A method of producing a plate-like construction having a double-wall structure and its use. According to the present invention, several elongated profiles which have essentially straight central axes are arranged against each other in such a way that adjacent hollow profiles abut each other and together form, in general terms, a flat stack having two opposite sides. The hollow profiles are welded together in order to join them with welded seams, in which case the welding is essentially carried out simultaneously from both sides of the stack. Besides good flexural strength and the opportunity to recycle, thermoplastic plates which are produced by means of the present method exhibit resistance to corrosion, decay and mould.

Embodiments of the present invention describe secured fiber-reinforced aerogels and laminate structures formed therefrom. In one embodiment a laminate comprises at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer adjacent to at least one layer of fiber containing material wherein fibers from said at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer are interlaced with fibers of said at least one fiber-containing material. In another embodiment a laminate comprises at least two adjacent fiber-reinforced aerogel layers wherein fibers from at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer are interlaced with fibers of an adjacent fiber-reinforced aerogel layer.

A method for use in efficiently joining together multiple workpieces to inhibit establishment of weld material in unwanted areas. The method uses a hybrid shaping-and-energizing system having a shaping tool and an ultrasonic horn. The method positions the hybrid shaping-and-energizing system proximate a workpiece, uses the shaping tool to form at least one recess in the proximate workpiece, and applies weld energy to the proximate workpiece using the ultrasonic horn. The recess is formed and the weld energy applied such that molten workpiece material becomes disposed within the recess, thereby inhibiting formation of weld material in the unwanted areas.

The invention relates to a method for the integral bonding of two workpieces made from different types of thermoplastic polymers with the help of a preferably thermoplastic polymer primer as bonding layer, comprising the following steps: providing a first workpiece made from a thermoplastic polymer having a first edge layer; providing a second workpiece made from a thermoplastic polymer having a second edge layer, said thermoplastic polymer being of a different type to the thermoplastic polymer of the first workpiece; preheating the first edge layer; applying the primer on the preheated first edge layer, wherein, during the application of the primer, the preheated first edge layer has a temperature in the range between the extrapolated onset of the glass transition temperature for amorphous plastics or the peak starting temperature of the melting region for partially crystalline plastics and the step starting temperature of the disintegration of the thermoplastic polymer of the first edge layer; bringing the first edge layer provided with the primer into contact with the second edge layer; and integral bonding of the first edge layer with the second edge layer.

The present disclosure provides methods and systems for composite-to-metal hybrid bonded structures compromising the laser surface treatment on titanium alloys to promote adhesive bond performance. For example, a computer may be programmed to set a laser path corresponding to a predetermined geometric pattern. A laser may be coupled to the computer and apply a pulsed laser beam to a contact surface of the titanium alloy along the predefined geometric pattern. The laser may generate an open pore oxide layer on the contact surface of the substrate with a thickness of 100 and 500 nm. The open pore oxide layer may have a topography corresponding to the predefined geometric pattern. The topography may contain high degree of open pore structure and promote adhesive bond performance. Adhesive, primer or composite resin matrix may fully infiltrate into the open pore structures. Adhesive and composite laminate may co-cure to form composite-to-titanium hybrid bonded structures.

A method of directly joining a polymer to a metal along a joint interface through the formation of CO-M chemical bonds, where M represents an element in the metal to be joined. The method includes heating the metal to a predetermined temperature above a glass transition temperature of the polymer and less than a flash ignition temperature of the polymer and less than a metal melting temperature of the metal; and applying force to the joint interface of the metal and the polymer to generate intimate atomic contact between the metal and the polymer to create CO-M chemical bonds between the metal and the polymer.

The present disclosure encompasses three-dimensional articles comprising flexible-composite materials and methods of manufacturing said three-dimensional articles. More particularly, the present system relates to methods for manufacturing seamless three-dimensional-shaped articles usable for such finished products as airbags/inflatable structures, bags, shoes, and similar three-dimensional products. A preferred manufacturing process combines composite molding methods with specific precursor materials to form fiber-reinforced continuous shaped articles that are flexible and collapsible.

A hybrid shaping-and-energizing system, for use in efficiently joining together multiple workpieces while inhibiting establishment of weld material in unwanted areas. The system including a shaping tool configured to form at least one recess in a proximate workpiece of the workpieces to be joined, and a weld-energy applicator connected to the shaping tool and configured to apply weld energy to the proximate workpiece. The recess is formed, and weld energy applied, so that molten workpiece material becomes disposed within the recess, thereby inhibiting formation of weld material in any undesired position.

A structure including an electro-active-polymer (EAP). The structure can take the form of a strap, which includes two or more EAP film layers. The structure can further include one or more holders or end-grabbing portions. Methods of making and using the EAP structure are also envisioned.

Disclosed is an apparatus for manufacturing an internal tension member of an inflatable product, the apparatus comprising: a support frame; a base plate arranged to pass through the inside of the support frame; a base strip conveying device comprising two inner base strip reels, two outer base strip reels and a traction wheel; a wire winding device comprising a rotation device around the base plate and wire winding guide shafts symmetrically arranged on two sides of the base plate, the rotation device winding a wire on two inner base strips; and a welding device between the wire winding device and the traction wheel, the welding device welding the two inner base strips to the corresponding two outer base strips. Further disclosed are a method for manufacturing an internal tension member of an inflatable product, an internal tension member of an inflatable product, and an inflatable product.