Abstract: A ready to use surface veil and surface film integrated prepreg layer suitable to use in a production of lightweight structural parts/panels with class A surfaces includes a curable bottom base resin formulation including a curable bottom base resin, at least one first toughening agent, at least one accelerator, at least one curing agent and at least one hardener. The prepreg layer further includes a release paper coated with the curable bottom base resin formulation to obtained curable bottom base resin formulation coated release paper as a first resin film; a reinforcement fabric; an outer resin formulation including an outer resin, wherein the outer resin is the curable bottom base resin being 10% more viscous than a resin, at least one thermoplastic toughening agent, at least one accelerator, at least one curing agent and at least one hardener agent.

Abstract: Sponge-like porous polypropylene thin film, and a method for preparing a sponge-like porous polypropylene thin film. The method includes dissolving polypropylene in an organic solvent to form a solution under reflux condition; adding a cavity forming agent to the solution and mixing the solution until the cavity forming agent is well-dispersed therein; applying the well-dispersed solution onto the solid substrate through spin coating to form a thin film on the solid substrate; peeling the thin film off the solid substrate; extracting the cavity forming agent from the peeled thin film by washing the peeled thin film in an aqueous or nonaqueous solvent, thereby obtaining a sponge-like porous polypropylene thin film with cavities, macro-voids, and micropores. The sponge-like porous polypropylene thin film is used as an oil sorbent. The sponge-like porous polypropylene thin film has about 400 to about 700 swellable cavities per cm2.

Abstract: A method of forming a sporting implement includes placing a plurality of fibers in a cavity formed in a first portion of a mold, the mold having an inlet and an outlet. A second portion of the mold is positioned in contact with the first portion such that the cavity cooperates with the second portion of the mold to define a chamber. A first material is mixed with a second material to form a thermoplastic resin. The thermoplastic resin is injected into the chamber through the inlet. The inlet and outlet are closed, and the thermoplastic resin completely polymerizes so as to form a fiber reinforced sporting element in the chamber, and the sporting element is removed from the chamber.

Abstract: A flat-type sleeve anchor is shape-deformed after being inserted into a bone so as to fix, to the bone, soft tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and muscles and, particularly, to a flat-type sleeve anchor which employs an anchor body made of a flat material, so that the anchor can be easily inserted into a bond and then shape-deformed.

Abstract: Embodiments of a flame retardant composition are provided. The composition includes from 55% to 85% by weight of a blended matrix and from 15% to 45% by weight of a flame retardant package distributed within the blended matrix. The blended matrix includes a polyolefin component and a nitrogen-containing polymer component. In particular, the nitrogen-containing polymer component has a melting temperature of less than 240° C. The flame retardant package includes an acid source, a carbon source, a polyoxometalate ionic liquid, and a synergist. The flame retardant composition can be utilized in cables, such as fiber optic cables.

Abstract: A multilayer film including alternately-laminated fluororesin layers and polyimide resin layers, wherein a total number of the fluororesin layers and the polyimide resin layers is five or more, a ratio of the total thickness of the fluororesin layers to the thickness of the whole multilayer film is 50% or more, and at least one of the outermost layers of the multilayer film is a fluororesin layer.

Abstract: A spiral wound header ring is provided. The spiral wound header ring comprises at least one outer fabric layer and at least one spiral of inner fabric and rubber. The spiral wound header ring further may have a sealing surface that extends from a rearward facing surface to the forward facing annular, radially extending, surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a wind turbine rotor blade, to a wind turbine rotor blade obtainable by said method, to a pultrusion process for producing an elongated preform (97) for embedment in a wind turbine rotor blade and to an elongated preform (97) obtainable by said process. The blade manufacturing process involves a pultrusion process to obtain the preform (97), embedding the preform (97) within one or more parts of the blade, infusing a resin into said one or more blade parts containing the preform (97), and assembling the rotor blade including said one or more blade parts.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement for an article including a carrier (10) that includes: (i) a mass of polymeric material (12) having an outer surface; and (ii) at least one fibrous composite insert (14) or overlay (960) having an outer surface and including at least one elongated fiber arrangement (e.g., having a plurality of ordered fibers). The fibrous insert (14) or overlay (960) is envisioned to adjoin the mass of the polymeric material in a predetermined location for carrying a predetermined load that is subjected upon the predetermined location (thereby effectively providing localized reinforcement to that predetermined location). The fibrous insert (14) or overlay (960) and the mass of polymeric material (12) are of compatible materials, structures or both, for allowing the fibrous insert or overlay to be at least partially joined to the mass of the polymeric material. Disposed upon at least a portion of the carrier (10) may be a mass of activatable material (126).

Abstract: A peroxide-crosslinkable composition comprising: (A) A peroxide-crosslinkable polymer, e.g., a polyethylene; (B) A nitrogenous base, e.g., a low molecular weight, or low melting, or liquid nitrogenous base such as triallyl cyanurate (TAC); and (C) One or more antioxidants (AO), e.g., distearylthiodipropionate (DSTDP). The composition is useful in the manufacture of insulation sheaths for high and extra high voltage wire and cable.

Abstract: A high strength racquet string includes a monofilament core and a plurality of strands braided around the monofilament core in opposite directions. The same number of strands are braided clockwise as braided counterclockwise. The plurality of strands are not bonded to the monofilament core along a length thereof, but are bonded to each other at opposing ends to prevent unraveling of the plurality of strands. A coating is not applied to the high strength racquet string. A cross-sectional shape of the monofilament core and the plurality of strands is preferably round or substantially round. The monofilament core is preferably fabricated from nylon, polyester, polyethylene or any other suitable material. The plurality of strands are preferably fabricated from Spectra, Vectran or any other suitable material. An outside diameter of the high strength racquet string preferably ranges from 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm.

Abstract: A sliding contact surface-forming material includes a reinforcing base impregnated with a resol-type phenolic resin having polytetrafluoroethylene resin dispersed therein. The reinforcing base is composed of a woven fabric formed by using, respectively as the warp and the weft, a ply yarn which is formed by paralleling at least two strands of a single twist yarn spun from fluorine-containing resin fiber and a single twist yarn spun from polyphenylene sulfide fiber, and by twisting them in the direction opposite to the direction in which the single twist yarns were spun. Also, a multi-layered sliding contact component having the overall shape of a flat plate or a circular cylinder includes the sliding contact surface-forming material so as to configure at least the sliding-contact surface thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elastic composite structure, which is intended for use as a flexible, pliable and thin film structure in the manufacture of a 2- or 3-dimensional product, particularly for providing mechanical protection against cutting, puncturing and/or the like. The composite structure comprises firstly an elastomer system (1), which is constituted by at least one PUR- (polyurethane resin), PUD- (polyurethane dispersion), SI- (silicone) based elastomer material and/or the like, and secondly by a mechanically durable reinforcer system (2), such as a fabric, weave or knit structure (2a) made from one or more flexible hybrid yarns, an oriented flake reinforcement structure (2c) made from laminated flakes (y), and/or the like. The invention relates also to an elastic composite structure, which is intended for the above application and which comprises a reinforcement system (2) for reinforcing the same mechanically against cutting, puncturing and/or the like.

Abstract: A method is provided for coating a substrate, in particular a fiber reinforced plastic component, a protective layer being applied, with preference by means of thermal spraying, to a non-cured resin film applied to a release film, and subsequently, after removal of the release film, the resin film being applied to the substrate and cured.

Abstract: Surgical constructs and methods are provided for securing soft tissue to bone. One exemplary embodiment of a construct is formed from a suture filament and includes two terminal ends of filament and an intermediate portion disposed along at least a portion of a length extending between the terminal ends. The construct can have a first terminal end that is the first terminal end of the filament, and a second terminal end that includes a loop. The loop can be formed by disposing the second terminal end of the filament within a volume of a portion of the intermediate portion of the filament. In some disclosed methods, both terminal ends of the filament can be passed through tissue when performing soft tissue repairs. Various other embodiments of constructs and methods are provided, including constructs having two or more filaments associated with an anchor and methods of using such constructs.

Abstract: A system, method, and thread structure composition are disclosed. The thread structure composition includes a first thread and a second thread. The second thread includes a heat moldable material that is moldable above a predetermined temperature. The first thread remains in a solid form at temperatures substantially above the predetermined temperature. The second thread is twisted around the first thread.

Abstract: The invention provides a spun yarn comprising recycled carbon fiber, and a method for the production thereof. The recycled carbon fiber comprises discontinuous carbon fiber and, optionally, continuous carbon fiber, and may be recycled from various sources, such as end-of-life waste and manufacturing waste. The yarn which is produced shows the required degree of strength and durability, and can be used in all conventional composite manufacturing operations where virgin yarn is currently employed, such as woven fabric manufacture, unidirectional fabric manufacture, filament winding, pultrusion and the like.

Abstract: A heat curable, circular knitted fabric includes reinforcing and meltable resin fibers that can be cured to form a more rigid material form. In one embodiment, the fabric includes a core spun yarn, wherein the core may be made from glass, carbon, basalt, aramid or metal. The wrap surrounding the core may include resin type fibers such as Poly(p-phenylene sulfide) PPS, Polyetherimide (PEI), Polyether ether ketone (PEEK), Polysulfone (PES), Polyphthalamide (PPA), nylon, polyester, or polypropylene.

Abstract: There is provided an electroactive material having Formula I wherein: Q is the same or different at each occurrence and can be O, S, Se, Te, NR, SO, SO2, P, PO, PO2, and SiR2; R is the same or different at each occurrence and can be hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, or alkynyl; R1 through R10 are the same or different and can be hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, halogen, hydroxyl, aryloxy, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, amino, alkylthio, phosphino, silyl, —COR, —COOR, —PO3R2, —OPO3R2, or CN.

Abstract: Lightweight sewer cable that may include an elongate central resilient non-metallic core member, an elongate metallic helical coil spring surrounding the core member, and an elongate non-metallic spacer between the core member and the coil spring are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making a portion of a bicycle frame including positioning a low-friction mandrel adjacent a flexible mandrel with a first fibrous material in between. The mandrels are wrapped with second fibrous material, and the mandrels are inserted into a mold. The second fibrous material is cured to produce a cured assembly, the cured assembly is withdrawn from the mold, and the low-friction mandrel is removed from the cured assembly to produce an internal passageway. The flexible mandrel can includes a recess, and the step of positioning can include inserting the low-friction mandrel into the recess of the flexible mandrel. Preferably, the low-friction mandrel has a cross sectional shape that substantially matches a cross-sectional shape of the recess. The invention is also embodied in a portion of a bicycle frame, such as a portion of the frame during the manufacturing process, and having similar features as recited above.

Abstract: The present invention can provide a protective sheet, a protective sheet preventing curl generation in a laminated article formed by using the same and having excellent appearance, and a solar cell module formed by using this protective sheet. A protective sheet includes a weather-resistant film A, an adhesive layer 1, a film B, an adhesive layer 2, a film C in the stated order, the film C having a thickness of 60 ?m or more, in which the width WA of the weather-resistant film, the width WB of the film B, and the width WC of the film C have a relationship of WA>WC>WB.

Abstract: The aim is to reduce the flagging tendency of an adhesive bond using a UV-crosslinkable adhesive. This aim is accomplished by provision of a composition which comprises at least one UV-crosslinkable polyacrylate and at least one terpene-phenolic resin, the total concentration of the terpene-phenolic resins being 1 to 5 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition. The invention additionally relates to a pressure-sensitive adhesive produced on the basis of this composition, an adhesive tape based on said adhesive and the use of said tape for wrapping elongate material such as cable harnesses, for example.

Abstract: The invention provides composite components, structures and method for producing composite components. A composite component has a negative effect Poisson's ratio and comprises a first component and a second component. The first component and the second component extend longitudinally relative to an axis, the first component being provided around the second component through one or more turns which are spaced longitudinally relative to the axis. A variation in the tensile load on the first component causes the radial position of the second component relative to the axis to vary.

Abstract: A rubber laminate comprises a reinforcing layer and a second rubber layer laminated sequentially on a first rubber layer, at least one outer surface of the first rubber layer and the second rubber layer being covered with an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene layer, wherein the rubber layers covered with the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene layer are formed from a rubber composition comprising from 20 to 40 parts by mass of a softener per 100 parts by mass of a mixed rubber consisting of from 60 to 80% by mass ratio of a diene rubber and 20 to 40% by mass ratio of a ethylene-propylene-diene rubber and/or a butyl rubber.

Abstract: A method for producing solidified fiber bundles includes applying a melt or solution to a carrier web forming a viscous coating, applying parallel filaments under tension to the carrier web, and pressing the filaments into the viscous coating, forming an impregnate. The coating is partially solidified until a plastically deformable state of the impregnate is obtained by vaporizing the solvent, thermal curing and/or cooling. The impregnate is rolled onto a winding core to form a roll while maintaining a winding tension of the filaments in the impregnate. The outer roll is fixed on the winding core by a sleeve and/or by adhesive tape. The impregnate is solidified by vaporizing the solvent, thermal curing and/or cooling. The solidified impregnate is divided up to form solidified fiber bundles. A pressure produced by the winding tension of the filaments in the impregnate is exerted on the roll.

Abstract: A wound member for manufacturing a coil is a wound member for manufacturing a coil for manufacturing a coil wound around a slot of a stator core. The wound member for manufacturing a coil includes: a first side to be an end side at one side of a coil end disposed at an inner peripheral side of the stator core; a second side disposed opposite to the first side, the second side being to be an end side at another side of a coil end disposed at an outer peripheral side of the stator core; and a third side and a fourth side that respectively couple the first side and the second side. The first side has a length shorter than a length of the second side.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to yarns and fabrics that exhibit anti-static, anti-odor, and anti-microbial properties. The yarn is comprised of several groups of predetermined fibers. One of these groups of predetermined fibers comprises fibers that exhibit anti-microbial, anti-odor and anti-static characteristics. In one embodiment, the yarn comprises a first plurality of fibers, a second plurality of fibers that are different from the fibers of the first plurality, and a third plurality of fibers that are different from the fibers of the first and second pluralities. In one embodiment, the fibers which exhibit anti-microbial, anti-odor and anti-static properties are metallic coated fibers. Other fibers used to form different embodiments of the yarns include cotton, nylon, polyester, wool, meta-aramid fibers, para-aramid fibers, and stretch fibers.

Abstract: Method of applying a field grading layer to a power cable is disclosed. The method comprises compounding a polymer composition comprising a polymer matrix material, at least one non-linear conductive organic filler, and at least one crosslinking agent, extruding the compounded polymer composition into a crosslinkable field grading tape, winding the crosslinkable field grading tape onto a section of power cable in need of field grading curing and crosslinking the crosslinkable tape to obtain a field grading layer.

Abstract: A steel cord (20) comprises a plurality of steel filaments (22, 24) arranged in parallel to the longitudinal axis of the steel cord (20) without twisting. The steel cord (20) further comprises a wrapping filament (26) twisted around the steel cord (20). Each of said steel filaments (22, 24) is a flat wire having flat surfaces. The steel filament (24) near the center of the steel cord (20) has a bigger width than the steel filaments (22) further away from the center of the steel cord (20) such that the cross-section of said steel cord (20) approximates an oval shape with the bending stiffness around the shorter axis of the oval shape being greater than the bending stiffness around the longer axis. In a tire, the steel cord being used as a reinforcement, the longer axis being arranged perpendicular to the radial direction of the tire.

Abstract: Auxetic structures exhibiting negative Poisson's ratios are disclosed including planar auxetic structures formed from x-axis and y-axis strands of selected waveforms. Portions of the auxetic structure referred to as unit cells comprise four joints formed by two adjacent x-axis strands overlapping two adjacent y-axis strands display symmetry about x and y axes. Each unit cell comprises four sub-unit cells formed from segments of ½ wavelength of the wave form. The planar auxetic structures may be formed into three-dimensional auxetic structures or cylindrical or spherical auxetic structures.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a steel cord-rubber composite that is, even when a rubber composition constituting coating rubber does not contain cobalt salt, excellent in adhesion to a steel cord and capable of suppressing a decrease in modulus. The steel cord-rubber composite according to the present invention is constituted by using the steel cord coated with a rubber composition containing organic acid metal salt containing 10 mass % or less of free acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adhesive tape, in particular a wrapping tape for bundling cables (1) in automobiles. The basic design comprises a tape-shaped carrier (3) and at least one adhesive strip (4; 4a, 4b) that is applied to at least one side of the carrier (9). According to the invention, the adhesive strip (4; 4a, 4b) covers between 20% and 50% of the area of the associated carrier side (3a, 3b).

Abstract: In a stretch yarn (1) comprising a stretchable core (2) covered by an inelastic fibers sheath (3) the stretchable core (2) comprises first and second fibers (4, 5) that have elastic properties, the first fiber (4) is an elastomer and the second fiber (5) is a polyester based (co)polymer, the amount of the second fiber being in the range of 60-90% (w/w) of the total weight of the fibers of the stretchable core (2); the first and second fibers are connected together at least at a plurality of points (P).

Abstract: A composite implant comprising an injectable matrix material which is flowable and settable, and at least one reinforcing element for integration with the injectable matrix material, the at least one reinforcing element adding sufficient strength to the injectable matrix material such that when the composite implant is disposed in a cavity in a bone, the composite implant supports the bone.

Abstract: A method is presented for making a composite material from strips comprising longitudinal fibers and a binder or resin, which material comprises a number of layer assemblies one on top of the other. Each layer assembly comprises m sets (with m at least 2) of parallel strips each extending in a different direction, Each layer assembly is manufactured by successive steps of depositing groups of parallel strips according to a well defined pattern (without longitudinally interweaving strips with previously deposited strips). Before completing a layer assembly, with the exception of the last layer assembly, by depositing its last group of parallel strips, the first group of parallel strips of the following layer assembly is already deposited. A composite material manufactured with such a method is presented too.

Abstract: Reinforcement bars for concrete structures, comprising continuous, parallel fibers, made of basalt, carbon, glass fiber, or the like, embedded in a cured matrix, each bar being made of at least one fiber bundle comprising a number of parallel, cylindrical cross section fibers and said bars being provided with a surface shape and/or texture which contributes to good bonding with the concrete. Part of the surface of each bar being deformed prior to or during the curing by: a) strings of an elastic or inelastic, and/or b) at least one deformed section of each reinforcement bar; thereby producing a roughened surface.

Abstract: Fiber reinforcement rods having a combination of reinforcing fiber members coated with a UV curable vinyl ester resin material and a polybutylene terephthalate/polyether glycol or ethylene acrylic acid topcoat layer. The reinforcing fiber members may be S-type fiber members, E-type glass fiber members, a combination thereof, or E-type glass fiber members and/or S-type glass fiber members with high strength synthetic strands of poly (p-phenylene 2,6 benzoisoxazole fiber members. The topcoat layer provides enhanced properties of specific adhesion, enhanced environmental protection, resistance to surface fiber breakage, and to some degree resistance from delamination.

Abstract: Disclosed is the method for creating a reinforced hollow fiber membrane by applying reinforcing filaments to a core, casting a dope over the filaments and core, forming a membrane from the dope, and removing the core. The core may be a moving core, and the reinforcing yarns may comprise warp yarns and a spiral wrap yarn. The core may be soluble and removed by dissolving it. The core may be pre-wrapped with a yarn before the warp yarns are applied. The resulting reinforcing cage may be pre-shrunk before it is coated with a membrane dope. The pre-wrapped yarn may be removed, for example by dissolving it, after the reinforcing cage is coated. A precursor assembly for making a hollow fiber membrane is also provided.

Abstract: A fiber blend for yarns and fabrics for use in military, fire-fighting, industrial work wear, and first responder protective clothing to provide multifunctional protection to the wearer, the fiber blend including an aramid fiber blend, wool fibers, and electrostatic dissipative fibers, wherein the aramid fiber blend includes meta-aramid fibers, para-aramid fibers and electrostatic dissipative fibers.

Abstract: What is described is a filler cord, which comprises a core of (i) paper and (ii) other swellable flat or round filler materials, swellable nonwovens, and/or swellable yarns; optionally a swellable nonwoven as a covering around the core; and, to secure the core, which may or may not have a covering, a swellable yarn, which is wrapped around the core, as well as a method for the production of same.

Abstract: A heat-resistant flame-retardant protective suit fabric of the present invention is formed of a uniform blended spun yarn including 25 to 75 mass % of polyetherimide fiber, 20 to 50 mass % of at least one fiber selected from wool and flame-retardant rayon, and 5 to 25 mass % of para-aramid fiber when the spun yarn is 100 mass %. The fabric experiences no heat shrinkage when exposed to a heat flux at 80 kW/m2 ±5% for 3 seconds in accordance with ISO 9151 Determination of Heat Transmission on Exposure to Flame. And the char length is not more than 10 cm in the longitudinal and horizontal directions in the flammability test specified in JIS L 1091A-4. Thereby, the present invention provides a protective suit fabric that provides comfort in wearing even if the suit is worn in the hot seasons or even if the wearer perspires during exertion. The fabric has high heat resistance and high flame retardance, favorable dye affinity, and the fabric can be produced at a low cost.

Abstract: A traction member for use with driving pulleys, consisting of one or more load-bearing elements and a plastics part which is arranged between the load-bearing elements and a force-transmission surface of the traction member. The overall friction value results from the fact that the force-transmission surface, which comes into contact with the driving pulley, has at least two regions, and that these regions are formed from different materials A and B having different coefficients of friction. The regions are in the form of strips in the longitudinal direction of the traction member. The carrier material A is softer and has a higher coefficient of friction and the further materials B1, B2, B3 etc. are each harder and each have a lower coefficient of friction. Preferably, the materials A, B1, B2, B3 etc. are applied in one work step by extrusion.

Abstract: A steel cord (10) for reinforcing rubber product comprises at least one core strand (12) and outer strands (14), the outer strands (14) are helically twisted around at least one core strand (12). Each of the strands (12, 14) comprises core steel filaments (16, 20) with the number of m and outer steel filaments with the number of n. The diameter of the core steel filaments in the core strand is Dcc, the diameter of the outer steel filaments in the core strand is Doc, the diameter of the core steel filament in the outer strand is Dco, and the diameter of the outer steel filament in the outer strand is Doo. The ratio of Dcc/Doc is not less than 1.04, the ratio of Dco/Doo is not less than 1.03, and the ratio of Doc/Dco is not less than 1. The core steel filaments and outer steel filaments are polygonally preformed before being twisted into strands. The steel cord is used for reinforcing off-the-road tire.

Abstract: Polymer brushes (50) in a resin that create phonon pathways therein. The polymer brushes themselves comprise structured polymer hairs having a density of 0.8 to 1.0 g/cc, a chain length of 1 to 1000 nm, and a thermal conductivity of 0.5 to 5.0 W/mK. The polymer brushes are 10-25% by volume of the resin, and the polymer hairs can orient surrounding resin molecules to the polymer hairs alignment (55).

Abstract: The invention relates to a linear fibre formation comprising nanofibres deposited on a linear fibre core, at the same time the nanofibres are to the core fixed with a coil of at least one covering thread. The invention further relates to a method and a device for production of a linear fibre formation comprising a linear fibre core, on which in a spinning space of an electric field of high intensity the nanofibres produced through electrostatic spinning of polymer matrix are deposited. Through the spinning space of the electric field at least two straight segments of the linear fibre core are guided, between which the core outside the spinning space of electric field is guided at least along a section of circumference of the guiding cylinder, while in projection into a plane being tangential to circumference of the guiding cylinder and passing the respective segment of the core, this segment of the core and longitudinal axis of the guiding cylinder contain an acute angle.

Abstract: A dental material comprising a symmetrically rod-shaped fiber-reinforced composite comprising at least two layers of preimpregnated fibers, wherein the preimpregnated fibers comprise fibers coated with a resin, wherein the layers are unbraided, and wherein each layer is unidirectionally disposed on the preceding layer in a direction that is different from the direction of the preceding layer. The rod-shaped composite may be hollow and contain a channel throughout the axial length of the rod or may contain a shaft or other material that is inserted into the channel.

Abstract: A buffer layer is used to coat on the multi-filament wrapped string to fill the gaps. The polymers of the buffer-layer coating have a high melt-flow (low viscosity) during coating process to fill all the gaps between the filaments, and the filaments are fixed by the coatings onto base core materials. An outer protective coating is applied, which may comprise a composite nylon, clay nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, an impact modifier, or any combination of the foregoing.

Abstract: An innovative method of thermoplastic electrofusion welding uses a novel compressible dual resin thermoplastic welding rod. This welding rod comprises an inner core made of a soft first thermoplastic resin, a resistance wire wrapped around the inner core, and an outer coating surrounding the inner core and wire. The outer coating is made of a second thermoplastic resin that is harder than the first thermoplastic resin of the inner core. The first thermoplastic may be made of thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV). The second thermoplastic resin may be made of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Because of its compressibility, this dual resin electrofusion welding rod greatly facilitates the seating of parts that are to be welded together.

Abstract: A steel cord (10) adapted for the reinforcement of rubber products, comprises a core strand (12) and six peripheral strands (14) concentrically surrounding the core strand (12). Each of the core and peripheral strands (12, 14) comprises a centre of two or more centre filaments (16) and two layers of filaments surrounding the centre. The core strand (12) has a diameter D1 which is greater than the diameter D2 of the peripheral strands (14). All the filaments (18, of each layer have substantially the same diameter and a radially outer layer has a twist angle which is greater than a twist angle of a radially inner layer of the same strand. Each of the strands (12, 14) in the cord is composed of no more than twenty-six filaments (16, 18, 20) being twisted together.