Abstract:
Reinforcement structures and processes for forming same are provided, wherein the reinforcement structures are adapted for use in forming composite parts. The structures comprise a first reinforcement layer; a second reinforcement layer; and a flexible core layer comprising elongated fibers and a plurality of discrete bodies.
Abstract:
A reinforcement liner and methods of manufacturing the liner are disclosed. The liner includes a fabric (100) material having first and second fibers (112, 122). The second fibers comprise chopped fibers in substantially parallel alignment for being positioned substantially about the circumference of a pipe, so the fabric can be elongated in a direction parallel to the second fibers. The liner may includes a stitching material (130) that is used to couple the first and second fibers together. The stitching material is preferably an elastic yarn.
Abstract:
Provided are a method and an apparatus for the application of a flowable composition to fiber webs or mats, particularly oriented fiber mats, that suppresses the disruption of the fibers within the fiber mat that may result from turbulent flow in and near the point at which the flowable composition contacts the fiber mat. The apparatus includes a conveyor configured to pass through and be supported by a flood pan that allows the flowable composition to accumulate and move with the fiber mat in a machine direction in order to submerge or saturate the fiber mat as it passes through the flood pan. The apparatus also includes a recess provided in the flood pan substantially below an impact zone for redirecting the flowable composition while suppressing turbulent flow and counter-current flow within the flowable composition.
Abstract:
A reinforcement liner and methods of manufacturing the liner are disclosed. The liner includes a fabric material having first and second support layers. Each of the layers includes reinforcing fibers. The first and second support layers are oriented in different directions to provide support to the liner in those directions. The liner includes a stitching material that is used to couple the first and second support layers together. The stitching material is preferably an elastic yarn. One of the support layers includes long, chopped strands that are oriented parallel to each other. The long, chopped strands are directed so that they are in the peripheral direction of the finished reinforcement liner. The long, chopped fibers can be distributed continuously or only along portions of the width of the fabric. The disclosed methods of manufacturing a liner include alternative processes by which the liner can be made. The fabric is manufactured in the form of a continuous roll. One method involves winding the roll in a helical pattern about a fixed mandrel. Another method involves mounting several rolls circumferentially about a mandrel. The rolls are mounted so that strips of fabric from each roll overlap a portion of adjacent fabric strips to provide a continuous liner surface on the mandrel.
Abstract:
An infusion fabric is provided including at least one layer of directional reinforcement material knitted with a warp or raschel knitting having a gauge of between about 3 to about 14 and a density of between about 1 to about 10 stitches/cm. A yarn having a diameter of about 0.07 to about 0.5 mm is utilized for the stitching.