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Method for fabricating lightweight carbon-bonded carbon fiber composites
The metal matrix composite, with good strength at elevated temperatures and good ductility, comprises at least one layer of a TiAI alloy metallurgically bonded to at least one layer of a ductile Ti alloy. Single tow prepreg Ohnati, S. and Suzuoki, K. (Ciba-Geigy Corporation, Ardsley, NY, USA and Asahi Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Osaka, Japan) US Pat 4 818 613 (4 April 1989) A resin, suitable for impregnating a single tow, comprises lll0 parts by weight of a thermosetting resin with a softening point < 20°C and 3 to 30 parts by weight of a high molecular weight compound with T~ < - l ll°C selected from a named group of a number of elastomeric compounds. Fibre-reinforced metal matrix composites Dinwoodie, J., Stacey, M.H., Taylor, M.D. and Walker, A.M. (hnperial Chemical Industries Plc, London, UK) US Pat 4 818 633 (4 April 1989) The metal matrix composite comprises alumina fibres, of density 1.8-2.5 g c m 3 randomly oricnted in a metal matrix of similar density. Sealing glass composite Smith, E.F. and Hoffman, L.C. (Olin Corporation, New Haven, CT, USA) US Pat 4 818 730 (4 April 1989) A glass matrix composite, suitable for sealing to a metal, comprises a matrix of lead borate, lead-zinc borate, lead borosilicate or leadzinc borosilicate glass in which is dissolved ~< 2 wt% copper oxide, and ~< 30 wt% of a particulate additive of CaFe or BaF2. Microcrack resistant fiber reinforced resin matrix composite laminates Scola, D.A. and Parker, D.J. (United Technologies Corporation, Hartford, CT, USA) US Pat 4 820 567 (11 April 1989) The laminate comprises a number of unidirectional graphite fibre-reinforced resin plies arranged in the general format [911~/0~?/ 90if]n where x and y are in a specified numerical relationship to one another and n is an integer. High modulus pitch-based carbon fiber and method for preparing same Hino, T., Naito, T., Kuroda, H., Tsushima, E. and Nomura, T. (Toa Nenryo Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Tokyo, Japan) US Pat 4 822 587 (18 April 1989) The carbon fibre, having a Young's modulus /> 700 GPa, has an outer layer 1-3 gm thick and an inner portion in which the crystallites are at least 10% larger than in the outer layer. The fibre is made from a carbonaceous pitch composed of > 90% optically anisotropic components. Description and production of a polyester fibre having excellent thermal and chemical stability Yabuki, K, Kohmura, Y. and Yasuda, H. (Toyobo Petcord Co. Ltd., Osaka, Japan) US Pat 4 827 999 (9 May 1989) The properties of a polyester fibre comprising predominantly polyethylene terephthalate with 2.5% terephthalic acid residue are described. Fibre production is via a melt spinning route. Surface modified cemented carbides Yohe W. C. (GTE Valentine Corporation,
Troy, MI, USA) US Pat 4 828 612 (9 May
1989) A surface layer is formed on a cemented carbide by sintering a blended powder mixture of 70 weight % hexagonal WC, B1 structure carbides, Co metal binder and sufficient AIN to enhance the surface toughness by promoting binder enrichment at the surface. Polymer concrete composition for cementitious road repair and overlay Sellstrom, K. B. and WaddiU, H. G. (Texaco Inc., White Plains NY, USA) US Pat 4 828 879 (9 May 1989) The composition of a binder, added to a gravel, sand, fly ash aggregate in a 7:1 to 12:1 ratio, is given. Liquid crystalline polymer composites Buckley, A, Che, T. M., Leslie, T. M., Stamatoff, J. B., Stuetz, D. E. and Ulrich, D. R. (Hoechst Celanese Corporation, Somerville, N J, USA) US Pat 4 828 888 (9 May 1989) A c o m p o s i t e o p t i c a l m e d i u m of homogeneous microporous inorganic oxide glass prepared by a sol-gel route containing a liquid crystalline polymer. Reinforced polymeric composites Staneluius, J. M. and Rodenbeck, D. L. (Centrite Corporation, Bowling Green, Ohio, USA) US Pat 4 828 897 (9 May 1989) A reinforced polymer composite with a foam core of one polymer composition, a skin of a second polymer composition and a threedimensional interface bonding the two made of strands of a high modulus material. Precursor for production of preoxidised fibres or carbon fibres Ogawa, H. and Shigei, T. (Toho Belson Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) US Pat 4 830 845 (16 May 1989) The chemical composition of a fibre precursor formed from an acrylic fibre is given. Surface-refined sintered alloy body and its manufacture Taniguchi, Y. and Kobri, K. (Toshiba Tungaloy Co., Ltd., Kawasaki, Japan) US Pat4830 930 (16 May 1989) The alloy body is made from a hard phase comprising at least one of carbides, carbonitrides, carbooxides and carbonitrooxides of metals of group 4a, 5a and 6a of the periodic table and a binding phase of at least one from the iron group metals. Refining gives a high binder content to a depth of 5 ~tm from the surface. Alkali-resistant glass fibre Trivedi, N. C. and Mackenzie, J. D. (Pfizer Inc. NY, NY, USA) US Pat 4 830 989 (16 May 1989) An alkali resistant glass is made by melting a magnesium silicate and calcium oxide containing compound and drawing the viscous liquid. Carbon containing refractory Ichikawa, K., Tsukamoto, N. and Iwado, H. (Shinagawa Refractories Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) US Pat 4 830 992 (16 May 1989) A carbon containing refractory consisting of 5-60 weight % A carbon containing refractory consisting of 5-60 weight % AZT clinker, 3-40% carbon source and the balance
of at least one from alumina, magnesia, zirconia, mullite, spinel, calcia and fused quartz. Plastic-glass composite Moriwaki, T. and Tsutsui, K. (Kishimoto Sangyo Co. Ltd., Osaka, Japan) US Pat4831 074 (16 May 1989) A high density, high strength plastic composite comprised 10-50 weight % thermoplastic polymer and 50-90% lead glass powder (80 weight % PbO, 16% SiO).
PROCESSES Method to produce metal matrix composite articles from rich metastable-beta titanium alloys Eylon, D. and Froes, F.H. (The Secretary of the Air Force, Washington, DC, USA) US Pat 4 809 903 (7 March 1989) The titanium alloy composite is fabricated from a rich metastablc beta titanium alloy and filaments of SiC, SiC-coated B, BC-coated B, or Si-coated SiC. A preform is made from alternating layers of a rapidly-solidified foil of the alloy and at least one of the filamentary materials and consolidated under pressure at a temperature below the [Ltransus temperature of the alloy. Method of producing fiber reinforced plastic billiard cue Son-Kung, T. (Taichung, Taiwan) US Pat 4 816 203 (28 March 1989) A method of forming a fibre-reinforced plastic billiard cue, including tip end and butt end, is described. The shell is formed by wrapping prepreg sheets around a cylinder, open at both ends. While curing this cylinder in a cue-shaped mould compressed gas is forced into the centre, pressing the composite into the shape of the mould. Process for producing high strength [3-sialonsilicon carbide composite Kishi, K., Umebayashi, S., Tani, E. and Kobayashi, K. (Agency of Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo. Japan) US Pat 4 816 428 (28 March 1989) The method of preparing [3-sialon-silicon carbide comprises preparing a mixture of SiN and SiC in a solution of an aluminium compound (which may he Al alkoxide, AI(OH)3, or a soluble AI salt) and sintering the mixture. Method of repairing carbon fiber rapiers and repaired rapier Foster, L.F. (Linwood, NC, USA) US Pat 4 817678 (4April 1989) A rapier for use in a weaving machine comprises: a longitudinally extending body of carbon fibre: a groove in this body extending from the top surface into the body: and a split extending from the under surface to the groove. The groove is filled with glass fibre-reinforced epoxy resin. Method of forming composite fiber blends McMahon, P.E., Chung, T-S, and Ying, L. (Hoechst Celanese Corporation, Somerville, N J, USA) US Pat 4 818 318 (4 April 1989) The method of preparing the continuous uniform tow is as given in US Pat 4 799 985. Method for fabricating lightweight carbonbonded carbon fiber composites
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Wrenn, Jr., G.E., Abbatiello, L.A. and Lewis, Jr., J. (US Department of Energy, Washington, DC, USA) US Pat 4 818 448 (4 April 1989) The method of forming a carbon-bonded carbon fibre composite, with a density of 0.04-0.10 g c m 3, comprises: forming an aqueous slurry of carbonaceous fibres and a thermosetting resin precursor in the presence of a perforated and configured mandrel; draining the water away through the mandrel until the solid material is deposited thereon to the required thickness; heating this solid billet to cure the resin; removing the moulded billet from the mandrel; and then heating it in an inert atmosphere to carbonize the carbonizable material in the billet to form the composite. Process to prevent crack formation in the production of carbon fibres Yamada, Y., Imamura, T., Honda, H., Tsuchitani, M. and Nakajima, R. (Itaru Todorok, Director-General of the Agency of Industrial Science and Technology and Maruzen Petrochemical Company Limited, Tokyo, Japan) US Pat 4 818 449 (4 April 1989) The carbon fibres are produced by melt spinning. Molten mesophase pitch is extruded through a nozzle in such a way that it is given a rotary motion immediately prior to passing through the hole of the nozzle• The fibres are then rendered into an infusible state by heating in an oxidizing atmosphere and then carbonized or graphitized by heating in an inert atmosphere. Process for the production of pitch-type carbon fibers Hara, H., Kagizaki, M., Takakura, T. and Tomono, S. (Mitsubishi Chemical Industries Limited, Tokyo, Japan) US Pat 4 818 612 (4
April 1989) The carbon fibres produced have a crosssectional uniform mesh-like crystal structure, as observed by a polarizing microscope. Apparatus and method for pultruding rein° forced plastic articles Beever, W.H. and Selby, L.M. (Phillips Petroleum Company, Bartlesville, OK, USA) US Pat 4 820 366 (11 April 1989) The apparatus comprises: a means of supplying continuous resin-impregnated reinforcing material; a section for partially consolidating wherein the material is heated and tapered to an oversized constant crosssection; a second section wherein the material is heated, at a lower temperature than in the first section, and tapered to the required size; and a means of pulling the material through both sections. Whisker reinforced ceramic and a method of clad/hot isostatic pressing same Mehrotra, P.K., Swiokla, J.L. and Billman, E.R. (Kennametal Incorporated, Latrobe, PA, USA) US Pat 4 820 663 (11 April 1989) A method for achieving a density > 95% theoretical in a shaped ceramic component comprises: forming a compact substrate of sinterable ceramic containing i> 5 vol% ceramic whiskers; applying a coating to the substrate by vapour deposition of a ceramic composition that does not become vitreous before or during the next step; and heating and isostatically pressing the coated compact
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in an atmosphere that reacts with the coating and/or the compact at temperatures and pressures to cause the compact to approach theoretical density. Method to produce titanium metal matrix composites with improved fracture and creep resistance Eylon, D. and Froes, F.H. (The Secretary of the Air Force, Washington, DC, USA) US
Pat 4 822 432 (18 April 1989) A method for improving the microstructure of a consolidated metal matrix composite consisting of a number of alternating layers of titanium alloy and reinforcing fibres comprises: heating the composite to a temperature below that at which interfacial reactions occur and diffusing hydrogen into the composite; altering the temperature to that at which transformation of (HCP) alpha to (BCC) beta occurs; cooling to room temperature; reheating to a temperature below the transformation temperature and diffusing the hydrogen out of the composite; and cooling to room temperature. Composite material and method of manufacturing same Pommier, J-C. and Poustis, J. (La Cellulose du Pin, Bordeaux, France) US Pat 4 822 826
(18 April 1989) After treating discontinuous cellulosic fibres to remove the water content they are added to a thermoplastic resin system in a mould• The mould is then subjected to sufficient heat and pressure to cure the resin and produce a composite material. Method for repairing damaged composite articles White, W.D., Puckett, P.M., Blankenship, L.T. and White, M.N. (The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI, USA) US Pat 4 824
500 (25 April 1989) A curable resinous composition which may be used to bond plies of metal or reinforced plastic to the prepared surface of a damaged composite comprises: one or more vinyl ester resins modified with one or more rubbers or elastomers; (optionally) a polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer; a curing agent or catalyst for the vinyl ester resins; and (optionally) an accelerator for the curing agent or catalyst. Composites of thermoplastic polymers and silica reinforcing fibers Sterzel, H-J. (BASF Aktiengesellschaft, Ludwigshafen, FRG) US Pat 4 824 878 (25
April 1989) Silica reinforcing fibres of diameter < 1 ~tm and length/diameter ratio > 10 are produced in a homogenous organic phase either by condensation of silicic acid and/or polysilicic acid or by hydrolysis and subsequent condensation of polysilicates, in the presence of the thermoplastic polymer (softening point >
150oc). Metal matrix composites White, D. R., Urquhart, A. W., Aghajanian, M. K. and Creber, D. K. (Lanxide Tech. Co., Newark, DE, USA) US Pat 4 828 008 (9 May
1989) Describes a technique for making an Al alloy matrix composite bearing a layer of AIN. An alloy is positioned adjacent to a permeable
mass of ceramic filler material, and the alloy is melted in the presence of a non-oxidizing gas and infiltrates the ceramic. After the desired infiltration the AI is held in the gas to form AIN on at least one surface and allowed to form a solid AI alloy matrix structure embedding the ceramic filler and containing AIN on one surface. Method of manufacturing a complex body of sintered ceramic material and metal Taniguchi, M. and Narita, Y. (NGK Spark Plug Co. Ltd., Aichi, Japan) US Pat 4 828 009
(9 May 1989) The forming method entails providing a through-hole 0.5-3 mm diameter in sintered ceramic for gas release and cast embedding the ceramic in the metal. Apparatus for moulding and solidifying a resinous composite structure Itoh, Y., Sakamoto, K. and Miyabe, H. (Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Kobe, Japan) US Pat 4 828 472 (9 May 1989) The apparatus for moulding and curing a resin matrix composite under pressure and heat uses a bag to cover the material in an autoclave. Applied pressure and heat can be varied at several positions around the bag. Flexible glass fibre mat bonding method Glascock, H. H. and Carlson, R. O. (GE Co., Schenectady, N Y , USA) US Pat 4 828 597 (9
May 1989) First and second layers of material having similar coefficients of thermal expansion are bonded with an interlayer mat of flexible glass fibres. The stack is then heated until the interlayer glass deforms and adheres to fibres in the first and second layers and then cooled. Process for making aerated concrete De Chiffre, C. and De Chiffre, E. (Milan, Italy) US Pat 4 828 618 (9 May 1989) Aggregates consisting of at least grains of sand and fibres are pretreated with a reactive agent additive consisting of AI powder, hydrosoluble cellulose derivative and surface active agent which reacts in a basic aqueous environment to produce gas. Gas is produced on each aggregate particle and therefore forms a uniform distribution of macrovoids throughout the concrete. Process for impregnating a concrete or cement body with a polymeric material Mattus, A. J. and Spence, R. D. (Department of Energy, Washington DC, USA) US
Pat4828 761 (9 May 1989) Organic soluble hut water insoluble solids are mixed with powdered cement and water. The slurry is solidified and contacted with an organic solvent comprising a polymerizable monomer and a polymerizing catalyst for the monomer. Some of the dispersed organic soluble material dissolves and is distributed within the solid. The polymerizable monomer is cured to form a water resistant body. Process for impregnating thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers in long solid state fibres Morel, E. M. J. and Richert, G. M. (INRCA, Paris, France) US Pat 4 828 776 (9 May 1989) A method is described for forming a unidirectionally reinforced composite comprising natural or synthetic mineral or organic fibres and polymer matrix.
Troy, MI, USA) US Pat 4 828 612 (9 May
1989) A surface layer is formed on a cemented carbide by sintering a blended powder mixture of 70 weight % hexagonal WC, B1 structure carbides, Co metal binder and sufficient AIN to enhance the surface toughness by promoting binder enrichment at the surface. Polymer concrete composition for cementitious road repair and overlay Sellstrom, K. B. and WaddiU, H. G. (Texaco Inc., White Plains NY, USA) US Pat 4 828 879 (9 May 1989) The composition of a binder, added to a gravel, sand, fly ash aggregate in a 7:1 to 12:1 ratio, is given. Liquid crystalline polymer composites Buckley, A, Che, T. M., Leslie, T. M., Stamatoff, J. B., Stuetz, D. E. and Ulrich, D. R. (Hoechst Celanese Corporation, Somerville, N J, USA) US Pat 4 828 888 (9 May 1989) A c o m p o s i t e o p t i c a l m e d i u m of homogeneous microporous inorganic oxide glass prepared by a sol-gel route containing a liquid crystalline polymer. Reinforced polymeric composites Staneluius, J. M. and Rodenbeck, D. L. (Centrite Corporation, Bowling Green, Ohio, USA) US Pat 4 828 897 (9 May 1989) A reinforced polymer composite with a foam core of one polymer composition, a skin of a second polymer composition and a threedimensional interface bonding the two made of strands of a high modulus material. Precursor for production of preoxidised fibres or carbon fibres Ogawa, H. and Shigei, T. (Toho Belson Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) US Pat 4 830 845 (16 May 1989) The chemical composition of a fibre precursor formed from an acrylic fibre is given. Surface-refined sintered alloy body and its manufacture Taniguchi, Y. and Kobri, K. (Toshiba Tungaloy Co., Ltd., Kawasaki, Japan) US Pat4830 930 (16 May 1989) The alloy body is made from a hard phase comprising at least one of carbides, carbonitrides, carbooxides and carbonitrooxides of metals of group 4a, 5a and 6a of the periodic table and a binding phase of at least one from the iron group metals. Refining gives a high binder content to a depth of 5 ~tm from the surface. Alkali-resistant glass fibre Trivedi, N. C. and Mackenzie, J. D. (Pfizer Inc. NY, NY, USA) US Pat 4 830 989 (16 May 1989) An alkali resistant glass is made by melting a magnesium silicate and calcium oxide containing compound and drawing the viscous liquid. Carbon containing refractory Ichikawa, K., Tsukamoto, N. and Iwado, H. (Shinagawa Refractories Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) US Pat 4 830 992 (16 May 1989) A carbon containing refractory consisting of 5-60 weight % A carbon containing refractory consisting of 5-60 weight % AZT clinker, 3-40% carbon source and the balance
of at least one from alumina, magnesia, zirconia, mullite, spinel, calcia and fused quartz. Plastic-glass composite Moriwaki, T. and Tsutsui, K. (Kishimoto Sangyo Co. Ltd., Osaka, Japan) US Pat4831 074 (16 May 1989) A high density, high strength plastic composite comprised 10-50 weight % thermoplastic polymer and 50-90% lead glass powder (80 weight % PbO, 16% SiO).
PROCESSES Method to produce metal matrix composite articles from rich metastable-beta titanium alloys Eylon, D. and Froes, F.H. (The Secretary of the Air Force, Washington, DC, USA) US Pat 4 809 903 (7 March 1989) The titanium alloy composite is fabricated from a rich metastablc beta titanium alloy and filaments of SiC, SiC-coated B, BC-coated B, or Si-coated SiC. A preform is made from alternating layers of a rapidly-solidified foil of the alloy and at least one of the filamentary materials and consolidated under pressure at a temperature below the [Ltransus temperature of the alloy. Method of producing fiber reinforced plastic billiard cue Son-Kung, T. (Taichung, Taiwan) US Pat 4 816 203 (28 March 1989) A method of forming a fibre-reinforced plastic billiard cue, including tip end and butt end, is described. The shell is formed by wrapping prepreg sheets around a cylinder, open at both ends. While curing this cylinder in a cue-shaped mould compressed gas is forced into the centre, pressing the composite into the shape of the mould. Process for producing high strength [3-sialonsilicon carbide composite Kishi, K., Umebayashi, S., Tani, E. and Kobayashi, K. (Agency of Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo. Japan) US Pat 4 816 428 (28 March 1989) The method of preparing [3-sialon-silicon carbide comprises preparing a mixture of SiN and SiC in a solution of an aluminium compound (which may he Al alkoxide, AI(OH)3, or a soluble AI salt) and sintering the mixture. Method of repairing carbon fiber rapiers and repaired rapier Foster, L.F. (Linwood, NC, USA) US Pat 4 817678 (4April 1989) A rapier for use in a weaving machine comprises: a longitudinally extending body of carbon fibre: a groove in this body extending from the top surface into the body: and a split extending from the under surface to the groove. The groove is filled with glass fibre-reinforced epoxy resin. Method of forming composite fiber blends McMahon, P.E., Chung, T-S, and Ying, L. (Hoechst Celanese Corporation, Somerville, N J, USA) US Pat 4 818 318 (4 April 1989) The method of preparing the continuous uniform tow is as given in US Pat 4 799 985. Method for fabricating lightweight carbonbonded carbon fiber composites
COMPOSITES
. JANUARY
1990
97
Wrenn, Jr., G.E., Abbatiello, L.A. and Lewis, Jr., J. (US Department of Energy, Washington, DC, USA) US Pat 4 818 448 (4 April 1989) The method of forming a carbon-bonded carbon fibre composite, with a density of 0.04-0.10 g c m 3, comprises: forming an aqueous slurry of carbonaceous fibres and a thermosetting resin precursor in the presence of a perforated and configured mandrel; draining the water away through the mandrel until the solid material is deposited thereon to the required thickness; heating this solid billet to cure the resin; removing the moulded billet from the mandrel; and then heating it in an inert atmosphere to carbonize the carbonizable material in the billet to form the composite. Process to prevent crack formation in the production of carbon fibres Yamada, Y., Imamura, T., Honda, H., Tsuchitani, M. and Nakajima, R. (Itaru Todorok, Director-General of the Agency of Industrial Science and Technology and Maruzen Petrochemical Company Limited, Tokyo, Japan) US Pat 4 818 449 (4 April 1989) The carbon fibres are produced by melt spinning. Molten mesophase pitch is extruded through a nozzle in such a way that it is given a rotary motion immediately prior to passing through the hole of the nozzle• The fibres are then rendered into an infusible state by heating in an oxidizing atmosphere and then carbonized or graphitized by heating in an inert atmosphere. Process for the production of pitch-type carbon fibers Hara, H., Kagizaki, M., Takakura, T. and Tomono, S. (Mitsubishi Chemical Industries Limited, Tokyo, Japan) US Pat 4 818 612 (4
April 1989) The carbon fibres produced have a crosssectional uniform mesh-like crystal structure, as observed by a polarizing microscope. Apparatus and method for pultruding rein° forced plastic articles Beever, W.H. and Selby, L.M. (Phillips Petroleum Company, Bartlesville, OK, USA) US Pat 4 820 366 (11 April 1989) The apparatus comprises: a means of supplying continuous resin-impregnated reinforcing material; a section for partially consolidating wherein the material is heated and tapered to an oversized constant crosssection; a second section wherein the material is heated, at a lower temperature than in the first section, and tapered to the required size; and a means of pulling the material through both sections. Whisker reinforced ceramic and a method of clad/hot isostatic pressing same Mehrotra, P.K., Swiokla, J.L. and Billman, E.R. (Kennametal Incorporated, Latrobe, PA, USA) US Pat 4 820 663 (11 April 1989) A method for achieving a density > 95% theoretical in a shaped ceramic component comprises: forming a compact substrate of sinterable ceramic containing i> 5 vol% ceramic whiskers; applying a coating to the substrate by vapour deposition of a ceramic composition that does not become vitreous before or during the next step; and heating and isostatically pressing the coated compact
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in an atmosphere that reacts with the coating and/or the compact at temperatures and pressures to cause the compact to approach theoretical density. Method to produce titanium metal matrix composites with improved fracture and creep resistance Eylon, D. and Froes, F.H. (The Secretary of the Air Force, Washington, DC, USA) US
Pat 4 822 432 (18 April 1989) A method for improving the microstructure of a consolidated metal matrix composite consisting of a number of alternating layers of titanium alloy and reinforcing fibres comprises: heating the composite to a temperature below that at which interfacial reactions occur and diffusing hydrogen into the composite; altering the temperature to that at which transformation of (HCP) alpha to (BCC) beta occurs; cooling to room temperature; reheating to a temperature below the transformation temperature and diffusing the hydrogen out of the composite; and cooling to room temperature. Composite material and method of manufacturing same Pommier, J-C. and Poustis, J. (La Cellulose du Pin, Bordeaux, France) US Pat 4 822 826
(18 April 1989) After treating discontinuous cellulosic fibres to remove the water content they are added to a thermoplastic resin system in a mould• The mould is then subjected to sufficient heat and pressure to cure the resin and produce a composite material. Method for repairing damaged composite articles White, W.D., Puckett, P.M., Blankenship, L.T. and White, M.N. (The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI, USA) US Pat 4 824
500 (25 April 1989) A curable resinous composition which may be used to bond plies of metal or reinforced plastic to the prepared surface of a damaged composite comprises: one or more vinyl ester resins modified with one or more rubbers or elastomers; (optionally) a polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer; a curing agent or catalyst for the vinyl ester resins; and (optionally) an accelerator for the curing agent or catalyst. Composites of thermoplastic polymers and silica reinforcing fibers Sterzel, H-J. (BASF Aktiengesellschaft, Ludwigshafen, FRG) US Pat 4 824 878 (25
April 1989) Silica reinforcing fibres of diameter < 1 ~tm and length/diameter ratio > 10 are produced in a homogenous organic phase either by condensation of silicic acid and/or polysilicic acid or by hydrolysis and subsequent condensation of polysilicates, in the presence of the thermoplastic polymer (softening point >
150oc). Metal matrix composites White, D. R., Urquhart, A. W., Aghajanian, M. K. and Creber, D. K. (Lanxide Tech. Co., Newark, DE, USA) US Pat 4 828 008 (9 May
1989) Describes a technique for making an Al alloy matrix composite bearing a layer of AIN. An alloy is positioned adjacent to a permeable
mass of ceramic filler material, and the alloy is melted in the presence of a non-oxidizing gas and infiltrates the ceramic. After the desired infiltration the AI is held in the gas to form AIN on at least one surface and allowed to form a solid AI alloy matrix structure embedding the ceramic filler and containing AIN on one surface. Method of manufacturing a complex body of sintered ceramic material and metal Taniguchi, M. and Narita, Y. (NGK Spark Plug Co. Ltd., Aichi, Japan) US Pat 4 828 009
(9 May 1989) The forming method entails providing a through-hole 0.5-3 mm diameter in sintered ceramic for gas release and cast embedding the ceramic in the metal. Apparatus for moulding and solidifying a resinous composite structure Itoh, Y., Sakamoto, K. and Miyabe, H. (Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Kobe, Japan) US Pat 4 828 472 (9 May 1989) The apparatus for moulding and curing a resin matrix composite under pressure and heat uses a bag to cover the material in an autoclave. Applied pressure and heat can be varied at several positions around the bag. Flexible glass fibre mat bonding method Glascock, H. H. and Carlson, R. O. (GE Co., Schenectady, N Y , USA) US Pat 4 828 597 (9
May 1989) First and second layers of material having similar coefficients of thermal expansion are bonded with an interlayer mat of flexible glass fibres. The stack is then heated until the interlayer glass deforms and adheres to fibres in the first and second layers and then cooled. Process for making aerated concrete De Chiffre, C. and De Chiffre, E. (Milan, Italy) US Pat 4 828 618 (9 May 1989) Aggregates consisting of at least grains of sand and fibres are pretreated with a reactive agent additive consisting of AI powder, hydrosoluble cellulose derivative and surface active agent which reacts in a basic aqueous environment to produce gas. Gas is produced on each aggregate particle and therefore forms a uniform distribution of macrovoids throughout the concrete. Process for impregnating a concrete or cement body with a polymeric material Mattus, A. J. and Spence, R. D. (Department of Energy, Washington DC, USA) US
Pat4828 761 (9 May 1989) Organic soluble hut water insoluble solids are mixed with powdered cement and water. The slurry is solidified and contacted with an organic solvent comprising a polymerizable monomer and a polymerizing catalyst for the monomer. Some of the dispersed organic soluble material dissolves and is distributed within the solid. The polymerizable monomer is cured to form a water resistant body. Process for impregnating thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers in long solid state fibres Morel, E. M. J. and Richert, G. M. (INRCA, Paris, France) US Pat 4 828 776 (9 May 1989) A method is described for forming a unidirectionally reinforced composite comprising natural or synthetic mineral or organic fibres and polymer matrix.