A method of treating a buffered optical fiber or jacketed cable having a relatively low surface energy, e.g., fibers or cables that meet low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) standards, so they can be bonded to a supporting substrate at a customer premises by a water soluble, non-flammable adhesive. One or more burners produce a flame that treats the surface of the fiber or cable by oxidizing the surface as the fiber or cable moves past the burners. The surface energy increases enough for the adhesive to wet the surface so that, when cured, the adhesive bonds the fiber or cable to the supporting substrate. In another embodiment, a blown-ion discharge is directed at a determined rate over the surface of the fiber or cable, thereby treating the surface by removing contamination and micro-etching, and increasing the surface energy enough for the adhesive to wet the surface.

A construction board includes a foam body having first and second planar surfaces, said foam body including a polyisocyanurate foam matrix defining a plurality of closed cells, said closed cells being at least substantially devoid of hydrocarbon blowing agents, and said foam body being characterized by a density, pursuant to ASTM C303, of at least 2.5 lbs/ft.sup.3; and a facer disposed on a planar surface of said foam body, said facer including a glass substrate having an internal planar surface proximate to said foam body and an external planar surface opposite said foam body, a first coating disposed on said external surface, and a second coating disposed on or proximate to said internal surface, where said first coating disposed on said external surface includes an inert filler, and where said second coating disposed on or proximate to said internal surface includes intumescent material.

A construction board includes a foam body having first and second planar surfaces, said foam body including a polyisocyanurate foam matrix defining a plurality of closed cells, said closed cells being at least substantially devoid of hydrocarbon blowing agents, and said foam body being characterized by a density, pursuant to ASTM C303, of at least 2.5 lbs/ft.sup.3; and a facer disposed on a planar surface of said foam body, said facer including a glass substrate having an internal planar surface proximate to said foam body and an external planar surface opposite said foam body, a first coating disposed on said external surface, and a second coating disposed on or proximate to said internal surface, where said first coating disposed on said external surface includes an inert filler, and where said second coating disposed on or proximate to said internal surface includes intumescent material.

Gypsum panels, sheathing systems, and methods of making and using the same are provided. A gypsum panel includes a gypsum core associated with a first fiberglass mat having a continuous barrier coating, the coating penetrating a portion of the first fiberglass mat opposite the gypsum core, wherein gypsum penetrates a remaining fibrous portion of the first fiberglass mat such that voids in the first fiberglass mat are substantially eliminated. A building sheathing system includes at least two gypsum panels and a seaming component to provide a seam at an interface between the gypsum panels.

Gypsum panels, sheathing systems, and methods of making and using the same are provided. A gypsum panel includes a gypsum core associated with a first fiberglass mat having a continuous barrier coating, the coating penetrating a portion of the first fiberglass mat opposite the gypsum core, wherein gypsum penetrates a remaining fibrous portion of the first fiberglass mat such that voids in the first fiberglass mat are substantially eliminated. A building sheathing system includes at least two gypsum panels and a seaming component to provide a seam at an interface between the gypsum panels.

A sizing composition for glass fiber direct roving for producing multiaxial fabrics is provided. The sizing composition includes, based on the total solids mass of the composition, 0.1 to 5.0% by solid mass of a first silane coupling agent, 2.5 to 11.0% by solid mass of a second silane coupling agent, 3.0 to 20.0% by solid mass of a first film former, 45.0 to 75.0% by solid mass of a second film former, 0 to 5.0% by solid mass of a plasticizer, 0.2 to 4.0% by solid mass of a first lubricant, 5.0 to 20.0% by solid mass of a second lubricant, and 0.01 to 3.0% by solid mass of a pH regulator. The first film former is a multifunctional epoxy emulsion, and the second film former is a low-molecular-weight liquid epoxy emulsion.

A sizing composition for glass fiber direct roving for producing multiaxial fabrics is provided. The sizing composition includes, based on the total solids mass of the composition, 0.1 to 5.0% by solid mass of a first silane coupling agent, 2.5 to 11.0% by solid mass of a second silane coupling agent, 3.0 to 20.0% by solid mass of a first film former, 45.0 to 75.0% by solid mass of a second film former, 0 to 5.0% by solid mass of a plasticizer, 0.2 to 4.0% by solid mass of a first lubricant, 5.0 to 20.0% by solid mass of a second lubricant, and 0.01 to 3.0% by solid mass of a pH regulator. The first film former is a multifunctional epoxy emulsion, and the second film former is a low-molecular-weight liquid epoxy emulsion.

A fibre structure formed from dissolvable glass fibres is provided, the dissolvable glass fibres being formed from one or more boron compounds and one or more alkali compounds. The dissolvable glass can be formed into filaments, rovings and staple fibres of varying composition, length and diameter dependent on functionality and purpose. A mixture of chemicals components are heated, melted and then drawn or extruded into dissolvable filaments, rovings and staple fibres for use in a fibre-reinforced composite part or as a preservative in the internal and surface treatment of solid wood and engineered composite panels. A water-soluble surface coating may be applied to adjust dissolution rate and facilitate binding into an air-laid nonwoven mat or incorporation into other matrices.

Biocides for bio-based binder compositions are disclosed. Bio-based binders include those having a nutrient source such as carbohydrate, protein or fat, which can serve as an energy source for organisms to grow in areas that contact binder. Principal areas that contact bio-based binder in a fiberglass insulation manufacturing process include the raw ingredients, the binder chemicals, the prepared binder dispersions, the forming hood and related equipment, the final insulation product and, importantly, the cleaning systems and washwater arising from cleaning the manufacturing equipment and/or forming the product. Frequently the washwater is stored until re-cycled for re-use. Storage may take place in tanks, towers, vats and even outdoor reservoirs, all of which may harbor the growth of unwanted organisms, for which a biocide is desirable.

Biocides for bio-based binder compositions are disclosed. Bio-based binders include those having a nutrient source such as carbohydrate, protein or fat, which can serve as an energy source for organisms to grow in areas that contact binder. Principal areas that contact bio-based binder in a fiberglass insulation manufacturing process include the raw ingredients, the binder chemicals, the prepared binder dispersions, the forming hood and related equipment, the final insulation product and, importantly, the cleaning systems and washwater arising from cleaning the manufacturing equipment and/or forming the product. Frequently the washwater is stored until re-cycled for re-use. Storage may take place in tanks, towers, vats and even outdoor reservoirs, all of which may harbor the growth of unwanted organisms, for which a biocide is desirable.