Abstract: A print medium includes a planar film. A rib-like structure is arranged on one side of the film to define a series of columns that extend a length of the film to facilitate rolling of the print medium in one direction as opposed to an opposite direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a ballistic-resistant moulded article in which a stack of monolayers is formed, each monolayer containing unidirectionally oriented reinforcing fibres and at most 30 mass % of a plastic matrix material, the reinforcing fibres being highly-drawn polyethylene fibres, and with the fibre direction in each monolayer being rotated with respect to the fibre direction in an adjacent monolayer, the stack then being compressed at a pressure of more than 25 MPa and a temperature between 125 and 150° C., and the plastic matrix material having a 100% modulus of at least 3 MPa.

Abstract: Moulding material that includes a layer of fibrous reinforcing material having one surface on which a first layer of a resin partially impregnates the fibrous material and a further resin layer located on the opposite surface which retains in position surface fibers of the fibrous material. The further resin layer is of lower weight than the first layer and is formed as an openwork structure with a solid part and spaces through which the fibrous material is exposed.

Abstract: Multi-layer laminates are provided which contain at least two binder layers and at least two textile-containing layers. One binder layer faces a substrate to be reinforced, with a second binder layer between two textile-containing layers wherein one of the textile-containing layers is interposed between the binder layers. The binder layer facing the substrate has an elasticity modulus when cured which is less than or the same as the elasticity modulus of the second binder layer. The laminates are suitable for reinforcing or stiffening planar substrates, especially thin-walled substrates such as motor vehicle body parts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming an improved pultruded and clinched Z-axis fiber reinforced composite laminate structure. The upper and lower skins and the core are pulled automatically through tooling where the skin material is wetted-out with resin and the entire composite laminate is preformed in nearly its final thickness. The preformed composite laminate continues to be pulled into an automatic 3-dimensional Z-axis fiber deposition machine that deposits “groupings of fiber filaments” at multiple locations normal to the plane of the composite laminate structure and cuts each individual grouping such that an extension of each “grouping of fiber filaments” remains above the upper skin and below the lower skin. The preformed composite laminate then continues to be pulled into a secondary wet-out station.

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: A print medium includes a sheet. A plurality of parallel rib elements extend along the sheet and are configured to provide the sheet with anisotropic bending properties.

Abstract: Processes for depositing nanowires on a substrate and nanowire-based devices that can be formed using these processes are described. In one embodiment, a process includes forming an organic layer on an electrically conductive layer formed on the substrate. The organic layer includes a first region and a second region. The first region has an affinity for the nanowires and is electrically conductive. The process also includes contacting the organic layer with a composition including the nanowires dispersed in a compatible solvent for a time sufficient to selectively deposit at least one of the nanowires on the first region of the organic layer.

Abstract: A low cost, high performance, water-swellable, flexible reinforcement member that can be used for both optical and copper communications cable. The water-swellable reinforcement members made according to the preferred process are more rigid than known reinforcement members, but are less rigid than glass pultruded rods. Communications cables utilizing these members are lightweight, water-swellable and exhibit an improved combination of strength and flexibility compared to traditional communications cables. Further, these communication cables may then be installed into underground ducts using more economical and faster installation techniques.

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 240° C. or higher, 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 ?0.6×10?6 per deg. C. to about 1.0×10?5 per deg. C. According to the invention, unique processing techniques such a B-Staging and/or film-coating techniques can be used to increase production rates from a few feet per minute to sixty or more feet per minute.

Abstract: A curl-resistant planar media comprises a plurality of fibers embedded in the media and configured such that the media has a stiffness in a first direction that exceeds the stiffness in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: An electrically conductive film is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the film includes a plurality of single-walled nanotubes having a particular diameter. The disclosed film demonstrates excellent conductivity and transparency. Methods of preparing the film as well as methods of its use are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a connector or circuit includes a substrate having a plurality of conductive members and a plurality of non-conductive members. The conductive members include a plurality of conductive fibers in association with a polymer material. The conductive members and the non-conductive members are disposed in the substrate member and are selectively situated with respect to each other forming a modular matrix configuration of contacts suitable for an array or association with other circuitry.

Abstract: A method to produce a papermaker's shoe press belt or other industrial process belt and a belt made according to such method. The belt is produced by dispensing a mixture of polymer and staple fiber onto a cylindrical mandrel, by extrusion or by co-extrusion. Preferably, the variation of the concentration and/or orientation of the staple fiber within the polymer is controlled such that the finished belt has desired properties.

Abstract: A composite structural material suitable, for example, as a replacement for wooden boards, is disclosed. It comprises a dimensionally stable core material ensheathed in a dimensionally stable, laminar covering that is adherent to the core material. The laminar covering is comprised of at least one layer of parallel cords bonded to at least one layer of a rigidified web material selected from the group consisting of paper and cloth. Suitable core materials include polyurethane foam, optionally filled with granulated rubber and/or expandable polymer beads. The parallel cords preferably are supplied in the form of a strip of polyester cloth, as the warp cords thereof. The web material preferably is kraft paper that is rigidified with an epoxy resin.

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: Ballistically resistant and fire resistant composite articles for aircraft interiors and other applications. Composite articles are provided having a flexural modulus of at least about 80,000 lbs/sq. in (552 MPa), a flexural strength at yield of at least about 800 lbs/sq. in. (5.52 MPa), an areal density of about 0.9 lb/ft2 (4.40 kg/m2) to about 1.5 lb/ft2 (5.86 kg/m2), a fire resistance meeting the requirements of §25.853 Title 14 of the United States Code, Jan. 1, 2002, and a V0 velocity of at least about 1430 ft/sec (427 m/s) when tested by United States Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular 25.795.2, 10 Jan. 2002, using .44 Magnum Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) bullets of 240 grains (15.6 g) mass and using 9 mm Full Metal Jacketed, Round Nose (FMJ RN) bullets of 124 grains (8.0 g) mass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to plastic containers or moldings which have been produced by blow molding and have improved antistatic properties. The containers or moldings have an outer wall and an inner wall and contain webs of electrically conducting material running along the inner wall. The invention also relates to a process for the production of the containers or moldings and to their use.

Abstract: A composite having a plurality of filaments arranged in a fibrous web that is held together in a unitary structure by a domain matrix. The domain matrix comprises a plurality of matrix islands that individually connect, or bond, at least two filaments, to thereby hold the filaments in a unitary structure. Portions of the filament lengths within the unitary structure are free of matrix islands, causing the domain matrix to be discontinuous. The composite possesses a greater flexibility than coated structures. The composite may be formed into cross-plied structures. A method of making the composite also is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides thermal devices, materials and methods for use in transferring heat from heat sources. One embodiment comprises a thermal transfer body that has first and second end portions and includes a thermally anisotropic material that conducts more thermal energy in a longitudinal direction than in a direction transverse thereto, wherein at least one of the first and second end portions includes a projection having a surface area oriented obliquely to the longitudinal direction. Multiple projections may be provided of various geometries, such as pyramids, cones, triangular prismoids and domes. The thermally anisotropic material may include an ensemble of longitudinally thermally conductive fibers, such as carbon fibers derived from precursors such as petroleum or coal pitch, which may be embedded in a support matrix of various materials.

Abstract: A reinforcing fiber substrate formed by at least a reinforcing fiber yarn group arranged with reinforcing fiber yarns in parallel to each other in one direction, wherein a resin material whose main constituent is a thermoplastic resin is provided at 2 to 15% by weight at least on one surface of the reinforcing fiber substrate, and the reinforcing fiber volume fraction Vpf of the reinforcing fiber substrate is in a range of 40 to 60%, and a composite material made therefrom. A substrate excellent in handling property and a composite material excellent in mechanical properties can be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber reinforced polypropylene-based composite material comprising reinforcing fibers and a matrix resin, wherein the reinforcing fibers and the matrix resin are made of different polypropylene-based resins and wherein a melting point, Tm(F), of the polypropylene-based resin which is the material forming the reinforcing fibers and a melting point, Tm(M), of the polypropylene-based resin which is the matrix resin satisfy Tm(F)−Tm(M)>10° C. Since the fiber reinforced polypropylene-based composite material of the present invention contains reinforcing fibers and a matrix resin both of which are made of polypropylene-based resins, adhesiveness of the reinforcing fibers and the matrix resin is excellent and therefore the composite material exhibits excellent mechanical strength.

Abstract: A method for forming a product from cellulosic material and thermoactive material is described. A mat is formed from a mixture having a predetermined amount of cellulosic material and a predetermined amount of thermoplastic material. The mat is then consolidated and pressed to a predetermined final product thickness. At least a portion of a surface of the mat or product is then surface modified. Consolidating the mixture may include forming a first face layer, forming a core layer on the first face layer, and forming a second face layer on the core layer. Forming the core layer may include depositing mixtures of wood flakes and plastic flakes according to mixture flake size in successive layers such that the core layer has larger flakes adjacent the first face layer and adjacent the second face layer, and smaller flakes in a middle portion of the core layer. The method also can include fusing a sheet of plastic material to at least one surface of the mat, and surface modifying the plastic material.

Abstract: This invention provides a carrier member made of a UV resistant fiber-reinforced composite material where a UV resistant coating material is applied on the surface of the fiber-reinforced composite material and a process for producing thereof. A preferable fiber-reinforced composite material is a fiber-reinforced plastic or carbon fiber-reinforced carbon composite material. A UV resistant coating material is one or more selected from the group consisting of ceramics, cermets, metals and alloys. The carrier member is produced by coating the surface of the fiber-reinforced composite material with a UV resistant coating material by spraying. This carrier member is advantageous in that it can exhibit properties inherent to a fiber-reinforced composite material such as a light weight, higher rigidity and higher heat resistance and that it little contaminates a precision instrument material when being used in cleansing with UV.

Abstract: This invention relates to a heat conductive resin substrate which polybenzasol fibers are oriented in a thick direction and/or a direction of a surface of a resin substrate, further to the heat conductive resin substrate and a semiconductor package excellent in heat radiation ability which the semiconductor chips are mounted on the heat conductive resin substrate which the polybenzasol fibers are oriented in the thick direction (the Z direction) and/or the direction of the surface of the resin substrate, the heat conductive resin substance and the semiconductor package being provided with electrical insulation and high thermal conductivity, and being capable of controlling the thermal expansion coefficient.

Abstract: A flexbeam (1) having flapping portions (3) and lead-lag and feathering portions (5). Each lead-lag and feathering portion has: a central portion with an elongated and narrow width; middle portions each of which continuously connects to the central portion and branches from both ends of the central portion extending along the longitudinal direction thereof, and extends upward and downward; and edge portions each of which continuously connects to the middle portion and bends from each end of the middle portions and extends almost in parallel with the central portion. At corners formed on branch portions (40, 50) and/or bending portions (60, 70), concaves (41-43, 51-53, 61, 62, 71, 72) each of which has a cross-section of an approximate arc shape and which continuously and smoothly connects to two surfaces forming each of the corners and is formed inside extended planes of the two surfaces.

Abstract: A structural fabric having a first fiber with a first ultimate strain and a second fiber with a second ultimate strain greater than the first ultimate strain, the first and second fibers being in the same plane. The invention is further directed to a structural fabric having a plurality of axial fibers and a plurality of first diagonal fibers braided with the axial fibers and oriented at a first braid angle relative thereto. The axial fibers include first and second fibers each with an ultimate strain. The ultimate strain of the second fiber again being greater than the ultimate strain of the first fiber. Additionally, the invention is directed to a concrete beam strengthened with the structural fibers of the present invention.

Abstract: A duct board material comprises a substantially rigid fiber glass board having an interior surface and an exterior surface, an exterior facing adhered to the exterior surface, and a bonded, non-woven mat facing adhered to the interior surface. The mat has a plurality of parallel or substantially parallel fibers oriented in a longitudinal direction of the duct board material.

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 filament bundle reinforcement fabric is produced in a tubular structure with a minimum optimized amount of adhesive which is consistently and uniformly applied at a pitch to the machine direction or to the direction of the filament bundles in their formed state.

Abstract: The invention concerns a web comprising an intimate mixture of mixed slivers of long reinforcing staple fibres (14) obtained by stretch-breaking and long thermoplastic matrix fibres (15), those different fibres being parallel in the mixture.

Abstract: A method for forming a pultruded part includes collating reinforcing fibers by providing a first layer of reinforcing rovings extending in the longitudinal pultrusion direction, applying onto the first layer an intermediate layer of reinforcing fibers at least some of which include at least portions thereof which extend in the transverse direction and covering the intermediate layer with a second layer of rovings extending in the longitudinal direction. To the collated fibers is applied a resin so as to permeate through the layers and the materials are passed through a die to set the resin. The first and second layers are arranged to form first and second opposed surfaces of the part with the intermediate layer therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fire retardant oriented strand board composite material comprising a mixture of wood strands, at least one organophosphorus ester, at least one polymeric binder resin, and a wax. In a process embodiment of the present invention this mixture is consolidated under heat and pressure to form an oriented strand board composite panel, whereby during consolidation the organophosphorus ester chemically interacts with the polymeric binder to provide cross-linking between the binder and the organophosphorus ester.

Abstract: A thin-walled hollow cylinder is made from fiber-reinforced plastics material, the cylinder wall of which is composed of at least one layer having fibers with at least one oriented direction of the fibers, and the total wall thickness dtot lying in the range from 10 to 1000 &mgr;m, and the ratio dtot/D being≦0.0025. The oriented direction(s) of the fibers are selected depending on the intended final application. Examples include, inter alia, multi-layer laminates made from carbon/epoxy, used for the production of a cylinder of this nature, having at least one layer with an oriented direction of the fibers which is parallel or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder.

Abstract: A new process for producing a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin molded product with a high mechanical strength and no heat substantial deterioration of the resin, by an efficient heating without applying shear stress to the fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin base material and a molded product, for example, a tiptoe core for a safety shoe produced by said process are provided. The fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin base material P1 in a string form or a tape form is scattered and accumulated in a vessel such as tube 11, and a heating gas passed to the accumulated base material to melt heat, and preferably press by a plunger 15, the base material P1, whereby a molten mass P2 is formed, and then the molten mass P2 is dislocated to a mold to be press-mold. Said base material preferably satisfies the following formula: {fraction (1/100)}≦&rgr;1/&rgr;0≦½, wherein &rgr;0 means a density where said base material is scattered and accumulated and &rgr;0 means a true density of said base material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mat having at least one primary area and at least one secondary area and adapted to reinforce a polymeric matrix material, the mat comprising (a) a first layer comprising a plurality of generally parallel, essentially continuous glass fiber strands oriented generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the mat, at least a portion of outer surfaces of the first layer glass fiber strands having applied thereon at least a partial layer comprising at least a partially dried residue of first coating composition which is compatible with a polymeric matrix material, wherein at least a first portion of the first layer glass fiber strands are positioned within the at least one primary area at a primary strand density and at least a second portion of the first layer glass fiber strands are positioned within the at least one secondary area at a secondary strand density which is different from the primary strand density; and (b) a second layer comprising a plurality of randomly oriented gl

Abstract: To provide a uniaxially oriented polypropylene-based film excellent in tensile elongation along the TD direction and transparence, and generating less fibers when it is torn, a film-forming material which comprises a polypropylene-based resin material consisting of 40 to 95% by weight of crystalline polypropylene, and 60 to 5% by weight of propylene-&agr;-olefin copolymer dispersed as particles in the crystalline polypropylene is uniaxially oriented to afford a uniaxially oriented polypropylene-based film, wherein the particles of the copolymer have an aspect ratio (L/D) of mean dispersed particle length (L) to mean dispersed particle diameter along the film thickness direction (D) of 100 or more in a cross section of the film along the MD direction, and the mean dispersed particle diameter of 0.10 &mgr;m or less.

Abstract: A carrier for fixing a material containing an amino group, which has a shape to be wound on a spindle member, and on the surface of which the material can be immobilized via covalent bonding. The carrier has a shape to be wound on a spindle member, and has a carboxyl group or an amino group, or derivative groups thereof, formed by cleaving an amide bond in the main chain of a polyamide on its surface.

Abstract: A thermally conductive polymer sheet includes a polymer matrix and graphitized carbon fibers as a thermally conductive filler. The graphitized carbon fibers are formed by spinning, infusibilization, carbonization, pulverized mesophase pitch before graphitizing the mesophase pitch. The graphitized carbon fibers have a coating layer of ferromagnetic material on their surface. The application of magnetic field to the coating layer allows the fibers to be oriented to be perpendicular to the sheet. Preferably, by X-ray diffractometry, the graphitized carbon fibers have an interplanar spacing (d002) of graphite planes of less than 0.3370 nm and a ratio (P101/P100) of diffraction peak (101) to diffraction peak (100) of at least 1.15. The ferromagnetic material is preferably at least one of a metal, an alloy, or a compound selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt and iron.

Abstract: Fibers and fibrous materials are disclosed that comprise a functional fiber and a binder fiber. The functional fiber can be a continuous or a staple fiber, while the binder fiber is a staple bicomponent fiber. Uses of the fibers and fibrous materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite doctor blade is provided that is suitable for use in the manufacture of paper, particularly for use in calenders. The composite doctor blade includes multiple layers of composite material in which a substantial proportion of the fibers are aligned in a direction substantially parallel to the long axis of the doctor blade.

Abstract: An article is provided that is highly resistant to localized normal indentation, or indentation tensile stresses, against its surface. The article is a stacked array of at least five layer units each having local anisotropy in at least one direction. Each unit has an adjacent unit that differs in a mechanical property, or offset in principle axis of anisotropy by less than 45°. The article forms part of a construction constructed and positioned to withstand indentation, or contact damage, detrimental to its use having a component normal to any tangent of the surface. The article can be a stacked array of fiber-reinforced polymeric material, i.e., prepreg, with the fiber direction offset from each layer to the next by less than 45°. Methods of making the article and methods of use of the article to resist impact are provided. Also provided are articles having surfaces, the surfaces being constructed and arranged to withstand sliding contact stress.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a multi-layered preform moulding material includes a reinforcement material and a resin material. The apparatus includes a mechanism for joining the reinforcement layers together by impregnation of the resin material into the reinforcement material to form the moulding material, thereby obviating the need for any additional bonding to join the individual reinforcement layers before impregnation.

Abstract: An ultra dense composite strip for flexible pipe having armouring formed of longitudinal carbon fibers provided within a thermoplastic or thermosetting matrix in the form of a flat ribbon with a substantially rectangular cross-section, whereof at least one of the surfaces of the strip is reinforced with a film made integral with said surface, over substantially its whole width and over substantially its whole length.

Abstract: A process for preparing a molded article of fiber-reinforced plastic having an optional configuration and no tendency to deformation and cracks by using a plate material consisting essentially of a fibrous reinforcement and a thermoplastic resin, comprising the steps of previously setting-up, on the plate material and/or a mold, a sheet prepreg obtained by impregnating a unidirectionally arranged fiber or woven cloth with a thermoplastic resin in areas where the fibrous reinforcement does not follow the flow of the resin well or in areas where special reinforcement is required and successively carrying out integral molding to obtain said article; and a molded article obtained by said process.

Abstract: A composite material comprising a core layer comprising filler and synthetic resin and containing the filler having a weight 0.7 times or more the product of volume of the core layer and bulk density of the filler; and a surface layer comprising a thermosetting resin reinforced by long fibers extending parallel in a longitudinal direction thereof, the surface layer being laminated on the core layer to cover at least one surface of the core layer with respect to a thickness direction thereof.

Abstract: Hybrid matrix fiber composites having enhanced compressive performance as well as enhanced stiffness, toughness and durability suitable for compression-critical applications. The methods for producing the fiber composites using matrix hybridization. The hybrid matrix fiber composites include two chemically or physically bonded matrix materials, whereas the first matrix materials are used to impregnate multi-filament fibers formed into ribbons and the second matrix material is placed around and between the fiber ribbons that are impregnated with the first matrix material and both matrix materials are cured and solidified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wood that is reinforced with a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite that contains a plurality of substantially parallel continuous fibers impregnated with thermoplastic polymer having the following structural units: where Z is S or O, and Z′ is S, O, N-alkyl or NH The invention is useful in a variety of applications including glue-laminated structures, laminated veneer lumber, reinforced I-beams, parallel strand lumber, reinforced particle board, and ladders. The use of a thermoplastic polyurethane, particularly the high Tg thermoplastic polyurethane as the impregnating resin provides a means of recycling and reusing the reinforced lumber, as well as shaping the composite in ways that would be impossible using conventional fiber-reinforced thermoset composites.

Abstract: At least one section of a jib of a crane, such as a mobile crane, includes a composite cross-section incorporating a layer of steel covered by one or more fiber composite layers. In a preferred embodiment, more than one fiber composite layer is included and the respective fiber layers are disposed in a criss-cross manner with respect to each other to enhance the overall strength of the telescopic part. Also, in a preferred embodiment the steel layer of the composite is on the interior of the telescopic part for minimizing thermal stresses due to temperature changes caused by sun loads. In another preferred embodiment, the composite fiber layers are disposed only in the zone of the cross-section of the telescopic part, which is subjected to tensile forces during use.

Abstract: A printing member, especially a planographic printing member, comprising a first layer which includes a fibrous material, especially a cellulosic fibrous material or a ceramic fibrous material, and a binder, for example a resin or the like, is described. An image defining means is provided over the first layer.