Structurally enhanced preformed layers of multiple rigid unidirectional rods are constructed and arranged for use in fabricating load-bearing support structures and reinforcements in a variety of composite components, e.g. wind turbine blades. Individual preform layers include multiple elongate unidirectional strength elements or rods arranged in a single layer along a longitudinal axis of the preform layer. Individual rods include aligned unidirectional structural fibers embedded within a matrix resin such that the rods have a substantially uniform distribution of fibers and high degree of fiber collimation. The relative straightness of the fibers and fiber collimation provide rods and the preform layers with high rigidity and significant compression strength. A plurality of rods are loosely attached, e.g. knitted, together with a coupling that allows for each rod to be axially displaced, e.g. slideable, relative to another rod.

A composite material includes laminated composite material sheets having conductivity, partitioning members provided between end parts of sets of the composite material sheets to mutually separate the sets of the composite material sheets, and metal sheets respectively provided in the separated end parts of the composite material sheets so as to be respectively pinched between the composite material sheets.

A composite material includes laminated composite material sheets having conductivity, partitioning members provided between end parts of sets of the composite material sheets to mutually separate the sets of the composite material sheets, and metal sheets respectively provided in the separated end parts of the composite material sheets so as to be respectively pinched between the composite material sheets.

A composite laminate comprises first and second fiber beds, and an interlayer between the fiber beds. The interlayer includes toughened regions that extend between the fiber beds and are fused to the fiber beds.

A composite laminate comprises first and second fiber beds, and an interlayer between the fiber beds. The interlayer includes toughened regions that extend between the fiber beds and are fused to the fiber beds.

Methods and apparatus to couple a decorative composite having a reinforcing layer to a panel are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a decorative layer and a first reinforcing layer coupled to the decorative layer. The example apparatus includes a coil reduction layer that is to apply a force to the first reinforcing layer to reduce coiling of the first reinforcing layer. The example apparatus includes an adhesive layer applied to the coil reduction layer that is coupled to the first reinforcing layer to enable the decorative layer to be coupled to a panel. A rigidity of the first reinforcing layer is to enable the first reinforcing layer to distribute a force exerted by at least one of gas or vapor disposed between the first reinforcing layer and the decorative layer to impede separation of a portion of the decorative layer from the panel.

A technique for stable, high-speed treatment of reinforcement fiber. In a state where a unidirectional fiber bundle is held between a supporting surface of a support and a pressing surface of a resonator ultrasonically vibrating in a pressing direction perpendicular to the supporting surface, a pressed part of the unidirectional fiber bundle pressed by the pressing surface is moved in a longitudinal direction of the unidirectional fiber bundle. By doing so, the unidirectional fiber bundle can be stably treated at high speed when the unidirectional fiber bundle is opened or impregnated with a resin.

A technique for stable, high-speed treatment of reinforcement fiber. In a state where a unidirectional fiber bundle is held between a supporting surface of a support and a pressing surface of a resonator ultrasonically vibrating in a pressing direction perpendicular to the supporting surface, a pressed part of the unidirectional fiber bundle pressed by the pressing surface is moved in a longitudinal direction of the unidirectional fiber bundle. By doing so, the unidirectional fiber bundle can be stably treated at high speed when the unidirectional fiber bundle is opened or impregnated with a resin.

A fibrous component for a vehicle exterior includes a skin layer having a multilayer structure comprising a laminated web including a reinforcing fiber and a binder fiber, the skin layer including pores that absorb sound; a sound absorbing pad layer disposed on an inner side of the skin layer and absorbing sound; and an adhesive layer disposed between the skin layer and the sound absorbing pad layer. The adhesive layer adheres the skin layer and the sound absorbing layer to each other.

A shear band and a non-pneumatic tire is described which includes a ground contacting annular tread portion; a shear band, and a connecting web positioned between a hub and the shear band. The shear band is preferably comprised of a three-dimensional spacer fabric having a first and second layer connected by connecting members. The three-dimensional spacer fabric has a defined depth. The three-dimensional spacer structure further includes a plurality of cells formed between the connecting members, and wherein one or more of the cells are filled with a filler material. The filler material may be foam or a thermoplastic elastomer.