymer reaction occurs due to the chain-reaction of epoxy group, and the glass-transition temperature is 170° C. or greater, the nonflammable epoxy resin composition for using a thin copper film of the present invention has a strong heat-resistance, lower dielectric constant, controllable gelation time, and does not require the use of non-harmful catalysts to the human body.

Abstract: A friction or sliding body includes at least two composite materials reinforced with fiber bundles and containing a ceramics matrix. A first composite material forms the outside of the sliding body as a friction layer and a second composite material forms a supporting body joined areally to the friction layer. The fiber bundle lengths of the friction layer are significantly shorter than the fiber bundle lengths of the supporting body. The fiber bundles of the friction layer have a clear alignment perpendicular to the surface. The surface of the friction layer is formed substantially only of small regions of free carbon with a diameter of at most 1.2 mm, and a total fraction of the area of free carbon on the surface is at most 35%. The surface has an extremely fine crack structure and the friction layer exhibits virtually no stresses in the vicinity of the surface. A process for producing a friction or sliding body and a brake disc or brake lining are also provided.

Abstract: An object is to provide a component made of CFRP for use in a conveyor, which component has been treated so as to hardly pollute precision apparatus components while making the best use of lightweight properties and high rigidity both inherent in CFRP, and a method of treating the component. A CFRP component for use in a conveyor, whose processed surface is coated with a resin which is resistant to a polar solvent and which cures at a low temperature of 90° C. or less. A method of coating a CFRP component for use in a conveyor, which comprises applying the resin diluted to be in a concentration of 5 to 60% by weight with a solvent onto a processed surface of the CFRP component for a conveyor, and then curing the resin applied at 90° C. or less.

Abstract: Spray on polyurethaneurea coatings provide corrosion resistance over long periods of time to marine fixtures, particularly of active metals such as aluminum and steel. Radar arches, fishing platforms, railing systems, etc. can maintain their aesthetics over extended periods of time, even in salt water environments, when the coating has been penetrated to the metal surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support element, especially for concrete constructions and concrete building components, comprising at least one supporting fiber system embedded in a binder. The aim of the invention is to provide a support element that comprises at least one supporting fiber system embedded in a binder and that is characterized by excellent vapor permeability and at the same time by high stability and good modulus E values. To this end, the binder contains at least one polymer component that has a specific water vapor diffusion resistance value &mgr; of at least 20000, a modulus E of transverse elasticity G of at least 3000 N/mm2 and a tensile strength of at least 10 N/mm2.

Abstract: Prefabricated multi-layered mats of reinforcement fiber can be overlapped and saturated with resin so as to form a fiber-reinforced article. The overlapped portions can be modified so as to improve the flow of resin between the mats.

Abstract: A composite comprising a structural component and a matrix component, the structural component comprising structural fibres and a toughening additive comprising non structural fibres of a first thermoplastic material and the matrix component comprising a second thermoplastic material. The structural component is a fabric formed from the structural fibres and the non structural thermoplastic fibres, the fabric comprising non structural thermoplastic fibres which are in fibre form in the final composite. The first and second thermoplastic materials differ as to their molecular weight or are dissimilar.

Abstract: A composite material has a laminated structure of fiber-reinforced resin layers and films of a shape-memory alloy. A predetermined strain has been applied to each film. A damage sensor has a film of an alloy of nickel and titanium. An electric circuit is bonded to the film, and strain gages are connected to the electric circuit. The damage sensor can be laminated to the resin layers in place of the film of the shape-memory alloy. Damage to the composite material is suppressed as follows: A current is applied to the films of the shape-memory alloy, to monitor change in electric resistance of the films. The damage is located in response to the change in electric resistance. Another current is applied to a film of the shape-memory alloy for which the change is larger than the other films to generate heat for deforming the film to generate shrinking stress or shear stress to the damage.

Abstract: The present invention relates an acoustical insulation material for sound attenuation containing a nonwoven web. Surprisingly, it has been discovered that an acoustical insulation material made from a nonwoven web of thermoplastic fibers having an average fiber diameter of less than about 7 microns, wherein the acoustical insulation has a thickness less than about 3 mm and a density of greater than about 50 kg/m3 is effective as a sound insulation material. The acoustical insulation is very effective as an acoustical insulation material, despite the low thickness and high density of the acoustical insulation. A method of attenuating sound waves passing from a sound source area to a second area using the acoustical insulation material is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of a polishing article for processing a substrate are provided. In one embodiment, a polishing article for processing a substrate comprises a fabric layer having a conductive layer disposed thereover. The conductive layer has an exposed surface adapted to polish a substrate. The fabric layer may be woven or non-woven. The conductive layer may be comprised of a soft metal and, in one embodiment, the exposed surface may be planar.

Abstract: Rebar for reinforcing a concrete includes a core, a rib layer, and a cover layer. The rib layer is placed over at least a portion of the core and the cover layer is placed over at least a portion of the rib layer. A method for making the rebar for reinforcing a concrete includes providing a core, placing a rib layer over at least a portion of the core, and placing a cover layer over at least a portion of the rib layer.

Abstract: A cured resin and fiber part generally can be manufactured by providing a mold that defines a cavity having at least one shape-defining surface. An in-mold paint sheet having a bonding side and a finish side can be positioning in the cavity of the mold such that the finish side of the in-mold paint sheet is positioned adjacent to the shape-defining surface of the mold. A mixture of a thermoset resin and a plurality of reinforcing fibers are then introduced into the cavity of the mold such that the resin and fiber mixture contacts the bonding side of the in-mold paint sheet. The in-mold paint sheet and resin and fiber mixture are then compressed in the mold while being heated causing the resin and fiber mixture to be cured and bonded to the in-mold paint sheet resulting in a part having the finish side of the in-mold paint sheet as a finished surface of the part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high quality composite materials from fibers such as glass, polyaramid or graphite fibers, where the composite incorporates a polymer matrix embedding individual fibers. The composites are lightweight materials displaying enhanced strength and durability. In one aspect, the polymer matrix is a thermoplastic or other polymer type that cannot easily penetrate gaps between individual fibers by typical methods for thermosets. The invention also relates to methods for forming composite materials, where the fiber is exposed to an emulsion including polymer particles having sufficiently small dimensions to allow impregnation into the fiber gaps. Composite sheets and articles are also described, as well as the formation of new composites for porous articles, e.g., ceramics or wood, where a polymer matrix is embedded within the pores.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fibrous nonwoven web material and a method of manufacture thereof. The fibrous nonwoven web material includes natural cellulose fibers, manmade cellulose fibers and synthetic fibers. The manmade cellulose fibers are preferably high crystallinity cellulose fibers. The fibrous nonwoven web material has appreciable wet strength yet is capable of dispersing in most aqueous environments with only mild agitation. The fibrous nonwoven web material can be wet laid from an aqueous dispersion of fibers.

Abstract: A resin safety shoe toe cap made from a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin, wherein the toe cap resin safety shoe toe cap is constituted from rising parts comprising a front end rising part 1, a big toe side rising part 2 and a little toe side rising part 3; a top part 6; and a base part 5, wherein the thickness of the big toe side rising part 2 is made to be greater than the thickness of the little toe side rising part 3. Moreover, the big toe side rising part 2 and the little toe side rising part 3 are connected to the front end rising part 1 by curved surface parts 4 having different curvatures, and the rising parts are formed so as to rise up approximately perpendicularly to the base part 5. The safety shoe toe cap not only satisfies the performances in L-class and S-class of JIS T 8101, but also the impact resistance and compression resistance performances stipulated in H-class of JIS T 8101 and safety shoe standards in the CEN Standard, without impairing the ability to fit to shoes and wearer's feet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber-reinforced polyolefin resin composite containing a polyolefin resin (components (A)), fibers (component (B)) and a heavy metal deactivator (component (C)), the ratio of the weight of component (A) to the weight of component (B), (component (A)/component (B)), being from 20/80 to 95/5, the ratio of the weight of component (C) to the combined weight of component (A) and component (B), (component (C)/[component (A)+component (B)]), being from 0.001/100 to 5/100, wherein in the composite substantially all the component (B) have lengths of 2 mm or more. The composite has an improved durability under circumstances of contact with metal. A molded article obtained from the composite is also disclosed.

Abstract: Insulation materials suited to high temperature applications, such as the insulation of furnaces, are formed from a mixture of pitch carbon fibers, such as isotropic pitch carbon fibers, and a binder comprising a solution of sugar in water. The sugar solution is preferably at a concentration of from 20-60% sucrose to yield a low density material having high flexural strength and low thermal conductivity when carbonized to a temperature of about 1800° C.

Abstract: A power transmission belt having a body with a length, a width, an inside, and an outside. The body includes a rubber composition. The body further has a plurality of short fibers in the rubber composition. The plurality of short fibers may include a plurality of poly-p-phenylene benzobisoxazole fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand-rail that can be used for escalators, moving pavements. The inventive hand-rail has a C-shaped cross-section, outer layers in the form of a sliding layer and a rubber top layer for the user, a layer with tractive support elements, especially steel chords that are embedded in rubber and oriented in a longitudinal direction, and at least one respective reinforcing layer extending into the lip areas on both sides of the tractive support elements. At least one of the reinforcing layers consists of a rubber layer with homogeneously distributed short fibers with a preferred orientation, extending at an angle deviating from 0° in relation to the longitudinal direction of the hand-rail.

Abstract: A composite siding comprising a binder and a wood-based filler. The composite siding is preferably produced by a pultrusion process and exhibits great dimensional stability, aging resistance to damage characteristics while maintaining high product stiffness and strength.

Abstract: A pultrusion machine for forming a laminated composite with a predetermined profile and the product obtained. The apparatus comprises at least two spools for supplying elongated reinforcements. A collator receives the elongated reinforcements and arranges the reinforcements in layered relationship to form a layered elongated bundle. A supply member wets the layered elongated bundle with plastisol to form a wetted elongated bundle. The wetted elongated bundle is transported through a pultrusion die wherein the wetted layered bundle is molded into the predetermined profile. A converting apparatus cures, or converts, the wetted layered bundle into the layered composite. A particularly preferred embodiment is an extrusion comprising a reinforcing material wherein said reinforcing material comprises a fiber reinforced plastisol.

Abstract: A honeycomb body configuration includes an intermediate layer for reducing transmission of heat from a honeycomb body to a housing by heat radiation and prevents erosion of ends of the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer has a plurality of layer portions formed from at least one metal sheet and at least one layer of ceramic material. The intermediate layer preferably includes a thermally insulating layer portion, a metal sheet and a swell mat. Ends of the metal sheet cover at least one of the layer portions at the end. The invention is particularly suitable for supporting honeycomb bodies of thin wall ceramic for uses close to the engine in exhaust gas cleaning systems of motor vehicles. It is, however, generally also suitable for the thermal insulation of honeycomb bodies of all kinds with respect to a housing. A sandwich structure, in particular for a honeycomb body configuration, is also provided.

Abstract: Polyester fiberfill batts having improved stretch capability for apparel and other uses are prepared of polyester fiber and binder fiber, sprayed with a soft resin by oven bonding and hot roll treatment under certain specified conditions. This provides a bonded batting which is characterized by softness and drapability, good insulating performance, low levels of fiber leakage or percolation through shell fabrics, enhanced durability when laundered by washing/drying or by dry cleaning, and enhanced structural integrity whereby it hangs freely without the need for quilting into small size panels, as well as improved stretch capability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gypsum board having a nonwoven liner and a gypsum core. The gypsum board of the present invention has a high work to break, resulting in a gypsum board product that has a high resistance to abuse in use. The gypsum board of the invention is also more flexible and more resistant to water and fire than paper-lined gypsum board, and does not contain nutrients that support mold growth.

Abstract: Construction materials containing surface modified reinforcements are used to fabricate composite structures. The composite structures comprise a matrix material and surface modified reinforcements, such as fibers and particulates. The surface modifier may be applied to a fiber surface using conventional sizing equipment and provides a durable film on the fiber. The surface modifier may be selected to have multifunctional properties, for example, increasing fiber pull-out strength, imparting bio-active properties, improving moisture resistance and other desirable properties to the composite structure.

Abstract: Moulding material comprising a core layer, a reinforcement layer provided on each surface of said core layer, and a layer of a surfacing material provided on a reinforcement layer. The core layer comprises a core resin material and a filler material. The reinforcement layer comprises a fibrous reinforcement material and a reinforcement resin material. The reinforcement layer further comprises a conduit to allow gases to pass out of the moulding material via the reinforcement layer during processing of the moulding material whereby the conduit structure is formed by said reinforcement material.

Abstract: Fibrous stiffener (1) for making composite parts molded from an injected resin base, of the type comprising at least one layer (2) based on stiffening fibers, characterized in that the layer (2) is connected by sewing or stitching to an elastomer sheet (6) extending over one of the wide faces of the layer (2) and performing a barrier function for any resin injected on one side or the other side of this sheet (6), the said elastomer sheet (6) being associated with a non-woven material (7) on at least one of its faces, to improve the adhesion of a resin injected on this side of the sheet (6).

Abstract: A hot-moldable laminated sheet has a core, made from a prefabricated flat sheet of wood and/or cellulose fibers which have been impregnated with heat-curable phenol/formaldehyde resin. The flat sheet being thickened in the opposite edge regions. The two surfaces of the core are provided with decorative layers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reflective yarn and method of producing it. The reflective yarn comprises 5 to 25 wt % of metalized spherical glass beads, or if necessary, further comprising non-metalized glass beads and/or pearl beads. The spherical glass bead has a bead size of 10 to 50 &mgr;m and is vacuum-metalized with materials having reflective function such that ¼ to ½ of surface areas of glass beads are metalized. A method of producing the reflective yarn comprising the steps of vacuum-metalizing materials having reflective function on surfaces of spherical glass beads; melt-spinning the resulting glass beads with synthetic resin having fiber formative function, or melt-spinning the resulting glass beads and the synthetic resin in conjunction with non-metalized glass beads and/or pearl beads to produce monofilaments or hollow fibers; and doubling monofilaments or hollow fibers to produce the reflective yarn.

Abstract: A compound material including fibers which are embedded in a thermoplastic matrix has a free surface to be treated. The material has one or more capillary spaces extending between the fibers, which spaces are at least partly formed by communicating pores and which are open towards the free surface. An average diameter of the pores is greater than, equal to or not substantially less than the fiber diameter.

Abstract: A gypsum wallboard may have a paper-covered first face with shaped regions formed along side portions near the wallboard edges, and a fibrous mat-covered second face. The fibrous mat material covering the second face extends around the wallboard edges and is overlapped by portions of the paper on the first face. The wallboard can be manufactured by depositing a gypsum slurry onto a moving web of the fibrous mat material, applying a web of the paper to the deposited gypsum slurry, and forming shaped regions in the side portions of the top surface.

Abstract: A sheet material is useful as a waterproof underlayment for a roof of a structure. The sheet material has upper and lower surfaces and comprises a web of reinforcing mat comprising fire-resistant fibers and a continuous non-porous matrix of water-resistant modified bitumen saturating the web of reinforcing mat, wherein the modified bitumen is self-adhesive.

Abstract: An impact resistant rigid composite has a plurality of fibrous layers, each of which comprise a network of filaments. The fibrous layers are disposed in a matrix, with elastomeric layer(s) therebetween. Prior to curing of the matrix, successive fibrous layers exhibit therebetween a peel resistance of at least about 3 g/cm. The composite has high rigidity combined with superior ballistic properties. When bonded at one or both surfaces to a hard plate selected from the group consisting of metals and ceramics, the composite affords increased protection against armor piercing projectiles.

Abstract: Modular surface treatment materials such as carpet tiles, ceramic floor and wall panels and tiles, ceiling tiles, vinyl flooring squares, wall covering materials, and the like, are provided in a matrix of a plurality of different colors and a sequential array of tonal variations within each color. A system and method, including a computer-aided design tool for laying out patterns of individual modular material units selected from the color-tone matrix, is included, as well as display devices for materials in the matrix.