Abstract: This invention relates to novel airbag coating compositions and systems comprising pre-expanded or non-expandable microspheres that provide effective insulation for the target airbag fabric during exothermic inflation. The inventive airbag fabrics are either pre-calendered prior to application of this composition or are coated through a gap (floating) knife method with such heat-expandable microsphere-containing compositions. The coated airbag fabrics and cushions may then be heated to evaporate the solvent within the coating composition. The resultant fabric thus exhibits the presence of the microsphere constituents of the coating compositions both within the interstices between the individual yarns of the fabric and over the raised yarns of the fabric.

Abstract: A process for continuous composite coextrusion comprising: (a) forming first a material-laden composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer and at least about 40 volume % of a ceramic or metallic particulate in a manner such that the composition has a substantially cylindrical geometry and thus can be used as a substantially cylindrical feed rod; (b) forming a hole down the symmetrical axis of the feed rod; (c) inserting the start of a continuous spool of ceramic fiber, metal fiber or carbon fiber through the hole in the feed rod; (d) extruding the feed rod and spool simultaneously to form a continuous filament consisting of a green matrix material completely surrounding a dense fiber reinforcement and said filament having an average diameter that is less than the average diameter of the feed rod; and (e) depositing the continuous filament into a desired architecture which preferably is determined from specific loading conditions of the desired object and CAD design of the object to provide a green fiber rei

Abstract: A thermally conductive molded article is produced by molding a conductive composition into a predetermined shape. The composition includes a polymer matrix and carbon powders. The carbon powders are obtained by graphitizing a polymeric material that has an aromatic ring on its main chain by heating. The carbon powders are aligned in a certain direction in the polymer matrix. Thus, the molded article can be produced easily and effectively that has excellent thermal conductivity in a given direction and that is suitable for use as a heat radiator, heat transfer member, or a component thereof in electronic hardware.

Abstract: A waterproofed fabric and a sealing tape for a waterprrofed fabric each include a waterproof layer, a resin composition containing spherical particles with a specified particle size laminated to the waterproof layer. A waterproof article of clothing uses the fabric and the sealing tape. The article has a waterproof property, is very comfortable to wear, inexpensive, and light in weight.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric comprised of a self-sustaining pre-bonded web formed by carding together first relatively thin monocomponent fibers, second relatively thicker monocomponent fibers, and 1-5% bicomponent fibers with the low softening point component thereof bonding together the first, second and bicomponent fibers to form the self-sustaining web. Six to ten percent by weight of cured latex particles are disposed within the fabric and smeared on the outer surfaces of the fabric, the particles being cured in situ to provide enhanced tensile strength to the fabric.

Abstract: A method for fabricating fiber-reinforced composite structures, including centrifuge rotors, by resin transfer molding (RTM) is disclosed. The method involves loading reinforcing fibers into a mold and then injecting resin into the mold to coat the fibers to form the composite structure. Two types of reinforcing fibers are used—fabric preforms at the surfaces of the structure and chopped fibers at the interior of the structure. Also disclosed is a fiber-reinforced composite structure comprising a skin layer of reinforcing fabric, chopped fibers distributed throughout the interior of the structure, and epoxy resin that binds the fabric and chopped fibers together into a fiber-reinforced composite structure. The resin transfer molding method is especially useful for fabricating composite centrifuge rotors.

Abstract: A synthetic coated surface product which includes a substrate, an interface layer which is a polymeric composition that has penetrated the substrate layer to a sufficient depth to inhibit delamination, and a layer of granules mixed with a polyester resin supported on the interface layer. The surface can be left as cured and unfinished for a rough finish, subsequently sanded to provide a matte finish, or after sanding, polished for a shiny finish.

Abstract: A textile treatment process, treatment bath, and treated fabric are disclosed. The process imparts water repellant, stain resistant, and wrinkle-free properties as well as aesthetically pleasing hand properties to a fabric made in whole or in part of fibers having a hydroxyl group, such as cellulosic fibers, though immersion in an aqueous bath and subsequent heating for curing. The aqueous treatment bath contains a urea resin, polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) and, preferably, fluoroalkyl acrylate co-polymer.

Abstract: Prepregs for an electronic support comprising: (a) a matrix material; and (b) at least one non-degreased fabric comprising at least one strand comprising a plurality of fibers, wherein at least a portion of the fabric comprises a coating which is compatible with the matrix material, and wherein the at least one strand has a shape factor of greater than 1, measured in the warp direction or the fill direction of the at least one non-degreased fabric. Laminates for an electronic support comprising: (a) a matrix material; and (b) at least one non-degreased fabric comprising at least one strand comprising a plurality of fibers, wherein at least a portion of the fabric comprises a coating which is compatible with the matrix material, and wherein the at least one strand has a shape factor of greater than 1, measured in the warp direction or the fill direction of the at least one non-degreased fabric. Electronic supports and electronic circuit boards comprising at least one prepreg or at least one laminate.

Abstract: A bedding mat for supporting an exhaust gas catalyst in a metallic catalyst housing used to purify motor vehicle exhaust gases comprises a yarn processed to form a flat textile structure. The yarn comprises a plurality of voluminous, thermally stable filaments which are aligned parallel with each other in a bundle and a casing around the bundle which decomposes upon heating. An edge protection made of thermally stable threads is provided along the edges of the flat structure.

Abstract: Small diameter silicon carbide-containing fibers are provided in a bundle such as a fiber tow that can be formed into a structure where the radii of curvature is not limited to 10-20 inches. An aspect of this invention is directed to impregnating the bundles of fibers with the slurry composition to substantially coat the outside surface of an individual fiber within the bundle and to form a complex shaped preform with a mass of continuous fibers.

Abstract: An interactive thermal insulating system of the present invention includes at least three layers. The first layer is a high density layer comprising a substrate is coated with a polymer binder in which a plurality of microspheres containing a phase change material are dispersed. The second layer is a low density fibrous mesh in which individual fibers contain a plurality of microspheres containing a phase change material dispersed therein. A third layer is a flexible substrate. The fibrous mesh is sandwiched between the coated layer and the third layer. The layers are bonded together by stitching at regular intervals, lamination, or other methods of connection. Most preferably, the phase change materials contained in the microspheres include paraffinic hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A reversible fabric particularly for use in the production of military rainflies is described. The fabric has first and second faces, each of which has a visually distinct color in order that rainflies and other articles made from the fabric can be used to provide inconspicuous shelter in two visually distinct environments. Each of the sides of the fabric provides requisite degrees of visual opacity and infrared reflectance, as well as other functional properties—such as water-resistance, etc. The fabric includes a dyed textile substrate and three coats of pigmented polyurethane having varying compositions; the composite fabric can be produced by a coating and/or laminating process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fabric material which may be used for a window covering, for example. The fabric has a first finish on a first side provided by a first pigment having a first particle size and a second finish on the second side provided by a second pigment having a second particle size larger than the first particle size. The material may be produced by a method in which the first and second finishes are applied simultaneously by a single operation.

Abstract: An energy sensitive composition comprising a monomeric organometallic complex essentially free of nucleophilic groups and which, upon exposure to energy, bonds to basic reactive sites on a substrate via the metal center, leaving the polymerizable group of the complex unreacted and unrestricted; an energy sensitive composition at least one energy sensitive organometallic group is incorporated in or appended to the backbone of a polymer, such that the resulting coordinatively unsaturated organometallic group or groups bond to basic reactive sites on a substrate, thus forming permanent bonds, and further, the adherent compositions are useful in applications such as adhesion of polymers to substrates, protective coatings, printing plates, durable release coatings, primers, binders, and paints.

Abstract: A laminate capable of mounting semiconductor elements thereon; comprising an insulating layer which is constituted by a resin portion of sea-island structure and a woven reinforcement. The resin portion of sea-island structure is, for example, such that a resin as islands are dispersed in a resin as a matrix. Thus, the insulating layer exhibits a coefficient of thermal expansion of 3.0.about.10 (ppm/K) in a planar direction thereof and a glass transition temperature of 150.about.300 (.degree.C.). Owing to these physical properties, thermal stresses which the laminate undergoes in packaging the semiconductor elements thereon can be reduced, so that the connections of the laminate with the semiconductor elements can be made highly reliable.

Abstract: An interactive thermal insulating system of the present invention includes at least three layers. The first layer is a high density layer comprising a substrate is coated with a polymer binder in which a plurality of microspheres containing a phase change material are dispersed. The second layer is a low density fibrous mesh in which individual fibers contain a plurality of microspheres containing a phase change material dispersed therein. A third layer is a flexible substrate. The fibrous mesh is sandwiched between the coated layer and the third layer. The layers are bonded together by stitching at regular intervals, lamination, or other methods of connection. Most preferably, the phase change materials contained in the microspheres include paraffinic hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A retroreflective article (100, 200, 300) that has a retroreflective layer (120, 220, 320) that includes optical elements (121, 221, 321) and a specularly reflective layer (122, 222, 322), and a binder layer (110, 210, 310), that is the reaction product of an epoxy resin and polymer that has a silicon-containing, crosslinkable, terminal, functional groups. Retroreflective articles of this construction can demonstrate good abrasion resistance and laundering durability.

Abstract: Abrasive articles and a method for the manufacture of such articles are described. The articles comprise a lofty nonwoven web of fibers, the fibers defining a first major web surface, a second major web surface and a middle web portion extending between the first and second major web surfaces; and a plurality of abrasive particles adhered to the surfaces of the fibers of at least one of the first or second major web surfaces and distributed along the lengths of the fibers in a substantially uniform manner, the particles comprising a distribution of particle sizes having a median particle diameter of about 60 microns or less.

Abstract: A method for fabricating fiber-reinforced composite structures, including centrifuge rotors, by resin transfer molding (RTM) is disclosed. The method involves loading reinforcing fibers into a mold and then injecting resin into the mold to coat the fibers to form the composite structure. Two types of reinforcing fibers are used--fabric preforms at the surfaces of the structure and chopped fibers at the interior of the structure. Also disclosed is a fiber-reinforced composite structure comprising a skin layer of reinforcing fabric, chopped fibers distributed throughout the interior of the structure, and epoxy resin that binds the fabric and chopped fibers together into a fiber-reinforced composite structure. The resin transfer molding method is especially useful for fabricating composite centrifuge rotors.

Abstract: An open weave, air permeable fiber pad is formed from a plurality of compressed, interlocked fiber strands. A non-uniform, three dimensional grid of spaced apart, expandable graphite particles are secured at randomly spaced apart intervals to individual fiber strands with a particle distribution density sufficient to form a barrier to air flow through a defined area of the fiber pad when exposed to a source of heat causing the expandable graphite particles to be converted from their normal volume to a heat-activated, substantially expanded volume.

Abstract: An open weave, air permeable fiber pad is formed from a plurality of compressed, interlocked fiber strands. A non-uniform, three dimensional grid of spaced apart, expandable graphite particles are secured at randomly spaced apart intervals to individual fiber strands with a particle distribution density sufficient to form a barrier to air flow through a defined area of the fiber pad when exposed to a source of heat causing the expandable graphite particles to be converted from their normal volume to a heat-activated, substantially expanded volume.

Abstract: An ink jet printing method for effecting printing on a print medium such as a sheet of cloth by applying a jet of an ink to the print medium. The print medium is formed by preparing a sheet of cloth containing a cationic substance, preparing a backing sheet having a layer of an adhesive agent, and bonding the sheet of cloth to the adhesive surface of the backing sheet. After the jet of ink is applied to the print medium, the sheet of cloth is peeled off from the backing sheet and the freed sheet of cloth is rinsed with rinsing water containing a cation blocking agent, followed by drying.

Abstract: The present invention provides a backing for a coated abrasive article, wherein the backing includes a tough, heat resistant, thermoplastic binder material, and an effective amount of a fibrous reinforcing material distributed throughout the thermoplastic binder material. The tough, heat resistant, thermoplastic binder material and the fibrous reinforcing material together form a hardened composition that will not substantially deform or disintegrate during use.

Abstract: Carpet material with at least a proportion of uncleaned used carpets is shredded to form a fiber-like wooly mass. The carpet material contains a thermoplastic binder with a low melting point, for example polypropylene, which can be derived from the used carpets or be added. Furthermore, a duroplastically hardening binder, for example phenolic resin, is added to the carpet material. The carpet material is compressed to form the molded part or panel with these two binders, at a temperature which lies above the plasticizing point of the thermoplastic binder, but below the plasticizing point of any other thermoplastic components of the carpet material.

Abstract: An absorbent composite, in particular for diapers, sanitary pads or napkins, mattress pads, incontinence briefs and liners or the like, has a support layer onto which a layer of a superabsorbent granular material is applied. A portion of the absorbent material is intimately connected to, particularly glued to, the support layer.

Abstract: A composite panel is provided which includes a resin matrix having embedded therewithin alternating layers of particulates and flexible sheeting. The composite panel is capable of supporting its own weight and exhibits impact resistance and shatter resistance. Preferably, the resin is transparent, the particulates are decorative, and the flexible sheeting becomes transparent upon curing of the resin. The composite panels are included within articles such as tables, desks, other furniture, vertical partitions, decorative panels, doors, windows and floors. Also included is a method of making the composite panels by molding layers of these materials within an open mold.

Abstract: In the production of a backed nonwoven fabric by needle-punching, calendaring or heat treatment of a spun-bonded or fiber nonwoven produced from a polymer or synthetic fiber, subsequent further processing of the resultant nonwoven with an aqueous solution or dispersion of a crosslinkable polymer or melamine resin and subsequent drying and coating with bitumen or PVC plastisol, the improvement wherein the solution or dispersion contains silica sol in a quantity such that the weight ratio of polymer:SiO.sub.2 is from about 3:1 to 1:3 and the weight ratio of melamine resin:SiO.sub.2 is from about 10:1 to 1:1. The products have improved tear strength and dimensional stability.

Abstract: A vibration damper material 1 composed of a laminated sheet having a base stock layer 3, a resilient layer 4, an primer layer 5, an organic component barrier layer 6 and an adhesive layer 7 successively laminated in that order from one to the other side thereof, and a release liner 8 stuck on the adhesive layer 7. The resilient layer 4 is constituted by a resilient material containing a vehicle consisting of a member or a mixture of two or more members selected from the group of asphalt, rubber, synthetic resins and cellulose derivatives, synthetic resin powder, and an elastic material having an elongation rate of 500% or higher. The organic component barrier layer functions to block permeation therethrough of organic components such as tar and oil components which would otherwise tend to migrate into the adhesive layer from the resilient layer.

Abstract: Structure, composition and method in which a fiber reinforcement is impregnated with an interpenetrating network of a light cure resin and a thermosetting resin which are independently curable, enabling autobody component repair, electronic assembly bonding, etc. by selective cure first of one or the other resin, and the support against fluid flow of the uncured resin by the first cured resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fibrous base material comprising fibrillated aramid fibers, cellulose fibers, and at least one type of filler material and a non-asbestos friction material produced therefrom by impregnating the fibrous base material with a phenolic or modified phenolic resin. The friction material exhibits good anti-shuddering properties and is especially useful in continuous slip clutch applications.

Abstract: A retroreflective composition of the present invention comprises non-volatile matrix material, volatile constituent, and a plurality of retroreflective microsphere beads wherein the ratio of the volume of matrix material to the volume of retroreflective microsphere beads is in the range of 75% to 185%, and is optimally suitable for use on fabrics.

Abstract: A sheet material is capable of converting a two dimensional image which may be of interest to a visually handicapped individual, into a three dimensional raised image that can be perceived by the visually handicapped individual using the individual's tactile sense. The method, apparatus and material uses a sheet-like substrate which is coated throughout its entire area by an expandable composition. A two dimensional, initially flat, image can be drawn, imprinted or otherwise placed on the substrate using a dark, dense color which is preferably black. The black color of the image absorbs energy to a greater extent than the surrounding substrate so that when the substrate is irradiated, for example, using an infrared lamp in an enclosure through which the sheet of material passes, the image becomes puffed and raised. The visually handicapped individual can than touch the surface of the substrate and easily perceive the raised image.

Abstract: A composite membrane comprises an inorganic support having interstices and porous inorganic films of sintered non-metallic particles carried by the support and bridging the interstices thereof. The support is preferably a woven metal mesh, with the films substantially coplanar with the support. The films may be formed by applying a suspension of refractory particles in a polymer solution to bridge the interstices of the support, and heating the films to partly sinter the particles. Since the films are in compression at ambient temperature, any cracks that may be formed by damage to the composite membrane tend not to propagate.