Metal-plastics materials based on non-spherical powders

and resistance to buckling than a comparable cord of larger diameter wires and a lower degree of twist.

Method for making thin metal laminates Riexe, J. K., Behr, R. D. and Mclntire,

O. R. UK Paten t Specification, 1,191,108 (6 May 1970) A layer of copolymer is sandwiched between two thin metal layers, the copolymer having a major carboxylic acid. The laminate is hot-pressed, cooled and passed through rolls to reduce its thickness. The plastic interlayer seals any pinholes and the product is significantly stronger than currently available single layer metal foils. Less total aluminium is used, making the product economically attractive.

Composite refractory article Union Carbide Corporation UK Patent

Specification, 1970)

1,187,007

(8

April

Specification, 19 70)

The reinforcement of an aluminium matrix with carbon fibres is improved by coating the fibres with a thin layer of silver or a silver-aluminium base alloy. This enhances the wettability of the fibres in the molten aluminium. Infiltration of the matrix is achieved by hot pressing the composite at 550°C in a vacuum. The refractory composite, with low density and high strength and stiffness, has been developed for aerospace applications.

Composite article Union Carbide

UK 1,185,349 (25

Corporation,

Improving the properties of refractory fibres F u m f o l d , B. C. UK Patent Specifica-

Patent Specification, March 19 70)

tions, 1,195,474 (17 June 19 70)

Carbon fibres are coated with tantalum, before being bonded in an aluminium matrix. This overcomes the problem of wettability and eliminates the formation of aluminium carbide, which cannot be tolerated due to its thermochemical instability. The fibres are aligned and the coating of tantalum is preferably one to two microns thick. Deposition of the coating can be carried out in a variety of ways, electro-deposition being ideal but limited to simple configurations of the fibre.

Refractory fibres are coated with a resin or polymer of high molecular weight, for example polyester or polyacrylonitrile. After impregnation, the composite is heated until carbonization of the coating is effected. This treatment greatly increases the crush resistance of the mineral fibres and it can also withstand high temperature environments. The refractory fibres used are calcium silicate~ aluminium silicate and alumino silicate.

3| 6

COMPOSITESSeptember 1970

Composites structures and method of making same Whittaker Corporation UK Patent

1,193,493

(3

June

To improve corrosion resistance, high strength metal filaments are coated with a metal of superior corrosion resistance. The extrusion of the composite produces a strong bond between the components. Structures may be fabricated b y placing prepared filaments in a shell of the protective material. Extrusion of this configuration produces a honeycombe-type structure. Damage to one cell will be confined to that cell. The production of turbine blades for gas turbines, which entails a highly corrosive environment, is described.

A method of covering a substrate with a bitumous layer reinforced with synthetic threads and the products thus obtained Zaadnsordije, G. L. UK Patent

Specification, 1970)

1,184,383 (18 March

Wide meshed synthetic fabrics are used to reinforce bitumen, for application to road construction. Montan resin is coated on the synthetic fibres, to improve the bond between fabric and bitumen. The presence of the resin promotes the flow of the asphalt over the surface of the reinforcing material. Threads of polyethylene terephthalate are used, the woven fabric only comprising four threads of weft and warp per cm 2 .