Abstract: The invention relates to a structural mat for reinforcing a wind turbine blade structure. The structural mat comprises two or more groups of bonded fibers, the fibers being bonded by a matrix substantially preventing relative movement of said fibers and wherein said groups are connected to each other by connection means limiting the relative movement of said groups. The invention further relates to a wind turbine blade and a method for manufacturing a wind turbine blade.

Abstract: Prepregs and stacks of prepregs based on reactive epoxy resins that can be cured at lower externally applied temperatures such as from 70° C. to 110° C. with acceptably short cycle times comprise epoxy resins of epoxy equivalent weight from 200 to 500 containing a curing agent but no hardener.

Abstract: A method of preparing a reinforcing structure for use in manufacture a pultruded part where the reinforcing structure is pulled through a pultrusion die in a continuous longitudinal pull direction. The method includes arranging a plurality of first reinforcing fibers in a transverse direction and attaching a permeable transport web of staple fibers to the first reinforcing fibers such that the portion of the first reinforcing fibers oriented in the direction transverse comprises at least 30% of a volume of materials comprising the reinforcing structure.

Abstract: Mechanically entangled, in-line formed, packs of glass fibers are mechanically entangled differently at different portions of the web. In one exemplary embodiment, in-line formed glass fibers are mechanically entangled by any combination of two or more entangling devices. The two or more entangling devices may be the same or different. In one exemplary embodiment, the glass fibers are mechanically entangled from at least a first side of a web by a first entangling device and are mechanically entangled from a second side of the web by a second entangling device.

Abstract: Composite panel, particularly for forming roof panels of cars and/or industrial vehicles, and method of manufacturing the composite panel, which composite panel includes a core of foamed material, at least one skin layer of nonwoven material, and at least one connecting layer between the core of foamed material and the skin layer of nonwoven material.

Abstract: A method produces a flat semi-finished product from a fiber composite material that contains individual carbon fibers, carbon fiber bundles, or a mixture thereof in a defined anisotropic fiber orientation and a thermoplastic matrix material. The anisotropy of the carbon fibers is created in a carding process using the high orientability of admixed non-carbon textile fibers, at least some of the non-carbon textile fibers being thermoplastic, and the carbon fibers having been isolated from waste or used parts. The flat fibrous web which is produced by a carding process and which has a specific orientation of the carbon fibers in the longitudinal direction is compressed into a sheet material under the effect of heat. This enables the use of carbon fibers, for example from production waste, as reinforcing fibers, whereby a less expensive raw material is provided and the carbon fibers are contained in the waste materials are recycled.

Abstract: Curable compositions, such as oxazine-based ones, are useful in applications within the aerospace industry, such as for example as a thermosetting resin composition for use as a matrix resin in processes, such as resin transfer molding, vacuum assisted transfer molding, resin film infusion, prepregging and towpregging, where the composites or laminates so prepared have superior surface finish and high fiber consolidation.

Abstract: A reinforcement layer (2) is based on parallel rovings (2a) of continuous glass strands, and one or two binding layers (3) consisting of portions of fibers having a heat-meltable surface. The assembly is consolidated by penetrating fiber portions (3b) that penetrate into the heat-meltable surface, these penetrating over a part of their length into the reinforcement layer (2) and adhering to the continuous glass strands of the rovings (2a).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a versatile multi-layer elastomer or thermoplastic elastomer based thermal and/or sound insulation material with improved fire retardant properties together with low smoke generation, the process for manufacturing of such material and the use of such material and resulting composites.

Abstract: A composite sheet useful as a housewrap is provided having a textile substrate, with a cellular, polymer layer coated on at least one side of the substrate, wherein the cellular, polymer layer is created by applying a foamed, latex coating and heating the latex to create a semi-rigid, cellular membrane, and a water repellant finish applied to the outer surface of the textile substrate or the polymer layer. The properties of the composite sheet may be further modified by calendering, to reduce the overall thickness of the sheet by 50% or more.

Abstract: A process for continuous, tailored lamination of aligned composite materials in such a way that either pre-formed or pre-consolidated sheets are made available for subsequent infusion molding or stamping processes, the process comprising the steps of: material placement, consolidation/stabilization, cut and kit, fabrication, and final trim. A tailored blank machine is also described. The blank machine includes a series of material placement heads arranged in a linear or serial fashion along a single moving placement table, wherein each head lays down a single angle of the prescribed stacking sequence as the conveyer passes under the head at a constant speed wherein the angle is proportional to head traverse rate divided by conveyer speed.

Abstract: A reinforced fabric that includes a first fiber group and a thread. The first fiber group includes a plurality of fiber sets positioned substantially parallel to one another. Each of the fiber sets includes a plurality of fibers. The thread is formed of at least one strand of material. The thread has an outer surface that is formed of a material having a melting point that is less than the melting point of the fibers in the fiber sets. The thread is stitched about the fiber sets to at least partially maintain a position of the fiber sets relative to one another. The thread forms a plurality of heat created permanent closed loop structures in the reinforced fabric. At least one of the loop structures encircles at least one fiber set. At least one of the fibers in the fibers sets is not strongly bonded to the thread that encircles the fiber set.

Abstract: A composite sheet material, useful as a component of roofing shingles, and a process of making same, which includes a glass fiber web bound with a thermosetting resin which includes a fatty acid amide having the structural formula RCOONH2, where R is a C8-C25 alkyl.

Abstract: A reinforced fabric that includes a first fiber group and a thread. The first fiber group includes a plurality of fiber sets positioned substantially parallel to one another. Each of the fiber sets includes a plurality of fibers. The thread is formed of at least one strand of material. The thread has an outer surface that is formed of a material having a melting point that is less than the melting point of the fibers in the fiber sets. The thread is stitched about the fiber sets to at least partially maintain a position of the fiber sets relative to one another. The thread forms a plurality of heat created permanent closed loop structures in the reinforced fabric. At least one of the loop structures encircles at least one fiber set. At least one of the fibers in the fibers sets is not strongly bonded to the thread that encircles the fiber set.

Abstract: Ballistic resistant fabric laminates are provided. More particularly, reinforced, delamination resistant, ballistic resistant composites are provided. The delamination resistant, ballistic resistant materials and articles may be reinforced by various techniques, including stitching one or more ballistic resistant panels with a high strength thread, melting the edges of a ballistic resistant panel to reinforce areas that may have been frayed during standard trimming procedures, wrapping one or more panels with one or more woven or non-woven fibrous wraps, and combinations of these techniques. The delamination resistant, ballistic resistant panels may further include at least one rigid plate attached thereto for improving ballistic resistance performance.

Abstract: The invention relates to glass fibers having a chemical composition that contains the following constituents in the limits defined hereafter and expressed in percentage by weight, namely: 38 to 49 SiO2; 15 to 25 Al2O3; 1 to 15 CaO; 0 to 4 MgO; 14 to 25 Na2O; 0 to 10 K2O; 0 to 8 B2O3; 0 to 3 Fe2O3; and 0 to 3 P2O5.

Abstract: A mat useful for reinforcing composite materials is made up of at least first and second sets of fibers, the first set of fibers laid as a ply in spaced apart parallel relationship in the direction of construction and the second set laid as a ply in spaced apart parallel relationship perpendicular to the direction of construction. These fibers define interstices, into which a continuous filament is knitted to provide stability. The filament has a core portion and a sheath portion, the sheath portion having a lower melting point than the core portion. The sheath portion is thermally fusible to form a plurality of closed loops in which the respective sets of fibers are entrapped. The fibers are glass or glass rovings and the filament is a polyester, the core portion being a high-viscosity poly(ethylene terephthalate) and the sheath portion being a low-viscosity poly(ethylene terephthalate).

Abstract: A marine flexible laminate system at a minimum includes a primer layer and an adhesive layer. The system optionally includes at least one functional top coating layer which may be applied either underwater or before submersing. Other layers include a backing layer and a heat curing layer. The marine laminate is directly applied to one or more surfaces submerged under-water by contacting the submerged surface with the adhesive layer of the flexible marine laminate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a multi-layer nonwoven fiber material, and related methods of manufacturing the material. In one exemplary embodiment, the fiber material includes a first layer of directionally aligned fibers together with a second layer of randomly dispersed fibers dispersed over the first layer. Consistent with one exemplary method for manufacturing a nonwoven fiber material, the method includes dispersing a first plurality of fibers horizontally in one or more predetermined directions, as well as dispersing a second plurality of fibers horizontally in random directions. In such an embodiment, the second plurality of fibers is dispersed over the first plurality of fibers. Moreover, an exemplary embodiment of a roofing shingle employing a nonwoven fiber material as described herein is as disclosed.

Abstract: A composite part made from a sheet molding compound is disclosed as having improved characteristics over traditional sheet molding compound composite parts. The fibrous material is introduced as a veil layer adjacent a paste layer, the veil flows well during the molding process. The improved flow and surface characteristics of a composite part are attributed to the elongation of the veil during molding and to the improved filling capabilities.

Abstract: A crosslinkable thermal interface material is produced by combining at least one rubber compound, at least one amine resin and at least one thermally conductive filler. This interface material takes on the form of a liquid or “soft gel”. The gel state is brought about through a crosslinking reaction between the at least one rubber compound composition and the at least one amine resin composition. Once the foundation composition that comprises at least one rubber compound, at least one amine resin, and at least one thermally conductive filler has been prepared, the composition must be compared to the needs of the electronic component, vendor, or electronic product to determine if a phase change material is needed to change some of the physical properties of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to composite materials and to methods of manufacturing the composite materials. In particular, the composite material of the present invention utilizes combinations of continuous fibers in the form of loops, chopped fibers, woven fibers and foams.

Abstract: A crosslinkable thermal interface material is produced by combining at least one rubber compound, at least one amine resin and at least one thermally conductive filler. This interface material takes on the form of a liquid or “soft gel”. The gel state is brought about through a crosslinking reaction between the at least one rubber compound composition and the at least one amine resin composition. Once the foundation composition that comprises at least one rubber compound, at least one amine resin, and at least one thermally conductive filler has been prepared, the composition must be compared to the needs of the electronic component, vendor, or electronic product to determine if a phase change material is needed to change some of the physical properties of the composition.

Abstract: A substantially laterally pressure-loaded panel has a side aspect ratio of at least 1.5, is formed of at least two reinforcement layers of substantially unidirectional fibers. The predominant orientation of the fibers form an angle of between about ±55°-±75° (preferably about 60°) with the longer side of the panel, with about one-half of the layers having a positive (+) angle and about one-half a negative (?) angle, within the range. The panel preferably has about 60-100% of its thickness formed by the reinforcement layers. The panels can be used can be used in boat and/or shipbuilding structural panels, pressure-loaded tanks, pressure-vessels and other corresponding structures that are subjected to a lateral pressure load.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a composite support with fire resistance property for bituminous roofing sheaths. The composite support (9) comprises a first (1) and a second (7) layer of non-woven synthetic material met and a glass film (6) interposed between said layers (1, 7), between which a plurality of longitudinally oriented reinforcing glass filaments (4) are interposed.

Abstract: A crosslinkable thermal interface material is produced by combining at least one rubber compound, at least one amine resin and at least one thermally conductive filler. This interface material takes on the form of a liquid or “soft gel”. The gel state is brought about through a crosslinking reaction between the at least one rubber compound composition and the at least one amine resin composition. Once the foundation composition that comprises at least one rubber compound, at least one amine resin, and at least one thermally conductive filler has been prepared, the composition must be compared to the needs of the electronic component, vendor, or electronic product to determine if a phase change material and/or at least one solvent is needed to change some of the physical properties of the composition.

Abstract: The invention concerns a web comprising an intimate mixture of mixed slivers of long reinforcing staple fibres (14) obtained by stretch-breaking and long thermoplastic matrix fibres (15), those different fibres being parallel in the mixture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of forming a prepreg material having substantially no voids. According to the process of the invention, the reinforcing material is heated to a temperature above the temperature of the impregnating resin. The prepreg formed has substantially no voids and does not require lengthy consolidation when formed into useful articles.

Abstract: A crosslinkable thermal interface material is produced by combining at least one rubber compound, at least one amine resin and at least one thermally conductive filler. This interface material takes on the form of a liquid or “soft gel”. The gel state is brought about through a crosslinking reaction between the at least one rubber compound composition and the at least one amine resin composition. Once the foundation composition that comprises at least one rubber compound, at least one amine resin, and at least one thermally conductive filler has been prepared, the composition must be compared to the needs of the electronic component, vendor, or electronic product to determine if a phase change material is needed to change some of the physical properties of the composition.

Abstract: Fibers and fibrous materials are disclosed that comprise a functional fiber and a binder fiber. The functional fiber can be a continuous or a staple fiber, while the binder fiber is a staple bicomponent fiber. Uses of the fibers and fibrous materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: A substantially laterally pressure-loaded panel has a side aspect ratio of at least 1.5, is formed of at least two reinforcement layers of substantially unidirectional fibers. The predominant orientations of the fibers form an angle of between about ±55°-±75° (preferably about 60°) with the longer side of the panel, with about one-half of the layers having a positive (+) angle and about one-half a negative (−) angle, within the range. The panel preferably has about 60-100% of its thickness formed by the reinforcement layers. The panels can be used in boat and/or shipbuilding structural panels, pressure-loaded tanks, pressure-vessels and other corresponding structures that are subjected to a lateral pressure load.

Abstract: The present invention is a multiple zone member (29) having at least a first zone (300) and a second zone (302); the member includes a backing (120, 122) and a sheet of fibers (126); the sheet of fibers in the first zone having anchor portions (127) in the backing at spaced bonding locations (128) and having arcuate portions (130) of the sheet projecting from the backing between bonding locations; the arcuate portions in the first zone having a height (301) from the backing; the sheet of fibers in the second zone having anchor portions in the backing at spaced bonding locations and having arcuate portions of the sheet projecting form the backing between bonding locations; the arcuate portions in the second zone having a height (304) from the backing which is less than the height of the arcuate portions from the backing in the first zone.

Abstract: Carbon fiber sheet materials having improved dimensional stability and ease of handling are provided. The sheet materials include a carbon fiber network and an adhesive polymeric material adhered to at least one surface of the carbon fiber network. The invention further provides methods of making the carbon fiber sheet materials, as well as electrodes and electrical energy storage devices which include the carbon fiber sheet material as a component thereof.

Abstract: Fibers and fibrous materials are disclosed that comprise a functional fiber and a binder fiber. The functional fiber can be a continuous or a staple fiber, while the binder fiber is a staple bicomponent fiber. Uses of the fibers and fibrous materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fabric comprising fiber strands having a coating that is more soluble in a resin matrix material than conventional slashing and/or silane finishes. As a result, the coating does not have to be removed prior to combining the coated fiber strand with a resin matrix material. These fabrics can be used in a wide variety of applications, such as reinforcements for composites, such as printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A non-woven fibre web comprising a plurality of first fibres of amorphous silica, said first fibres being orientated in the x-, y- and optionally z-direction, and optionally being bonded with one or more binder substances, characterised in that one or more continuous strands are embedded within the non-woven fibre web, each continuous strand comprising one or more second fibres of amorphous silica, and a method for the manufacture thereof is disclosed. Also disclosed is an ion-conducting membrane comprising said non-woven web and the use thereof, in particular, in a fuel cell.

Abstract: Described is an interface material composition that includes rubber, phase change material and thermally conductive filler.

Abstract: A multi-layer fabric is prepared from a chopped glass-fiber strand mat, at least one layer of continuous glass-fiber rovings and a porous tissue-paper backing. The tissue paper is disposed on a first lateral surface of the chopped-strand mat. The roving layer(s) overlay an opposed lateral surface of the mat. The layers are stitch-bonded together to form a complex fabric having advantageous resin wet-out when used as a reinforcement in a composite product.

Abstract: Roofing material is improved by adhering to at least part of its lower surface a backing material consisting essentially of a fiber component and a binder component. Acceptable fibers include polyester, glass and woodpulp. In a preferred embodiment, the fiber component is a mixture of polyester and glass fibers and the binder is a latex binder.

Abstract: There are described a dimensionally stable laminate whose surfaces are formed by spunbonded webs and comprising at least two layers of spunbonded and at least one laid layer of reinforcing yarn, the laid layer or layers each being disposed between two layers of spunbonded and having a thread density of from 0.5 to 3 threads/cm, spunbonded and laid layers having been joined together by needling at about 20-70 stitches/cm2, a process for manufacturing this laminate, and its use for manufacturing roofing sheets and roof sealing sheets.

Abstract: A recycled asphalt roofing material for use on sloped roofs, which provides the required elevated melt point without using prior art methods of oxidizing the asphalt prior to incorporation into the roofing material is provided. The recycled asphalt roofing material is made up of approximately 30% flux asphalt and approximately 70% reclaimed asphalt roofing material. The fibrous backing in the reclaimed material modifies the asphalt in such a way as to provide the required elevated melt point. The manufacturing process for recycled fiberglass mat-based roll and shingle roofing, in its preferred embodiment, consists of impregnating a roofing material backbone, such as a fiberglass or polyester mat with recycled asphalt material to form inner and outer layers of recycled material and then applying optional second inner and outer layers of standard asphalt coating to the inner and outer layers of the recycled material.

Abstract: This invention relates to generally to geosynthetic materials which can be used for earthen reinforcement, and more particularly to a novel geosynthetic material exhibiting less strain under an initial tensile load then presently available geosynthetic materials.

Abstract: Disclosed is a base inliner comprising a textile sheet material and a reinforcement, wherein said reinforcement absorbs a force so that, in a stress-strain diagram (at 20.degree. C.), the load at an elongation within the range between 0 and 1% differs by at least 10% at at least one location for said base inliner with said reinforcement compared with said base inliner without said reinforcement, preferably by at least 20%, particularly preferably by at least 30%. The base inliner is useful for producing optionally bituminized roofing and sealing membranes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a base inliner comprising a textile sheet material and a reinforcement, wherein said reinforcement comprises monofilaments whose diameter is at least 0.1 mm, preferably between 0.1 and 1 mm. The base inliner is useful for producing optionally bituminized roofing and sealing membranes.

Abstract: A preform suitable for use in a resin transfer molding process comprising (1) one or more layers of a non-woven random mat and (2) one or more layers of a series of tows of unidirectional fibers held together by a polymeric curable resin film grid. The polymeric resin film is in the form of a grid, such that only a fraction of the surface area of the fibers contacts the resin film.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning discontinuous fibers (F 101, 212) is described. A feeder apparatus (20, 120, 220, 220A) is used to align the fibers in a horizontal plane for feeding to the aligning apparatus (40, 140, 240, 240A) providing an electrical (E) field to orient the fibers in one preselected direction. A support or conveyor (70, 170, 270) receives the aligned fibers. The method and apparatus provides composite products having improved physical properties because of the alignment. The fibers can be of different lengths and a mixture of different types to make composites with controlled microstructure and properties. The composite materials can be in the form of non-woven, discontinuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic stampable sheets with controlled fiber orientation distribution. The composites are useful for a variety of goods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a needled mat adapted to reinforce a thermosetting matrix material to form a composite, composites formed therefrom, and methods related thereto. The needled mat includes a primary layer of a plurality of unidirectional continuous glass fiber strands coated with a composition which is compatible with the thermosetting matrix material and a secondary layer positioned thereon of a plurality of randomly oriented, generally continuous and/or chopped glass fiber strands coated with a composition which is compatible with the thermosetting matrix material. The mat has a total surface weight ranging from about 1300 to about 11,500 grams per square meter.

Abstract: Compound threads (1) and the fabrics obtained therefrom are very inexpensive, of acceptable quality and preferably useable to make recyclable disposable garments. The threads (1) include a thin carrier thread (2) to which a web mass (3), coming from the carding of the fiber used, is adhered, preferably by use of a water-soluble glue or electrostatic means. The compound thread (1) has the possibility of making use, upon making the web (3), of the shortest fibrils that are usually disposed of. One of the fabrics obtained consists of a band or strip of web (3) that includes several carrier threads (2) placed parallel to each other and that can be cut to obtain compound threads (1.) Another fabric consists of weft thread and crossed warp thread of which all or some, depending on the different combinations, are compound threads (1.

Abstract: A method for producing asphalt fibers includes supplying molten asphalt to a rotating asphalt spinner, centrifuging asphalt fibers from the asphalt spinner, and collecting the asphalt fibers. The molten asphalt is supplied to the asphalt spinner at a temperature within the range of from about 270.degree. to about 500.degree. F. Also disclosed is a method for integrating asphalt with reinforcement fibers including the steps of establishing a downwardly moving veil of reinforcement fibers, such as glass fibers, and centrifuging asphalt fibers from a rotating asphalt spinner positioned within the veil of reinforcement fibers to integrate the asphalt with the reinforcement fibers. A method for making an asphalt roofing shingle includes the steps of assembling together a mat of asphalt fibers with a mat of reinforcement fibers, coating the assembled mats to form an asphalt coated sheet, applying granules to the asphalt coated sheet, and cutting the asphalt coated sheet into roofing shingles.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a synthetic reinforcing strand of filaments in which the strand density is reduced by spacing the filaments apart along their length with heat expandable hollow particles such as plastic microspheres expanded into microballoons and the method of making such strands. Also embodied in the invention are methods utilizing such strands in processes for making composite structures.