Hughes Aircraft Company

Leon B Keller

Robert K Jenkins

Robin W Rosser

Raymond E Kelchner, Jr

John H Cover, Jr

Disclosed is a process for preparing novel multidirectional fiber arrays wherein graphite, glass or other fibers, in unidirectional arrays, are interconnected with polymer fibers. Production is accomplished by mechanical agitation of these unidirectional arrays in cooling polymer solutions. The interconnected material may subsequently be layered, impregnated with resin and laminated to yield unidirectional fiber/resin/polymer fiber composites.

Interconnection of unidirectional fiber arrays with random fiber networks

Composites, comprising organic polymeric fibers and solid particles, are described which exhibit a wide range of functional characteristics. The materials are light in weight, structurally strong and are air permeable. The fabrication of protective clothing for use in chemical warfare environments is a typical use for which these composites are suitable.

Multi-purpose air permeable composites

We have prepared a new class of polymeric fibers and masses which are produced by precipitation from solutions of the polymer. The fibers and fiber masses have novel and useful characteristics. A fiber mass of this invention is a coherent, three-dimensional network of interconnected crystalline polymeric fibers and fiber bundles randomly arrayed in all directions. The fibers are smaller in diameter than can be consistently produced by conventional fiber drawing and spinning techniques. The novel fiber masses are produced from solutions of fiber-forming linear organic polymers having regularly repeated chain structures. The polymers are precipitated from these solutions by simultaneously cooling and agitating the polymer solution at vibrations in the sonic frequency range. The fiber masses may then be removed from the solvent or, in the case of a polymerizable solvent, a composite may be formed.

Polymeric fiber masses, fibers therefrom, and processes for producing

Process for producing novel polymeric fibers and fiber masses

Composite materials are disclosed which consist of extensible polymer matrices in combination with three-dimensionally structured, interconnected fibrous masses which are formed 'in situ'. These composites exhibit novel mechanical characteristics which are distinctly different from those exhibited by conventional fiber-filled elastomers.

Organic composites with in-situ formed fibers and extensible matrix

A mesh article, such as a reflector for radio frequencies, comprises glassy base fibers of high tensile strength, low elongation properties and low coefficient of expansion, the fibers being coated with a thin layer of metal. In a typical embodiment, the fibers are quartz coated with aluminum. The fibers are not interwoven and are bonded together at their intersections and to a peripheral ring support. These articles are lightweight, flexible and foldable and possess a 'shape memory.'

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Palos Verdes Estates, CA, United States of America

Leon B Keller