Abstract: A prepreg, which includes a carbon fiber reinforced material, has excellent Mode I interlaminar toughness, Mode II interlaminar toughness, and tensile strength. The prepreg includes the following constituents [A] to [C] and satisfies the following conditions (I) and (II): [A]: a carbon fiber; [B]: an epoxy resin; and [C]: a hardener for [B], and (I) a surface oxygen concentration O/C of [A] measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is 0.10 or more; and (II) a cured product obtained by curing [B] and [C] includes a resin region having molecular anisotropy exhibiting interference fringes in polarizing microscope observation in a crossed Nicol state.

Abstract: A rotor assembly has a composite driveshaft extending between a transmission and a yoke for providing torque from the transmission to the yoke to cause rotation of the yoke and a plurality of rotor blade assemblies attached thereto. The rotor hub also has a composite static mast coupled to the yoke and a frame. The static mast being configured to carry the lift and thrust forces from the yoke to the frame.

Abstract: This disclosure provides generally container base designs for use in packaging carbonated beverages and new containers that incorporate the base design. It has been found that improved physical and mechanical properties such as good stress crack performance can be achieving while improved light weighting and potential cost savings. The particular base and container designs are generally applicable to carbonated soft drink (CSD) containers, and can be used with containers of any size and with any type of base form such as petaloid or champagne base forms.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable polyester-based film is provided, which is heat-shrinkable in the longitudinal direction and which is freed from various problems, particularly curling-up or peeling in a bonded area. The heat-shrinkable polyester-based film is characterized by an A1/A2 (absorbance) ratio in the longitudinal direction, which is the main shrinking direction of the film, of 0.55 to 1, with an A1/A2 ratio in the width direction perpendicular to the main shrinking direction of 0.5 to 0.9, wherein A1 is the absorbance of the film at 1340 cm?1 and A2 is the absorbance of the film at 1410 cm?1 as determined by polarized ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, and a hot-water shrinkage of 35 to 60% in the longitudinal direction of the film and ?3 to 12% in the width direction of the film, wherein the hot-water shrinkage is determined by dipping the film in hot water at 90° C. for 10 seconds.

Abstract: A piston coating is described that comprises a phenolic resin, at least one solid lubricant selected from among the group including graphite, MoS2, WS2, BN, and PTFE, as well as carbon fibers. Said coating has an advantageous wear resistance and an advantageous coefficient of friction.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a polyimide-graphene composite material and a method for preparing same. More particularly, it relates to a polyimide-graphene composite material prepared by adding modified graphene and a basic catalyst during polymerization of a polyimide precursor so as to improve mechanical strength and electrical conductivity and enable imidization at low temperature and a method for preparing same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sizing composition in the form of a physical gel for glass strands which contains 0.1 to 5% by weight of at least one texturing agent chosen from xanthans, guars and succinoglycans, 2 to 8% by weight of at least one film-forming agent, 0.1 to 8% by weight of at least one compound chosen from plasticizing agents, surface-active agents and dispersing agents, 0.1 to 4% by weight of at least one coupling agent, and 0 to 6% by weight of at least one additive. Another subject-matter of the present invention is glass strands coated with the abovementioned sizing composition and the composite materials containing an organic or inorganic material reinforced with the said glass strands.

Abstract: Composite rods and tapes are provided. In one embodiment, a composite rod includes a core, the core including a thermoplastic material and a plurality of continuous fibers embedded in the thermoplastic material. The plurality of continuous fibers have a generally unidirectional orientation within the thermoplastic material. The core further includes one or more sensing elements embedded in the thermoplastic material. The core has a void fraction of about 5% or less. A sensing element may be, for example, fiber optic cable, a radio frequency identification transmitter, a copper fiber, or an aluminum fiber.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a sizing composition for glass fibres comprising the following components: (a) A silane based coupling agent which is not an aminosilane; (b) A film former; (c) A borate; (d) A lubricant Characterized in that, at least 75 wt. % of the silane coupling agent present in the composition is dialkoxylated. It also concerns a glass fibre sized with the reaction product of said sizing composition, as well as a polymeric composite reinforced with such glass fibres.

Abstract: A molded article excellent in dynamic characteristics and water degradation resistance can be obtained by using a fiber-reinforced polypropylene resin composition including a carbodiimide-modified polyolefin (a), a polypropylene resin (b) and reinforcing fibers (c), wherein the content of the carbodiimide group contained in a resin component in the fiber-reinforced polypropylene resin composition is 0.0005 to 140 mmol based on 100 g of a matrix resin component, and the reinforcing fibers (c) are sizing-treated with a polyfunctional compound (s); and a molding material using the fiber-reinforced polypropylene resin composition.

Abstract: Sizing agent-coated carbon fibers includes: a sizing agent including an aliphatic epoxy compound (A) and at least containing an aromatic epoxy compound (B1) as an aromatic compound (B); and carbon fibers coated with the sizing agent, wherein the sizing agent-coated carbon fibers have an (a)/(b) ratio of 0.50 to 0.90 where (a) is a height (cps) of a component at a binding energy (284.6 eV) assigned to CHx, C—C, and C?C and (b) is a height (cps) of a component at a binding energy (286.1 eV) assigned to C—O in a C1s core spectrum of a surface of the sizing agent applied onto the carbon fibers analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy using AlK?1,2 as an X-ray source at a photoelectron takeoff angle of 15°.

Abstract: An acid-modified polyolefin-based resin for glass fiber treatment having: (1) an amount of components extractable with boiling methyl ethyl ketone of 8 mass % or less; (2) a number average molecular weight (Mn), measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), of 6,000 to 48,000; and (3) an amount of an acid which has been added, measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, of 0.1 to 12 mass %.

Abstract: Disclosed are formaldehyde-free, thermally-curable, alkaline, aqueous binder compositions. The disclosed binder compositions may be cured to substantially water-insoluble thermoset polyester resins, including formaldehyde-free, substantially water-insoluble thermoset polyester resins. Uses of the disclosed binder compositions as binders for non-woven fibers and fiber materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: An aircraft interior lining component includes a composite material, wherein the composite material includes a matrix, first reinforcing fibres embedded in the matrix and second reinforcing fibres embedded in the matrix. The strength of an interface between a surface of the first reinforcing fibres and the matrix surrounding the surface of the first reinforcing fibres is greater than the strength of an interface between a surface of the second reinforcing fibres and the matrix surrounding the surface of the second reinforcing fibres.

Abstract: A carbon fiber bundle includes carbon fibers and a copolymerized polyolefin attached to the surface of the carbon fibers. The copolymerized polyolefin contains an aromatic vinyl compound and an acid and/or acid anhydride as copolymerization components. The amount of the copolymerized polyolefin attached is 0.01 to 10 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the carbon fiber bundle. The carbon fiber bundle may be used or contained in a random mat, a composite material, and various molded articles.

Abstract: The apparatus is a laminar shear resistant pre-impregnated resin tape for use in die forming pultrusion processes, with the tape formed by integrating three distinguishable layers, each with integrated parallel reinforcing filaments. The layers are arranged within the tape so that the filaments of adjacent layers are oriented at angles to each other. The tape of the preferred embodiment of the invention is constructed with the filaments of the center layer at 90 degrees to the length of the tape and the filaments of the two outer layers aligned with the length of the tape. The center layer can be more heavily loaded with filaments than conventional tapes, and the outer two layers have less than the amount of filament load of the center layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for making a consolidated or densified composite article comprising polymer, particularly fluoropolymer, and oriented carbon fiber, which provides suitability for use in chemical-mechanical applications.

Abstract: A composition of a fiber reinforced multi-layered laminate that when compression-molded forms a composite having a Class-A surface that is resin rich. The fiber reinforced multi-layered laminate has an outer layer of a cyclic polyester oligomer containing a latent polymerization catalyst; a glass mat; a core layer of a cyclic polyester oligomer containing a latent polymerization catalyst; a second glass mat, and another outer layer of a cyclic polyester oligomer containing a latent polymerization catalyst. When compression molded, the combination of heat and pressure force the core layer through the permeable glass mats and toward the surface. The latent polymerization catalyst initiates polymerization of the cyclic polyester oligomer forming a Class-A surface that is resin rich. The core layer of a cyclic polyester oligomer thoroughly permeates the reinforcing fiber forming a composite having a middle, with a nearly uniform mixture of reinforced glass fiber and thermoplastic in situ polymerized resin.

Abstract: A composite material may be provided with unique alignment characteristics. The composite material may include a matrix material and a plurality of fibers disposed in the matrix material, wherein the plurality of fibers is magnetically aligned in a uniform spacing within the matrix material.

Abstract: A self-healing composite material comprising a fibre-reinforced polymeric matrix, wherein the polymeric matrix comprises a thermosetting polymer and a thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: A process for applying an interface coating includes the step of applying an interface coating material upon at least one surface of a fiber-based substrate. The interface coating material may be composed of a sizing agent, a ceramic powder and optionally at least one of the following agents: a dispersing agent, a deflocculating agent or a surface wetting agent.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a reinforced matrix composite comprising the step of providing a composite preform having a fibrous structure and applying matrix material onto the preform in locations along the preform. A barrier material is applied to at least a portion of the coated preform to direct the flow of matrix material into the preform. The composite preform is heated to a temperature sufficient to render the matrix material viscous and insufficient to cure the matrix material. The pressure to the interior of the composite preform is reduced, while the pressure to the barrier material is increased. The temperature is maintained to flow the matrix material into the composite preform and to force gases from the fibrous structure. The composite preform is then cured and cooled to form a reinforced matrix composite having a low void content and a substantially uniform matrix distribution.

Abstract: Disclosed are formaldehyde-free, thermally-curable, alkaline, aqueous binder compositions, curable to formaldehyde-free, water-insoluble thermoset polyester resins, and uses thereof as binders for non-woven fibers and fiber materials.

Abstract: An aqueous glass fiber sizing composition that includes a polymeric film forming component, at least one silane coupling agent, and one or more lubricants is provided. The polymeric film forming component of the sizing composition includes a silanated polyvinyl acetate, an epoxidized polyvinyl acetate, and a modified epoxy emulsion. In preferred embodiments, the film formers are present in the sizing composition in ratios of 70:25:5, 50:25:25, or 63:18:18 of silanated polyvinyl acetate, epoxidized polyvinyl acetate, and modified epoxy emulsion respectively. Fibers sized with the sizing composition in a sheet molding compound process have improved wet-out characteristics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of rendering telecommunication devices ineffective, by creating a substantially radio frequency radiation-free environment by providing an interference generating pattern (IGP) adjacent to the environment in a position between the environment and a source of radio frequency radiation signals so as to substantially reduce, or interfere with such signals thus preventing typical operation of the wireless telecommunications devices. The IGP is generally one that is non-conductive and is or includes a diffraction grating. The IGP is positioned adjacent the environment between the environment and a source of radio frequency radiation signals. Preferably, the IGP is provided as a support member configured in the shape of a diffraction grating, and includes a paint or coating of a non-conductive material having a high dielectric constant thereon.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention are directed to a fiber strand comprising at least one fiber at least partially coated with a starch-free composition formed from the components comprising at least one film forming material, at least one polymeric lubricant, at least one rosin, at least one organo silane coupling agent, at least one dispersion of polymeric particles, wherein the individual particles have a diameter of at least 0.1 microns, at least one emulsifying agent, and at least one additional lubricant that is different from the at least one polymeric lubricant.

Abstract: Paper including bodies carrying at least one biochemical marker and of sufficient size to be capable of being taken individually.

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: An aqueous glass fiber sizing composition that includes a polymeric film forming component, at least one silane coupling agent, and one or more lubricants is provided. The polymeric film forming component of the sizing composition includes a silanated polyvinyl acetate, an epoxidized polyvinyl acetate, and a modified epoxy emulsion. In preferred embodiments, the film formers are present in the sizing composition in ratios of 70:25:5, 50:25:25, or 63:18:18 of silanated polyvinyl acetate, epoxidized polyvinyl acetate, and modified epoxy emulsion respectively. Fibers sized with the sizing composition in a sheet molding compound process have improved wet-out characteristics.

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: Disclosed are conductive polymeric materials comprising a resin-based structural material loaded with micron conductive fibers and/or micron conductive powders or to provide a conductive thermoplastic composition rather than an insulator. Also disclosed are antennas comprising the conductive thermoplastic compositions and methods for their fabrication.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for light curing of composite materials in which the radiation required to initiate the curing is delivered via one or more lossy fiber optics. The fiber optics are made lossy by methods such as bending the fiber, weaving the fiber into a mat to create periodic micro-bends, tailoring the thickness of the fiber cladding to allow evanescent wave transmission, or simply removing the cladding at intervals along the fiber. Distribution of the light through out the composite material results in dramatic power and time reductions over traditional light curing methods. Unlike thermal curing of composite materials, there is no need for an auto-clave and hence no limit on the size of the part that may be created. Additional benefits include the possibility of curing at operational temperature and so avoiding thermal stresses.

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: 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: The invention provides a method of forming a void-free laminate, comprising the steps of: (a) enclosing a partially impregnated prepreg in a vacuum envelope, said partially impregnated prepreg comprising a fiber layer partially impregnated with a resin composition; and (b) heating said partially impregnated prepreg under vacuum to withdraw air present in said partially impregnated prepreg and to cause said resin composition (i) to fully infuse into said fiber layer and (ii) to cure thereby forming said void-free laminate. The present invention further provides novel combinations of modified epoxy resins that may be employed with the methods disclosed. The void-free laminates may be utilized for the manufacture of parts for the aerospace and aircraft industries.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composite (FRCMC) structure exhibiting tailored characteristics such as ductility, hardness, and coefficient of friction. Generally, this tailoring involves incorporating fibers into the composite in sufficient quantities to produce a certain degree of ductility, and if desired, incorporating filler material into the composite in sufficient quantities to produce a desired degree of other characteristics such as hardness and coefficient of friction. In both cases, the degree to which these respective characteristics are exhibited varies with the percent by volume of fibers and filler materials incorporated into the structure. Additionally, the degree to which these respective characteristics are exhibited varies with the form of fibers used (i.e., continuous or non-continuous) and with type of filler material employed.

Abstract: An insulating varnish comprising a resin component, electrical insulating whiskers, and if necessary, one or more additives such as an ion adsorbent, and/or an organic reagent for preventing injury from copper, produced by adding the additives to the resin component and the whiskers, or filtering the whiskers, or milled by using a beads mill or a three-roll mill, or the like, is excellent for producing a multilayer printed circuit board having high wiring density, high reliability and excellent other electrical properties.