Abstract: A nozzle tip for producing glass fibers has a pair of long-side walls and a pair of short-side walls, each of the long-side walls and the short-side walls containing platinum or a platinum alloy, and a nozzle orifice for discharging the glass melt, the nozzle orifice being formed by the long-side walls and the short-side walls. The nozzle orifice has a flat hole shape in horizontal cross-section. Each of the long-side walls has a cut-out on a discharge side of the glass melt, a width of the cut-out being 10-55% of a length of a longitudinal center axis of the flat hole shape of the nozzle orifice. The pair of long-side walls has a symmetrical shape about the center axis of the nozzle orifice. This nozzle tip makes it possible to efficiently produce glass fibers having a desired cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: Methods of producing a glass sheet each comprise the step of creating a vacuum to force the entire lateral portion of the glass ribbon to engage an anvil portion of a breaking device in the elastic zone. The vacuum is provided by a plurality of pressure zones that are operated independent from one another, wherein each pressure zone is provided with a set of suction cups. In further examples, glass ribbon breaking devices each include a plurality of pressure zones that are configured to be operated independent from one another with each pressure zone being provided with set of suction cups.

Abstract: An exemplary bushing system utilizes a bushing having a bottom plate having a plurality of holes from which filaments are drawn, and a plurality of support-receiving elements that are each configured to receive an elongated support. The support-receiving elements extend through the bushing generally along a longitudinal axis. A frame supports the bushing and includes a pair of horizontal rails upon which the supports rest. The horizontal rails comprise a treated surface that permits movement of the elongated supports relative to the frame in the longitudinal direction as the bushing expands and contracts due to thermal heating and cooling.

Abstract: A fiber is provided that has been thermally drawn from a fiber preform, having a longitudinal-axis length and including at least one core that has a longitudinal core axis parallel to the longitudinal axis and internally disposed to at least one outer fiber cladding material layer along the fiber length. The fiber is fed through a localized heating site having a heating site temperature, T, that is above a melting temperature of the fiber core, with a feed speed, ?f, that melts a portion of the fiber core at the heating site, causing molten droplets to pinch off of fiber core material, one droplet at a time, with a time period of molten droplet formation set by the fiber feed speed, ?f. The fiber is fed through the localized heating site to move the molten droplets out of the heating site and solidify the molten droplets into solid in-fiber particles.

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: In an apparatus for conveying a glass tube strand or glass rod strand having a cross-section that is different from a circular cross-section, in particular having an oval cross-section, a plurality of support and guide members are arranged, if viewed in the direction of movement of the glass tube strand or glass rod strand, one after the other such that the moving glass tube strand or glass rod strand is directly supported thereon and guided by them. The support and guide members are disposed tilted in said direction of movement so that the moving glass tube strand or glass rod strand is directly supported on edges of the support and guide members. Thus, one-sided heat losses due to heat dissipation via the support and guide members can be significantly reduced to thereby reduce the curvature of the glass tube strand or glass rod strand.

Abstract: An optical fiber manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing an optical fiber by drawing a optical fiber preform, including: a drawing furnace having therein a muffle tube into which the optical fiber preform is inserted and heating the optical fiber preform; and a first seal member which is disposed at an insert side of the drawing furnace so as to be coaxial with the drawing furnace and which seals the optical fiber preform inserted into an opening formed at the center thereof, wherein the first seal member includes a plurality of inner-circumference slits formed in the inner circumference thereof and a plurality of outer-circumference slits formed in the outer circumference thereof.

Abstract: Processes and systems for producing glass fibers having regions devoid of glass using submerged combustion melters, including feeding a vitrifiable feed material into a feed inlet of a melting zone of a melter vessel, and heating the vitrifiable material with at least one burner directing combustion products of an oxidant and a first fuel into the melting zone under a level of the molten material in the zone. One or more of the burners is configured to impart heat and turbulence to the molten material, producing a turbulent molten material comprising a plurality of bubbles suspended in the molten material, the bubbles comprising at least some of the combustion products, and optionally other gas species introduced by the burners. The molten material and bubbles are drawn through a bushing fluidly connected to a forehearth to produce a glass fiber comprising a plurality of interior regions substantially devoid of glass.

Abstract: A glass composition including SiO2 in an amount from 74.5 to 80.0% by weight, AI2O3 in an amount from 5.0 to 9.5%>> by weight, MgO in an amount from 8.75 to 14.75% by weight, CaO in an amount from 0.0 to 3.0% by weight, Li2O in an amount from 2.0 to 3.25% by weight, Na2O in an amount from 0.0 to 2.0% by weight is provided. Glass fibers formed from the inventive composition may be used in applications that require high strength, high stiffness, and low weight. Such applications include woven fabrics for use in forming wind blades, armor plating, and aerospace structures.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an optical fiber cooling system includes a first cooling tube oriented substantially in parallel with and spaced apart from a second cooling tube such that an optical fiber pathway is positioned between the first cooling tube and the second cooling tube. The first cooling tube includes a plurality of cooling fluid outlets positioned along an axial length of the first cooling tube which are oriented to direct a flow of cooling fluid across the optical fiber pathway towards the second cooling tube. The second cooling tube includes a plurality of cooling fluid outlets positioned along an axial length of the second cooling tube which are oriented to direct a flow of cooling fluid across the optical fiber pathway towards the first cooling tube.

Abstract: A glass composition including Si02 in an amount from about 70.6 to about 79.6% by weight, AI2O3 in an amount from about 10.0 to 18.5% by weight, MgO m an amount from about 10.0 to about 19.0% by weight, CaO in an amount from about 0.1 to about 5.0% by weight, Li20 in an amount from 0.0 to about 3.0% by weight, and Na20 in an amount from 0.0 to about 3.0% by weight is provided. In exemplary embodiments, the glass composition is free or substantially free of B2O3 and fluorine. The glass fibers have a specific modulus between about 3.40×107 J/kg and 3.6×107 J/kg. Glass fibers formed from the inventive composition possess exceptionally an exceptionally high modulus and a low density, which make them particularly suitable in applications that require high strength, high stiffness, and low weight, such as wind blades and aerospace structures.

Abstract: A glass composition including SiO2 in an amount from about 70.0 to about 78.2% by weight, Al2O3 in an amount from about 18.6 to about 26.2% by weight, MgO in an amount from about 3.1 to about 10.7% by weight, CaO in an amount from 0.0 to about 7.6% by weight, Li2O in an amount from about 0.1 to about 5.0% by weight, and Na2O in an amount from 0.0 to about 0.2% by weight is provided. In exemplary embodiments, the glass composition is free or substantially free of B2O3 and fluorine. The glass fibers have a specific strength between about 1.6×106 J/kg and 2.24×106 J/kg and a specific modulus between about 3.3×107 J/kg and 3.7×107 J/kg. Glass fibers formed from the inventive composition possess exceptionally high specific strength and a low density, which make them particularly suitable in applications that require high strength, high stiffness, and low weight, such as in wind blades and aerospace structures.

Abstract: A glass composition including SiO2 in an amount from 30.0 to 40.0% by weight, Al2O3 in an amount from 15.0 to 23.0% by weight, B2O3 in an amount from 0.0 to 15.0% by weight, K2O in an amount from 0.0 to 5.0% by weight, La2O3 in an amount from 0.0 to 30.0% by weight, Li2O in an amount from 0.0 to 3.0% by weight, Na2O in an amount from 0.0 to 4.0% by weight, Nb2O5 in an amount from 0.0 to 10.0% by weight, TiO2 in an amount from 0.0 to 7.5% by weight, WO3 in an amount from 0.0 to 10.0% by weight, Y2O3 in an amount from 15.0 to 35.0% by weight, and RO (one or more of MgO, CaO, SrO, and BaO) in an amount from 0.0 to 7.5% by weight is provided. Glass fibers formed from the composition have a refractive index between 1.55 and 1.69.

Abstract: Glass batch compositions for the formation of high-modulus, and high-strength glass fibers as well as fibers suitable for use as textile and reinforcements are disclosed. Fibers formed of the composition are especially suitable for use in high-strength, low-weight applications such as windmill blades and high strength and modulus applications where strength and stiffness are required in the composite. The glass composition is up to about 70.5 weight % SiO2, about 24.5 weight % Al2O3, about 22 weight % alkaline earth oxides and may include small amounts of alkali metal oxides and ZrO2. Additionally, glass fibers formed from the inventive composition are non-corrosive or substantially non-corrosive in nature. Due to the non-corrosive nature of the glass fibers, glass fibers made with the inventive composition may be used in applications where the glass fibers or a composite formed from the glass fibers are in contact with a corrosive substance.

Abstract: A glass composition including SiO2 in an amount from 60.0 to 73.01% by weight, Al2O3 in an amount from about 13.0 to about 26.0% by weight, MgO in an amount from about 5.0 to about 12.75% by weight, CaO in an amount from about 3.25 to about 4.0% by weight, Li2O in an amount from about 3.25 to about 4.0% by weight, and Na2O in an amount from 0.0 to about 0.75% by weight is provided. Glass fibers formed from the inventive composition may be used in applications that require high strength, high stiffness, and low weight. Such applications include, but are not limited to, woven fabrics for use in forming wind blades, armor plating, and aerospace structures.

Abstract: An exemplary bushing system utilizes a bushing having a bottom plate having a plurality of holes from which filaments are drawn, and a plurality of support-receiving elements that are each configured to receive an elongated support. The support-receiving elements extend through the bushing generally along a longitudinal axis. A frame supports the bushing and includes a pair of horizontal rails upon which the supports rest. The horizontal rails comprise a treated surface that permits movement of the elongated supports relative to the frame in the longitudinal direction as the bushing expands and contracts due to thermal heating and cooling.

Abstract: A glass composition including SiO2 in an amount from about 69.5 to about 80.0% by weight, Al2O3 in an amount from about 5.0 to about 18.5% by weight, MgO in an amount from about 5.0 to about 14.75% by weight, CaO in an amount from 0.0 to about 3.0% by weight, Li2O in an amount from about 3.25 to about 4.0% by weight, and Na20 in an amount from 0.0 to about 2.0% by weight is provided. Glass fibers formed from the inventive composition may be used in applications that require high strength, high stiffness, and low weight. Such applications include, but are not limited to, woven fabrics for use in forming wind blades, armor plating, and aerospace structures.

Abstract: An exemplary bushing systemutilizes a bushing having a bottom plate having a plurality of holes from which filaments are drawn, and a plurality of support-receiving elements that are each configured to receive an elongated support. The support-receiving elements extend through the bushing generally along a longitudinal axis. A frame supports the bushing and includes a pair of horizontal rails upon which the supports rest. The horizontal rails comprise a treated surface that permits movement of the elongated supports relative to the frame in the longitudinal direction as the bushing expands and contracts due to thermal heating and cooling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for manufacturing fibres comprising a melting furnace, a crucible within said furnace comprising at least one orifice (6) and at least one induction coil (4) for heating the melting furnace and the crucible. In a typical system according to the invention, the crucible comprises at least a first part (1) made of graphite and comprising said at least one orifice (6). The invention also relates to the use of the system as well as to a method for manufacturing fibres and to said fibres.

Abstract: An exemplary bushing systemutilizes a bushing having a bottom plate having a plurality of holes from which filaments are drawn, and a plurality of support-receiving elements that are each configured to receive an elongated support. The support-receiving elements extend through the bushing generally along a longitudinal axis. A frame supports the bushing and includes a pair of horizontal rails upon which the supports rest. The horizontal rails comprise a treated surface that permits movement of the elongated supports relative to the frame in the longitudinal direction as the bushing expands and contracts due to thermal heating and cooling.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an optical fiber cooling system includes a first cooling tube oriented substantially in parallel with and spaced apart from a second cooling tube such that an optical fiber pathway is positioned between the first cooling tube and the second cooling tube. The first cooling tube includes a plurality of cooling fluid outlets positioned along an axial length of the first cooling tube which are oriented to direct a flow of cooling fluid across the optical fiber pathway towards the second cooling tube. The second cooling tube includes a plurality of cooling fluid outlets positioned along an axial length of the second cooling tube which are oriented to direct a flow of cooling fluid across the optical fiber pathway towards the first cooling tube.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provides fiberizable glass compositions formed from batch compositions comprising amounts of one or more glassy minerals, including perlite and/or pumice.

Abstract: An R-glass composition including SiO2 in an amount from 59.0 to 64.5% by weight, Al2O3 in an amount from 14.5 to 20.5% by weight, CaO in an amount from 11.0 to 16.0% by weight, MgO in an amount from 5.5 to 11.5% by weight, Na2O in N an amount from 0.0 to 4.0% by weight, TiO2 in an amount from 0.0 to 2.0% by weight, Fe2O3 in an amount from 0.0 to 1.0% by weight, B2O3 in an amount from 0.0 to about 3.0% by weight, K2O, Fe2O3, ZrO2, and Fluorine, each of which is present in an amount from 0.0 to about 1.0% by weight, and SrO and ZnO, each of which is present in an amount from 0.0 to about 2.0% by weight. In exemplary embodiments, the glass composition does not contain lithium or boron.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing an optical fiber, wherein a preform is placed in a draw tower, which draw tower comprises a furnace in which one end of a preform is heated, after which an optical fiber is drawn from the heated end, wherein the heating and/or cooling of the draw furnace takes place with a maximum temperature gradient of 15° C./minute.

Abstract: The invention relates to producing continuous organic fibers by stretching from molten minerals. These fibers can be used for producing heat resistant threads, rovings, cut fibers, fabrics, composite materials and products based thereon. The inventive glass has the following chemical composition in mass percentage: 15.9-18.1 Al2O3, 0.75-1.2 TiO2, 7.51-9.53 Fe2O3+FeO, 6.41-8.95 CaO, 2.5-6.4 MgO, 1.6-2.72 K2O, 3.3-4.1 Na2O, 0.23-0.5 P2O5, 0.02-0.15 SO3, 0.12-0.21 MnO, 0.05-0.19 BaO, impurities up to 1.0, the rest being SiO2. The inventive method consists in loading a ground composition in a melting furnace, in melting said composition, in homogenizing a melt, in consequently stabilizing the melt in the melting furnace feeder, in drawing and oiling the fiber and in winding it on a spool. Prior to loading, the composition is held in an alkali solution for 15-20 minutes, and is then washed with flowing water for 20-30 minutes and dried.

Abstract: Basalt filament is manufactured in such a manner that the fiber diameter can be controlled and the filament is not severed during the winding step. A network former and a glass modifier are formed and maintained with respect to basalt rock ore, and the crystallization and binding of basalt fiber are inhibited, the heat-resistance property of basalt fiber is greatly improved from the conventional 750° C. to 850 or 900° C., and significant cost reduction is achieved over conventional products. The method includes the steps of: grinding basalt rock as a material; washing a resultant ground rock; melting the ground rock that has been washed; transforming a molten product into fiber; and drawing the fiber in an aligned manner, and winding it. The temperature of the molten product in the melting step is 1400 to 1650° C., and log ? is 2.15 to 2.35 dPa·s and preferably 2.2 to 2.3 dPa·s, where ? is the viscosity of the molten product.

Abstract: This method for drawing a quartz glass optical component shortens the pulling process and minimizes loss of material. An end face of a quartz glass hollow cylinder forms a tapered end portion to an attachment piece of quartz glass having a bore. The inner bore of the hollow cylinder and the bore of the attachment piece are at least temporarily interconnected fluidically as a passage bore. A cleaning fluid is passed through the inner bore of the hollow cylinder and the passage bore. A core rod of quartz glass, which rests on a contact surface of the attachment piece, is inserted into the inner bore of the hollow cylinder, and the hollow cylinder is continuously supplied to a heating zone, heated therein so as to form a drawing bulb, and the component is continuously drawn therefrom.

Abstract: In a known method for producing quartz glass that is doped with nitrogen, an SiO2 base product is prepared in the form of SiO2 grains or in the form of a porous semi-finished product produced from the SiO2 grains and the SiO2 base product is processed into the quartz glass with the nitrogen chemically bound therein in a hot process in an atmosphere containing a reaction gas containing nitrogen. From this starting point, a method is provided for achieving nitrogen doping in quartz glass with as high a fraction of chemically bound nitrogen as possible. This object is achieved according to the invention in that a nitrogen oxide is used as the nitrogen-containing reaction gas, and that a SiO2 base product is used that in the hot process has a concentration of oxygen deficient defects of at least 2×1015 cm?3, wherein the SiO2 base product comprises SiO2 particles having an average particle size in the range of 200 nm to 300 ?m (D50 value).

Abstract: A terminal clamp assembly for a fiberizing bushing includes a clamp body having a firsts end face and a lower jaw, an auxiliary heat sink body selectively displaceable with respect to the clamp body, a contact assembly carried on the auxiliary heat sink body and an actuator to displace the heat sink body toward or away from the face of the clamp body. The invention also includes a bushing assembly incorporating the terminal clamp assembly and an expansion compensating mounting bracket for the clamp assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing glass strands coated with a hot-melt size, whereby molten glass streams, flowing out of orifices located in the base of one or more bushings, are drawn in the form of one or more sheets of continuous filaments, the filaments are then assembled into one or more strands that are collected on one or more moving supports, this process consisting in depositing a first composition containing a coupling agent on the glass filaments and then in depositing a second composition comprising a hot-melt polymer in the melt state, at the latest during assembly of the filaments into one or more strands. It also relates to the glass strands obtained according to this process and to the composites containing said strands.

Abstract: Inorganic fiber production processes and systems are disclosed. One process includes providing a molten inorganic fiberizable material, forming substantially vertical primary fibers from the molten material, and attenuating the primary fibers using an oxy-fuel fiberization burner. Other processes include forming a composition comprising combustion gases, aspirated air and inorganic fibers, and preheating a fuel stream and/or an oxidant stream prior to combustion in a fiberization burner using heat developed during the process. Flame temperature of fiberization burners may be controlled by monitoring various burner parameters. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a plant for producing fibers from molten rocks such as basalt, diabase, amphibolite, andesite, dacite, granite and rhyolite. The inventive method involves rock crushing for producing grains of a specified size, charging the crushed rock into a melting zone and drawing fibers from the melt. The melting zone is extended along the vertical axis. The sized grains successively fall under gravity into the melting zone and the fibers are drawn from each sized grain melt. The drop rate of each sized grain into the melting zone is limited by the upward flow of a hot gas-air mixture. The plant comprises a rock crushing device and melting device with a melting zone whose outlet is connected to the discharge orifice with a bushing assembly and a device for fiber winding at the output. The plant includes a funnel at the outlet of the rock crushing device rotatable around the vertical axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glass yarn capable of being obtained by a method consisting of mechanically drawing molten glass threads flowing from orifices disposed at the base of a die, of which the chemical composition is substantially free from boron oxide and comprises the following constituents within the limits defined hereinafter expressed in percentages by weight: SiO2 40 to 50 Al2O3 18 to 28 CaO 4 to 15 MgO 0 to 6 Na2O 10 to 14 Na2O + K2O + Li2O 13 to 20 It also relates to composites containing such yarns.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for making a continuous fiber product by gathering a plurality of fibers into a strand in contact with a pad wheel that is driven with a low voltage, variable speed motor or drive, and controlling the RPM of the motor in response to a breakout detector. Other embodiments further include accelerating the RPM of the motor and pad wheel at a desired ramp-up rate following the resumption of desired fiberization.

Abstract: Methods for preparing glass structures include extruding a glass precursor, the glass precursor having a composition in the range of 55%-75% SiO2, 5%-10% Na2O, 20%-35% B2O3 and 0%-5% Al2O3, and heat treating and leaching the glass precursor to yield a glass article comprising at least about 90% SiO2 by weight. Glass articles can be used to manufacture a variety of geometrically complex structures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glass strand, the chemical composition of which is substantially free of boron oxide and comprises the following constituents, in the limits defined below expressed as percentages by weight: SiO2 55 to 65 Al2O3 ?9 to 16 CaO 15 to 26 MgO 1 to 5 BaO + SrO 0.5 to 5?? Na2O + K2O + Li2 O 0 to 2 TiO2 0 to 1 ZnO 0 to 2 ZrO2 0 to 2 It also relates to composites comprising such strands.

Abstract: A method and system for manufacturing an inorganic yarn require a mixture of volcanic rock and an additive including potassium permanganate. This mixture is heated to form a melt. From the melt, a plurality of filaments are formed during a spinning process. After cooling and sizing the plurality of filaments to form fibers, the fibers are twisted to create the inorganic yarn.

Abstract: In a known method for producing a cylindrical glass body in a vertical drawing process, a glass blank is softened in a heating zone and drawn off as a glass strand by means of a draw-off device at a controlled drawing speed, the draw-off device comprising a first draw-off unit with rolling bodies rolling on the glass strand and being distributed around the circumference thereof, the rolling bodies being formed by a reference rolling body and at least one auxiliary rolling body, the drawing speed being controlled via the speed of the reference rolling body.

Abstract: A method for producing fibers from molten waste includes melting waste in a melter into high-temperature molten fluid, discharging the high-temperature molten fluid from the melter, and fiberizing the high-temperature molten fluid to form solid fibers. The solid fibers possess excellent fire-resistant properties and thus can be used as fire-resistant materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of drawing a thermoelectrically active material in a glass cladding, comprising sealing off one end of a glass tube such that the tube has an open end and a closed end, introducing the thermoelectrically active material inside the glass tube and evacuating the tube by attaching the open end to a vacuum pump, heating a portion of the glass tube such that the glass partially melts and collapses under the vacuum such that the partially melted glass tube provides an ampoule containing the thermoelectric material to be used in a first drawing operation, introducing the ampoule containing the thermoelectric material into a heating device, increasing the temperature within the heating device such that the glass tube melts just enough for it to be drawn and drawing fibers of glass clad thermoelectrically active material.

Abstract: The present inventions relate to the means of production of high-silicate inorganic fibers of natural acidic rock minerals and also to products manufactured of said fibers, namely: continuous, staple fibers and scaly particles. In each variant of the M dacite or rhyodacite, granite or rhyolite, or a rock comprising mostly sand with silicon oxide content equal or exceeding 73% are used as a rock. The present inventions aim at proposing the means for producing inorganic fibers of natural acidic rock minerals and also the products manufactured of said fibers, namely: continuous, staple and coarse fibers and fine scaly particles having increased strength, corrosion and temperature resistance. This objective is attained by creating conditions for removing foreign inclusions, having high melting and boiling temperatures, from the melt by way of using rocks with higher silicon oxide (SiO2) content and, therefore, higher melting points, as raw materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of drawing nanowires, comprising sealing off one end of a glass tube such that the tube has an open end and a closed end, introducing a nanowire material inside the glass tube and evacuating the tube by attaching the open end to a vacuum pump, heating a portion of the glass tube such that the glass partially melts under the vacuum such that the partially melted glass tube provides an ampoule containing the nanowire material to be used in a first drawing operation, introducing the ampoule containing the nanowire material into a heating device, increasing the temperature within the heating device such that the glass tube melts just enough for it to be drawn and drawing fibers of glass clad nanowire material. The invention further provides a method for bunching together such fibers and redrawing them one or more times to produce arrays of nanowires clad in glass.

Abstract: A glass fiber composition comprises about 52-65 weight % SiO2; less than or equal to 4 weight % Al2O3; about 7-16 weight % Fe2O3; greater than 6 weight % and less than or equal to about 14 weight % R2O; about 6-25 weight % CaO; less than or equal to 10 weight % MgO; and about 10-25 weight % RO; wherein R2O represents alkali metal oxides and RO represents alkaline earth metal oxides. Preferably, the glass fiber composition has a liquidus temperature of less than 2350° F.; and a viscosity at a liquidus temperature of the glass fiber composition of greater than 500 poise; and fire resistant glass fiber formed from the glass fiber composition has a biodissolution rate of greater than 50 ng/cm2/hr.

Abstract: A glass fiber composition comprises about 33-47 weight % SiO2; about 18-28 weight % Al2O3; about 5-15 weight % Fe2O3; greater than or equal to about 2 weight % and less than 10 weight % R2O; about 8-30 weight % CaO; and less than 4 weight % MgO; wherein R2O represents alkali metal oxides. Preferably, the glass fiber composition has a liquidus temperature of less than 2350° F.; and a viscosity at a liquidus temperature of the glass fiber composition of greater than 500 poise; and fire resistant glass fiber formed from the glass fiber composition has a biodissolution rate of greater than 50 ng/cm2/hr.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a composite yarn including continuous glass filaments intermingled with continuous organic thermoplastic filaments and an apparatus for implements the process. The continuous glass filaments coming from a bushing and are separated into several sheets. The continuous organic thermoplastic filaments come from a spinning head are separated into plural sheets. And the thermoplastic filaments are thrown into the glass filaments so as to mingle them, in a ratio of at least one sheet of thermoplastic filaments in each sheet of glass filaments, the mingled filaments then being gathered into at least one composite yarn.

Abstract: Reinforcing fibers with small particles having a longest average dimension of approximately 0.01 nanometer to approximately 30 micrometers physically and/or chemically bonded directly to their surfaces to form protuberances thereon and a method and system for making these modified fibers are disclosed. The particles directly bonded to the surfaces of the fibers, serve to enhance physical properties of composite articles which incorporate such fibers as reinforcement.

Abstract: A filament forming apparatus has a bushing that includes a high palladium content screen along with structural components and non-structural components. The structural components are formed of a first material having a high creep strength and the ability to withstand corrosive effects of molten mineral materials. The non-structural components are formed of at least a second material that is different from the first material.

Abstract: The invention relates to glass reinforcement strands, the composition of which comprises the following constituents in the limits defined below, expressed as percentages by weight: 59 to 63% SiO2; 10 to 16% Al2O3; 16 to 23% CaO; 1 to 3.2% MgO; 0 to 2% Na2O+K2O+Li2O; 0 to 1% TiO2; 0.1 to 1.8% B2O3; 0 to 0.5% Li2O; 0 to 0.4% ZnO; 0 to 1% MnO; and 0 to 0.5% F. These strands have improved properties in terms of mechanical strength, acid resistance and high-temperature resistance for a low-cost composition. The invention also relates to a process for producing the said strands and to the composition allowing them to be produced.

Abstract: A bushing for fiberizing molten material, such as molten glass, having a screen mounted in the bushing spaced above the tip or orifice plate with a central portion of the screen having a significantly lower percent of hole area than the percent of hole area in end portions of the screen. This bushing improves fiberizing efficiency in channel positions of a fiberizing operation. Also, such a screen can be laid on top of a conventional screen to convert a normal bushing to a channel position bushing. Methods of using these types of bushings to improve fiberization in the channel positions and for modifying conventional bushings for other uses are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bushing for fiberizing molten material, such as molten glass, having a screen mounted in the bushing spaced above the tip or orifice plate with a central portion of the screen having a significantly lower percent of hole area than the percent of hole area in end portions of the screen. This bushing improves fiberizing efficiency in channel positions of a fiberizing operation. Also, such a screen can be laid on top of a conventional screen to convert a normal bushing to a channel position bushing. Methods of using these types of bushings to improve fiberization in the channel positions and for modifying conventional bushings for other uses are also disclosed.