Abstract: An improved flexible towpreg article and a method of production therefor. The improved flexible towpreg article comprises a prepreg which comprises reinforcing filaments and matrix forming material comprising recycled plastics; the reinforcing filaments being substantially wetout by the matrix forming material such that the towpreg plies have a low void content compared to the multiply towpreg.

Abstract: A breathable water-resistant fabric in which a surface of a fabric material is coated with a microporous layer of ETFE, and a process for making same. An ETFE dope containing a blend of ETFE and a binder polymer is cast or extruded into a film which is subsequently bonded or laminated to the fabric material. The binder is extracted to produce a microporous ETFE layer.

Abstract: A blank material for manufacturing fiber-reinforced coatings or metal components comprising fibers made of a high-strength material and metals or metal alloys, and a process for manufacturing the blank, and for manufacturing coatings and components made therefrom. The fibers are aligned in the blank in parallel to its axis, and metal wire meshes are knitted around them, with the fibers embedded at a distance from one another. By means of high-temperature isostatic pressing, metal components can be made, through which the reinforcing fibers extend at a uniform distance.

Abstract: An article which includes at least one layer of a network of high strength fibers, preferably extended chain polyethylene fibers. The fibers of the network are coated with a very low modulus elastomeric matrix material, preferably an acrylic ester copolymer, which has a tensile modulus of less than about 100 psi, a tenacity of less than 450 psi (3105 kPa), a glass transition temperature (T.sub.g) of about -10.degree. C. to about -20.degree. C., and an elongation-to-break of at least about 2000%. The article can further include a second matrix material, preferably made of polyethylene, adjacent to the fiber network layer.

Abstract: An improved fiber reinforced glass composite includes a boron nitride-coated refractory fiber in a matrix of a black glass ceramic having the empirical formula SiCxOy where x ranges from about 0.9 to 1.6 and y ranges from about 0.7 to 1.8. Preferably the black glass ceramic is derived from cyclosiloxane monomers containing a vinyl group attached to silicon and/or a hydride-silicon group. Graceful failure can be obtained after exposure of the composites to temperatures up to 600.degree.-700.degree. C. in air.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for forming reinforcement element formed of fibers distributed along three dimensions, wherein, a continuous fiber is introduced in a substrate resting on a support formed of such fibers crossed in at least two directions, by stitching, from the free face of said substrate opposite said support by means of a needle driven with a reciprocal movement, a relative movement being in addition generated between said support and said needle so that said continuous fiber is formed inside said substrate of a succession of consecutive segments forming a zig-zag line.The invention is remarkable in that:said needle is curved and imposes on each segment of said continuous fiber a similar curved form; andthe reciprocal movement of said curved needle occurs while rotating about an axis perpendicular to the plane of said needle and disposed on the concave side thereof.

Abstract: An all-composite article comprising two composite parts pivotally joined by a composite hinge which is fabricated integrally therewith. The method of making such an all-composite article.

Abstract: An improved method for forming a hollow core structural member, such as an automotive bumper beam, from moldable plastic sheets, such as fiberglass reinforced plastic sheets, by providing a press having a desired shape on the opposing members of the press, placing opposed sheets in the press with a layer of frozen, meltable material, such as ice, in place between them, forming the sheets into the desired article configuration in the press, removing the formed member from the press, then melting and removing the meltable material from the interior of the formed member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pipe-shaped structural member made of fiber reinforced plastics or fiber reinforced rubber utilizing the mechanical property of the material as an anisotropic material. Since the angle of the fibers and/or direction of orientation are made partially different in the circumferential direction of the structural member, and moreover, since the part where the angle of fibers and/or direction of orientation are made partially different is at least a part in the thicknesswise direction of the circumferential part, the pipe-shaped structural member shows a peculiar style of deformation, and is applicable to a variety of industrial fields.

Abstract: A tension strained fiber structure component comprises a plurality of mutually connected structural elements which each consists of a fiber strand plate aligned in the tension direction and of a pressure plate extending at an acute angle with respect to the tension direction, which are both connected with one another. As a result, a favorable introduction of the tension forces into a separate supporting component can be achieved.

Abstract: A carbon fiber prepreg comprising a unit layer consisting of carbon fibers and a matrix resin layer, and stranded filaments or single filaments incorporated thereinto. The steel fiber is an Ni plated low-carbon dual-phase steel filament and has a filament diameter of not more than 100 .mu.m, a tensile strength of 300 to 700 kgf/mm.sup.2, and an area reduction at fracture of more than 20%. The carbon fibers and steel filaments are aligned codirectionally, and the steel fiber content of the prepreg relative to the carbon fiber is not more than 10 vol %. Sheets of the carbon fiber prepreg are laminated to form a carbon fiber reinforced composite.

Abstract: Binded and structurally reinforced thermoplastic-fabric composite construction materials, that are moldable, are described, comprising a structurally reinforced multilayer binded together in a binding process. A barrier fabric layer, and/or a decorative layer, may also be included in order to produce or vary decorative, and/or other effects. The structurally reinforced multilayer is made from a thermoplastic resin system and at least one fabric layer containing reinforcing fibers. Reinforcing fibers are introduced into components of the structurally reinforced multilayer, within the fabric layers, and may also be comingled with or layered into the thermoplastic resin system before addition to the fabric.

Abstract: A laminate coating comprising a durable outer ply which is resistant to abrasion and impermeable to water, bonded to and through a conductive layer of fibers and an integrally enveloping adhesive layer which is disposed on a vehicle component surface, such that the laminate coating upon curing is bonded to the vehicle component surface such as the surface of an aircraft part especially the fuselage, wing parts or tail section. The conductive layer is connected to a source of electrical energy and control means adapted to control the temperature of the coated surface of the aircraft part.

Abstract: There are described composites containing as the matrix a polymeric organic compound and as the reinforcing material polyether ketone (PEK) single, folded or cabled yarn or fabric formed from such single, folded or cabled yarn. In the composites of the invention, the polyether ketone single, folded or cabled yarn exhibits crimp.The composites of the invention are notable for excellent adhesion between matrix material and reinforcing material.

Abstract: A material for smoothing the outside surface of a woven fabric composite lay up in which a layered sandwich structure is formed of continuous fiber woven material, resin films and a mat of randomly oriented discontinuous fibers and the sandwiched layers are integrated into a single sheet of resin impregnated material by application of pressure and heat.

Abstract: A multilayer antiballistic structure having good antiballistic properties comprises a first layer which comprises ceramic tiles and a second layer of composite material which comprises polyalkene filaments having a tensile modulus of at least 40 GPa and a tensile strength of at least 1 GPa and a matrix which at least partially surrounds the polyalkene filaments, while the antiballistic structure comprises, between the first and the second layer an intermediate layer of a material having a flexural modulus which is higher than the flexural modulus of the composite material of the second layer and is lower than the flexural modulus of the ceramic material.Good results are obtained if the intermediate layer comprises a composite material.

Abstract: Fishing rod stock is manufactured by winding three prepreg sheets around a mandrel to form three resin layers including high strength fibers. The first resin layer is formed over an entire axial length of the fishing rod stock. The second resin layer is formed on a rearward portion of the fishing rod stock. The third resin layer is smaller than the second resin layer and formed on a rearward region of the fishing rod stock. The high strength fiber of the second resin layer has a higher modulus of elasticity than the high strength fiber of the first resin layer. The high strength fiber of the third resin layer has a higher modulus of elasticity than the high strength fiber of the second resin layer. The high strength fibers of the second and third resin layers progressively increase in quantity toward a rear end of the fishing rod stock.

Abstract: A slash resistant composite material and surgical glove made of such material. The composite material comprises a polymeric matrix having embedded therein hard material whiskers which are oriented randomly in the matrix. The whiskers consist of a material selected from the group consisting of silicon carbide, carbon and mixtures thereof. The diameter of the whiskers ranges from 0.00015 to 0.0005 inches and the length of the whiskers ranges from 0.0625 to 0.125 inches.

Abstract: A heat resistant nonwoven fabric comprises 95 to 50% by weight of heat resistant fibers and 5 to 50% by weight of thermoplastic resin, the thermoplastic resin being in the form of pillar-shaped melt-bonding members located between the heat resistant fibers, to thereby bond the heat resistant fibers to each other therethrough, has an excellent heat resistance, formability and concealing effect, and a relatively low density, and is useful as an air filter and a covering sheet for heat resistant shaped articles.

Abstract: This invention provides a shaped ceramic composite article comprising ceramic oxide fiber(s), a first coating comprising a carbonaceous matrix which includes boron nitride particles in contact therewith, and a second coating comprising silicon carbide. The inventive composite article is useful in applications requiring good heat resistance and mechanical properties, such as gas fired radiant burner tubes, gas burner nozzle liners, heat exchangers, thermowells, core busters or flame dispersers, and other gas fired furnace components.

Abstract: An improved reinforced laminate for use in sails or other flexible sheet or membrane applications utilizes a pull-truded thin lightweight reinforcing sheet of unidirectional extruded monofilaments in which the reinforcing sheet or sheets form one or more uni-tapes laminated to a polymer film such as Mylar, or other extended sheet of material. The monofilaments are uniformly embedded in the uni-tape via an elastomeric polymer matrix, with the reinforcing sheet, when incorporated into sails via lamination resulting in sails with reinforcing monofilaments having diameters 5 times less than conventional strands or threads. The use of small diameter monofilaments greatly increases the monofilament-over-monofilament crossover density, resulting in a dramatic increase in shear strength, and Youngs' Modulus, with an accompanying dramatic decrease in weight. In one embodiment the improvement in specific modulus over conventional sail laminates is about six-fold.

Abstract: A composite material having a coated fiber structure dispersed in a polyester matrix. The coating is a block copolymer having an elastomer block bonded to an ester block. The coating provides a flexible barrier between the fiber structure and the polyester matrix which results in a strong fiber reinforced composite having better crack resistance and improved toughness. The composite is particularly suited for use as a molding compound for use in the production of automotive body panels and structural components, aircraft components, sporting goods, housings for electrical and various other consumer goods, etc.

Abstract: An impact resistant rigid composite article comprising a fibrous layer comprising a network of filaments dispersed in a rigid matrix comprising one or more thermosetting resins and one or more thermoplastic resins.

Abstract: An insulation panel comprises an insulation board of glass fibers and a partially evacuated gas-tight envelope encapsulating the board, where, prior to the evacuation of the envelope, the board has been subjected to a heat setting process in which the board is raised to a heat setting temperature above the strain temperature of the glass but below the softening temperature of the glass and to a pressure applied by opposed platens followed by a quick release of the board from the platens prior to substantial cooling of the board.

Abstract: A rod includes an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer is formed by winding on a mandrel a prepreg sheet including reinforcing fibers oriented axially of the rod and having a width extending over an entire length of the rod. The outer layer is formed by winding a prepreg tape including reinforcing fibers oriented longitudinally thereof. The prepreg tape is wound a plurality of times over the prepreg sheet from a tip end region to a butt end region of the rod. Adjacent winds of the prepreg tape partly overlap each other in the tip end region, and are spaced from each other axially of the rod in the butt end region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article of paper machine clothing for use in high temperature applications, which article comprises:a) a paper contacting surface layer adapted in use to contact a forming paper sheet;b) a base layer structure; andc) at least one intermediate layer disposed between said surface layer and said base layer structure, characterised in that said surface layer comprises a fibrous or continuous layer constituting a thermal barrier and providing properties of sheet release.

Abstract: A pultruded shaped composite material of carbon fiber having a diameter not greater than 0.001 inch aligned linearly with a degree of waviness defined by an average amplitude to length (A/L) ratio of less than 0.9 percent, the matrix formed around the fiber and solidified or cured into a rigid form that will not melt during subsequent processing steps to prevent an increase in waviness during subsequent processing steps. The matrix material consists essentially of a resin present in the range of about 10 to 50 percent by volume of the composite material. The A /L ratio is determined by measuring the distribution of angularity found in the aligned carbon fibers in a selective cross section cut at five degrees to the fiber plane, wherein the standard deviation for a 300 sample angularity measurement is not greater than 0.88 degrees.

Abstract: A composite of an insulative layer and a fire retardant fabric which is used to make protective articles for laser surgery and which possesses favorable burning, flashing, and resistance to burn through properties. The insulative layer is preferably a hydrogel or other hydrophilic material such as a polyurethane, collagen, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl alcohol, or polyvinyl acetal. The fire retardant fabric is preferably a fabric woven or knitted from polyamide or polyimide fibers having a thickness sufficient to provide the desired degree of protection.

Abstract: A protective high pressure steam deflector comprising a laminate of an outer layer of woven poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) and an inner layer of aluminum is disclosed.

Abstract: A laminate for honeycomb structures comprised of two outside layers having good surface adhesion and a tough core layer, said core constituting from 50 to 70% by weight of the laminate and containing from about 60 to 80% by weight of poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) fibrids and each outside layer constituting from 15 to 25% by weight of the laminate and containing about 60 to 70% by weight of floc.

Abstract: A laminate suitable for electrostatic discharge interference and/or electromagnetic interference shielding comprising a polymetaphenylene isophthalamide fiber layer on one or both sides of a conducting layer comprising conducting fibers and polymetaphenylene isophthalamide fibers.

Abstract: A flexible article of manufacture especially suitable for use as a ballistic resistant body armor which comprises at least one substrate, said layers being a fibrous layer, and at least one layer having a plurality of bodies sewn to at least one surface of said substrate layer, said bodies having one or more flexible seams which allow portions of said body to flex along said seam.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced thermoplastic sheet such as a flame-resistant, fiber-reinforced thermoplastic sheet comprising at least one first layer formed by impregnating a woven or knitted fabric of continuous carbon fibers with a matrix resin of a thermoplastic resin and at least one second layer formed by impregnating a fiber structure material of a heat-resistant fiber with a matrix resin of a thermoplastic resin, the above first layer(s) and the second layer(s) being laminated integrally, the second layer having the heat-resistant fibers substantially uniformly distributed in the matrix resin in the cross section of the sheet and substantially having no voids of which the diameter exceeds the fiber diameter of the heat-resistant fibers, the fiber structure material, used in the second layer, having a fiber-entangling strength of at least 1.0 kg/mm.sup.2 in any directions crossing at right angles; and a process for the production thereof.

Abstract: Fibrous substrates for the production of carbon and/or ceramic (including mixtures of these) fiber reinforced carbon and/or ceramic (including mixtures of these) composites and to methods of manufacture of same. A shaped filamentary structure comprising at least a first braided filamentary tape layer of a width generally corresponding to that of the filamentary structure to be formed, the first braided filamentary tape layer superposed upon and joined to least one other filamentary layer by needlepunching to produce cross-linking of the layers by filaments displaced out of the layers and extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the faces of the layers, and methods of making same. The structure may include a plurality of hellically wound braided tapes arranged to form a flat, hollow annulus having a plurality of interleaved braided layers. The structure may be used in the production of friction discs.

Abstract: An article of protective clothing designed for protection against blast has first sheet (11) of solid material backed by a second sheet (12) of pneumatic material. The physical properties and dimensions of the two sheet (11, 12) being such that an acoustic decoupling effect is provided which greatly reduces the pressure wave effect on the body of a person wearing the clothing. The first sheet (11) might by of GRP. 9 mm thick with an areal density of 20 kg/square meter and a second sheet (12) of pneumatic material having a nominal thickness of 20 mm. 94% air content and a density of 45 kg cubic meter.

Abstract: A method for preparing a carbon fiber-reinforced cement material is here disclosed which comprises the step of using, as a reinforcing material, a carbon fiber from which a gas has been removed by replacing the gas captured in the fiber with water. This method permits providing the carbon fiber-reinforced cement material having a large reinforcing effect by the fiber.

Abstract: A polyamide resin composition comprising: (a) 100 parts by weight of a polyamide; (b) from about 1 part to about 80 parts by weight of an aromatic polyamide fiber; (c) from about 3 parts to about 80 parts by weight of a polytetrafluoroethylene; and (d) from about 1 part to about 20 parts by weight of high-density polyethylene is disclosed. The polyamide resin composition can be molded into sliding members, like bearings, bushings and slide rails, that demonstrate excellent mechanical and physical properties, like low frictional force, low self-abrasion, and low abrasion to metals.

Abstract: The warp and weft yarns are woven either conventionally, one over the other, or with certain reinforcing yarns being woven over several yarns. The majority of the warp and weft yarns have a tensile modulus of 100 grams/denier or less. The reinforcing yarns have a tensile modulus of 500 grams per denier or greater. The majority comprise Dacron type polyester yarns. The reinforcing yarns (every 5th-100th) are Kevlar or Spectra.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided high molecular weight polyethylene molecular orientation molded articles formed from high molecular weight polyethylenes having a weight average molecular weight of 300,000-600,000, said molecular orientation molded articles having a fineness of not more than 15 deniers, a tensile strength of more than at least 1.7 GPa and satisfying the tensile strength S (GPa)-weight average molecular weight M. (g/mol)-fineness D (denier) relationship represented by the formula [I] ##EQU1## and processes for preparing the same. Further in accordance with the present invention, there are also provided high molecular weight polyethylene molecular orientation molded articles formed from high molecular weight polyethylene having a weight average molecular weight of exceeding 600,000 and satisfying the relationship represented by the formula [II].

Abstract: Continuous, woven and non-woven glass fibers are impregnated with certain silanes before use of the fibers to make reinforced thermoplastic composites using pultrusion or compression molding. Continuous, woven and non-woven glass fiber reinforced composites are also made by concurrently combining the fibers with certain silanes and a thermoplastic matrix material using pultrusion or compression molding.

Abstract: Microcellular carbon filaments having a specific gravity no greater than about 1.4 are formed from PAN foamed filaments by carbonizing. These low density carbon filaments, which may also be hollow, have improved insulation properties compared with conventional PAN precursor carbon fibers and can be used as a replacement to rayon precursor carbon fibers where greater insulation is necessary.

Abstract: A reinforcing material for duroplastics made of a web in the form of a woven, non-woven, fiber-woven, or mesh. The web has at least two intersecting and/or interwoven thread systems. One thread system extends mainly across and the other mainly along the web. One thread system partly or completely covers the other. Plastic microspheres with a diameter of 20 to 300 .mu.m are positioned inside the thread systems. The covering thread system contains approximately 60 to 100% by volume of the microspheres.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an elastic polyurethane obtained by copolymerization of a polymer diol of a polyesterpolycarbonate diol utilizing a long-chain diol having methyl branches or a mixed diol of a polyester diol and a polycarbonate diol, with an organic diisocyanate and a chain extender. Elastic fibers obtained by spinning said polyurethane have low tensile stress at low tensile strain zone and high tensile stress at high tensile strain zone.

Abstract: A non-metallic honeycomb structure wherein the thermal conductivity of the structure is increased by incorporating high thermal conductivity pitch-based carbon fibers into the non-metallic resin matrix. In addition to increasing thermal conductivity, the pitch-based carbon fibers are utilized to provide controlled directional heat conductance through the honeycomb structure.

Abstract: Substrate materials are saturated with vinyl ester or polyester resins containing polymerizable, vaporizable, ethylenically unsaturated monomers and an emission suppressing amount of ceresin wax and a drying oil such as corn oil and an epoxidized drying oil such as epoxidized soybean oil. The secondary adhesion is improved. The substrate materials are useful in the preparation of laminates.

Abstract: A lightweight and strong plate member for light-shielding blades usable for the super-high speed shutter of a camera or the like is of a symmetrical structure with respect to a center plane in the thickness direction, and comprises reinforced surface layers having continuous carbon fibers arranged in one direction parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the light shielding blade, and matrix resin including this fiber, and a reinforced intermediate layer having the continuous carbon fibers arranged in one direction, and matrix resin including this fiber. The fiber directions of the intermediate layer is substantially orthogonal to that of the surface layers, and the carbon fiber of the surface layers has a tensile modulus of elasticity of 30,000 Kgf/mm.sup.2 or more, tensile strength of 350 Kgf/mm.sup.2 or more, and elongation of 1.0% or more, and the carbon fiber of the intermediate layer has an elongation of 1.0% or more.

Abstract: A vibration damper of a high polymer resin sheet which contains epizoelectric ceramic powder and a cloth layer placed therein including carbon fibers, which provides excellent as well as consistent and reliable damping effects in a relatively wide temperature range and also a method for producing the vibration damper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hybrid prepreg having reinforcing carbon fibers and foreign fibers. The carbon fibers have a diameter ranging from 5-30 microns and are unidirectionally arranged. The foreign fibers are composed either of single monofilaments having a diameter ranging from between about 50-150 microns or of strands formed by bundling together a plurality of single monofilaments having a diameter ranging from between about 5-50 microns. If strands are employed, they have a conversion diameter (D.sub.0) which is less than about 500 microns. The conversion diameter (D.sub.0) is represented by the following equation: ##EQU1## wherein n is the number of monofilaments used in forming the strand, and wherein d is the diameter of these monofilaments. Examples of foreign fibers which can be used when practicing this invention include boron fibers, metal fibers and organic fibers.

Abstract: A composite is produced by first coating a reinforcing material with an inorganic phosphazene compound and then polymerizing the phosphazene compound so as to confer superior thermal, physical and chemical resistance qualities to the composite.

Abstract: A three-dimensional arrangement of carbon fibers made from mesophase pitch are used to reinforce polymer resins to form a composite material. The composite material exhibits high thermal conductivity values on all axes through the composite.