A core layer suitable for a multilayer composite including at least one surface layer and one core layer, the surface layer arranged to at least partially cover the core layer and be fixedly connected thereto, wherein the core layer has elements composed of wood, which elements have plate-like regions arranged in zig-zag-shaped fashion, wherein a plate-like zig region of an element with an adjoining plate-like zag region of the element form a common edge between them, in such a way that the wood element of zig-zag-shaped form is formed, wherein elements of zig-zag-shaped form are arranged in the core layer such that two such edges of two different elements cross one another at a non-zero angle, and wherein the two elements are fixedly connected to one another at the crossing point. In one embodiment, a wood element of zig-zag-shaped form may be adhesively bonded to a planar wood element.

The present invention is directed to a door skin having an exterior surface with an woodgrain pattern formed therein, and an etched plate for use as an embossing plate or with a molded die set, for forming the woodgrain pattern in the door skin. The exterior surface has outer portions lying on a first plane, spaced grooves recessed from the plane of the outer portions, and halftone portions. The halftone portions have spaced protrusions defined by channels, wherein the channels are recessed from the plane of the outer portions.

A core layer suitable for a multilayer composite including at least one surface layer and one core layer, the surface layer arranged to at least partially cover the core layer and be fixedly connected thereto, wherein the core layer has elements composed of wood, which elements have plate-like regions arranged in zig-zag-shaped fashion, wherein a plate-like zig region of an element with an adjoining plate-like zag region of the element form a common edge between them, in such a way that the wood element of zig-zag-shaped form is formed, wherein elements of zig-zag-shaped form are arranged in the core layer such that two such edges of two different elements cross one another at a non-zero angle, and wherein the two elements are fixedly connected to one another at the crossing point. In one embodiment, a wood element of zig-zag-shaped form may be adhesively bonded to a planar wood element.

Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond (PCD) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, PCD includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A metal-solvent catalyst occupies at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteds (Oe) or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss.Math.cm.sup.3/grams (G.Math.cm.sup.3/g) or less. Other embodiments are directed to polycrystalline diamond compacts (PDCs) employing such PCD, methods of forming PCD and PDCs, and various applications for such PCD and PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.

Fabrication of ballistic resistant fibrous composites having improved ballistic resistance properties. More particularly, ballistic resistant fibrous composites having high interlaminar lap shear strength between component fiber plies or fiber layers, which correlates to low composite backface signature. The high lap shear strength, low backface signature composites are useful for the production of hard armor articles, including helmet armor.

Processes for making high-performance polyethylene multi-filament yarn are disclosed which include the steps of a) making a solution of ultra-high molar mass polyethylene in a solvent; b) spinning of the solution through a spinplate containing at least 5 spinholes into an air-gap to form fluid filaments, while applying a draw ratio DR.sub.fluid; c) cooling the fluid filaments to form solvent-containing gel filaments; d) removing at least partly the solvent from the filaments; and e) drawing the filaments in at least one step before, during and/or after said solvent removing, while applying a draw ratio DR.sub.solid of at least 4, wherein in step b) each spinhole comprises a contraction zone of specific dimension and a downstream zone of diameter Dn and length Dn with Ln/Dn of from 0 to at most 25, to result in a draw ratio DR.sub.fluid=DR.sub.sp*DR.sub.ag of at least 150, wherein DR.sub.sp is the draw ratio in the spinholes and DR.sub.ag is the draw ratio in the air-gap, with DR.sub.sp being greater than 1 and DR.sub.ag at least 1. High-performance polyethylene multifilament yarn, and semi-finished or end-use products containing said yarn, especially to ropes and ballistic-resistant composites, are also disclosed.

Structures for use in forming products having a wood grain appearance include, for example, a plurality of extruded layers having different colors/shades spirally wound about a longitudinal axis to an outer surface to define the structure. The plurality of extruded layers include varying thicknesses along a spiral length of the plurality of layers and/or portions of the plurality of extruded layers encircling the longitudinal axis include portions disposed at different distances from the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the spirally winding includes forming a cylindrical structure, and pressing the cylindrical structure into a cuboid structure having a square or rectangular cross-section across the longitudinal axis and at least a portion of the plurality of extruded layers defining a square or rectangle pattern across the longitudinal axis. Longitudinal portions may be cut from the structures to form the products having a wood grain appearance.

A cross-laminated panel including a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer of the cross-laminated panel having first boards oriented in a first direction. The second layer of the cross-laminated panel having second boards oriented in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The third layer of the cross-laminated panel having third boards oriented in the first direction. The cross-laminated panel also including adhesive situated between each of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer. The cross-laminated panel further including a hollow member forming a conduit and disposed in any one of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer.

A continuous, serpentine and intersecting pattern of filaments is provided on a surface of a house wrap membrane. Water drainage channels may be provided by depressions or viaducts formed at locations along filaments. The filaments may be formed using hot melt nozzles disposed on a member and translated transversely as the membrane is translated longitudinally beneath the nozzles.

Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond (PCD) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, PCD includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A metal-solvent catalyst occupies at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteds (Oe) or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss.Math.cm.sup.3/grams (G.Math.cm.sup.3/g) or less. Other embodiments are directed to polycrystalline diamond compacts (PDCs) employing such PCD, methods of forming PCD and PDCs, and various applications for such PCD and PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.