Abstract: Thermosetting binder compositions based on naturally occurring and/or synthetic rubbers containing olefinic double bonds and vulcanizing agents can be formed by extrusion on reinforcing agents in film form or in the form of fiber-containing sheet-like structures to give multi-layered planar shaped articles. Such multi-layered, planar shaped articles are suitable as reinforcing and stiffening agents which are free from the conventional low molecular weight epoxy resins and/or volatile diisocyanates of polyurethane binders. These shaped articles are suitable for stiffening or reinforcing thin-walled planar structural components of metal or plastic, in particular in the vehicle industry.

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 radially deployable flexible preform which, after deploying, forms a tubular structure that is curable by polymerization after positioning it in a well or in a line and moulds to the shape thereof after curing, comprises in its constitution at least one resin comprising in its chemical formula, at least one reactive multiple bond that is capable of subsequent reaction with compounds comprising in their constitution at least one terminal reactive multiple bond or a reactive multiple bond positioned at one end or the other of the molecular chain and/or on a pendant group. The long latent period heat curing resin has a glass transition temperature of at least 90° C. and can be associated with at least one polymerizable oligomer and/or at least one monomer comprising at least one multiple bond in its chemical formula. The resin can also be associated with drying reducers or flow regulators ensuring optimum retention of the fiber/matrix ratio during pressing occurring on deployment of the expandable preform.

Abstract: A continuous reinforcing fiber sheet in which reinforcing fibers are arranged at an arbitrary angle to the main axis. The continuous reinforcing fiber sheet is well applicable to pultrusion forming without the risk of the reinforcing fibers being dispersed. This permits use of the continuous reinforcing fiber sheet in a long fiber-reinforced plastic structural member having remarkably improved torsional rigidity. The continuous reinforcing fiber sheet 1 has a continuous resin-penetrable support sheet 2 and a reinforcing fiber layer 3 held by the resin-penetrable support sheet 2. Long reinforcing fibers 4 in the reinforcing fiber layer 3 have substantially a certain length (F) and are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the resin-penetrable support sheet 2 at a prescribed angle (&agr;) to the longitudinal direction of the resin-penetrable support sheet 2.

Abstract: Glass reinforcement yarn, the composition of which comprises the following constituents, in the limits defined below, expressed as percentages by weight: 1 SiO2 50 to 60%, preferably SiO2 ≧ 52% and/or SiO2 ≦ 57% Al2O3 10 to 19%, preferably Al2O3 ≧ 13% and/or Al2O3 ≦ 17% B2O3 16 to 25% P2O5 0.5 to 4% Na2O ≦ 1.5%, preferably Na2O ≦ 0.8% K2O ≦ 1.5%, preferably K2O ≦ 0.8% R2O ≦ 2%, preferably R2O ≦ 1% CaO ≦ 10% MgO ≦ 10% F ≦ 0 to 2% RO 4 to 15%, preferably RO ≧ 6% and/or RO ≦ 10% Various ≦ 3%, where R2O = Na2O + K2O + Li2O, and RO = CaO + MgO.

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: Cellulosic fibers having enhanced reversible thermal properties and methods of forming such cellulosic fibers are described. In one embodiment, a cellulosic fiber includes a fiber body formed of an elongated member. The elongated member includes a cellulosic material and a temperature regulating material dispersed within the cellulosic material. The temperature regulating material includes a phase change material having a transition temperature in the range of −5° C. to 125° C. The cellulosic fiber can be formed via a solution spinning process and can be used in various products where thermal regulating properties are desired. For example, the cellulosic fiber can be used in textiles, apparel, footwear, medical products, containers and packagings, buildings, appliances, and other products.

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: Improvements in color management for polypropylene fiber production in terms of permitting similar if not identical processing conditions for both colored and uncolored fiber production are provided. Generally, either separate polypropylene fiber manufacturing lines or different processing conditions on the same manufacturing line are required for the production of colored and non-colored polypropylene fibers. This coloring is, for example, done by using pigments that may have a nucleation effect on the PP polymer which affects fiber properties. Such an inefficient situation exists due to the physical properties of drawn polypropylene fibers during manufacture, particularly the different properties exhibited between fibers including color and fibers that are colorless.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nonwoven fabric that is especially engineered to function as the substrate for a dryer activated fabric softener sheet. The substrate has a basis weight of 0.48 ounces per square yard or less, a thickness of from about 0.16 mm to about 0.38 mm, and comprises a nonwoven web of fibers, wherein at least some of the fibers are hollow. Preferably the fibers have a denier of from 2 to 8. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the hollow fibers have a void area at least 10 percent of the fiber cross-section, and the fibers have a noncircular trilobal cross-section.

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: The present invention relates to an energy absorbent medium which is compliant and conformable in the absence of an applied force, and stiffens in response to the rate of an applied force to dissipate energy. The medium comprises a blend of a polymer and a lubricant incompatible with the polymer to produce a conformable absorbent which exhibits dilatant (shear thickening) characteristics under high rates of force or stress. The polymer has reformable sacrificial chemical bonds which are broken under a high rate of deformation and which reform under static conditions. Suitable polymers for the invention include polyborosiloxanes. Applications for the medium include absorbent for sports padding, athletic equipment, motor vehicle seats, bulletproof vests, medical equipment, industrial equipment, weaponry, and playing fields.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a flexible, protective, integral liner comprising at least one first polymer which is a homogeneous linear or substantially linear ethylene/&agr;-olefin interpolymer having a density of from 0.850 g/cm3 to 0.920 g/cm3, and at least one second polymer which is an ethylene/&agr;-olefin interpolymer having a density of from 0.905 g/cm3 to 0.935 g/cm3, provided that the density or the second polymer is at least 0.002 g/cm3 greater than the density of the first polymer. In preferred embodiments, the liner will further comprise an ignition resistance additive. The liners of the invention exhibit an excellent balance of flexibility and strength, and, when an ignition resistance additive is employed, excellent ignition resistance.

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 composite facer material for use with cementitious wallboards, where the composite facer is embedded in a top and bottom face thereof. The composite facer material, in a most preferred embodiment, comprises two layers. The first layer is preferably a carded polyester nonwoven mat, which is bonded to a second layer comprising preferably a tri-directional laid scrim fabric reinforcement layer made of continuous glass fibers. The two layers are preferably bonded together using an acrylic adhesive, which offers superior adhesion between the layers as well as superior adhesion between the composite facing material and the cementitious core.

Abstract: A pultrusion machine for forming a laminated composite with a predetermined profile and the product obtained. The apparatus comprises at least two spools for supplying elongated reinforcements. A collator receives the elongated reinforcements and arranges the reinforcements in layered relationship to form a layered elongated bundle. A supply member wets the layered elongated bundle with plastisol to form a wetted elongated bundle. The wetted elongated bundle is transported through a pultrusion die wherein the wetted layered bundle is molded into the predetermined profile. A converting apparatus cures, or converts, the wetted layered bundle into the layered composite. A particularly preferred embodiment is an extrusion comprising a reinforcing material wherein said reinforcing material comprises a fiber reinforced plastisol.

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: 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: 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: The present invention provides a moisture-retentive cooling gel, a laminate thereof, and a moisture-retentive cooling plaster, which offer moisture-retaining and cooling effects for a controlled duration and have superior functionality, e.g., capability of delivering and transporting an effective ingredient such as a pharmacological active ingredient, a perfume or a deodorant. The moisture-retentive cooling gel comprises: a water-retentive matrix (a1) of a water-soluble polymer having a water content of not lower than 40 wt %; and fibers (f) dispersed in the water-retentive matrix, the fibers (f) having a hydrophilic property at least at surfaces thereof, some of the fibers (f) being exposed on a surface of the water-retentive matrix (a1). The gel has a higher water content and a higher water vaporization rate. An endothermally water-dissolvable compound may be retained in the water-retentive matrix and/or the fibers for enhancement of the cooling capacity of the gel.

Abstract: A durable, low-density, high performance insulating material is suitable for use as a high temperature thermal and acoustic insulation. The insulation includes fiber batting made with non-thermoplastic fibers or blends of fibers such as aramid fibers and ceramic fibers, which are bound within at least some interstices by high temperature non-flammable thermoplastic binder such as polyphenylene sulfide. In addition, a fireblocking layer can be provided on at least one surface of the insulation to further improve fire ablation or flame retardance.

Abstract: A sheet of unidirectionally-oriented fiber strands includes unidirectional fibers, bonding fibers interwoven with the unidirectional fibers to form a fiber panel, and thermoplastic film laminating the fiber panel there between. In one embodiment, a second sheet of laminated unidirectional fibers is joined to the first sheet of laminated unidirectional fibers with the unidirectional fibers running in a second direction as compared to the first fibers. In yet another embodiment, individual laminated sheets of unidirectional fibers are stitched together to form packets of sheets which may be used singularly or multiple packets may be bundled together.

Abstract: A non-woven, bonded cotton fiber composite material useful in mattresses, futons, pillows, and upholstery has increased fire resistance and fire suppression properties. The non-woven, fiber composite includes a fibrous polyester material, a fibrous cotton material, and a powdered form of boric acid. The fibrous polyester material, the fibrous cotton material, and the powdered form of boric acid are admixed together to form a composite structure.

Abstract: The formation of articles using a breathable, electromagnetic shielding material. More particularly, a material and process for the formation of articles capable of shielding electromagnetic waves while allowing the release of thermal energy. Electromagnetic shielding powder particles are infused into cavities of multilobal polymeric fibers and between the fibers forming a flexible, breathable electromagnetic shielding material suitable for forming shaped articles.

Abstract: A polyolefin plaque is made by hot compaction of an assembly of fibers of the oriented polymer. It has been found to be beneficial to subject the fibers to a prior crosslinking process. Hot compaction is then less temperature-sensitive and produces plaques with excellent hot strength properties. Preferably the fibers have been subjected to prior stages of irradiation and annealing, both in a non-oxidising environment, for example acetylene.

Abstract: An inexpensive sheet or web shaped fibre material for use e.g., in sanitary napkins typically consists of a mixture of short cellulose fibres and some 15% of relatively long, thermoplastic binder fibers. It is a noticeable problem that the short fibres “dust” out of the material, and according to the invention this is remedied in that the material, when made by dry forming, is provided with a surface coating of very thin layers of pure binder fibres. In addition to a marked holding back of the dust, these layers condition that the amount of binder fibres in the base material can be halved and that the breaking stress of the material is noticeably improved. Thereby the products are usable not only as inserts, but also as individual, self-contained units e.g., for wiping in domestic or industrial cleaning.

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 durable, low-density, high performance insulating material is suitable for use as a high temperature thermal and acoustic insulation. The insulation includes fiber batting made with non-thermoplastic fibers or blends of fibers such as aramid fibers and ceramic fibers, which are bound within at least some interstices by high temperature non-flammable thermoplastic binder such as polyphenylene sulfide. In addition, a fireblocking layer can be provided on at least one surface of the insulation to further improve fire ablation or flame retardance.

Abstract: A catalyst filter comprising titania catalyst fiber and at least one layer of nonwoven fabric of polymer fiber, which can remove dust and nitrogen oxides from exhaust gas at the same time, has a high catalytic activity and maintains the high catalytic activity even after vibrating the filter to shake off calcium hydroxide and dust.

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: A composite material comprising an inorganic filler material and a oriented fibrous polymeric material characterized in that the fibrous material has areas of adjacent fibers fused together to form a network or continuous matrix while retaining oriented fibrous structure in the composite.

Abstract: An elastic laminate suitable for use with a nonwoven garment has an elastic film with elastic strands placed thereon. The laminate is particularly suitable for combining with facing materials when making “targeted elastic materials” for placement into the structure of the nonwoven garment. A disposable garment may then utilize the elastic laminate, or the targeted elastic material made therefrom, to include an area of elasticized gathering under tension to better conform to the body of the wearer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a moisture-retentive cooling gel, a laminate thereof, and a moisture-retentive cooling plaster, which offer moisture-retaining and cooling effects for a controlled duration and have superior functionality, e.g., capability of delivering and transporting an effective ingredient such as a pharmacological active ingredient, a perfume or a deodorant. The moisture-retentive cooling gel comprises: a water-retentive matrix (a1) of a water-soluble polymer having a water content of not lower than 40 wt %; and fibers (f) dispersed in the water-retentive matrix, the fibers (f) having a hydrophilic property at least at surfaces thereof, some of the fibers (f) being exposed on a surface of the water-retentive matrix (a1). The gel has a higher water content and a higher water vaporization rate. An endothermally water-dissolvable compound may be retained in the water-retentive matrix and/or the fibers for enhancement of the cooling capacity of the gel.

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 non-woven fabric composed of thermoplastic fiber comprising at least two resin components A and B and having a cross section where the component A forms a branching fiber in which a plurality of strands extend radially from the center to the outside and the component B forms a fine fiber which connects to and protrudes from the branching fiber; split branch fibers of the conjugated fiber; and split fibers of the fine fibers, and an absorbent article using the non-woven fabric. The non-woven fabric of the present invention has an excellent hand feeling and sufficient bulkiness, and it is suitable for absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, and pads for incontinence or the like.

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: An aqueous organopolysiloxane-containing composition comprising organopolysiloxanes of formula I: HO [Si(A)(CH3)z(OH)1−zO]a[Si(B)(R2)y(OH)1−yO]b[Si(C)(CH3)O]c[Si(D)(OH)O]dH.

Abstract: A printable tape of a thermoplastic material for use in cash registers to improve the efficiency of the check out process and enhance the post consumer recyclability of the plastic bags used by the stores. The tape comprises a thermoplastic material, typically polyethylene or polypropylene, a pigment to provide sufficient opacity such that printing on the printable media is readable and a sufficient amount of a matting agent to improve the printability of the printable media.

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: Disclosed is a thermoplastic composition comprising an unreacted mixture of a poly(lactic acid) polymer, a polybutylene succinate polymer or a polybutylene succinate adipate polymer, or a mixture of such polymers; and a wetting agent. The thermoplastic composition exhibits substantial biodegradable properties yet is easily processed. The thermoplastic composition is useful in making multicomponent fibers or nonwoven structures that may be used in a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of fluids such as body fluids.

Abstract: A disposable article including a biodegradable nonwoven material having improved fluid management properties. The nonwoven material may be produced using thermoplastic compositions which comprise an unreacted mixture of a poly(lactic acid) polymer; a polybutylene succinate polymer or a polybutylene succinate adipate polymer, or a mixture of such polymers; and a wetting agent. The thermoplastic composition exhibits substantial biodegradable properties yet is easily processed. The biodegradable nonwoven materials may be used in a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of fluids such as body fluids.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoplastic composition comprising an unreacted mixture of an aliphatic polyester polymer as a continuous phase, polyolefin microfibers as a discontinuous phase encased within the aliphatic polyester polymer continuous phase, and a compatibilizer for the aliphatic polyester polymer and the polyolefin microfibers. The multicomponent fiber exhibits substantial biodegradable properties and good wettability yet is easily processed. The thermoplastic composition is useful in making nonwoven structures that may be used in a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of fluids such as body fluids.

Abstract: A friction material, including a fibrous reinforcement, a friction modifier, a lubricant and a binder, comprising a water-repellent fluoropolymer incorporated therein. The further incorporation of an alkaline metal salt makes it possible to render the matrix more hydrophilic and hence reduce creep noise. The foregoing fluoropolymer is one selected from the group consisting of ethylene tetrafluoride polymer, tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer and polyvinylidene fluoride or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A reinforcing lamina sheet and a process of making a reinforcing sheet for use in a glue laminated beam. The reinforcing lamina sheet increases the compressive and/or tensile strength of the glue laminate beam. The lamina sheet is formed from unidirectionally oriented reinforcing filaments, preferably aramid filaments in an epoxy resin, and is cured in a curved configuration. The resulting lamina sheet includes filaments which are uniformly tensioned and, therefore, when a load is applied to the glue laminate beam having the reinforcing lamina sheet, the fibers receive the load substantially simultaneously. The process of forming the lamina sheet includes drawing reinforcement yarns through a resin bath to form a resin impregnated substantially planar yarn band, contacting one side of the resulting impregnated band with a curved heated surface to promote partial curing of at least the contacting surface of the band, and further applying heat to at least the opposite side of the partially cured band.

Abstract: A liner strip for lining an interior surface of a pipe including an extended plastic strip having T-shaped formations with reinforcing fibers integrally extruded in the liner strip for increasing the liner stiffness and tensile strength to resist forces imposed on the liner during installation.

Abstract: A thermosettable adhesive is used to secure a laminate having a compliant layer (for example, a foamable composition containing a diene rubber), a layer comprised of a thermosettable resin capable of being cured to a rigid state, and an optional carrier layer (for example, a metal foil) to a substrate for the purpose of strengthening, stiffening, or otherwise reinforcing the substrate. The substrate may, for example, be a metal vehicle door. The thermosettable adhesive is comprised of at least one polyol such as a polyether polyol, at least one epoxy resin, and at least one polyisocyanate.