Load-bearing apparatus/systems for location in the vicinity of energized power lines are provided. The apparatus includes a base member. The base member has an upper layer and a backing surface layer. An uppermost surface of the upper layer is adapted to support on it at least power line workers and/or related stringing equipment. At least the uppermost surface of the upper layer is adapted to be electrically conductive. Methods for forming the apparatus are also provided.

An object of the present invention is to provide a fiber-reinforced composite material achieving both lightweight properties and mechanical properties, a laminate thereof, and a prepreg capable of easily molding a sandwich structure thereof. The present invention is a prepreg comprising a reinforced fiber substrate (B) impregnated with a resin (A), wherein the reinforced fiber substrate (B) exists in a folded state having a plurality of folds with a fold angle of 0° or more and less than 90° in the prepreg.

The present disclosure relates to a prepreg, a preparation method thereof and a fiber-reinforced composite material prepared therefrom. The preparation method of a prepreg may include an aramid fiber base material with improved wettability to resin, can increase a thickness reduction rate during molding of the prepreg, has an appropriate resin content, and can provide a prepreg suitable for molding by an out-of-autoclave process. In addition, the prepreg may provide a fiber-reinforced composite material that exhibits a thin thickness and a high resin content even by an out-of-autoclave process, and shows high strength and low moisture absorption

An engineered wood based siding, cladding or panel with a pre-consolidated fines layer (PCF) applied to the top of the main strand matrix layers to minimize telegraphing and provide an improved surface appearance. The PCF is consolidated prior to application to the surface of the strand matrix or mat, and takes the place of a loose fines layer. The PCF prevents the loss of fines into the strand matrix, effectively keeping the fines at the surface so they can effectively and efficiently function to prevent or eliminate strand telegraphing, and provide a smooth finished surface for the product.

A multi-layer ballistic woven fabric, including an upper woven layer having upper warp yarns and upper weft yarns that are interwoven together to form the upper woven layer. The multi-layer ballistic woven fabric also includes a lower woven layer having lower warp yarns and lower weft yarns that are interwoven together, and a plurality of securing yarns, each securing yarn interwoven with at least some of the upper yarns and some of the lower yarns so as to secure the upper and lower woven layers together. At least one of the securing yarns is woven underneath a first lower weft yarn, then above a second upper weft yarn adjacent the first lower weft yarn, then underneath a third lower weft yarn adjacent the second upper weft yarn and then above a fourth upper weft yarn adjacent the third lower weft yarn. The multi-layer ballistic woven fabric is formed by interweaving the securing yarns with the warp yarns and weft yarns as the upper woven layer and lower woven layer are made.

The present disclosure is directed to dielectric elastomeric composites that include a retainable processing membrane, an elastomer material, and an electrically conductive material. The elastomer layer may be partially imbibed into the retainable processing membrane. The retainable processing membrane may be porous. The retainable processing membrane is compacted in the transverse in direction, machine direction, or in both directions prior to the application of an elastomer material and an electrically conductive material. The compaction of the retainable processing membrane may form structured folds or folded fibrils in the membrane, giving the retainable processing membrane a low modulus and flexibility. In some embodiments, the dielectric composites are positioned in a stacked configuration. Alternatively, the dielectric elastomeric composites may have a wound configuration. The dielectric composites have a total thickness less than about 170 μm. The dielectric elastomeric composites may be used, for example, in dielectric elastomer actuators, sensors, and in energy harvesting.

Gypsum panels and methods for their manufacture are provided herein. The gypsum panels include a gypsum core having a first surface and a second opposed surface and a first fiberglass mat associated with the first surface of the gypsum core, such that gypsum from the gypsum core penetrates at least a portion of the first fiberglass mat.

The present invention is directed to an acoustic ceiling panel having a first major exposed surface opposite a second major exposed surface, the acoustic ceiling panel comprising: a first layer having an upper surface opposite a lower surface, the first layer comprising: a first body comprising a first major surface opposite a second major surface and a side surface extending between the first and second major surfaces, the first body being air-permeable; and a first attenuation coating applied to the first body; a second layer having an upper surface opposite a lower surface, the second layer comprising: a second body comprising a first major surface opposite a second major surface and a side surface extending between the first and second major surfaces, the second body being air-permeable; and a second attenuation coating applied to the second body; and an adhesive present between the first and second layers.

A laminate countertop with a curved edge profile includes a base support including a synthetic polymer material. The synthetic polymer material can be a closed-cell polymer foam. The base support includes a top surface, a bottom surface, opposing longitudinal sides, at least one of which comprises the curved edge profile, and opposing latitudinal sides. The countertop also includes a laminate cover formed from a cured resin material adhered to and covering at least a portion of the top surface and at least a portion of the curved edge profile of the base support. A method for forming the laminate countertop includes steps of providing the base support and adhering the laminate cover over at least a portion of the top surface and a portion of the curved edge profile of the base support.

Textile composites for garments including footwear uppers and footwear comprising the same that provide protection from flame and liquid water whilst at the same time being lightweight and flexible for the wearer. The textile composite comprises a microfiber outer layer; a nonwoven layer, and in some embodiments a porous polymeric membrane on a support layer.