Abstract: A vehicle body may have an internal skeleton, and a skin formed over the internal skeleton. The skin may include a matrix material, and a plurality of continuous fibers encased within the matrix material. At least one of the plurality of continuous fibers is in tension and has differing levels of tension along its length.

Abstract: An assembly, configured in particular in the form of an aircraft assembly, comprises a plurality of individual components composed of a fibre-reinforced composite material. An edge section of at least one individual component is sealed by means of a sealing tape which contains reinforcing fibres and a curable plastics material.

Abstract: Glass compositions and glass fibers having low dielectric constants and low dissipation factors that may be suitable for use in electronic applications and articles are disclosed. The glass fibers and compositions of the present invention may include between 45.0 to 58.0 weight percent SiO2; greater than 18.0 weight percent B2O3 and no more than 26.0 weight percent B2O3; greater than 16.0 weight percent Al2O3 and no more than 23.0 weight percent Al2O3; between 0.25 to 12.0 weight percent P2O5; greater than 0.25 weight percent CaO and less than 5.00 weight percent CaO; less than 4.50 weight percent MgO; greater than 0.25 weight percent CaO+MgO and less than 5.00 weight percent CaO+MgO; less than 0.80 weight percent Fe2O3; and less than 0.50 weight percent TiO2. Further, the glass composition has a glass viscosity of 1000 poise at a temperature greater than 1350 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: A synthetic construct suitable for implantation into a biological organism that includes at least one polymer scaffold; wherein the at least one polymer scaffold includes at least one layer of polymer fibers that have been deposited by electrospinning; wherein the orientation of the fibers in the at least one polymer scaffold relative to one another is generally parallel, random, or both; and wherein the at least one polymer scaffold has been adapted to function as at least one of a substantially two-dimensional implantable structure and a substantially three-dimensional implantable tubular structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shape memory polyamide, produced by adding a polyvalent carboxylic acid and a polyvalent amine when polyamide is polymerized from e-caprolactam or hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid, and having an aromatic component which is introduced by one or more among the polyvalent carboxylic acid and the polyvalent amine and has a total amount ranging from 0.4 mol % to 10 mol % based on the amount of the raw material for polyamide. Also, a method of producing a shape memory polyamide fabric using the shape memory polyamide is provided. The polyamide fabric produced using the shape memory polyamide is a highly functional fabric which does not easily wrinkle and easily recovers its original shape even when wrinkled, and thus may be applied as material for various kinds of clothing.

Abstract: The present application is directed to dielectric isolators for use in aircraft fuel systems to control lightning induced current and allow dissipation of electrostatic charge. The dielectric isolators are configured to have a high enough impedance to limit lightning currents to low levels, but low enough impedance to allow electrostatic charge to dissipate without allowing buildup. Although the dielectric isolators may develop a potential difference across the dielectric length due to the effects of lightning currents and its inherent impedance, they are configured to withstand these induced voltages without dielectric breakdown or performance degradation. In one embodiment, the dielectric isolator includes a tube constructed of a composition including a thermoplastic organic polymer (e.g., PEEK) and carbon nanotubes, and a pair of fittings attached to opposing ends of the tube.

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: A system for providing improved engineered-composite materials, equipment, and manufacturing processes

Abstract: Methods of making a fiber-reinforced composite article are described. The methods may include providing fibers to an article template, where the fibers have been treated with a coupling-initiator compound. They may further include providing a pre-polymerized mixture that includes a monomer and a catalyst to the article template. The combination of the fibers and the pre-polymerized mixture may be heated to a polymerization temperature where the monomers polymerize around the fibers and form at least a portion of the composite article. The article may then be removed from the article template. Examples of the fiber-reinforced composite articles may include wind turbine blades for electric power generation.

Abstract: A fiber preform for producing fiber composite structures, a wall thereof including a first zone made from reinforcing fiber bundles having a first resin composition and a second zone made from at least one fiber tape comprising at least one unidirectionally directed reinforcing yarn strand having a second resin composition. The reinforcing fiber bundles in the first zone are oriented in different spatial directions to each other when viewed in a direction parallel to the extension of the thickness. Each reinforcing fiber has a length of from 3 to 50 mm, and contains the first resin composition in a concentration of from 1 to 10 wt % of the fiber weight. The wall of the fiber preform has a proportion of reinforcing fibers of more than 35 vol %, and the second zone forms a discrete region when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the thickness extension of the wall.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced molding materials and a related method of manufacture are provided. The fiber-reinforced molding materials include a fiber-reinforced tape that is moldable into complex structures at relatively low pressures while having high fiber concentrations. The fiber-reinforced tape includes a plurality of discontinuous fiber segments extending unidirectionally within a thermoplastic matrix material. The fiber-reinforced tape can be interwoven into multiple woven panels that are consolidated to form a fiber-reinforced mat. The fiber-reinforced mat is suitable for a wide range of molding applications where high strength and light weight are desired, while accommodating a variety of reinforcing fibers and thermoplastic resins.

Abstract: A resin-soluble thermoplastic polymer veil toughening element for a curable composition wherein the polymer element is a non-woven veil in solid phase adapted to undergo at least partial phase transition to fluid phase on contact with a component of the curable resin matrix composition in which it is soluble at a temperature which is less than the temperature for substantial onset of gelling and/or curing of the curable composition and which temperature is less than the polymer elements melt temperature; a method for the preparation thereof, a preform support structure for a curable composition comprising the at least one thermoplastic veil element together with structural reinforcement fibers, methods for preparation thereof, a curable composition comprising the at least one thermoplastic veil element or the support structure and a curable resin matrix composition, a method for preparation and curing thereof, and a cured composite or resin body obtained thereby, and known and novel uses thereof.

Abstract: A continuous fiber composite is described and methods for forming the continuous fiber composite. The continuous fiber composite includes a plurality of unidirectionally aligned continuous fibers embedded within a polyarylene sulfide polymer. The continuous fiber composite includes a very high loading of continuous fibers, for instance greater than about 40% by weight of the continuous fiber composite. The continuous fiber composite is formed by reacting a starting polyarylene sulfide with a reactively functionalized disulfide compound in a melt processing unit. Reaction between the starting polyarylene sulfide and the reactively functionalized disulfide compound leads to formation of a reactively functionalized polyarylene sulfide. Upon embedding of the continuous fibers into the reactively functionalized polyarylene sulfide, the reactivity of the polyarylene sulfide can enhance adhesion between the polyarylene sulfide polymer and the fibers.

Abstract: A fiber preform for producing fiber composite structures, a wall thereof including a first zone made from reinforcing fiber bundles having a first resin composition and a second zone made from at least one fiber tape comprising at least one unidirectionally directed reinforcing yarn strand having a second resin composition. The reinforcing fiber bundles in the first zone are oriented in different spatial directions to each other when viewed in a direction parallel to the extension of the thickness. Each reinforcing fiber has a length of from 3 to 50 mm, and contains the first resin composition in a concentration of from 1 to 10 wt % of the fiber weight. The wall of the fiber preform has a proportion of reinforcing fibers of more than 35 vol %, and the second zone forms a discrete region when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the thickness extension of the wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to prepregs and composite components (molding) produced therefrom at a low temperature, obtainable by using powdery highly reactive polyurethane compositions containing uretdione groups, with specific catalysts.

Abstract: An insulative material and a method of forming the insulative material are provided. The insulative material is configured to change shape in response to temperature and thus, for example, the insulative material may become more insulative as the temperature decreases. For example, the insulative material may include a plurality of fibers that change shape, such as by curling, in response to decreases in temperature, thereby correspondingly changing the insulative properties.

Abstract: A composite article may include a plurality of fibers embedded within a matrix. The fibers may include a first fiber and a second fiber which may be oriented in substantially parallel relation to one another. The first and second fibers may be connected to one another at one or more connection sites.

Abstract: Disclosed are composites that can exhibit low transmission energy loss and can also be temperature resistant. The composites include reinforcement fibers held in a polymeric matrix. The reinforcement fibers can include an amorphous polymer component. The fibers can be woven or knit to form a fabric or can be included in a nonwoven fabric. The composites can include other fibers as well, such as fiberglass. The composites can be multi-layer structures and can include layers of other materials, for instance layers formed of polyaramids, fiberglass, or carbon fiber wovens or nonwovens. The composites can advantageously be utilized in low loss dielectric applications, such as in forming circuit board substrates.

Abstract: Laminate containing a first layer and a second layer attached to the first layer, said second layer comprising high tenacity yarns, characterized in that the first layer is made out of a material selected out of the group consisting of a metal, a plywood, a solid thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer, and a composite material containing carbon fibers and/or glass fibers, and the high tenacity yarns have a tenacity of at least 0.5 GPa and are positioned in a grid structure. The laminate is damage resistance and is suitably used for the manufacture of air freight containers.

Abstract: Thermoplastic composites having a core composite layer including a fibrous substrate and one or more high performance polymer, and a surface layer polymer applied to at least one surface of the core composite layer, which forms a polymer blend with the high performance polymer thereby imparting improved toughness and processing times, and methods for making and using same, are provided herein.

Abstract: Reinforcement patches comprising a mastic and a plurality of unidirectionally-aligned fibers at least partially embedded in a first major surface of the mastic are described. Generally, at least 90% of the unidirectionally-aligned fibers are oriented having an axis of alignment within +/?10 degrees of the average axis of alignment of the unidirectionally-aligned fibers. Reinforcement patches that include an encapsulating resin and a cover layer are also described. Methods of reinforcing a panel using reinforcement panels, and panels reinforced with the patches are also disclosed.

Abstract: An elevator load bearing assembly (40) includes a plurality of synthetic or polymer cords (42) within a urethane jacket (44). The cords are prestretched and the jacket prevents the stretched cords from relaxing. The inventive arrangement provides a load bearing assembly (40) that has little or no elastic or construction stretch.

Abstract: A molded article such as a floor tile is made from recycled carpet waste which includes a polyvinyl chloride component in the backing material and fiber component having a melting point above the melting point of polyvinyl chloride. A mixture of the recycled carpet material is shredded and additional polyvinyl chloride is fed to an extruder where the polyvinyl chloride is melted without melting the carpet fibers. The resulting mixture is discharged and molded, such as by injection molding, to form a molded product. The molded product includes a continuous matrix of polyvinyl chloride having recycled carpet fibers uniformly dispersed therein. The molded article contains about 45% to about 85% of polyvinyl chloride, about 5% to about 20% of recycled carpet fibers, up to about 5% of a plasticizer and up to about 5% of an ethylene copolymer by weight based on the total weight of the product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a film, in particular for an adhesive tape, characterized in that the film contains at least one homopolymer, copolymer, or terpolymer of the propylene and fibers and is monoaxially stretched in the longitudinal direction, wherein the elongation ratio is preferably at least 1:8 and particularly preferably at least 1:9.5.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved plexifilamentary sheet material useful in protective apparel and filtration media, which material is comprised of substantially continuous polyethylene plexifilamentary fiber strands and has a Frazier Permeability, normalized to 1.0 oz/yd2 basis weight, of at least 2 cfm/ft2.

Abstract: A flame retardant synthetic fiber and a flame retardant fiber composite that satisfy high flame retardance and high fire resistance, a method for producing the flame retardant synthetic fiber and the flame retardant fiber composite, and a textile product are provided. The flame retardant synthetic fiber of the present invention includes a polymer (1) containing 30 to 70 parts by mass of acrylonitrile, 70 to 30 parts by mass of a halogen-containing vinylidene monomer and/or a halogen-containing vinyl monomer, and 0 to 10 parts by mass of a vinyl-based monomer copolymerizable therewith, based on 100 parts by mass of the polymer, and at least one kind of a metal compound (2) that accelerates a dehalogenation reaction of the polymer (1) during burning and a carbonization reaction of the polymer (1) during burning, wherein the flame retardant synthetic fiber has a shrinkage variation of 45% or less when a temperature is raised from 50° C. to 300° C. under a load of 0.0054 mN/dtex.

Abstract: Structural components are disclosed that are fabricated from unidirectional carbon fiber composite materials into compound contour profiles along a longitudinal axis thereof without wrinkling of composite material plies oriented in various directions relative to the longitudinal axis. Methods of stacking, sequencing, and applying the material plies to fabricate the components are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pultruded composite component includes a matrix material comprising a thermosetting polyurethane resin, and fibers provided within the resin matrix. All of the fibers within the resin matrix are oriented in substantially a single direction and the matrix material has an elongation-to-failure that exceeds that of the fibers.

Abstract: A layered panel structure including first and second layers formed, respectively, of (a) non-thermoformable, and (b) thermoformable, fiber-strand-reinforced resin, materials, having therebetween a bonding interface formed by resin drawn from the second layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a film, in particular for an adhesive tape, characterized in that the film contains at least one homopolymer, copolymer, or terpolymer of the propylene and fibers and is monoaxially stretched in the longitudinal direction, wherein the elongation ratio is preferably at least 1:8 and particularly preferably at least 1:9.5.

Abstract: A drainage-promoting wrap includes an elongate web of a weather-resistive membrane and a series of separate, laterally spaced-apart, elongate filament spacers bonded to a face of the membrane. The filaments are preferably extruded polymeric filaments and have depressions formed therein providing transverse drainage paths across the filaments. Preferably, the filaments extend substantially parallel to each other and to a longitudinal axis of the elongate membrane. In addition, preferably the membrane is made of a polymeric material so that the filaments are thermally bonded to the face of the membrane. Wall and roof assemblies utilizing the wrap and methods of making the wrap are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to papers made with floc containing a polymer or copolymer derived from a monomer selected from the group consisting of 4,4?diaminodiphenyl sulfone, 3,3?diaminodiphenyl sulfone, and mixtures thereof. Such papers have higher elongation-at-break and work-to-break (toughness) properties and exhibit less shrinkage at high temperatures than papers made with solely with poly (metaphenylene isophthalamide) floc.

Abstract: A method of preparing a reinforced silicone resin film, the method comprising the steps of impregnating a fiber reinforcement in a hydrosilylation-curable silicone composition comprising a silicone resin and a photoactivated hydrosilylation catalyst; and exposing the impregnated fiber reinforcement to radiation having a wavelength of from 150 to 800 nm at a dosage sufficient to cure the silicone resin; wherein the reinforced silicone resin film comprises from 10 to 99% (w/w) of the cured silicone resin and the film has a thickness of from 15 to 500 ?m; and a reinforced silicone resin film prepared according to the method.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved plexifilamentary sheet material useful in protective apparel and filtration media, which material is comprised of substantially continuous polyethylene plexifilamentary fiber strands and has a Frazier Permeability, normalized to 1.0 oz/yd2 basis weight, of at least 2 cfm/ft2.

Abstract: A drainage-promoting wrap includes an elongate web of a weather-resistive membrane and a series of separate, laterally spaced-apart, elongate filament spacers bonded to a face of the membrane. The filaments are preferably extruded polymeric filaments and have depressions formed therein providing transverse drainage paths across the filaments. Preferably, the filaments extend substantially parallel to each other and to a longitudinal axis of the elongate membrane. In addition, preferably the membrane is made of a polymeric material so that the filaments are thermally bonded to the face of the membrane. Wall and roof assemblies utilizing the wrap and methods of making the wrap are provided.

Abstract: A laminated tape for reinforcing handles of a corrugated container. The laminated tape comprises one or more upper polyolefin film layers and one or more lower polyolefin film layers with one or more fiber layers between the upper and lower polyolefin film layers. At least one polyolefin film layer may be a mono-axially oriented polypropylene.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a ballistic-resistant molded article in which a stack of monolayers is formed, each monolayer containing unidirectionally oriented reinforcing fibers and at most 30 mass % of a plastic matrix material, the reinforcing fibers being highly-drawn polyethylene fibers, and with the fiber direction in each monolayer being rotated with respect to the fiber 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: The present invention relates to an annular sliding fluoroplastics member which is requested to have good mechanical properties, resistance to abrasion and wear, thermal conductivity, heat resistance, and the like, and also to a method of producing such an annular sliding fluoroplastics member. The annular sliding fluoroplastics member of the invention has a composite structure which mainly consists of fluorine plastics and short fibers, and 20 or more wt. % of short fibers by weight of a total amount of the short fibers are oriented in a direction along which a burden of a load is large. According to this configuration, the buckling resistance and the pressure resistance are enhanced. A member having a high buckling resistance can be used in a thrust slide bearing or a thrust washer in which a large press load is applied in the axial direction, and a member having a high pressure resistance can be used in a radial slide bearing in which a large press load is applied in a radial direction.

Abstract: A fibrous nonwoven mat particularly suited for hiding the color of a substrate when the mat is bonded to the substrate is made by forming a web of fibers from a wet fibrous slurry, saturating the mat with a resinous binder containing 1-20 weight percent of a paper coating material, removing excess binder from the mat to produce a mat having a resin binder content of 5-25 weight percent and drying the mat. The mat has high hiding power for substrates like board or blanket of fiber glass insulation and other colored materials.

Abstract: Elastomeric composites and elastomeric composite laminates including reinforcement strands incorporated into an elastomeric adhesive film. The strands may vary in terms of levels of tension. Facing layers, such as nonwoven webs, can be laminated to both surfaces of the elastomeric composite to form laminates. A method of making such composites and laminates involves adjusting tension among various elastic strands while extruding the elastic strands and incorporating the elastic strands into the elastomeric adhesive film.

Abstract: Disclosed are composites that can exhibit low transmission energy loss and can also be temperature resistant. The composites include reinforcement fibers held in a polymeric matrix. The reinforcement fibers can include an amorphous polymer component. The fibers can be woven or knit to form a fabric or can be included in a nonwoven fabric. The composites can include other fibers as well, such as fiberglass. The composites can be multi-layer structures and can include layers of other materials, for instance layers formed of polyaramids, fiberglass, or carbon fiber wovens or nonwovens. The composites can advantageously be utilized in low loss dielectric applications, such as in forming circuit board substrates.

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: An auxetic material, which has a negative Poisson ratio so that it has the property of expanding or contracting transversely to a direction in which it is extended or compressed, is made in filamentary or fibrous form. A suitable process involves cohering and extruding heated polymer powder so that the cohesion and extrusion is effected with spinning to produce auxetic filaments. Typically the powder is heated to a temperature sufficient to allow some degree of surface melting yet not high enough to enable bulk melting.

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: 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: A concrete article comprised of concrete having therein a reinforcing fiber, where at least about 50 percent of the reinforcing fibers are frayed only at an end or ends of the reinforcing fibers, may be made by mixing concrete, water and a reinforcing fiber for a sufficient time to fray the ends of at least 50 percent of the fibers and curing the mixture to form the concrete article. The fiber may be a reinforcing fiber comprised of at least two filaments bonded together and the filaments being comprised of a polymeric core and a polymeric sheath comprised of a fusing-fraying polymer, such that the reinforcing fiber, when mixed with inorganic particulates, frays predominately only at an end or ends of the fiber.

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 semipermeable membrane support includes, a non-woven fabric including main fiber and binder fiber, both of which are formed of synthetic resin fine fiber, the non-woven fabric being manufactured by heating and pressing after paper making, wherein the semipermeable membrane support has a ratio of a tensile strength in a paper feeding direction to that in a width direction of 2:1 to 1:1.

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.