Abstract: The present invention provides: (1) a formed tubular thermal insulator comprising a felt piece of carbon fibers spirally wound to form a laminate of felt layers integrally bonded to each other with the carbonized substance present between the felt layers with substantially no wavy deformation of spiral winding form, and (2) a process for preparing a formed thermal insulator, the process comprising spirally winding a felt piece of carbon fibers and a film and/or net with a carbonizable resin inserted therebetween while applying a tensile force on the film and/or net to form a laminate, followed by curing and carbonization.

Abstract: An overlay of sheet material that is impregnated with thermosetting resin--typically a fabric of a type including metallic, synthetic fiber, natural fiber and ceramic cloths impregnated with epoxy resin--is wrapped about or laid on an underlay of material that is also impregnated with thermosetting resin--typically a resin material reinforced with fibers of the graphite, glass, aramid, or ceramic types. The overlay and underlay are cured under heat and pressure in an oven at the same time, causing cohesive bonding of the resin within each. The resin exudes through the fabric overlay during curing and forms a hard transparent shell of cured resin to the composite article. The embedded sheet material selectively imparts color, pattern, texture, reflectivity, penetration resistance, tensile strength, thermal and electrical conductivity, and other visual and mechanical properties to the composite article as desired.

Abstract: An endless conveyor belt that has a nonexpansible and noncontractive core member and an elastic laminate layer bonded to one of the core surfaces. The core member and the laminate layer are preformed as an endless belt, respectively, and bonded together to constitute an endless conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is used for conveying an original paper to a predetermined position on a contact glass where the original paper is operated a predetermined treatment. The conveyor belt is assembled within an ADF in cooperation with belt rollers to rotary drive the conveyor belt. The belt is formed by a method that includes: a core belt forming process in which an endless core belt is formed from a nonexpansible and noncontractive material; a laminate layer forming process in which a laminate layer in a form of an endless belt is formed from an elastic thermoplastic material; and a bonding process in which the laminate layer is bonded to at least one of the surfaces of the endless core belt.

Abstract: Copolymers suitable for use as temporary surface protection for two- or three-dimensional structures and as sizing agents are based on C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 -alkyl acrylates and/or methacrylates and are obtainable by free radical emulsion or solution polymerization ofA) from 50 to 95% by weight of a C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 -alkyl acrylate or methacrylate,B) from 5 to 20% by weight of an unsaturated carboxylic acid or anhydride,C) from 0 to 20% by weight of further water-soluble comonomer, andD) from 0 to 10% by weight of other comonomer in the presence ofE) from 2 to 60 parts by weight of a polyvinyl alcohol per 100 parts by weight of the monomer mixture of A) to D).

Abstract: A composite beam having high compressive and tensile strength is disclosed. The beam is also very lightweight, has a high modulus of elasticity, and is able to support heavy loads in applications such as in use in aerial lift devices. High dielectric resistance is also a very important property exhibited by the beam. There are three structural layers in the beam including an inner layer comprising a wound filament, a middle layer comprising a plurality of plates, and an outer layer also comprising a woven or a non-woven material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a microcapsule having a particle diameter of 2.about.300 .mu.m and comprising a substance acting to improve physiological conditions of human skin, for example, substances exhibiting such effects as skin whitening, aging preventive, humidity preservable, itch suppressive, pain-killing, or antiphlogistic ones, and/or aromatic agents contained within the filmy coating of synthetic high molecular substance. The microcapsule is not broken when making, processing, or laundering the textile structure, but is gradually broken when the textile structure is put on the human body, used for another purpose, or subjected to intentional application of friction or pressure thereto, and sustainedly releases acting substances contained therein.

Abstract: Discontinuous fibers are coated with a binder material with the binder material adhering the fibers to super absorbent particles. Fibers in the product are substantially unbonded except to the super absorbent particles. The binder may be present at an amount which is sufficient to substantially continuously coat the fibers. Plural coatings of various binder materials may be used. The binder material may be heat fusible or heat curable and the treated fibers mixed with other fibers for use in producing a wide variety of products.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to fibers which are sized or coated on the surface with a polyamide-amic acid, an amide-imide polymer, an amide-imide copolymer or mixtures of these materials and to composites prepared from the sized fibers.

Abstract: An elastomeric tube for environmentally protecting and/or electrically insulating an object and a separate sleeve having low surface friction disposed in the tube to facilitate assembly of the tube to the object. Methods of assembling the tube to the object are also disclosed.

Abstract: Continuous flat unidirectional flat ribbons, which have been precut from an impregnated fiber reinforced-matrix composite tape so as to have a substantially greater width than thickness, are interlaced in over-and-under relationship in 0 degree and 90 degree directions into the form of a continuous, multi-directional seamless tube. The tube may be cut into tubular sections, which then are subjected to temporary heat and pressure so that the matrix fuses the interlaced ribbons to form an integral tube. The elongated seamless tube also may be cut into planar sections and used to form integral members of planar or contoured construction. The integral members may be formed of a single layer of the interlaced material, or of laminated construction from multiple layers of the interlaced material, with the ribbons of each layer either extending parallel, at an angle other than 0 degrees/90 degrees, aligned, or offset, with respect to the ribbons in the other layer(s).

Abstract: Hybrid and commingled yarns containing reinforcing fibers and thermoplastic matrix fibers when sized with a dispersion or emulsion having a dispersed phase containing a thermoplastic compatible with the thermoplastic of the matrix fibers but having a lower melting point allow preparation of thermoplastic matrix fiber reinforced composite structures at reduced consolidation temperatures, cycle times, and/or consolidation pressures without loss of composite physical properties.

Abstract: A refrigerant-transport hose having an inner tube, an outer tube located radially outwardly of the inner tube, and a reinforcing fiber layer interposed between the inner and outer tubes, the reinforcing fiber layer and the inner and outer tubes providing an integral tubular body, and inner tube including a gas-impermeable resinous layer formed of a composition containing a polyamide resin produced by reaction of hexamethylene diamine and an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid having eight to sixteen carbon atoms.

Abstract: A method for forming stabilized preforms for complex composite articles is disclosed using a solid meltable uncatalyzed thermosetting resin as the stabilizing agent. The resin is applied to each layer of the preform and heated to melt the resin and bond the layers together. After cooling, the resin resolidifies but does not set and thereby holds the layers in the desired preform shape. The layers can be first formed into a flat sheet as a raw material from which shaped preforms can be made by cutting the sheet into sections which are placed over a mandrel and reheating to thereby remelt the solid resin to allow the preform to conform to the shape of the mandrel. Utilizing this process allows complex composite parts to be easily preformed and assembled prior to placement in a mold for resin injection molding, without inhibiting part strength as the resin is compatible with the injection resin and is cocatalyzed by the catalyst contained in the injection resin.

Abstract: The method of providing an impression fabric in which the fill yarns do not protrude from the plane of the fabric. The impression fabric is a tubular woven fabric in which a plurality of warp yarns is woven in one edge thereof and dissolved by washing after the fabric has been formed.

Abstract: An shock-absorbing air bag for an automobile or aircraft, has a high heat and flame resistance and satisfactory mechanical strength and comprises a high density woven fabric composed of warps and wefts each comprising (a) 0 to 90% by weight of thermoplastic synthetic fibers, for example, polyester fibers, having a denier or 5 or less and a Young's modulus of 1300 kg/mm.sup.2 or less, and (b) 10 to 100% by weight of heat resistant organic fibers, for example, aramid fibers, having a denier of 2 or less and a thermal decomposition temperature of 300.degree. C. or more, the woven fabric preferably having a high cover factor of 1900 or more.

Abstract: A nonwoven textile material useful in dissipating static electric charges containing an electrically conductive polytetrafluoroethylene fiber. An amount of a synthetic fiber may be intermixed with the electrically conductive polytetrafluoroethylene fiber to produce the static dissipative textile material. The nonwoven static dissipative textile material may combine with a porous polymeric membrane to form nonwoven fabric laminate.The nonwoven textile material is useful as a filtration media and may be fabricated into a filter bag.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a base fabric for an air bag coated with a silicone rubber which has excellent properties of folding for storage and sewing fabrication in addition to excellent adhesion to withstand impact with extension, especially extension at a high temperature.The surface of the fabric comprised of a polyamide fiber or polyester fiber is (I) coated with a thermosetting organopolysiloxane product comprised of (A) an unvulcanized organopolysiloxane rubber containing 2 or more alkenyl groups in a molecule, (B) silica in the form of a very fine powder, (C) an organopolysiloxane comprised of at least 5 silicon atoms in the main chain and further containing 1 or more trialkoxysilyl groups bonded with a silicon atom through a carbon atom, 1 or more epoxyalkyl groups and 3 or more hydrogen atoms bonded with a silicon atom, (D) a catalyst for the hydrosilylation reaction and (E) an organic solvent; followed by (II) a hardening process by heating.

Abstract: An electrical cable having a wire bundle core surrounded by a thermal protection sleeve, the thermal protection sleeve consisting of a sandwich structure of a laminate of silicone foam provided on both sides with an acrylic adhered layer of fiber glass, the sandwich structure having an additional outer layer of acrylic adhesive adhered silicone release liner material or fiber glass lacing tape.

Abstract: A composite member (10) features a unique ply geometry which contributes to improved bending strength. The composite is constructed of a plurality of plies, each comprising a fiber component disposed within a polymer matrix. An inner ply (16) has a fiber component (18) which has fibers which are circumferentially extending. An intermediate ply (22) has first axially extending fibers (24) which are disposed about the circumference of the composite, as well as second axial fibers (30) which are interwoven with helically oriented fibers (36) and embedded in a polymer matrix (14). An outer layer (38) is similar to the inner layer as it features circumferentially extending fibers (40) which are embedded in a polymer matrix.The composite materials may be used to manufacture a wide range of items which require light weight combined with high strength.

Abstract: An expandable braided product having greatly reduced tendency to splay at its ends when cut is provided by coating the braided product with a thin layer of elastomeric material which provides the desired anti-splaying property, while retaining the expandable characteristic whereby the product expands laterally when compressed longitudinally and when released returns to its original size and shape.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel copolymers containing carbonate repeat units and ester repeat units.

Abstract: The invention relates to articles consisting of highly oriented polyolefins having an ultrahigh molecular weight of more than 600,000 g/mol (weight-average molecular weight), especially filaments, fibers, yarns, fabrics and films, having good wetting and adhesive properties, especially on conventional matrix materials, which have been subjected to a plasma treatment of their surface, and also to a process for producing these articles and to their use for the manufacture of composites with the use of conventional matrix materials. In these composites, yarns according to the invention, for example, show a substantially higher adhesive strength than corresponding yarns which have not been plasma-treated, their tensile strength not being impaired by the plasma treatment.

Abstract: A simulator dome for a motion base simulator comprises one or more fiber reinforced outer layers, inner layers of a similar material and an intermediate core. The intermediate core is preferably a structural foam of variable density to allow selectively lowering the dome center of gravity to enhance the simulation capabilities of the motion system to simulate various flight maneuvers. By producing the dome from fiber reinforced polymer and using a core of variable density, a dome of unitary construction with no through fasteners is produced, having high strength for withstanding high G maneuvers without cracking or distortion, enhancing simulator effectiveness and increasing the accuracy of the simulated flight conditions.

Abstract: A damage-resistant containment device includes a high strength fiber covering the surface of the container and an elastomeric matrix supporting the fiber and bonding the fiber to the surface of the container. The device and method provide a damage-resistant polyolefin container which may be used to transport hazardous fluids by vehicles, such as trucks, on publicly used thoroughfares.

Abstract: Wraparound sleeves formed by weaving, knitting or braiding for the protection of elongated articles, such as cables and hoses, are disclosed. The tubes are provided with closure means comprising multifilament, bulky yarn interlaced along one marginal edge of the sleeving material and of Velcro hook tape or other hook type elements disposed along the other marginal edge. In one embodiment of the invention, the interlaced multifilament, bulky yarn is disposed along both marginal edges with the Velcro tape fastened to one side of the bulky yarn on one marginal edge. Intermediate bands or rows of multifilament yarn may be provided so that to accommodate bundles of irregular cross-sectional tape. When the sleeving material is provided in rolls, the hooks on one side of the web interengage with the bulky multifilament yarn surface exposed on the other side of the web so that the web is held in rolled up form except when deliberately unwrapped.

Abstract: A thermal protection device for protecting walls of structures exposed to ablative flow at high temperatures in the presence of vibrations comprises, embedded in a thermally insulative matrix, a refractory armature formed by a fringed mat comprising a meshed part exposed to the ablative flow and fringes intended to be directed towards the wall of the structure to be protected. The device further comprises an open-weave refractory woven material parallel to the meshed part of the armature and through which the fringes pass.

Abstract: Process for applying multi-layer extrusion coatings to substrate at low temperature is described, employing as one extrusion coating layer a defined polyethylene-containing component, and, as the second extrusion coating layer at least one second extrudable polymeric composition. Also provided are novel extrusion coated articles comprising substrate having coated thereon defined polyethylene-containing component and at least one other extrudable polymeric composition. These articles display good adhesion of extrusion coating material to the substrate without the degradation of the extrudable coatings caused by exposure to excessive levels of heat as is required for successful extrusion coating employing prior art materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a double cloth comprising a face cloth and a back cloth which are made of warp and weft threads and are held together by tied-in pile threads. To form a double plush cloth of high strength and stiffness it is provided that the warp and weft threads are each crossed by a warp thread float foundation weave, and additional cover weft threads essentially extended and floating on the outer surfaces of the face and/or back cloths are tied in by the warp threads, with adjacent cover weft threads being tied in by different warp threads of the particular face or back cloth.

Abstract: An article of manufacture including an elongate confined mass of a water-swellable clay for sealing joints or seams between adjacent water-barrier materials or for plugging defects or other unsealed areas adjacent to a water-barrier layer. The elongate, confined mass of water-swellable clay is manufactured in any desired cross-sectional shape or configuration e.g. circular, eliptical, rectangular, square, and the like and can be manufactured in roll form for dispensing individual confined masses of water-swellable clay individually. The water-swellable clay is confined within a layer of material that permits the entrance of water to contact the water-swellable clay for hydration of the clay, such as by being water-porous or water-soluble and such that upon sufficient hydration of the confined mass of water-swellable clay, the confining layer will dissolve sufficiently, burst or tear to permit relatively free movement of the hydrating and expanding water-swellable clay.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polyesters, fibers and films, nonwovens from the fibers and disposable products of the polyesters such as diapers. The products are degradable under the conditions typically existing in waste composting processes, have low ingredient costs and yet provide strength and toughness properties adequate for end uses such as in disposable diapers. The polyesters are based upon polyethylene terphthalate copolymerized with a cycloaliphatic diacid, preferably hexahydroterephthalic acid, and containing alkali metal or alkaline earth metal sulfo groups, such as a metal 5-sulfoisophthalic acid derivative.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polyesters, fibers and films, nonwovens from the fibers and disposable products of the polyesters such as diapers. The products are degradable under the conditions typically existing in waste composting processes, have low ingredient costs and yet provide strength and toughness properties adequate for end uses such as in disposable diapers. The polyesters are based upon polyethylene terephthalate copolymerized with a non-aromatic diacid, such as adipic and glutaric acids, and containing alkali metal or alkaline earth metal sulfo groups, such as a metal 5-sulfoisophthalic acid derivative.

Abstract: A lining material adapted for lining the inner surface of pipelines for transferring various kinds of fluids such as city water, sewage, city gases and petroleum, etc., characterized in that low elongation high tensile strength filament yarns are used as wefts (5), (16) forming tubular textile jackets (2), (6) laid in the lining material or as the yarns (12) forming a tubular fibrous member (13) together with a tubular textile jacket (2'). This characteristic feature provides excellent performance required for lining materials for pipelines such as enhanced earthquake resistance and shape retaining property against external pressures and limited expansion in diameter.

Abstract: Coated reinforcement material for metal matrix composites comprising a carbon or silicon-containing reinforcement having a coating of the general formula:A.sub.100-x M.sub.xwherein A is at least one of Y, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu; M is at least one of Mo, W or Re; and x is from about 10 to about 90.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber comprising, chemically bonded together, (a) a conventional cellulosic fiber, such as a Kraft fiber or a chemithermomechanical pulp fiber; (b) poly(acrylate-co-itaconate), such as the acid form of a poly(acrylate-co-itaconate) comprising 90-95 mole % acrylate and 5-10 mole % itaconate having weight average molecular weight of about 600,000-900,000; and (c) a polyol, such as polyethylene glycol; also disclosed are methods for making such fibers, especially evaporatively depositing an intimate mixture of the copolymer and polyol on the fiber followed by thermally crosslinking at specific temperatures for limited periods; absorbent paper which can be made by wet-laying the fiber, especially in admixture with conventional fiber; and derivative paper structures, such as multi-ply disposable absorbent towels.

Abstract: A melt-molded article such as water soluble fibers, a laminate and a container for waste matter, the article having biodegradability. The melt molded article is produced by melt-molding a composition comprising an oxyalkylene group-containing vinyl alcohol copolymer and starch or a starch-derived macromolecular substance.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aromatic vinyl ether siloxane having the formula ##STR1## wherein A is --CH.sub.2 -- or >C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 ;m has a value of from 1 to 22;R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each selected from the group consisting of ##STR2## with the proviso that at least one of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is (a) and R.sub.2 can be a mixture of (a) and (b) when m is greater than one,R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are lower alkyl,r has a value of from 0 to 20,R is alkylene or alkylene phenylene,B is C.sub.2 to C.sub.20 alkylene, arylene or a fluorinated derivative of these radicals,t has a value of from 1 to 100,Z is C.sub.2 to C.sub.3 alkylene andn has a value of from 1 to 10.

Abstract: There are provided novel mixtures and composites comprising a normally crystalline acetal polymer and a reinforcing material comprising glass fibers or filaments sized with a normally non-crystalline elastomeric copolymer of about 15 to 45 mol %, preferably about 25 to 35 mol % of trioxane, about 55 to 85 mol %, preferably about 65 to 75 mol % of 1,3-dioxolane, said mol percents based on the total of trioxane and 1,3-dioxolane, and about 0.005 to 0.15 wt. %, preferably about 0.05 to 0.12 wt. % of 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether or butadiene diepoxide as a bifunctional monomer, based on the total weight of copolymer.

Abstract: A fiber structure electrode plaque for accumulators made from a needle felt web made of synthetic fibers which, after activation, is chemically metallized, and galvanically reinforced by being metal-plated. The needle felt web has a weight per unit area of between 50 and 150 g/m.sup.2 with a porosity of from 60 to 96%, the synthetic fibers having a diameter of from 10 to 30 .mu.m, and the length of the staple fibers amounting to from 20 to 40 mm. Over its whole surface, the needle felt web is needled from both sides and has a nominal thickness of from 0.5 to 1.0 mm.

Abstract: A light weight, high strength carbon fiber golf culb shaft includes inner, intermediate and outer tubular layers formed of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic. The intermediate layer is formed of high modulus, high strength carbon fibers having a modulus of 35000 kg/mm.sup.2 or more while the outer layer is formed of high strength carbon fibers having a modulus of 23000-30000 kg/mm.sup.2. Th carbon fibers of the intermediate and outer layers are oriented at an angle in the range of 0 to 15 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, while the carbon fibers of the inner layer are oriented at an angle of 30 to 80 degrees. The weight ratio of the intermediate layer to the outer layer ranges from 15:85 to 50:50, and the weight of the inner layer is 30-60 % by weight based on the total weight of the three layers. The shaft has a rigidity of 220-240 cycles per minute in terms of frequency and a weight of 63 g or less in the axial length of 1143 mm from the tip end.

Abstract: Electrical insulation which has good dielectric strength, good radiation resistance, and good thermal resistance at temperatures of up to 500.degree. C. and, preferably up to 1700.degree. C., includes a substrate which is flexible, has the form of a filament, sheet, wrapper, tape or sleeve, and consists essentially of inorganic materials selected from the group consisting of inorganic fibers and metals, metalloids, or alloys; and at least one layer of at least one oxide of an alkoxide-forming element provided on the substrate to impregnate and/or coat same. The insulation is prepared by a process including applying a solution containing an alkoxy gel polymer, optionally additionally containing at least one inorganic material in finely divided form, to the substrate to provide a treated substrate useful as a preform when allowed to set under ambient conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber-reinforced cement composition particularly useful to make pipes or sheets. This composition comprises up to 70% by weight of a fibrous-like synthetic forsterite obtained by calcination of chrysotile asbestos fibers at a temperature of from 650.degree. C. to 1450.degree. C., said synthetic forsterite having an MgO:SiO2 ratio lower than 1.1, a raw loose density of from 3 to 40 pcf, a thermal conductivity "k" factor of from 0.25 to 0.40 BTU. in/hr. .degree.F. ft.sup.2 and a fusion point of from 1600.degree. to 1700.degree. C. The composition also comprises a hydraulic binder, which is preferably Portland cement, and reinforcing fibers such as cellulose, synthetic fibers, glass wool, rock wool or their mixtures, in such an amount as to give sufficient strength to the composition to make it operative.

Abstract: A cover is woven into a cylindrical shape with many warp yarns composed of a hydrophilic fiber and with one or several weft yarns composed of a hydrophilic fiber with a water shrinkage about 10 to 40%. This cover has a quality of rapid response for controlling the moisturizing condition of the printing surface which is designated by the difference in the weight of the cloth of the cover between a wetted condition in which the cover absorbs and stores enough water without dropping and a dry condition in which the cover is treated with a centrifugal dehydrator for 10 minutes after being wetted. The warp and weft yarns are of less than 220 denier and have a density of 20 threads per centimeter. The weight of the cloth of the cover is less than 200 g/m.sup.2 and the thickness is less than 0.5 mm.

Abstract: The addition of a polyolefin-acrylic graft copolymer to blends of polyolefin and core-shell polymers improves compatibility and allows core-shell polymers to be used as processing and performance modifiers polyolefins. Generally the compatibilizing additive is a graft copolymer of a polyolefin and a metharcylate. More specifically, the graft copolymer is derived from at least about 80% of a monomer of a methacrylic ester of the formula CH.sub.2 .dbd.C(CH.sub.3)COOR, where R may be alkyl, aryl, or aralkyl, substituted or unsubstituted, and less than 20%, based on a total monomer weight, of an acrylic or styrenic monomer copolymerizable with the methacrylic ester grafted on to a non-polar polyolefin trunk, so that at least one chain is a polymer with a weight average molecular weight greater than about 20,000 and is present in a weight ratio with the polyolefin trunk of from about 1:9 to about 4:1.

Abstract: Polymer-type fibers longitudinally shrinkable by calcination and other carbon fibers are mixed and mechanically compressed and integrated by a needle punch, and the polymer-type fibers are then shrunk when calcined. Thus, there is obtained high bulk density carbon fiber felt having average bulk density of 0.1 g/cm.sup.3 or more without the carbon fiber felt impregnated with resin and compressingly molded. The present invention also provides high bulk density carbon fiber felt of which bulk density is changed in the thickness direction thereof. The high bulk density carbon fiber felt may be used as a thermal insulator for a high-temperature furnace, a heat-resisting cushioning material, and a material for the electrode of a secondary battery.

Abstract: The cushion material according to the invention is prepared by mixing(A) polyester fibers having a fineness of 4 to 30 denier and a cut length of 25 to 150 mm with(B) core-sheath type conjugated fibers having a fineness of 2 to 20 denier and a cut length of 25 to 76 mm in a weight ratio of 95.about.40:5.about.60, the sheath component of said conjugated fibers having a melting point lower than that of the core component of said conjugated fibers and said polyester fibers with a difference of 30.degree. C. or more. In the cushion material, cubically and continuously interconnected portions of the fibers are adhered by fusion of the sheath portion of the above core-sheath type conjugated fibers.The cushion material having a thickness of 10 cm or more and a good quality can be stably prepared by combining far-infrared ray or hot air flow heating and steaming in the heat-treatment.

Abstract: An air bag has a pair of circular fabrics overlapping one upon the other with their marginal portions being stitched by crossing a sewing thread on the side of their edges to form a seam so that the seam is showing. The marginal end portions can be neatly enwrapped by the seam, not only providing the air bag with an unimpaired appearance but also making it compact when folded.

Abstract: A thin paper, which has a basis weight of 5 to 15 g/m.sup.2 and a thickness of 10 to 50 .mu.m and which comprises at least 10% by weight, based on paper-constituting fibers, of a drawn polyester fiber having a single filament fineness of 2.5 denier or less, a filament length of 15 mm or less and a birefringence (.DELTA.n) of at least 0.03. This thin paper comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of urethane resins and epoxy resins at crossing points and surfaces of the filaments in an amount of 3 g/m.sup.2 or less of the thin paper. This thin paper is a valuable as a heat-sensitive stencil printing paper.

Abstract: An iced food shipping container and a novel aqueous liquid absorbing pad for use therein are provided. The pad comprises superabsorbing polymer particles distributed in a polyester carded web contained between hydrophilic fabric outer layers. The pad can absorb more than 100 times its dry weight in water and other aqueous liquids that form during iced food shipment.

Abstract: A preform assembly for use with a resin transfer molding apparatus. The preform assembly comprises an upper liner formed to the shape of a first mold half, the upper liner having a peripheral portion, a dry fabric preform, and a lower liner formed to the shape of a second mold half, the lower liner having a peripheral portion. The preform is sandwiched between the upper liner and lower liner to form the preform assembly having peripheral portions which extend beyond the preform to form a sealing area. The upper liner is sealed to the lower liner at the sealing area. The preform assembly facilitates the loading of the preform into a molding apparatus as well as facilitating the handling and storage of the preform prior to and subsequent to molding. Methods of making the preform assembly, as well as a composite article, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite material includes an elastomer matrix forming a basic component of the material. There is included a cross-linking system of the elastomer matrix and at least one fiber reinforcement including fibers with a maximum length of about 30 mm. The fibers are disposed throughout the elastomer matrix and are generally oriented to extend in a first direction of reinforcement. There is at least one thermosetting resin in the elastomer matrix. The elastomer matrix which includes the cross-linking system, the fiber reinforcement and the thermosetting resin has a first equivalent tensile modulus which is calculated for a hypothetical elongation of 100% in the first direction and a second equivalent tensile modulus which is calculated for an actual or hypothetical elongation of 100% in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction. A second equivalent tensile modulus is at least 6 MPa.