Abstract: A carbon fiber-reinforced concrete containing a cement, a coarse aggregate, a fine aggregate, a carbon fiber and water, the carbon fiber having an average length not less than the maximum size of the coarse aggregate and also a tensile strength of at least 300 kgf/mm.sup.2.

Abstract: An injection molding which is built up from a thermoplastic material and glass fibers where the glass fibers have a fiber length of at least 5 mm and are present in an amount of 2 to 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the glass fibers and thermoplastic material. The injection molding has an impact strength at 23.degree. C. of at least 170 kJ/m.sup.2 and an impact strength at -30.degree. C. of at least 140 kJ/m.sup.2. The injection molding material is distinguished by a significant improvement in its impact strength, together with an increased heat resistance compared with injection moldings of simple thermoplastic materials which are not reinforced with fibers.

Abstract: A flexible article of manufacture especially suitable for use as a ballistic resistant body armor which comprises two or more layers, at least one of said layers being a fibrous layer, and at least one of said layers being a polymeric layer in contact with and bound to all or portion of said fibrous layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wet-friction material capable of extensive continuous sliding performance at very low slipping speeds without inducing shutter, squawk or chuggle. The present invention includes a friction material having a woven carbon fabric to which a resin, preferably a phenolic resin, has been applied. The phenolic resin is entirely contained within the strand and the strands are intentionally incompletely filled. This combination provides for maximum open area texture for gross flow and drainage, microporosity or microtexture for the destruction of any potential hydrodynamic films and at the same time provides an extremely strong and durable structural composite. The friction material may include an over and under stacking and integration of the less than completely filled strands which is more than adequate for even the severest loading applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glass fabric produced with zero-wist yarn, its use an the manufacture of printed circuits and in numerous other industrial applications, as well as to a process for the manufacture thereof.

Abstract: A method for producing continuous and discontinuous fiber metal matrix composites (CFMMC). The method uses aerosolization of finely divided metal powders in a controlled atmosphere which prevents explosions to coat the fibers and then the metal coated fibers are consolidated to form the CFMMC. The composites are useful as heat sinks for electrical components and in applications where a structural reinforced metal matrix composite is needed.

Abstract: A clothing material comprises a first fabric layer connected to a tear-resistant second layer. The second layer includes a plurality of first threads extending generally parallel to one another in a first direction and a plurality of second threads extending generally parallel to one another in a second direction different from the first direction. The threads all extend substantially in a common plane. The first threads are all connected to each of the second threads at cross-over points between the first threads and the second threads. A third layer of fabric is attached to the second layer of the material on a side thereof opposite the first layer. The threads of the intermediate, tear-resistant layer may be interconnected by a plurality of connecting thread segments tied in knots about the cross-over points.

Abstract: A thermal conductivity sheet is provided which is superior all in heat radiating characteristics (thermal conductivity) in the direction of sheet thickness, close-contact with respect to parts to be cooled, and electrical insulation. In a thermal conductivity sheet 1 in which a plurality of highly thermally conductive insulators 3 are dispersed in a matrix insulator 2, the highly thermally conductive insulators 3 are oriented obliquely or erectly in the direction of thickness of the thermal conductivity sheet 1 such that at least one end faces of the highly thermally conductive insulators 3 are exposed to a surface of the matrix insulator 2. Preferably, a ratio of the total sectional area of the highly thermally conductive insulators 3 to the total surface area of the thermal conductivity sheet 1 is set to be equal to or larger than 1%.

Abstract: An offset rubber-blanket sleeve having a support sleeve in the form of a layered body. The layered body is produced from a plastic, preferably rubber, as a base material and the base material is reinforced by layer inserts embedded therein. Additionally, a rubber layer is vulcanized on the support sleeve.

Abstract: A unique composite material impregnated with a heat curable resin comprising a layer of conductive fibers and one or more resin carrying layers is utilized to reinforce utility poles by wrapping the material around a portion of the utility pole and causing a current to flow through the conductive fibers to resistively heat the material to the resin. The composite material can also be incorporated into molds to produce cured composite parts. The composite material is also used in the construction of large parts without the need for huge, expensive molds. The conductive fibers in composite parts are oriented in a manner to ensure that the entire part is thoroughly heated during the curing process.

Abstract: The addition polymerization resin systems phthalonitrile, diethynyldiphenyl methane, phenolic triazine, and polyphosphazene are disclosed as the matrix constituent in fiber-reinforced ablative nozzle components. Various types of fibers such as carbon fibers, preferably rayon and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based, graphite fibers, glass fibers, ceramic fibers, and silica fibers may be used in the nozzle composite materials. Fillers, such as carbon black, ground silica, ground petroleum coke, and microballoons, may also be included in the ablative nozzle components. The fiber-reinforced ablative nozzle components include from about 20% to about 40% resin, by weight, from about 45% to about 60% fiber, by weight, and when present, from about 3% to about 15% filler, by weight.

Abstract: The physical properties of high performance composites can be tailored by using blends to make the composites. The resulting composites are relatively easy to make and have long-term, high performance capabilities even in harsh service conditions. The blends of the present invention include at least one oligomer having an aromatic, aliphatic, or mixed aromatic and aliphatic backbone from one chemical family and an unsaturated hydrocarbon end cap and at least one polymer from a different chemical family. Upon curing, the oligomer in the blend addition polymerize to form composites possessing advanced properties with respect to those exhibited by the pure oligomer or the pure polymer. Coreactive oligomer blends can be used instead of a pure oligomer to form composites that include addition polymers, block copolymers, and the compatible polymer, thereby further achieving a tailoring of properties in the cured composite. The blends can be prepregged and cured to form composites.

Abstract: A composite material consisting of continuous random glass mats with a new non-peroxide sizing chemistry, polypropylene and a functionalized polypropylene. This composite gives unexpectedly higher performance in bumper beam applications. The functionalized polypropylene contains anhydride functionalities, which are preferably maleic anhydride.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive mimeograph stencil which gives a high quality of image because the permeation of printing ink is not hindered by an adhesive, and which is free from the problems caused by an adhesive, that is, poor resistance to ink, sticking to thermal head, and generation of toxic chlorine, as well as production process thereof is disclosed. The heat-sensitive mimeograph stencil is prepared by thermally adhering a polyester film and a porous support consisting essentially of polyester fibers and then co-stretching the resultant, and the peeling strength between said polyester film and said porous support is not less than 1 g/cm, so that the printed matter obtained by mimeograph using the stencil has very high quality of image.

Abstract: A process for producing uncoated woven fabrics from synthetic yarn for an airbag comprises the steps of: (a) producing a woven fabric from high tenacity polyester filament yarn having a filament linear density of not more than 5 dtex, a yarn linear density within the range from 250 to 550 dtex, a hot air shrinkage at 200.degree. C. of less than 9% and a boil off shrinkage of less than 2%, (b) washing the fabric at temperatures of less than 60.degree. C., and (c) drying the washed fabric at temperatures of less than 170.degree. C. under conditions so that the dimensions of the fabric, based on its dimensions prior to washing, do not change at all or by less than 2% in warp and weft directions. The uncoated fabric obtained by this process is particularly suitable for making airbags and is notable for good drapability.

Abstract: A construction element has 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% pieces of metal band. The pieces of metal band are single pieces, flat, bent into a three dimensional configuration, and randomly oriented and embedded in the plastic. The pieces of metal band are shorter than the construction element is thick.

Abstract: A ballistic resistant composite for hard-armor application is provided. The composite includes a rigid plate, and a ballistic laminate structure supported by the plate. The laminate structure includes first and second arrays of high performance, unidirectionally-oriented fiber bundles. The second array of high performance, unidirectionally-oriented fiber bundles is cross-plied at an angle with respect to the first array of fiber bundles, and is laminated to the first array of fiber bundles in the absence of adhesives or bonding agents. First and second polymeric films are bonded to outer surfaces of the laminated first and second arrays of unidirectional fiber bundles without penetration of the films into the fiber bundles or through the laminate from one side to the other. Thus, a sufficient amount of film resides between the laminated first and second arrays of unidirectional fiber bundles to adhere the first and second arrays of fiber bundles together to form the ballistic laminate structure.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a reinforcing fiber sheet which permits sufficient reinforcement of a concrete structure with a smaller number of layers than in the conventional cases, without causing fracture of the sheet within a range of yielding of reinforcing bars. The reinforcing fiber sheet 1 of the invention comprises high-elasticity and high-elongation carbon fibers 4 having a modulus of elasticity of at least 35 ton/mm.sup.2 and a fracture elongation of at least 0.9%, arranged in an amount of at least 250 g/m.sup.2 in one direction through an adhesive layer 3 on a substrate sheet 2. The object of the invention can be achieved by providing the carbon fibers 4 of the reinforcing fiber sheet 1 with the above-mentioned properties.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing recyclable reinforced composite structures having enhanced surface appearance by heating a self-supporting porous batt comprised of an intimate homogenous blend of high modulus reinforcing fibers and thermoplastic resin fibers to a temperature sufficient to melt the resin component and convert the batt into moldable form, placing the moldable batt into a heated mold to flow, solidify and substantially crystallize the component, introducing a thermosetting resin-containing coating material into the mold adjacent at least one surface of the crystallized structure to provide a coating on the one surface and dwelling the coated structure in the mold for a time sufficient to set the coating material.

Abstract: A prepreg for a sleeve member of fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin available for a tennis racket or a golf club is woven by using ribbon-shaped reinforcing fiber tows/uni-directional commingle yarns and matrix fiber tows, and the ribbon-shaped reinforcing fiber tows/commingle yarns make the prepreg and, accordingly, the sleeve product thin, light, highly dense, economical and large in mechanical strength.

Abstract: Heterogeneous custom knitted fabric for lining the surfaces of molds includes predetermined surface zones with different knitted patterns. The knitted fabric can be utilized in devices designed for the shaping of, for example, plates of glass.

Abstract: A thermal insulation system comprising an insulator core formed of ceramic material and, an outer layer integrally connected on an inner surface to a first side of the insulator core, the outer layer comprising a woven material impregnated with a ceramic matrix. In one embodiment, a thermal insulation blanket is formed having a flexible insulator core formed of ceramic fibrous materials, an outer layer integrally connected to one side of the insulator core, and an inner layer connected to a second side of that core. The inner layer is formed of woven material. In a second embodiment, a thermal insulation tile is formed including a rigid insulator core formed of ceramic material and an outer layer integrally connected to an inner surface to a first side of insulator core. The outer layer comprises a woven ceramic material impregnated with a ceramic matrix.

Abstract: The outer shell consists of a plain weave multifilament fabric derived from aramid, polyimide, polyamide or polybenzimidazole yarns. The inner sheet is a woven, non-woven or knitted material. The two sheets are laminated with an adhesive which enables the two sheets to be laminated in such a manner that the two sheets are non slipping with respect to one another while enabling the laminate to be air permeable with a minimum of ten (10) cubic feet per minute (CFM), when tested in accordance with ASTM D737.

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: A process for forming composite hollow crown stiffened skins and panels in which a first layer or skin is placed on a forming surface of a female mold and, after forming a plurality of U-shaped stiffener elements in the first skin, a second skin is placed over the first skin, whereupon the resulting assembly is prepared for autoclave curing. The stiffener elements are formed by pressing the first skin into U-shaped depressions in the female mold surface and inserting a hollow, expandable rubber mandrel into each of the depressions on top of the first skin. Valve stems in the mandrels enable maintaining the pressure inside at atmospheric pressure. The mandrels are maintained in their "pressurized" state during subsequent formation and autoclave curing steps.

Abstract: An aramid article is disclosed having improved resistance to penetration by sharp implements. The article is woven with tough, low dtex, aramid yarns of low dtex filaments in a tight plain weave configuration; and, when used in several layers, the layers are not stitched together.

Abstract: Two-stage process for plasma treatment of antiballistically effective materials such as aromatic polyamides. The first stage includes a plasma treatment with at least 50% inorganic gas or a mixture of inorganic gases, and the second phase includes a plasma treatment with a hydrophobically acting organic gas or mixtures of such gases from the group of saturated hydrocarbons, unsaturated hydrocarbons, saturated fluorocarbons, unsaturated fluorocarbons, siloxanes, or vinyl compounds. In the second stage, a mixture of one or more inorganic gases with one or more hydrophobically acting organic gases can also be used. The process improves antiballistic effectiveness.

Abstract: Processes are provided for forming a superconductive composite, comprising a superconductive metal oxide and a ceramic. The composite may be formed in any desired shape. Liquid nitrogen can be held around the superconductor longer and delivered in a more controlled fashion and the composite has improved resistance to shatter and thermal shock. The ceramic also provides protection from atmospheric deterioration of the superconductive oxide.

Abstract: A first air bag comprises an upper cloth and a lower cloth, the peripheries of the both cloths being connected, characterized in that the upper cloth consists of an airtight sheet obtained by weaving a composite fiber composed of a filament core and a thermoplastic polymer bonded thereto which has a melting point lower than that of said filament core, and then fusing said thermoplastic polymer so that the surface of said upper cloth has a continuous thermoplastic polymer layer. A second air bag consists of a membranous material having a breaking extension of 100% or more. A third air bag comprises an elastomer body and a shape-retaining member partially attached to the elastomer body, said member being composed of elastic fibers or threads and high-modulus fibers.

Abstract: Various embodiments of balance and proprioception training and enhancement devices, which serve to improve the balance and proprioceptive abilities of a user thereof. A balance platform is placed atop a base platform, with the balance platform being angularly displaceable in any direction relative to the base platform and having a low friction interface between the base platform and the balance platform. The base platform may have either a spherically shaped convex support or a spherically shaped concave depression, with the balance platform having the complementary configuration to the base platform. The low friction interface between the two curved surfaces may comprise low friction coatings or rollers. Angular displacement sensors (rheostats, optical sensors, etc.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced polymer material has improved impact strength and resistance to delamination and perforation when fibers which exhibit martensite phase transformations are incorporated into the composite material. By embedding or "hybridizing" a brittle composite laminate with fibers that exhibit martensite phase transformations, the composite's impact resistance can be improved beyond what is presently possible. During an impact event, high localized stresses are formed at the point of object and laminate contact. By undergoing a stress-induced martensite phase transformation, the fibers which exhibit martensite phase transformations dissipate a large amount of strain energy. The phase transformation enables the fibers to accommodate up to 8% reversible strain and up to 20% ultimate strain. The impact energy is more readily dissipated by the fibers which exhibit martensite phase transformations than by the host composite material or by other hybridizing materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prepreg obtained by stretching a material including, as a main component, an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene having an intrinsic viscosity of 5-50 dl/g as measured at 135.degree. C. in decalin, to a total draw ratio of at least 20, subjecting the resulting stretched polyethylene material to a splitting treatment, and impregnating the resulting material with a thermosetting resin, and a process for producing said prepreg. The split stretched polyethylene material has improved adhesion to the impregnant resin and can be used as a good base material for prepreg.

Abstract: A foot correction method comprises the steps of raising a plantar arch (15) and applying a pressure on either side of a foot (13) to thereby maintain a configuration of a longitudinal arch and a transversal arch of the foot (13) so as to prevent and correct a spraying phenomenon of the foot (13). A splint (11, 23) for practicing the method comprises shape memory alloy wires preferably in the form of either woven fabric, such as a mesh (17), or a nonwoven fabric plate. The shape memory alloy wires preferably consists of a Ti-Ni series alloy exhibiting superelasticity at a normal or used temperature.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced prepregs containing a methacrylate butadiene styrene modified thermoset resin are particularly useful in the fabrication of electrical and office equipment enclosures.

Abstract: A unitary composite structure having improved flexural strength and a reduced coefficient of thermal expansion comprising a heterogeneous combination of a carbonaceous reinforcing material interbonded with a matrix material, wherein the said matrix material is a poorly graphitizing carbonaceous pitch containing polymerized and cross-linked aromatic components is disclosed. Graphite electrodes comprised of the poorly graphitized pitch matrix material acting as a binder and/or an impregnant are also disclosed. Processes for the preparation of the poorly graphitizing pitch, the composite structure, and particularly the graphite electrodes are disclosed as well.

Abstract: A fiber protective coating system for storing, handling and protecting high modulus fibers is disclosed. An exemplary system includes a plurality of generally elongated and collimated fibers comprising a fiber bundle with fibers mutually bonded by one or more coatings of a resin and formed into a cylindrical configuration of twisted fibers for feeding directly to a loom in order to form a woven fabric.

Abstract: The incorporation of 2 to 35 .mu.m particles of a differentially soluble engineering thermoplastic into heat curable epoxy resin systems significantly increases the toughness of such systems without loss of other desirable properties. These toughened epoxy resin systems are useful in preparing carbon fiber reinforced composites having compression strength after impact (CAI) of greater than 45. Ksi 310 MPa after a 1500 in-lb/in impact.

Abstract: A industrial fabric of monofilament of polyphthalamide having recurring units including copolymerized hexamethylene diamine and mixtures of copolymerized terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, and adipic acid. The monofilament has excellent hydrolysis, chemical, and abrasion resistance. It is particularly useful for the cloth in the forming and pressing sections of a papermaking machine.

Abstract: An antitrauma packet for supplementing that resistance to mechanical impact and to ballistic penetration of structures that are made of at least one panel of polymeric fibers. At least one layer, having a plurality of polymeric fibers with a plurality of hollow microspheres scattered therein, is attached to the at least one panel.

Abstract: A shield for protecting spacecraft from impact with particles having a wide range of velocities includes three elements. Sets of spacers are used to secure the elements in positions in which they are separated from each other selected distances. The bumper element is the outermost element and is composed of ceramic fabric material or tin and is utilized to vaporize or melt a high velocity particle upon impact therewith. The intermediate element is a cloud stopper element and is composed of a metallic layer over a graphite epoxy layer and is used to absorb small fragments resulting from high velocity impacts with the bumper element. The innermost element is a fragment stopper element and is utilized to absorb low velocity particles. The shield elements generally enclose the spacecraft and are mounted onto hardpoint end portions of the spacecraft so that impact forces are not transmitted directly to impact sensitive portions of the spacecraft.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced plastic FRP formed about concrete piles and columns. The FRP components generally includes an exterior shell and an interior pultruted component. The exterior shell can include multilayers of fibers wrapped in straight hoop patterns in single sheets with or without longitudinal axial fibers. Alternatively the exterior shell can include angled wrapped fibers. The interior FRP pultruted component comes in various forms such as pultruted ribs, crossed attached ribs, interior co-axial concentric cylinders and additional shapes such as ones having an H cross-shaped pattern. The FRP materials can consist of fiber and resin such as a preferred embodiment of approximately 60% glass and 40% polyester. Other fiber type materials include but are not limited to glass, carbon, Kevlar, combinations thereof, and the like. Types of resin include but are not limited to polyester, vinylester, epoxy, combinations thereof, and the like.

Abstract: A reinforcing fabric comprises reinforcing warp cords and weft cords that melt at a temperature of 200.degree. to 300.degree. F. The weft cords hold the warp cords in position relative to one another when the fabric is being calendered and placed in an elastomeric composite, but melt at the normal curing temperature of an elastomer to form domains of polymer in the cured composite. The reinforcing fabric has particular use as reinforcement in V-belts.

Abstract: A prepreg precursor including a carbon fiber woven fabric having applied to the fabric between about 0.5 to about 10 wt % of a stabilizer material for stabilizing the structural form of the fabric. Prepregs can then be produced using the woven fabric. Undesired settlement of matrix resin from the surface of the woven fabric is thus prevented. Hence, compared with a prepreg prepared using conventional woven fabric, a prepreg prepared by using the woven fabric of the invention can hold its tackiness for a long time and can be used to produce a fiber reinforced composite material excellent in smoothness without being devoid of surface resin.

Abstract: A shielding system for an enclosure wherein strips of shielding material including a layer of metal, for example, metal foil or gauge metal, are placed on the walls of the enclosure in an overlapping or abutting relationship, with shielding tape between the overlapped portions or overlying the butted seam. The shielding tape preferably consists of an electrically conductive nonwoven mat of entangled fibers which is laminated on one side to metal foil and which is bonded on the other side to the metal substrates using nonconductive adhesive. The entangled fibers penetrate the nonconductive adhesive and contact the surface of the metal substrate to provide an electrical continuity that seals the seam against leakage of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A method for increasing the energy absorption of a fabric constructed of high tenacity fiber. This method modifies the ballistic stress-deflection curve of the fabric by effectively toughening the fabric by controlling the peak stresses generated in the fabric layer. These stresses are controlled by perforating the fabric into relatively narrow portions or cutting the fabric into relatively narrow strips, preferably along the bias. This unexpected property is counter-intuitive to known expertise in this area in that the weakening of the fabric by cutting or perforating actually improves the ballistic performance.

Abstract: Preforms for molding processes are prepared by applying an aqueous dispersion of a tackifier onto one or more reinforcement fibers, (2) drying the coated reinforcement fibers to remove the water present and (3) forming one or more of the coated reinforcement fibers into a predetermined shape. The preforms comprise reinforcement fibers having a substantially uniformly distributed tackifier on the surface thereof in the form of a discontinuous film coating.

Abstract: The fluororesin composite material with high mechanical strength characteristics and wear resistance comprising 99 to 40 parts by weight of a fluororesin, e.g. polytetrafluoroethylene, and 1 to 60 parts by weight of a carbon fiber wherein the carbon fiber has an interplanar spacing d(002) of 3.36 to 3.45 .ANG., a c-axis crystallite dimension (Lc) of 35 to 400 .ANG. and an a-axis crystallite dimension (La) of 40 to 800 .ANG.. The carbon fiber obtained by heat-treating a precursor fiber, previously infusiblized or flame resistance-treated, in an inert gas containing 20 to 5,000 ppm of an oxygen-containing gas at a temperature of 2,500.degree. to 3,00.degree. C.

Abstract: The ski described is characterized by the use of a selected fiber reinforced material comprising a sheetlike textile material and a thermoset resin, the fiber content being 30-70% by weight and the fiber being not less than 30% by weight synthetic. This material is notable for high flexibility and high restoring forces and confers excellent properties on the ski, for example good vibration damping.

Abstract: A unique composite material impregnated with a heat curable resin comprising a layer of conductive fibers and one or more resin carrying layers is utilized to reinforce utility poles by wrapping the material around a portion of the utility pole and causing a current to flow through the conductive fibers to resistively heat the material to the resin. The composite material can also be incorporated into molds to produce cured composite parts. The composite material is also used in the construction of large parts without the need for huge, expensive molds. The conductive fibers in composite parts are oriented in a manner to ensure that the entire part is thoroughly heated during the curing process.

Abstract: Processes are provided for forming a superconductive composite, comprising a superconductive metal oxide and a ceramic. The composite may be formed in any desired shape. Liquid nitrogen can be held around the superconductor longer and delivered in a more controlled fashion and the composite has improved resistance to shatter and thermal shock. The ceramic also provides protection from atmospheric deterioration of the superconductive oxide.