Abstract: The invention relates to a preform for a carbon-carbon composite. The preform comprises a consolidated stack of two or more two-dimensional fibre layers having between the layers a carbon nanotube and/or nanofibre network. Carbon-carbon composites made from the preform have application in a wide range of fields, e.g. as friction discs in braking systems, especially aircraft braking systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoset resin fibre components, composite materials comprising thermoset resin fibre components, composite articles manufactured using such composite materials and methodologies for manufacturing same. The thermoset resin fibre components may comprise a single fibre of thermoset resin or a plurality of fibres commingled together. There properties and characteristics of the thermoset resin used are chosen according to the material to be produced therefrom. The thermoset fibre components may be woven into reinforcement fibres to form prepregs. Thermoplastic fibres may be commingled and co-woven with the thermoset fibre components.

Abstract: Composite materials exhibiting very high strength properties and other characteristics are disclosed. The materials comprise one or more nanomaterials dispersed within one or more matrix materials. The nanomaterials can be in a variety of forms, such as for example, carbon nanotubes and/or nanofibers. The matrix material can be glass, fused silicas, or metal. Also disclosed are various processes and operations to readily disperse and uniformly align the nanotubes and/or nanofibers in the flowing matrix material, during production of the composite materials.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical-modulation object, including birefringent island-in-the-sea yarns, whose island portions are grouped, based on two or more spinning cores, in a matrix. The optical-modulation object causes formation of an optical modulation interface between island portions and sea portions, thus maximizing optical modulation efficiency, as compared to conventional birefringent island-in-the-sea yarns.

Abstract: A consolidated fibrous structure including a multiplicity of fibrous layers. The fibers of each fibrous layer contain a core and a skin layer. The core has an exterior surface portion containing polypropylene. The skin layer is disposed on at least a portion of the core and contains a first polymer and a second polymer. The first polymer contains a polymer having at least 70% ?-olefin units and is characterized by a melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of the exterior surface portion of the core. The second polymer contains a co-polymer having at least 50% ?-olefin units and is characterized by a number-average molecular weight of about 7,000 g/mol to 50,000 g/mol, a viscosity of between about 2,500 and 150,000 cP measured at 170° C., and a melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of the exterior surface portion of the core. The viscosity of the second polymer is not greater than about 10 percent of the viscosity of the first polymer measured at 170° C.

Abstract: A consolidated fibrous structure including a multiplicity of fibrous layers. The fibers of each fibrous layer contain a core, a first layer and a second layer. The core has an exterior surface portion containing polypropylene. The first layer is disposed on at least a portion of the core and contains a first polymer. The first polymer contains a polymer having at least 70% ?-olefin units and is characterized by a melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of the exterior surface portion of the core. The second layer is disposed on at least a portion of the first layer and contains a second polymer. The second polymer contains a co-polymer having at least 50% ?-olefin units and is characterized by a number-average molecular weight of about 7,000 g/mol to 50,000 g/mol, a viscosity of between about 2,500 and 150,000 cP measured at 170° C., and a melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of the exterior surface portion of the core.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new catalyst supports comprising nanofibers, a catalyst system comprising these supports as well as a process for preparing nanocomposites and the nanocomposites prepared. The invention especially concerns a supported catalyst system for polymerization of olefins, comprising a support made of fibers or a fleece of fibers, wherein the mean fiber diameter is less than 1000 nm, preferably less than 500 nm and the mean fiber length is more than 200,000 nm, preferably more than 500,000 nm and especially preferred more than 1,000,000 nm as well as a process for polymerizing olefinic systems in the presence of these catalyst systems and the resulting nanocomposites.

Abstract: The present invention relates to light-reflection coating composition, characterized in that transparent particles having surfaces covered with a water-repellent and oil-repellent coating film are dispersed in the coating composition. Furthermore, there is provided, using the coating composition, a water-repellent, oil-repellent, and soil-resistant light-reflection coat, wherein the transparent particles covered with a water-repellent, oil-repellent, and soil-resistant coating film.

Abstract: This invention provides a prepreg which can yield printed circuit boards with excellent dimensional stability and heat resistance and the ability to be bent and housed at high density in electronic device packages, by impregnating a thin fiber base material with a resin having excellent adhesion with metal foils or fiber base materials, excellent heat resistance and high pliability, as well as a metal foil-clad laminate and printed circuit board employing it. The prepreg of the invention is obtained by impregnating a resin composition containing a resin with an imide structure and a thermosetting resin into a fiber base material with a thickness of 5-50 ?m.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sterilizing packaging material for sterilizable medical devices, which is embodied in the form of a fibrous film containing polyamide fibers, wherein the basis weight of the film is less than 100 g/m2, a mean resistance to a tear propagation is equal to or greater than 1900 mN an a bacterial filtering efficiency BFE is equal or greater than 95%. A sterilizing packaging containing said material is also disclosed.

Abstract: Hydroxyl polymer-containing compositions, especially hydroxyl polymer-containing compositions that can be processed into polymeric structures, especially polymeric structures in the form of fibers are provided.

Abstract: A material comprising aerogel particles and a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) binder is formed having a thermal conductivity of less than or equal to 25 mW/m K at atmospheric conditions. The material is moldable or formable, having little or no shedding of filler particles, and may be formed into structures such as tapes or composites, for example, by bonding the material between two outer layers. Advantageously, composites may be flexed, stretched, or bent without significant dusting or loss of insulating properties.

Abstract: A composite material according to the present invention includes: a fiber fabric (2) composed of certain fibers; and a matrix (3) which is so formed as to adhere to the fiber fabric (2). The fiber fabric (2) contains main constitutional fibers (21) and auxiliary fibers (22) which compensate the characteristics of the main constitutional fibers (21) when they are exposed to a high temperature atmosphere.

Abstract: A composite building article is configured with one or more subsurface interfacial zones provided to improve the durability of the article. Each subsurface interfacial zone is made of a matrix of fiber cement and radiation curable material. The radiation curable material forms an interlocking network with the fiber cement to provide a interfacial zone against ingress of environmental agents that can degrade the article. The number, configuration and distribution of the subsurface interfacial zones can vary dependent on the desired characteristics of the final product. The subsurface interfacial zones also improves the adhesion between exterior coatings and the substrate as the interfacial zones can be integrally formed with the substrate as well as exterior coating layer.

Abstract: A structure and method for forming single-stranded DNA segments/single-wall carbon nanotube complexes and a method of preparing single-stranded DNA segments. The method for forming single-stranded DNA segments/single-wall carbon nanotube complexes including: attaching single-stranded DNA segments to single-wall carbon nanotubes to form single-stranded DNA segment/single-wall carbon nanotube complexes, each of the single-stranded DNA segments having a same length of greater than 2,000 bases.

Abstract: A thermoformable acoustic sheet formed by a compressed fibrous web includes high melt fibers and adhesive thermoplastic fibers in which the adhesive fibers are at least partially melted so that in the compressed web the adhesive fibers at least partially coat the high melt fibers and reduce the interstitial space in the fiber matrix. Also included are methods of producing a thermoformable acoustic sheet which includes heating a fiber web including high melt and adhesive thermoplastic fibers to at least partially melt the adhesive fibers and compressing the web to form a sheet so that the adhesive fibers at least partially coat the high melt fibers to reduce the interstitial space in the fiber matrix.

Abstract: Tethered flange corners including at least one ply of barrier fibers and at least one fiber tow wrapped about the barrier fibers. Also included are flanges having a tethered corner containing at least one ply of barrier fibers, at least one fiber tow wrapped about the barrier fibers, at least one ply of filler fibers applied over the fiber tow, and at least one ply of flange fibers applied over the filler fibers. Additionally included are articles incorporating a composite structure having a flange with a tethered corner containing at least one ply of barrier fibers and at least one fiber tow wrapped about the barrier fibers.

Abstract: A method of drying comprises placing a moist material inside a substantially enclosed solar greenhouse. The greenhouse comprises at least one light transmission roof and/or wall panel that is substantially transparent to solar radiation, but resistant to convective and conductive heat transfer. The interior temperature and humidity of the greenhouse are maintained within their pre-determined ranges while the interior moisture of the greenhouse is effectively reduced to allow a controlled drying of the material. A solar greenhouse for the drying process is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and means are described to modify fiber characteristics in a fiber producing plant, such as cotton, based on the use of a novel type of sucrose synthase protein or related nucleic acids.

Abstract: A method for preparing a composite material comprising: (i) applying a polyurea system comprising an amine component (A) and an isocyanate component (B) to at least part of a surface of a substrate to form a base coat layer on at least part of the surface of the substrate, the amine component (A) comprising: 5 to 20% by weight of polyetheramine with an average molecular weight of 4800 to 5200 (a1); 50 to 80% by weight of polyetheramine with an average molecular weight of 1900 to 2100 (a2); 2 to 10% by weight of diethylene toluene diamine (a3); 10 to 20% by weight of 4,4? methylene bis (n-sec-butylaniline) (a4); and optionally 1 to 5% by weight pigment (a5), the isocyanate component (B) comprising 2,4- and 4,4?-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate prepolymer; (ii) applying a fabric over at least part of the base coat layer and allowing the fabric to bond to the base coat layer; (iii) applying a polyurethane/polyurea spray foam over at least part of the fabric to form a foam layer; and (iv) optionally applying

Abstract: At a fire protection gate with an encompassing structure and bilateral steel plate shells, between which a fire protection inset is provided, consisting of at least an insulating element in the form of a plate of mineral fibers, soluble in a physical milieu and reinforced with a binding agent, the composition of the mineral fibers of said insulating element features an alkali/earth alkali-mass relation of <1 and the fiber structure of said insulating element is determined by an average geometrical fiber diameter of ?4 ?m, a gross density in the range of 60 to 130 kg/m3 and a portion of the binding agent, relative to the fiber mass, in the range of 1 to 3 weight %.

Abstract: Hybrid fiberglass composite structures and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a hybrid fiberglass composite structure includes a first laminate substrate and a second opposing laminate substrate. At least one of the first laminate substrate and the second laminate substrate includes at least one polymer fiber layer and at least one glass fiber layer. A cellular core structure is interposed between the first laminate substrate and the second laminate substrate and fixedly coupled to the first laminate substrate and the second laminate substrate.

Abstract: A drying mat is described. The drying mat includes layers of a microfiber material and a foam layer. The drying mat may be used as dish mat to absorb water from dishes. The drying mat may be used as a shower or bath mat to absorb water from a bather standing upon the drying mat. Other embodiments include an absorbent or protective mat, which includes at least one layer of a microfiber material and at least one layer of a foam material.

Abstract: A reinforced composite substrate made from a composition of about 50 wt. % resin and about 50 wt. % reinforcing fibers, with the reinforcing fibers being 12K tow carbon fiber about one inch long and glass fibers present in a 40:60 ratio by weight is presented. The carbon fibers and glass fibers should be randomly distributed within the reinforced composite substrate. The tensile strength of the reinforced composite substrate is greater than about 170 MPa, the tensile modulus is greater than about 20 GPa, and the specific gravity is less than about 1.60.

Abstract: A fiber size composition contains a modified polyolefin, a hydrophilic coupling agent, a boron-containing, fluorine-containing compound, a blend of at least two fatty acids and a compound selected from phosphorus(V) compounds and sulfur(VI) compounds, the fiber size composition being substantially free of conventional lower oxidation state antioxidants and optical brighteners. Composite materials produced from reinforcing fiber materials sized with a fiber size composition according to the invention exhibit improved properties such as, for example, increased strength and/or improved color stability.

Abstract: A ceiling tile product and method in which a slurry formed mat primarily comprising mineral wool and binder is provided with a binder enhancement zone at its face. The binder enhancement zone can reduce the total required latex content, reduce the amount of finish or paint needed to achieve a commercially acceptable color and improve noise reduction.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite panel includes manufacturing a composite panel having a first skin, a second skin, a core, and a plurality of distinct groupings of Z-axis fibers that extend through the core from the first skin to the second skin, wherein the Z-axis fibers include opposite ends respectively terminating at and integrated into the first skin and the second skin; and creating structural stringers in the composite panel by removing the second skin and substantially all of the core and the Z-axis fibers down to or adjacent to the first skin.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved product (and process for making the same) that includes as a single integrated structure an insulation layer (particularly a layer that includes insulation made from a polymeric synthetic material) and a facer layer that helps function to resist moisture and retard vapor. An optional bond interface layer including at least one adhesive joins the facer layer with the insulation layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides polyurethanes including a reaction product of components including: (a) about 1 equivalent of at least one polyisocyanate; (b) about 0.05 to about 0.9 equivalents of at least one branched polyol having 4 to 18 carbon atoms and at least 3 hydroxyl groups; and (c) about 0.1 to about 0.95 equivalents of at least one diol having 2 to 18 carbon atoms, wherein the reaction product components are essentially free of polyester polyol and polyether polyol and the reaction components are maintained at a temperature of at least about 100° C. for at least about 10 minutes, compositions, coatings and articles made therefrom and methods of making the same.

Abstract: A molding head is especially adapted for vacuum molding or forming of structures and, in particular, fibrous composite structures in an adjustable, controllable three dimensional orientation before, during and after molding. Such a molding head includes a mold plate with narrow slots in the mold surface thereof and wider channels in the back surface thereof, with such slots and channels intersecting one another. A control system of servomotors or other actuators permits movement and orientation of the mold head during forming, thereby creating the ability to vary the material properties based on gravity and particle or suspension grain, thickness and other now controllable properties.

Abstract: A novel flame-retardant thermoplastic polyhydroxy polyether resin obtained by reacting at least one epoxy resin (A) selected from glycidyl esters of divalent aliphatic carboxylic acids having 15 to 64 carbon atoms or glycidyl ethers of divalent aliphatic alcohols having 15 to 64 carbon atoms with a phosphorus atom-containing divalent phenol compound (B) as essential components, wherein the component (A) accounts for 2 to 52 mol % with respect to the whole resin, the weight average molecular weight thereof is 10,000 to 200,000, and the phosphorus content thereof is 1 to 5 wt %.

Abstract: Disclosed are a nano fiber reinforced composite and a method of manufacturing the same. A spinning dope (nano fiber forming spinning dope) having a viscosity capable of fiber formation upon electrospinning and a spinning dope (spinning dope for matrix) having a viscosity incapable of fiber formation upon electrospinning are electrically spun onto the same collector with a high voltage applied thereto through different nozzles of the same nozzle block with a high voltage applied thereto. In the nano fiber reinforced composite, nano fibers are uniformly arranged between matrix components with no fibers formed therein, the nano fibers being arranged at an orientation angle of 90° or less relative to the longitudinal axis of the composite material.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide carbon fibers which have a high conductivity, readily form a network in a matrix and are suitable for use in a radiating member as well as a molded product thereof. The present invention is pitch-based carbon fibers which are obtained from mesophase pitch and have an average fiber diameter (AD) of 5 to 20 ?m, a ratio (CVAD value) of the degree of filament diameter distribution to average fiber diameter (AD) of 5 to 15, a number average fiber length (NAL) of 25 to 500 ?m, a volume average fiber length (VAL) of 55 to 750 ?m and a value obtained by dividing the volume average fiber length (VAL) by the number average fiber length (NAL) of 1.02 to 1.50, and a manufacturing method and molded product thereof.

Abstract: Fibrous monolith processing techniques to fabricate multifunctional structures capable of performing more than one discrete function such as structures capable of bearing structural loads and mechanical stresses in service and also capable of performing at least one additional non-structural function.

Abstract: A ceiling tile of gypsum and cellulose fibers formed into a board by initially mixing the fibers and gypsum in a water-based slurry that is felted and thereafter pressed and dried with a desired board thickness, the dried board being processed to form a plurality of holes in a face thereof through at least the majority of the thickness of the board, the collective volume of the holes being sufficient to reduce the weight of the board by at least 10% and increase the NRC exhibited by the board over that which would otherwise be found in a board of the same composition without such holes.

Abstract: Disclosed are structural materials including polymeric reinforcement fibers that can provide added strength and fracture toughness to the matrix. The polymeric reinforcement fibers are polypropylene-based monofilament fibers or tape fibers exhibiting extremely favorable mechanical characteristics for structural reinforcement including modulus greater than 12 MPa and elongation less than about 10%. The disclosed reinforced composite materials can exhibit desired average residual strength values with less total fiber loading necessary to attain the ARS values as compared to previously known polymer reinforced materials. Very high strength and fracture toughness can be attained in the disclosed composite materials.

Abstract: A patch for repairing damaged structures is disclosed herein. The patch includes a plurality of structural fibers. The patch also includes a quantity of binder at least partially encapsulating the plurality of structural fibers. The patch also includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes substantially encapsulated in the binder with the plurality of structural fibers. An inventive and exemplary method for using the patch is also disclosed.

Abstract: An impact-resistant structure such as a lightweight armor plate includes a woven cloth at least partially permeated with a thermoplastic resin and laminated to a thermoplastic plate or other body

Abstract: A tape that can be used to detect cracks in a structure to which it is attached is disclosed herein. The tape includes a plurality of structural fibers. The tape also includes an electrically-insulating binder at least partially encapsulating the plurality of structural fibers. The tape also includes quantities of electrically conductive particles, each quantity of electrically conductive particles connected with one of the plurality of structural fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed are a nano-composite composition and a method of making such a composite that is composed of a matrix material and dispersed reinforcement nano-scaled graphene plates (NGPs) that are substantially aligned along at least one specified direction or axis. The method comprises: (a) providing a mixture of nano-scaled graphene plates (NGPs) and a matrix material in a fluent state; (b) extruding the mixture to form a filament wherein NGPs are aligned along a filament axis; (c) aligning a plurality of segments of the filament in a first direction, or moving the filament back and forth along a first direction and its opposite direction, to form a NGP-matrix filament preform; and (d) consolidating the preform to form the nanocomposite material. Also disclosed is a method of making a nano-composite fiber.

Abstract: Provided are a matrix resin composition for fiber reinforced plastic, which comprises a bifunctional or trifunctional liquid diisocyanate, a bifunctional polyol and a bifunctional chain extender containing an active hydrogen group, with a molar ratio of the functional groups of the diisocyanate, polyol and chain extender of 5.0 to 1.0:1.0:4.0 to 0, respectively; and a process for producing fiber reinforced plastic, which comprises impregnating a fibrous material with the resin composition and then curing. The present invention makes it possible to produce a molding containing fibers densely, having excellent strength and inflatability, in the production of an FRP molding by using a thermosetting resin having an extended pot life.

Abstract: A fiber composite component is at least partially produced by braiding. It comprises a core element which has at least one concavely constructed face that is adjoined by a passage opening. Respective opposite transverse or longitudinal sides of the core element and the side of the passage opening not bounded by the core element are enclosed by a braided fiber composite loop element.

Abstract: Individualized seed hairs, methods for individualizing seed hairs, chemical derivatives of individualized seed hairs, seed hair-containing soft fibrous structures, single- or multi-ply sanitary tissue products comprising such fibrous structures and methods for making such fibrous structures and sanitary tissue products are provided.

Abstract: A packaged mineral fibre insulating material has: a) a Recovered Thickness of at least 95% nominal thickness; and b) an Ordinary Parting Strength of at least 95 g/g; and c) a Weathered Parting Strength of at least 75 g/g the material comprising mineral fibres and an organic, formaldehyde free binder in a quantity of less than 15% by weight, preferably less than 10% by weight, said binder having been applied to the fibres of the insulating material in liquid form at pH of greater than 5.

Abstract: A method for making an actuator capable of dry actuation is provided. The method includes providing a first nanoscale fiber film, providing a second nanoscale fiber film, positioning a solid polymer electrolyte at least partially between and adjacent to the first nanoscale fiber film and the second nanoscale fiber film, and then affixing the solid polymer electrolyte to the first nanoscale fiber film and the second nanoscale fiber film. The nanoscale fiber films may be buckypapers, made of carbon nanotubes. The actuator is capable of dry actuation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inorganic wood-like material, which can be used as a sheet instead of wood, characterized that the said material mainly includes magnesite, magnesium chloride, lime powder, glass fiber, talcum powder and kaolin. The method of preparing the same includes pulverizing, mixing this material in different proportion and molding the mixture to obtain the inorganic wood-like material of the present invention. The material can exhibits a laminated structure comprising wear-resistant surface layer (11), an inorganic material layer (12) and a wear-resistant bottom layer (13). The material can be used for buildings. It is non-toxic, odorless, rustless, non-inflammable and non-oxidable. Its appearance looks like wood and it is easy to be processed. The material is a good environment-protecting material and will be widely accepted by industry and commerce.

Abstract: A composite sheet material in one embodiment includes a porous core layer. The porous core layer includes a thermoplastic polymer, about 20 weight percent to about 80 weight percent of reinforcing fibers based on a total weight of the porous core layer, and an effective amount of a flame retardant agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a film comprising a heterogeneous blend of: 1) from 60 to 99 wt % of one or more semi-crystalline polymers; and 2) from 1 to 40 wt % of one or more semi-amorphous polymers; where the blend has: an MFR of 0.5 to 100 dg/min, a haze of 20% or less, and a permanent set of greater than 65%; and where the film is 2.5 to 635 microns thick and has: a haze of 10% or less, a 1° Secant tensile modulus of 100,000 to 30,000 psi, an Elmendorf tear in the machine direction and transverse direction of 45 g/mil or more, a total energy impact of 3 J or more; and a 45 degree gloss of 82 or more.

Abstract: Procedure for manufacturing a multilayer composite material for decorative objects and multilayer composite material obtained by this procedure. The procedure comprises the following steps, namely, placing a first decorative sheet (1) of flexible material on a work surface, applying a first layer of adhesive material (2) on the facing surface of the first decorative sheet (1), placing a structural sheet (3) of malleable semirigid material on the first layer of adhesive material (2), applying a second layer of adhesive material (4) on the facing surface of the layer of moldable semirigid material (3), placing a second decorative sheet (5) of flexible material on the second layer of adhesive material (4) and exerting even pressure on the surface of the sheets for a tight joining together. The composite material comprises a first (1) decorative sheet of flexible material, a structural sheet (3) of malleable semirigid material and a second (5) decorative sheet of flexible material.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a composite structure fabricated from at least one pre-cured flat face sheet applied to a core with an adhesive. Once the pre-cured flat face sheet is applied to the core, curing of the adhesive may take place to bond the pre-cured flat face sheet to the core. Before the bonding of the pre-cured flat face sheet to the core takes place, the pre-cured flat face sheet may be prepared by separately curing a composite face sheet.