A curved, three-dimensional, ordered micro-truss structure including a series of first struts extending along a first direction, a series of second struts extending along a second direction, and a series of third struts extending along a third direction. The first, second, and third struts interpenetrate one another at a series of nodes. The series of first struts, second struts, third struts, and nodes form a series of ordered unit cells within the micro-truss structure. The series of ordered unit cells define a curved surface.

Material preparation devices and related methods include a material or substrate assembly and an application assembly for applying a fiber material.

Multi-layer protective sheets of the invention are extensible. They are useful in a range of indoor and outdoor applications in, for example, the transportation, architectural and sporting goods industries. The protective sheets can advantageously be applied to at least a portion of a surface of any article where protection is desired. Methods of the invention include those for forming protective sheets of the invention and applying them to articles.

Composite laminate parts are made using a gradient cured subset of fiber reinforced thermoset resin plies. A portion of the subset is cured to rigidity to thereby maintain the shape of a part layup, while other plies in the subset are actively cooled to prevent them from curing. Additional plies are laid up on the uncured plies of the subset to complete the layup. The completed layup is then fully cured.

The invention relates to a hybrid component part comprising a local stiffening made of a two-stage-crosslinked polyurethane-based fiber composite material, more particularly to the production of such a hybrid component part. Said invention has for its object to specify a technology which makes it possible in cost-effective fashion to effect local stiffening of metal parts with a fiber composite material in order thus to obtain a hybrid component part. It is a fundamental concept of the process according to the present invention to use a particular polyurethane formulation which in a first crosslinking reaction can be converted into a thermoplastic polymer and later in a second crosslinking reaction is fully crosslinked to afford a thermoset matrix material. The thermoplastic polymer is characterized by a good adhesion to metal surfaces. The metal can be subjected to further forming with the attached thermoplastic material. The polyurethane is subsequently thermosettingly cured and achieves its final stiffness.

Composite laminate structures are produced using partially cured parts. Partial curing of the parts is achieved by applying a catalyst to regions of the parts that are to be fully cured. These regions cure at a lower-than-normal temperature while remaining regions of the part remain uncured, allowing them to be co-bonded or co-cured to other structures.

Composite laminate parts are made using a gradient cured subset of fiber reinforced thermoset resin plies. A portion of the subset is cured to rigidity to thereby maintain the shape of a part layup, while other plies in the subset are actively cooled to prevent them from curing. Additional plies are laid up on the uncured plies of the subset to complete the layup. The completed layup is then fully cured.

A thermal conducting sheet, including: a binder resin; insulating-coated carbon fibers; and a thermal conducting filler other than the insulating-coated carbon fibers, wherein a mass ratio (insulating-coated carbon fibers/binder resin) of the insulating-coated carbon fibers to the binder resin is less than 1.30, and wherein the insulating-coated carbon fibers include carbon fibers and a coating film over at least a part of a surface of the carbon fibers, the coating film being formed of a cured product of a polymerizable material.

A solid surface sheet includes visible, elongated, shredded cuttings uniformly distributed throughout a matrix wherein the cuttings and the matrix have substantially the same specific weight and wherein a majority of the cuttings are substantially elongated. Related methods are also disclosed including shredding a first mix while in a gel state, curing the cuttings, sorting by size, and using as a filler in a base material to form a blend having a unique appearance and high internal strength. The preferred material is polyester or acrylic. The solid surface sheet can be used as a countertop, floor or wall panel, furniture, and in similar applications.

A roller for compressing protective sheeting of polymer material around a pipeline rotates about a given or designated axis of rotation and has a shaft; and a first tubular portion which extends about the shaft and varies in elasticity along the given or designated axis of rotation; more specifically, the first tubular portion is of greater elasticity at the ends of the roller than at the center of the roller.