Abstract: A thin, tacky, non-pourable film of incompatible in situ-expandable thermoplastic particles and thermosettable matrix resin that contains an essentially uniform density and thickness across the breadth of the film. The in situ-expandable mass is not pourable yet can be easily dispensed in a uniform manner within a mold and thereafter expanded to the dimensions of the mold. Composites and reinforced compositions, as well as methods of molding, are disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible, multi-layer filter for separating solid and liquid wastes. In a preferred embodiment, the filter includes first, second, third, and fourth layers, interconnected by appropriately spaced connectors. The first layer comprises sub-layers of parallel strands, wherein the strands in one sub-layer cross and overlap the strands in the other sub-layer to form a netting. The second layer comprises a fibrous mat, and the third layer comprises a netting like that of the first layer. The fourth layer includes a porous filter cloth. The third layer may be cut to form end and side tabs for retaining the filter inside a conventional waste container. After a semi-solid mixture of waste is poured, dumped, or otherwise placed into the waste container, liquid waste passes through the filter layers under the force of gravity. The liquid waste is channelled through the first layer along the bottom of the waste container.

Abstract: In a process of making an absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin or a disposable diaper, hydrophilic fibers and crimped or coiled synthetic fibers are supplied in a single fiberboard to a defiberising means such as a hammermill. The process results in a homogenous and resilient blended absorbent core that can be produced using a single defiberising unit. The crimped or coiled fibers pass through the defiberising means without their two or three-dimensional structure being adversely affected at a relatively low defiberisation energy.

Abstract: Fire resistant pipes and pipe fittings include a structural pipe wall formed from helically wound reinforcing fiber that is bonded together with a thermoset polymer resin selected from the group consisting of phenolic resins, siloxane-modified phenolic resins, furan resins, and mixtures thereof. A jacket is disposed around the structural pipe wall and comprises alternating release layers and fiber-reinforced resin layers. The release layer is formed from a material that is incompatible with the resin of the structural pipe wall and fiber-reinforced resin layers, and is energy absorbing to improve impact resistance and reduce thermal stress. The jacket is formed having a sufficient number of alternating layers, having sufficient layer thicknesses, to protect the structural pipe wall from heat induced failure produced by exposing the outermost pipe wall to a 1,000.degree. C. flame for at least five minutes in a dry condition.

Abstract: The packaging container according to the invention for receiving filled product can be used as a self-supporting container or as an in-liner or insert container in supporting outer containers such as corrugated paperboard boxes, wooden cases, box pallets with mesh panels, or drums. The packaging container comprises a multilayered composite film combination which is made up of a polymer film with barrier layer properties, acting as the outer layer of the container, an intermediate layer made of an electrically conductive material and also a further polymer film, forming the inner layer of the packaging container. According to the invention, the further polymer film, forming the inner layer of the packaging container, bears a perforation pattern and the electrically conductive intermediate layer is in connection with a grounding system via electric contact points. The polymer film forming the inner layer of the packaging container is preferably a heat-sealable monofilm or a coextruded film.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced composite cylindrical form formed by winding up unidirectional prepreg sheets around a mandrel according to such four patterns as to set the fiber winding angles of the resulting layers thereof at 0.degree., 90.degree., 40.degree. to 50.degree., and -40.degree. to -50.degree. with the longer direction thereof, and then heat-curing said layers of said prepreg sheets.

Abstract: A vapor barrier laminate for use in insulation applications as a facing material. A fiberglass yarn or scrim is positioned between layers of kraft paper. An aluminum foil is adhered directly to the outer kraft paper layer. The paper to foil bond and the paper to paper bond are accomplished with a flame retardant adhesive. The resulting heavier and thicker laminate provides increased rigidity, a smoother outer surface for better abrasion resistance, and a greater tensile strength. Use of the laminate in duct board facing improves the strength of the duct board while facilitating tape adherence for sealing gaps between board sections.

Abstract: An improved shrinkable covering made of a shrinkable plastic compound having an inlay of non-recoverable threads and recoverable threads has the recoverable threads arranged with excess length, preferably in helical form, and extending in the stretching and shrinking direction of the covering. As a consequence of this excess length, the recoverable threads are not subjected to any additional stretching during the stretching process of the covering. The recoverable threads act as "swelling agents" in the shrinking process and seal off any longitudinal capillary cavities which may be produced during the production process of the shrinkable covering.

Abstract: There is provided an elongate fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite which comprises a multiplicity of filamentary fibers, each extending longitudinally of the composite and a thermoplastic resin matrix impregnating and surrounding the filamentary fibers. The composite has alternating lobes and valleys on its surface defining a fluted cross section. The lobes and valleys extend helically along the longitudinal axis of the composite. In a preferred form of the invention, the filamentary fibers also extend helically along the longitudinal axis of the composite, and desirably, the helical pitch of the filamentary fibers is substantially the same as that of the lobes and valleys. The helical pitch may suitably range from about 1.5 to about 8 inches and the elongate composite may have a diameter of from 0.125 to 8 inches. The fibers may comprise from about 20 to about 80 percent by weight of the composite. The number of fibers in the elongate composite may be within the range of 2,000 to 70,000,000 filaments.

Abstract: An improved method for producing hydrophobic polyolefin-containing staple fiber for processing, with reduced waste and improved crimp by sequential treatment with two finish compositions comprising at least one neutralized phosphoric acid ester and at least one polysiloxane of defined classes and amounts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nonwoven fabric made of fine denier filaments of superior bulkiness, heat insulation property and tensile strength, and a production method thereof. This nonwoven fabric is made of fine denier filaments produced by first preparing. First a thermoplastic polymer component "A", then another thermoplastic polymer component "B" which is insoluble in the component "A" and of which the melting point is higher than that of the component "A" by 30.degree. to 180.degree. C. Adopting a bicomponent melt spinning method employing the component "A" and the component "B", the bicomponent conjugate filaments, on which surface at least component "A" is exposed, are obtained. By accumulating these bicomponent conjugate filaments, a web is formed. Then heat is applied to the predetermined areas on the web throughout its entire thickness, whereby only the component A is softened or molten, and the bicomponent conjugate filaments are heat bonded to one another, thus a fleece is obtained.

Abstract: The fuel hose of this invention is a fuel hose comprising a tubular fluororesin inner ply and, as laminated onto the peripheral surface thereof, a thermoplastic resin or rubber outer ply, the tubular fluororesin inner ply having been molded from a fluororesin with an F/C ratio, i.e. ratio of the number of fluorine atoms (F) to the number of carbon atoms (C), of not greater than 1.6 and the peripheral surface layer of the fluororesin inner ply having been modified into the following treated layer (A).(A) a layer with a distribution of oxygen atoms and having an F/C ratio, i.e. ratio of the number of fluorine atoms (F) to the number of carbon atoms (C), of not greater than 1.12 and an O/C ratio, i.e. ratio of the number of oxygen atoms (O) to the number of carbon atoms (C), of not less than 0.08.

Abstract: A kit for bathing a patient or for personal bathing includes a sealed polyethylene bag containing a plurality of cloths impregnated with a cleansing solution. The cloths are a needle-punched blend of cotton and cellulose acetate for softness and low cost. Furthermore, an anti-microbial agent is carried by the cellulose acetate to prevent the growth of bacteria, yeast and fungus and the package carries another anti-microbial solution as a preservative. The cleansing solution is a non-ionic, nonrinsing mixture of surfactants, emollients or humectants, vitamin E and de-ionized water. The kit is heated and then each cloth is used on a different part of the body and disposed of after use to prevent cross contamination.

Abstract: The present invention describes a crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaesters containing amines and/or amido groups and blends thereof with other polymers that may be used to produce surgical devices such as sutures, sutures with attached needles, molded devices, and the like. The crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaesters of the present invention is formed from an aliphatic polyoxaester having a first divalent repeating unit of formula I:?O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)-- !Iand a second repeating unit of the formula:?--O--R.sub.12 --!.sub.U, XVIand optionally a third repeating unit with a formula selected from the group consisting of:?--O--R.sub.4 --!.sub.A, II?--O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--!.sub.B, III(?--O--R.sub.5 --C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G XIand combinations thereof wherein R.sub.12 contains an internal amine or internal amide group wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester has been crosslinked.

Abstract: The present invention describes a new crossslinkable and crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaesters and blends thereof that may be used to produce hydrogels, surgical devices such as sutures, sutures with attached needles, molded devices, and the like. The invention also contemplates a process for producing these polyesters. The crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaesters of the present invention are formed from an aliphatic polyoxaester a first divalent repeating unit of formula I:?O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1) (R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1) (R.sub.2)--C(O)--! Iand a second repeating unit selected from the group of formulas consisting of:?--O--R.sub.4 --!.sub.A, II?--O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--!.sub.B, IIIand(?--O--R.sub.5 --C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G XIand combinations thereof. These aliphatic polyoxaesters may be blended with other polymers which are preferably biocompatible.

Abstract: A hose having an inner tube layer comprised of an elastomeric layer having embedded therein a screen mesh and a wire helix.

Abstract: A composite ultrafiltration membrane is provided having a microporous polyolefin or sulfone polymer base resistant substrate and an ultrafiltration layer formed from a sulfone polymer.

Abstract: An axially extending composite tubular member having a plurality of plies and having primary bending stiffness along a longitudinal axis, has at least one interior ply having a matrix material and a first fiber component with fibers oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of between thirty degrees and sixty degrees, and more particularly between forty degrees and fifty degrees. An internal weblike reinforcement spans across the tubular interior of the member between and is secured to two spaced apart wall portions. The first fiber component provides significant torsional stiffness to the composite member and the internal weblike reinforcement provides significant impact resistance to the composite member.

Abstract: Pillows and other filled articles are filled with bicomponent polyester fibers that have "spiral crimp" on account of a difference in chain-branched content of the polyester polymers of the components. Such bicomponent fibers are preferably novel "spiral crimp" bicomponent fibers that are hollow and/or are slickened.

Abstract: An orientable in situ expandable layer comprisinga) a blend of incompatible, in situ-expandable thermoplastic particles and a thermosettable matrix resin for the in situ-expandable thermoplastic particles which blend has the capacity of expansion in height, width and length directions andb) other insoluble and matrix-resin incompatible solid particles uniformly incorporating throughout the resin matrix, which other insoluble and matrix-resin incompatible solid particles have (i) an aspect ratio of length/width greater than 1, that defines a longitudinal axis (length) of the particles which longitudinal axis is not greater than about one inch (2.54 cm.), and (ii) thermal stability at the temperature of expansion of the resin and insolubility in the resin, and (iii) an orientation in the thermosettable resin of their length in one or two directions.Moldable compositions and methods of making the compositions and molded article from the compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: Heat-reflective and protective sleeving is provided which has both an interior and an exterior convoluted profile. The sleeving includes layers of polymeric material, insulative material and reflective material which is assembled together into the convoluted profiles. A method and apparatus are provided for manufacturing the convoluted sleeving by wrapping a fabric-backed foil over a convoluted polymeric tubing while pushing the laminate into the grooves and over the crests of the convoluted profile of the polymeric tubing. In the preferred arrangement which is shown, this procedure is facilitated by the use of a plurality of worm gears that rotate substantially in unison in order to pull the convoluted polymeric tubing through an area defined by the worm gears, while simultaneously forming the convolutions in the laminate at the same time that the laminate is engaged with the external convoluted surface of the polymeric tubing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hose construction containing a fluoroplastic barrier. The hose comprises (1) an inner core comprising (a) acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber and (b) from 0.05 to 25 phr of unsubstituted or substituted phenol salts of 1,8-diazabicyclo-[5,4,0]undecene-7; (2) a barrier layer comprised of a terpolymer derived from tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene and vinylidene fluoride, wherein said barrier layer is directly adhered to said inner core; and (3) an elastomeric cover.

Abstract: Thermal insulation contains a corrugated nonwoven web and a means for retaining the shape of a corrugated web. The shape-retaining means is not coextensive with the corrugated nonwoven web and is secured to the valleys of the corrugations. The corrugated nonwoven web has a solidity of 0.1 or less and contains microfiber and crimped staple fibers that have a percent crimp of at least 15 percent.

Abstract: A composition of matter and a process for the preparation thereof is disclosed for a fibrous composite (e.g., synthetic wood). The fibrous composite contains 50 to 95% by weight carpet and 5 to 50% by weight of a structural adhesive. Structural adhesives effective in this application would include phenol-formaldehyde resins, either of the resole or novalac type, phenol-formaldehyde resins that have at least one other co-monomer present, e.g., bis-phenol A, resorcinol, and other substituted phenols, urea-formaldehyde resins, melamine urea formaldehyde resins, tannin-phenol-formaldehyde resins, diisocyanate resin, epoxy resins, crosslinkable polyvinyl acetate, proteins, e.g., soy flour, blood and polyester resins.

Abstract: An improved-strength, polymer-reinforced paper which includes fibers, of which at least about 30 percent on a dry weight basis are eucalyptus fibers; and from about 15 to about 60 percent by weight, based on the dry weight of the fibers, of a latex binder.

Abstract: Coating compositions for blocking heat from hyperthermal sources are reinforced with high-temperature, high emissivity, open weave fabrics. The coating compositions contain materials which actively respond to excessively high temperatures by undergoing endothermic processes or by swelling, preferably by both. The preferred fabrics are made of graphite or cardo-polymer yarns. The reinforced compositions may be applied directly to a substrate, or they may be molded into self-supporting shapes which are applied to the substrate or are themselves structural units.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved catalytic filter material for use in removing contaminants such as NO.sub.x from a fluid stream. The filter of the present invention employs composite fibers of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filled with catalytic particles. The composite fibers are chopped into staple fibers and made into a felt material. Preferably, the felt material is then laminated on at least one side with a protective microporous membrane. The combined filter removes both macro-particles, such as dust, from the filter stream before the dust can clog active catalytic sites and effectively catalytically coverts undesirable contaminants in the fluid stream to acceptable end products.

Abstract: A filter rod for filtering the smoke of a cigarette including an acetate tow having a high crimp modulus and the acetate tow is bloomed and wrapped by a paper to form the filter rod, wherein a degree of crimping of the acetate tow at a position just downstream of a delivery roller of a filter rod making machine used to form a filter rod is 1.4 or more, and is obtained by conditions satisfying the following equations by having the crimping operation performed under the conditions satisfying the following equations (1) and (2): ##EQU1## wherein: A stands for the weight percent of acetone of the acetate tow just after the tow is fed from a stuffing box type crimping apparatus; andT stands for a temperature of the acetate tow just after the tow is fed from the stuffing box type crimping machine.

Abstract: A method of producing self-texturing filaments that exhibit a desirable tendency to coil rather than to bend sharply or zig zag. The method includes directing a quenching fluid at extruded hollow filaments of a liquid polymer predominantly from one side of the hollow filaments to thereby produce hollow filaments with different orientations on each side. Thereafter the temperature of the hollow filaments is raised to a temperature sufficient for the filaments to relax, but less than the temperature at which the filaments would shrink. When the relaxed filaments are cut into staple lengths, they tend to assume a form that provides a favorable degree of mechanical entanglement that is useful in forming resilient solid structures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filter medium, which contains an electretized nonwoven web of crimped fibers selected from the group consisting of spunbond filaments and staple fibers, wherein the nonwoven web has a Frazier permeability equal to or greater than about 100 ft.sup.3 /min/ft.sup.2 and a density between about 0.01 g/cm.sup.3 and about 0.095 g/cm.sup.3.

Abstract: An improved-strength, polymer-reinforced paper which includes fibers, of which at least about 30 percent on a dry weight basis are eucalyptus fibers; and from about 15 to about 60 percent by weight, based on the dry weight of the fibers, of a latex binder.

Abstract: The present invention is a highly predictable composite usable to fabricate such structural articles as complex-shaped automotive body parts and building panels. Included in this composite is at least one netlike preform having a plurality of inter-crossed roving bound to each other at thermoset junction points. This preform is compressed into a mold, and at least one layer of polymer paste is added thereto. The preform layers and the polymer paste layers are compressed to the shape of the mold, and then they are heat and flame treated to complete the curing of the thermoset resin and to produce a desired surface finish.

Abstract: The present invention describes a new aliphatic polyoxaesters that is bioabsorbable and may be used to produce surgical devices such as sutures, sutures with attached needles, molded devices, and the like. The invention also contemplates a process for producing these polyesters. The aliphatic polyoxaesters of the present invention have a first divalent repeating unit of formula I:[O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1) (R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--] Iand a second repeating unit of the formula:[--O--R.sub.12 --].sub.U, XVIand optionally a third repeating unit with a formula selected from the group consisting of:[--O--R.sub.4 --].sub.A, II[--O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--].sub.B, III([--O--R.sub.5 --C(O)].sub.P,--O--).sub.L G XIand combinations thereof wherein R.sub.12 contains an internal amine or internal amide group.

Abstract: The design and construction of past exhaust port liners with heat insulation capabilities have had to become more simple in order to reduce costs. However, less costly exhaust port liners may have inferior heat insulation capabilities. The present invention overcomes this and other problems with a means for encapsulating an insulating layer of material. The encapsulating means is composed of fiberglass cloth with the ability to withstand high temperatures. A blanket is formed when the fiberglass cloth encapsulates the insulating layer. The blanket is stitched in a quilted pattern to form a plurality of individual pockets. The blanket is wrapped around a ceramic body of a port liner. The quilted stitching pattern, due to separating the insulating layer into the plurality of individual pockets, protects the pockets individually. If damage should occur to one of the plurality of pockets, the insulating layer would remain intact within the remaining plurality of pockets.

Abstract: An improved thermally insulating batt particularly designed for use as filling material for winter apparel, quilts, sleeping bags and the like, is produced by first preparing carded webs consisting of natural or synthetic fibers, plying several webs to form a batt, and then subjecting this batt to a subsequent resin treatment, on at least one face thereof, by using specific cross-linked glues. The resin treated batt is then calendered, under controlled temperature and pressure conditions, so as to obtain, on its surface, a soft, resilient and heat-sensitive film and, in the interior, an air chamber so as to provide a low thermal exchange coefficient and a proper control of the body temperature.

Abstract: Disclosure describes ball-like structures formed from bundled, crimped fibers rounded around a central portion thereof as a core, the core being formed with a molten-fused structure and having the following stipulations:(a) a density of the molten-fused structure is not less than 75% based on a density of the crimped fibers forming the ball-like structures.(b) a length of the molten-fused structure is 5 to 50% based on a diameter of the ball-like structures, and(c) a withdrawing strength of a crimped fiber strand connected with the molten-fused structure is not less than 50% based on a linear strength of the crimped fiber strand itself used for the ball-like structures.

Abstract: The present invention resides in ignition resistant non-linear carbonaceous fiber or fiber tow having a reversible deflection ratio of greater than 1:1 but equal to or less than 1.2:1. The fibers have a multiplicity of crimps along their length with a crimp frequency on the order of from 6 to 15 crimps per inch. Fibers of the invention have an elongatability of from about 2 to about 9%, a pseudo-elongatability of from about 0.2 to about 18%, and a tenacity without a loss of elongation on the order of at least 6 g/d. The carbonaceous fibers can be used, for example, as thermal insulation and/or fire resistant insulation in vehicles, building structures or clothing in furniture coverings, carpets, and the like, and can be used alone or blended with other fibers to form fine yarns.

Abstract: The invention provides a tubular composite member which has a plurality of plies and a generally elongate and selectively curved axis. The plies can include helically oriented fiber components, a matrix material, and thermoplastic tubes. An intermediate layer preferably has two tri-axially braided plies arranged at selective angles relative to the member's axis and as a function of the curvature of the member. Interior and exterior plies of circumferential windings can be part of the member such that the intermediate ply is contiguous and between the interior and exterior ply. In one practice, the member can be formed into a selective shape and then cured. Alternatively, the member is formed between a thermoplastic core and a thermoplastic sheath to facilitate a secondary process of heating and bending the member into a selective axially-curved shape.

Abstract: An insert system for repairing defects in underground conduits in situ comprises a tubular inner liner of stiff material having a generally smooth inner surface and a plurality of integral outer circumscribing ribs defining a plurality of valleys between the ribs. An outer sleeve circumscribes the inner liner and is formed of an elastomeric material. A mid-layer of reinforcing woven material is wrapped about the inner liner within the outer sleeve. A hardenable resin saturates the mid-layer and fills the valleys. The resin bonds to the inner liner to form a structural insert, and the outer sleeve provides a deformable seal against an inner surface of a conduit when the insert system is operatively positioned.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to fiber blends of melamine resin fibers and aramid fibers.

Abstract: The invention provides improvements to a composite member that has a plurality of plies. The improved composite member has (1) an interior ply which functions to dampen or resist sudden forces exerted on the composite member, (2) an intermediate load-carrying ply, and (3) an exterior abrasion-resistant ply. These plies have multiple, often intertwined fiber components disposed or imbedded with a matrix material, preferably Nylon-6 thermoplastic, to inhibit sharp edges during breakage. One or more of the plies typically has "bi-axial" or "tri-axially" braided fiber geometries wherein one or more fibers are helically wound about the circumference of the member. The helically oriented fibers are oriented at a selectively variable angle which influences the overall bending strength of the composite material.

Abstract: The design and construction of past port liners with heat insulation capabilities have had to become more simple in order to reduce costs. However, less costly exhaust port liners may have inferior heat insulation capabilities. Additionally, port liners cast into a cylinder head of an internal combustion diesel engine must endure the stresses associated with the high casting temperatures of cast iron. The present invention overcomes these and other problems by utilizing a ceramic port liner containing a low temperature softening phase. The ceramic port liner is surrounded by a blanket formed when a fiberglass cloth encapsulates an insulating layer of material. The ceramic port liner and surrounding blanket are cast within a cylinder head. During the casting process, the ceramic port liner remains in a softened state. As the casting cools, the ceramic port liner returns to a regular solid state at a progressively sufficient thermal rate to protect it from damage.

Abstract: The invention provides improvements to a composite member that has a plurality of plies. The improved composite member has (1) an interior ply which functions to dampen or resist sudden forces exerted on the composite member, (2) an intermediate load-carrying ply, and (3) an exterior abrasion-resistant ply. These plies have multiple, often intertwined fiber components disposed or imbedded with a matrix material, preferably Nylon-6 thermoplastic, to inhibit sharp edges during breakage. One or more of the plies typically has "bi-axial" or "tri-axially" braided fiber geometries wherein one or more fibers are helically wound about the circumference of the member. The helically oriented fibers are oriented at a selectively variable angle which influences the overall bending strength of the composite material.

Abstract: A construction element has the dimensions of formwork panel sheets of elemental concrete formwork and a thickness substantially less than at least one of its other dimensions. In terms of weight, the construction element is comprised of more than 50% plastic and less than 50% small, thin pieces of metal. The pieces of metal are distributed statistically evenly in the plastic, shorter than the construction element is thick, and preferably made of aluminum. The thermal transfer coefficient of the construction element is at least that of wood/plastic casting boards.

Abstract: Polyether-reinforced fiber-based materials, and methods for their manufacture, are disclosed. A representative material is a sheetlike ply having on one or both faces thereof a polyether-impregnated stratum extending depthwise into the ply thickness dimension no greater than about one-half the ply thickness dimension so as to leave a portion of the ply thickness dimension unimpregnated with polyether. The materials can comprise plural superposed plies wherein at least one ply has at least one polyether-impregnated stratum, such as polyether-reinforced corrugated paperboard. The polyether-reinforced materials have excellent compression strength and foldability. Each polyether-reinforced stratum is made by controllably applying a low-viscosity liquid mixture of an epoxy resin and a hardener, wherein the epoxy resin is substantially non-prepolymerized, to a fibrous web surface, then curing the resin mixture.

Abstract: A flexible, protective and waterproofing membrane for application onto a body to conform to a surface of the body and to be bonded thereto is provided. The membrane includes a flexible polymeric sheet which has an open-textured surface on each of its opposite faces. The textured surfaces are impregnated with a dry, cementitious material and define interconnected internal voids open to the atmosphere. The dry cementitious material includes a water-hardenable cement which is substantially non-hydrated.

Abstract: A thin, tacky, non-pourable film of incompatible in situ-expandable thermoplastic particles and thermosettable matrix resin that contains an essentially uniform density and thickness across the breadth of the film. The in situ-expandable mass is not pourable yet can be easily dispensed in a uniform manner within a mold and thereafter expanded to the dimensions of the mold. Composites and reinforced compositions, as well as methods of molding, are disclosed.

Abstract: Polymer matrix composite materials containing a thermoplastic composite core bonded integrally with a fabric layer are provided. The fabric layer has a greater elasticity than the core, so that the fabric layer can conform smoothly to the core during thermoforming. This improvement has been demonstrated to improve aesthetic appearance and nearly eliminate wrinkling and distortion of the fabric layer when compared to conventional composite materials.

Abstract: A molding having a high transparency and a surface hardness of B or higher in terms of pencil hardness, is provided by blow molding process employing no orientation step. A high-hardness transparent polyester molding, obtained by quenching and carrying out non-orientation blow molding of a polyester resin or a composition thereof in a molten state, and subsequent crystallization thereof in a specific temperature range.

Abstract: A device to capture, contain and collect hydrocarbon fuels such as gasoline and diesel before they can be spilled or leaked from the ventilation valve or fuel intake port of the fuel tank of a vessel and on to the surface of the water during fueling operations at marine fueling facilities. The device is formed as a low-profile box with a floor section and upright wall sections having stratified layers of a textile material and a solidifying polymer enclosed within a outer envelope of textile material. A seamed area at the center of the device with slits in the textile material allows the device to circumscribe the annular conduit of a device passing through the seamed area.