The invention relates to a method for producing a trim element for vehicles which has a genuine carbon appearance, comprising a carbon fiber layer which is arranged on an exposed side of the trim element and is visible from the outside, and which is made of a fiber structure composed of prefabricated carbon fibers with interstices, with the method comprising at least the process step of wet impregnating the prefabricated carbon fiber layer with an aqueous polymer dispersion based on polyurethane, acrylate or polyvinyl acetate or a mixture thereof, so that the polymer dispersion penetrates at least partially into the carbon fiber layer, increasing the suitability thereof for penetration of a coating into the interstices of the fiber structure of the carbon layer.

The invention relates to a method for producing a trim element for vehicles which has a genuine carbon appearance, comprising a carbon fiber layer which is arranged on an exposed side of the trim element and is visible from the outside, and which is made of a fiber structure composed of prefabricated carbon fibers with interstices, with the method comprising at least the process step of wet impregnating the prefabricated carbon fiber layer with an aqueous polymer dispersion based on polyurethane, acrylate or polyvinyl acetate or a mixture thereof, so that the polymer dispersion penetrates at least partially into the carbon fiber layer, increasing the suitability thereof for penetration of a coating into the interstices of the fiber structure of the carbon layer.

Systems and methods are described herein for a composite building panel for use in a panelized structure. In some aspects, a composite building panel may include: a core defining a channel formed via subtractive manufacturing; a utility conduit placed or formed in and bonded to the channel and enclosed by the core, where the utility conduit exits the core along a first mating edge of the core; and first and second skin elements bonded to the core to form a layered structure. In some cases, the layered structure may also include a reinforced block coupled to at least the first fiber-reinforced skin element and defining part of the first mating edge, where the reinforced block defines a first portion of the first mating edge for mating with another composite building panel of the panelized structure.

A process for forming a moldable, uncured nonwoven composite containing forming a outermost nonwoven layer, forming a structural nonwoven layer, needling the structural nonwoven layer and the outermost nonwoven layer together from both the outer surface of the outermost nonwoven layer and the second surface of the structural nonwoven layer, applying an uncured, water-based thermosetting resin having a cure temperature of at least about 160° C. to the second surface of the structural nonwoven layer, and at least partially drying the uncured, wet nonwoven composite. Heat and pressure may be applied to form the moldable, uncured composite. A moldable, uncured nonwoven composite and a molded, cured nonwoven composite are also disclosed.

A process for forming a moldable, uncured nonwoven composite containing forming a structural nonwoven layer, at least partially impregnating the structural nonwoven layer with an uncured, water-based thermosetting resin having a cure temperature of at least about 160° C., and at least partially drying the uncured, wet nonwoven composite such that the temperature at the inner plane is less than about 130° C. forming an moldable, uncured composite. The structural nonwoven layer contains a plurality of bi-component binder fibers and a plurality of reinforcing fibers, the bi-component fibers containing a core and a sheath. The core contains a polymer having a melting temperature of at least about 180° C. and the sheath contains a polymer having a melting temperature less than about 180 ° C. A process for forming a molded, cured composite containing forming a structural nonwoven layer and a molded cured nonwoven composite are also disclosed.

A process for forming a moldable, uncured nonwoven composite containing forming a structural nonwoven layer, at least partially impregnating the structural nonwoven layer with an uncured, water-based thermosetting resin having a cure temperature of at least about 160° C., and at least partially drying the uncured, wet nonwoven composite. The structural nonwoven layer contains a plurality of binder fibers and a plurality of reinforcing fibers which are cellulosic fibers. Heat and pressure are applied to the moldable, uncured composite to a temperature of at least about 160° C. at least partially melting the binder fibers, curing the water-based thermosetting resin, and bonding at least a portion of the reinforcing fibers to other reinforcing fibers forming the molded, cured composite. The reinforcing fibers react with and form covalent bonds with the thermosetting resin.

A modular utility vehicle construct that is light weight yet robust is provided. The construct is formed with a composite open area core sandwich structure capable of withstanding typical wear and tear and environmental elements experienced by utility vehicle compartments. The use of the composite sandwich structure allows for replacement of traditional materials such as steel or aluminum, without a loss of strength, in a vehicle's containment construct while also reducing the overall weight of the vehicle and increasing the ability to customize the vehicle's utility features to suit the specific needs of the purchaser.

The present invention relates to a decorative panel, comprising a core layer provided with a decor layer, said décor layer comprising a substrate layer provided with at least one coating, wherein within said decorative panel at least one induction coil is located. The present invention furthermore relates to the use of such a decorative panel in indoor and/or outdoor furniture and in interior and/or exterior decoration.

A film for decorating a workpiece, a decorated molding article and a method for fabricating the decorated molding article are provided. The film includes a wood veneer layer, an extension layer, an adhesive layer, and a base layer. The wood veneer layer has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. The extension layer is disposed on the first surface of the wood veneer layer. The adhesive layer is disposed on the second surface of the wood veneer layer. The base layer is disposed between the wood veneer layer and the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is disposed between the base layer and the workpiece.

A cellular structure may include a plurality of cells each having a twelve-cornered cross section. The twelve-cornered cross section may include twelve sides and twelve corners creating eight internal angles and four external angles. Each cell may include a plurality of longitudinal walls extending between a top and a bottom of the cell, the longitudinal walls intersecting to create corners of the cell. A structural component may include at least one wall surrounding a component interior space with a cellular structure having at least two cells being positioned within the interior space. A sandwich structure may include first and second substantially planar structures, and a cellular structure with at least two cells positioned between the first and second substantially planar structures.