Abstract: A composite carbon fiber material is formed of one or more layers of carbon fiber material in which the carbon fibers are aligned all in the same direction and a mat of nonwoven, woven, or off-axis unidirectional carbon fibers are laminated together. Layers may be used individually or as a hybrid. The layers can be preimpregnated or impregnated during processing using thermoplastic or thermosetting resins. A layer of thermoplastic resin is applied either over the surface or within the composite structure, and the resin permeates the material so as to provide a more stable mechanical structure once the resin is processed. The material combines good mechanical strength with improved electrical current carrying properties when compared with the aligned carbon fiber layer alone. The layering sequence, layer type, and resin type can be specified to tailor electrical properties, mechanical properties, durability, and wear resistance.

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

Abstract: 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 pitch precursor yarn, which is stretch broken and formed into a fabric or felt which is heat treated into graphitic fiber media for fuel cell gas diffusion layer substrates and high thermal conductivity reinforced composites.

Abstract: A composition of matter and method for inducing the rapid strengthening of damaged structures (e.g., buildings, bridges, dams, etc.) by reducing the application and curing times without the need to apply heat and pressure. The composition of matter comprises a strengthening fabric and a bonding agent which may be cured with ultraviolet light, such as sunlight, in less than about 30 min. The strengthening fabric comprises fibers chemically compatible with the bonding agent, and oriented to allow the bonding agent to quickly diffuse through the fabric.

Abstract: A synthetic wood material and method are disclosed, including providing a plurality of continuous glass fibers oriented substantially in the longitudinal axis and coated with a resorcinol modified phenolic resin binder substantially free from catalyst. In one aspect, the synthetic wood material is oxidatively treated to restore color. In one aspect, the fibers and binder are precoated with a furfuryl alcohol resin prior to the pultrusion step to form the synthetic wood.

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: A structural lining system and a method of applying the system to the interior surface of a pipe. First, a layer of adhesive is sprayed onto the interior surface of a previously cleaned pipe. Next, strips of previously coiled unidirectional carbon fiber material are allowed to uncoil within the pipe so that side edges of the strips abut the side edges of adjacent strips and the junction where the ends of each strip come together are staggered around the pipe so that the junction for adjacent strips do not align longitudinally. If ends of the strips overlap, additional adhesive is applied between the overlapping portions. A final epoxy coating is sprayed over the strips, forming an internal liner for the pipe.

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: In carbon reinforcements, in particular when used in carbon-fiber reinforced materials, sulfur-complex forming substances are chemically adsorbed, at least in part, at potential oxidation locations of an hexagonal carbon lattice to provide internal protection against oxidation.

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: 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 resin composition for producing a molded article having a surface which has an appearance of a non-woven fabric, which comprises fiber piles of carbonized polyacrylonitrile having a nitrogen content of 10% by weight or more or fiber piles of viscose rayon mass-colored with a pigment; a process for producing a molded article of a resin having a surface which has an appearance of a non-woven fabric which comprises mixing the resin composition with an uncolored resin and molding the prepared mixture; and a molded article produced by using the resin composition. The resin composition can be pelletized with stability and, when the resin composition is mixed with pellets of an uncolored resin and molded, the molded article shows excellent mechanical properties and durability for a long time, exhibits a non-woven fabric appearance with warmth and depth and has an excellent recycling property.

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: The present invention relates to carbon-matrix composites, such as carbon—carbon composites, and a method for forming them by forming a fabric of fusible and infusible fibers which can be processed and carbonized to form a composite. The methods disclosed herein permit preparation of composites which are particularly thin, uniform, and highly pure. The invention also relates to preprocessed fabrics and precarbonized composites, such as those comprising carbon or oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers and fusible polyacrylonitrile fibers.

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 conductive microporous sheet material comprises primary carbon fibres having a cross-sectional dimension of at least 1 &mgr;m, secondary carbon fibres in the form of carbon nanofibres and a binding agent for binding said primary and secondary fibres. The material may be produced by a wet-laid non-woven (paper-making) process. The sheet material may be used as a gas diffusion layer for a fuel cell or an electrode material for a battery.

Abstract: Sizing/finishing composition comprising poly(hydroxy amino ether), and a solubilizing/emulsifying agent present in an amount sufficient to solubilize or emulsify the polymer in water.

Abstract: A lightweight insulating sandwich tile (110) having applications such as spacecraft and reusable launch vehicle thermal protection is disclosed. In one embodiment, the lightweight insulating sandwich tile (110) includes an outer structural facesheet (120) that is bonded or co-cured with an inner insulating core (130). The outer structural facesheet (120) is comprised of carbon-carbon and includes an oxidation resistant layer (140) on an outer surface thereof. The oxidation resistant layer (140) may comprise a coating or surface treatment of, for example, MoSi2, amorphous SiCN, amorphous SiCBN, Ti3SiC2, HfC, HfO2, HfB2, SiC, Ir, and ZrB2. The inner insulating core (130) is comprised of bonded discontinuous carbon fibers, a network of vitreous carbon ligaments, carbon aerogel, or graphite felt or a hybrid combination of these materials.

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.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced composite wood board is designed particularly for use in the flooring of truck trailers which experience adverse operating conditions such as from heavy loads of lift trucks on the top side and water spray during rainy periods on the bottom side. The composite wood board comprises an edge-glued laminated wood member composed of wood segments with end joints. The wood member is underlaid with a thin layer of fiber reinforced plastic. The top surface of the composite wood board is the same as that of the laminated wood. The fiber reinforced plastic underlay is composed of glass and/or carbon fibers embedded in a polymeric resin such as epoxy, phenolic, vinyl ester, polyester, polypropylene or polyamide resin. Further, the fiber reinforced plastic underlay is substantially bonded to the wood member with a reactive hotmelt adhesive.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced composite wood flooring is designed particularly for use in van-type truck trailers which experience adverse operating conditions due to heavy lift truck traffic on the top side and water spray during rainy periods on the bottom side. The composite wood flooring comprises edge-glued laminated wood which is underlaid with a thin layer of fiber reinforced plastic. The top surface of the composite wood floor is the same as that of a conventional laminated wood floor. The fiber reinforced plastic underlay is composed of glass and/or carbon fibers embedded in a polymeric resin such as epoxy, phenolic, vinyl ester, polypropylene or polyamide resin. The fiber reinforcement is designed to enhance the mechanical properties of the flooring in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the floor. The fiber reinforced plastic improves the fatigue resistance of the composite wood flooring and prevents water leakage into the trailer through the floor boards.

Abstract: A reinforced polymer matrix composite material with anti-anisotropy reinforcement array is disclosed having coupled fiber reinforcement structures. The coupled fiber reinforcement structures are formed of a plurality of bound or bonded fibers, which form multi-dimensional structures capable of maintaining cross structure during molding. The structures are sized to allow their use in various molding processes. The coupled multiple fiber structures preferably have an aspect ratio of less than ten.

Abstract: A friction material includes a base material fiber, a binder, and a friction regulator. The base material fiber includes extremely-short aramid fiber with 1 mm or less length and short aramid fiber with over 1 mm length. By compounding the extremely-short aramid fiber with 1 mm or less length, a brake squealing of the friction material being obtained can be decreased.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a polymeric material with carbon nanofibers is provided in which carbon nanofibers are combined with a polymer and a solvent for the polymer to form a substantially homogeneous mixture, followed by removal of the solvent by evaporation or coagulation. The resulting conductive polymeric nanocomposite material exhibits high electrical and thermal conductivity, enhanced mechanical strength, abrasion resistance, and dimensional stability.

Abstract: A non-asbestos-based friction material for brakes, clutches or the like for automobiles, large-size trucks, railway cars and various industrial machines. The friction material has excellent friction and rust preventive characteristics, and attacks the plane it faces to a limited extent. The non-asbestos-based friction material is produced by forming and then curing the non-asbestos-based friction material composition comprising a fibrous base, binder and filler as the major ingredients. The composition contains at least one type of steel fibers selected from the group consisting of iron, special dead soft steel and dead soft steel, containing carbon (C) at 0.13% or less at specific contents, in the fibrous base at 1 to 50% by volume of the whole friction material.

Abstract: Methods of analyzing single-walled carbon nanotube structures dispersed in aqueous solutions with dispersal agents are accomplished by depositing the structures in solution on a suitable substrate and forming an array of isolated structures that are substantially free of contaminating material. Transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy are utilized to characterize the isolated structures formed on the substrate.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced composite article, comprising a matrix and reinforcing fibers and subjected during operation concurrently to a plurality of temperatures and stresses, varying between a plurality of regions of the article, experiences different stresses concurrently in different regions of the article. The article is provided with fiber reinforcement of a strength in each region greater than the stress experienced in that region. Such fiber reinforcement is provided through a member for inclusion in the matrix, for example in the form of at least one of a fabric, weave, braid, lay-up, etc. One form of such an article for use at relatively high temperatures is a turbine engine component, for example a gas turbine engine exhaust flap. Another form of such an article is a gas turbine engine blading component.

Abstract: A friction disk suitable for running as an assembly of interleaved disks in a transmission is disclosed. A rigid metallic core on backing plate is covered on one or both sides with a wafer of non-woven yarn wherein the yarn comprises a continuous wound length of heat resistant yarn in a non-overlapping fashion. The yarn is bonded to the core by a thermosetting resin, which is impregnated into the yarn by less than 80% by weight to preserve porosity and allowing penetration of the cooling transmission fluid. The yarn preferably is composed of carbon fibers or filaments.

Abstract: A composite carbon fiber material is formed of one or more layers of carbon fiber material in which the carbon fibers are aligned all in the same direction and a mat of nonwoven, woven, or off-axis unidirectional carbon fibers are laminated together. Layers may be used individually or as a hybrid. The layers can be preimpregnated or impregnated during processing using thermoplastic or thermosetting resins. A layer of thermoplastic resin is applied either over the surface or within the composite structure, and the resin permeates the material so as to provide a more stable mechanical structure once the resin is processed. The material combines good mechanical strength with improved electrical current carrying properties when compared with the aligned carbon fiber layer alone. The layering sequence, layer type, and resin type can be specified to tailor electrical properties, mechanical properties, durability, and wear resistance.

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: A three-dimensional weave architecture for weaving preforms has fill fibers woven to provide layer-to-layer interlocking of layers of warp fiber as well as interlocking of fibers within each layer. The woven preform transfers out-of-plane loading through directed fibers to minimize inter-laminar tension. The preform has a base and at least one leg extending from the base, the base and leg each having at least two layers of warp fibers. The fill fibers follow a weave sequence which carries them through part of the base, then into the legs, then through the other portion of the base, and back through the base to return to the starting point of the fill tow. The leg may be connected at a single- or distributed-column intersection, and the intersection may be radiussed. The outer ends of the base and legs may have tapers formed from terminating layers of warp fibers in a stepped pattern.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tip seal and a seal material for a scroll type compressor with a discharge pressure of 8 MPa or more, comprising a resin composition that is molded into a spiral shape, and that contains an aromatic polyether ketone based resin containing at least 5 to 30% by weight of a carbon fiber and 1 to 30% by weight of a tetrafluoroethylene resin.

Abstract: A carbon fiber product according to the present invention is a carbon fiber product in which one to several hundreds of hexagonal carbon layers in the shape of a bottomless cup are stacked. Edges of the hexagonal carbon layers are exposed on at least part of an outer surface or inner surface. The exposed part of the edges of the hexagonal carbon layers have a high degree of activity and excel in adhesion to base materials such as resins. Therefore, this carbon fiber product is suitable as a material for composites.

Abstract: The object is to provide a carbon fiber-reinforced rubber material which is superior in heat resistance, water resistance, and dimensional stability and exhibits resistance to fatigue from flexing at a practical level. The present invention relates to a prepreg comprising a liquid rubber composition having a viscosity in a range of 0.01 Pa·s to 100 Pa·s at 70° C. and substantially containing no solvent, the liquid rubber being impregnated into a reinforcing fiber, and relates to a fiber-reinforced rubber material comprising the prepreg in which the liquid rubber is crosslinked. Also, the present invention relates to a fiber-reinforced rubber material comprising a substrate comprising a rubber component, the substrate being reinforced by a core material comprising a prepreg of a reinforcing fiber impregnated with the same rubber component.

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: The instant invention involves a process used in preparing fibrous tows which may be formed into polymeric plastic composites. The process involves the steps of (a) forming a carbon fiber tow; (b) forming a thermoplastic polymeric fiber tow; (c) intermixing the two tows; and (d) withdrawing the intermixed tow for further use.

Abstract: A laminated composite material that can be used in particular to make sports articles, especially boots. A new basis material is disclosed for making articles of manufacture, in particular sports articles, which have drastic mechanical requirements, are very inexpensive and as lightweight as possible.

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 formed article of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin which has been adapted for use in a sliding member by restoring the wear resistance once degraded by the addition of reinforcing fibers to the normal level is disclosed. This formed article comprises a fiber-reinforced resin material of a thermoplastic resin containing reinforcing fibers and incorporating therein additionally as a sliding property-imparting agent a material having a storage elastic modulus in the range of 3.5×108 Pa to 5.0×108 Pa in a service temperature range of 30° C. to 70° C. The ratio of incorporation of the sliding property-imparting agent is properly in the range of 4 to 10% by weight when the matrix resin is a polyamide-based resin or 4 to 20% by weight when the matrix resin is a thermoplastic resin other than the polyamide-based resin, respectively based on the total weight of the resin and the reinforcing fibers.

Abstract: A formed article of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin which has been adapted for use in a sliding member by restoring the wear resistance once degraded by the addition of reinforcing fibers to the normal level is disclosed. This formed article comprises a fiber-reinforced resin material of a thermoplastic resin containing reinforcing fibers and incorporating therein additionally as a sliding property-imparting agent a material having a storage elastic modulus in the range of 3.5×108 Pa to 5.0×108 Pa in a service temperature range of 30° C. to 70° C. The ratio of incorporation of the sliding property-imparting agent is properly in the range of 4 to 10% by weight when the matrix resin is a polyamide-based resin or 4 to 20% by weight when the matrix resin is a thermoplastic resin other than the polyamide-based resin, respectively based on the total weight of the resin and the reinforcing fibers.

Abstract: In carbon reinforcements, in particular when used in carbon-fiber reinforced materials, sulfur-complex forming substances are chemically adsorbed, at least in part, at potential oxidation locations of an hexagonal carbon lattice to provide internal protection against oxidation.

Abstract: A process for continuous composite coextrusion comprising: (a) forming first a material-laden composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer and at least about 40 volume % of a ceramic or metallic particulate in a manner such that the composition has a substantially cylindrical geometry and thus can be used as a substantially cylindrical feed rod; (b) forming a hole down the symmetrical axis of the feed rod; (c) inserting the start of a continuous spool of ceramic fiber, metal fiber or carbon fiber through the hole in the feed rod; (d) extruding the feed rod and spool simultaneously to form a continuous filament consisting of a green matrix material completely surrounding a dense fiber reinforcement and said filament having an average diameter that is less than the average diameter of the feed rod; and (e) arranging the continuous filament into a desired architecture to provide a green fiber reinforced composite.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a ceramic structure as well as a pre-ceramic preimpregnated composite material incorporating a continuous woven fiber and a discontinuous fiber pre-ceramic matrix for subsequent curing and component construction. The method includes preparation of a mixture of discontinuous fibers, fillers, and a pre-ceramic precursor resin where the precursor resin is present in a quantity sufficient to substantially saturate subsequently adjacent woven fiber lengths, and thereafter introducing the mixture to a situs between an upper length of woven fiber and a lower length of woven fiber in alignment with each other while effectuating linear movement of these woven fiber lengths and moving the lengths toward each other for compression and retention in a sandwich configuration to thereby fabricate a pre-ceramic preimpregnated composite material. The material is cut to size in accord with the configuration of a part to be manufactured, formed into a green-state structure, and cured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carbon fiber reinforced plastic member provided with high-elongation fiber bundle regions, which are uni-directionally aligned and separately disposed within the plastic member. The plastic member provides a carbon fiber reinforced plastic of lightweight, high strength and high modulus that is safe. Even if it breaks, it shows little scatter of fragments or exposure of dangerous fracture surfaces. Preferably, the high-elongation fiber at break has an elongation exceeding about 10%.

Abstract: The first group of the present invention is a wood reinforcing carbon fiber prepreg, which is produced through impregnation with a mixture resin at a viscosity of 3 to 150 poises at 20° C., wherein the mixture resin contains one or more resins selected from resorcinol based resins and resol type phenol based resins, formaldehydes as curing agents and inorganic acids or organic acids as curing catalysts. The first group of the present invention is a wood reinforcing carbon fiber prepreg having a longer usable time and being capable of imparting the rigidity and elastic modulus of carbon a fiber to the wood to be reinforced at a high ratio. The second group of the present invention is a wood reinforcing carbon fiber prepreg attached wood based sheet, wherein a wood based sheet of a thickness of 0.01 mm to 0.06 mm is arranged on at least one face of a carbon fiber prepreg sheet produced through impregnation with a mixture resin containing a thermosetting resin and a curing agent or a curing catalyst.

Abstract: A process for producing sharp surface visible patterns on composite articles formed of resin coated reinforcing strands employs a liquid uncured resin having a coloring component therein to produce an opaque resin of light color to mask the color of the reinforcing strands. An absorbent surface veil is applied to the surface of the article before curing the resin to produce an absorbent opaque surface layer of light color into which a pattern of contrasting color is then transferred by sublimating an ink or dye pattern from a pattern carrier into the opaque resin impregnated surface layer and veil. Articles ready for application of the surface pattern thereto by sublimation may be produced using pultrusion or hand lay-up methods. Distribution of the surface pattern partially or entirely through the thickness of the surface layer results in an article having a surface in which the pattern remains sharply visible despite surface wear.

Abstract: A composite reinforcing structure for reinforcing a structural member, a method of making the structure, and a method of using the structure to reinforce a structural member.

Abstract: An electrical component including: a plurality of long fibers and a matrix, wherein at least one of the fibers is electrically conductive, wherein the plurality of long fibers includes a first fiber group extending in a manner generally parallel to a first axis, and a second fiber group extending in a manner generally parallel to a different second axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a carbon-carbon composite. The method of the present invention comprises adding a ceramic-based oxidation inhibitor having a brittle-to-ductile transition, to thereby eliminate high densification processes via re-impregnation and re-carbonization. The present invention also relates to a carbon-carbon composite prepared thereby that comprises a ceramic powder added to a thermosetting resin.