초록 ▼

In one general aspect, the invention involves applying a chemical treatment to fibers, such as reinforcing fibers suitable for making a composite article, so as to size and/or preimpregnate the fibers. The chemical treatment has a relatively low viscosity and is substantially solvent-free and non-ra

In one general aspect, the invention involves applying a chemical treatment to fibers, such as reinforcing fibers suitable for making a composite article, so as to size and/or preimpregnate the fibers. The chemical treatment has a relatively low viscosity and is substantially solvent-free and non-radiation curable. Heat energy may be employed to lower the viscosity and improve the wetting ability of the applied treatment and/or to increase the molecular weight of, or otherwise cure, the treatment with essentially no generation of solvent vapor. The treated fibers are used to form a composite strand, which may be subsequently processed in-line or off-line into a composite article having fibers disposed in a polymeric matrix. Another general aspect relates to encased composite strands, in thread or pellet form, and to wire-coating methods and apparatus for making them. The strands are moldable into fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite articles. Each strand is made from fibers, including reinforcing fibers and optionally fibers of a matrix material, that are impregnated with a chemical treatment so that the treatment is disposed between substantially all of the fibers.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A fiber-containing product for use in the manufacture of fiber-reinforced composite articles comprising:a) a prepreg strand comprising a plurality of substantially linear and substantially electrically non-conductive gathered reinforcing fibers adhered together with a sol

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A fiber-containing product for use in the manufacture of fiber-reinforced composite articles comprising:a) a prepreg strand comprising a plurality of substantially linear and substantially electrically non-conductive gathered reinforcing fibers adhered together with a solidified, substantially solvent-free chemical treatment comprising a thermoplastic film-forming polymer; wherein said chemical treatment is disposed between and forms a substantially continuous coating on the surface of substantially all of the gathered fibers; andb) a thermoplastic coating substantially encasing the prepreg strand.