Aspects of the embodiments are directed to systems and methods for forming an optical fiber in a low gravity environment, and an optical fiber formed in a low gravity environment. The system can include a preform holder configured to secure a preform; a heating element secured to a heating element stage and residing adjacent the preform holder; a heating element stage motor configured to move the heating element stage; a tension sensor; a spool; a spool tension motor coupled to the spool and configured to rotate the spool; and a control system communicably coupled to the heating element stage motor and the spool tension motor and configured to control the movement of the heating element stage based on a rotational speed of the spool. The optical fiber can include a fluoride composition, such ZrF4-BaF2-LaF3-AlF3-NaF (ZBLAN), and can be characterized by an insertion loss in a range from 13 dB/1000 km to 120 dB/1000 km.

A vitreous composition according to Table (I) is described. Continuous vitreous fibers are obtained by downdrawing said molten composition, with a length ranging from millimeters to kilometers and diameters ranging from 2 μm to 3 mm. The fibers are covered with collagen and form vitreous fabrics. The fabrics form articles with a variety of medical uses.

A vitreous composition according to Table (I) is described. Continuous vitreous fibers are obtained by downdrawing said molten composition, with a length ranging from millimeters to kilometers and diameters ranging from 2 μm to 3 mm. The fibers are covered with collagen and form vitreous fabrics. The fabrics form articles with a variety of medical uses.

A method and product for creating a customizable fabric for specific end-use composites is provided. This method includes creating a three-dimensional matrix on woven fabrics, such as glass or carbon fiber fabrics via the addition of nanoparticles and a coupling agent; and, attaching a functional group compatible to specific resins dependent upon end use. The resulting product is a resin-free fabric with specific functional groups attached, ready to receive a particular polymer resin. Alternatively, the process may continue through to the addition of a polymer resin, resulting in a completed composite product.

Biocides for bio-based binder compositions are disclosed. Bio-based binders include those having a nutrient source such as carbohydrate, protein or fat, which can serve as an energy source for organisms to grow in areas that contact binder. Principal areas that contact bio-based binder in a fiberglass insulation manufacturing process include the raw ingredients, the binder chemicals, the prepared binder dispersions, the forming hood and related equipment, the final insulation product and, importantly, the cleaning systems and washwater arising from cleaning the manufacturing equipment and/or forming the product. Frequently the washwater is stored until re-cycled for re-use. Storage may take place in tanks, towers, vats and even outdoor reservoirs, all of which may harbor the growth of unwanted organisms, for which a biocide is desirable.

This disclosure is directed to lighting diffusing fibers (LDFs) having a flame retardant coating thereon. The LDFs comprise a glass RAL fiber core having a primary polymer coating of a clear, colorless polymeric material having an index of refraction less than that of the glass fiber core and a flame retardant coating applied over the primary coating. The flame retardant coating consist of approximately 35-85 wt. % UV curable polymer forming monomers and 15-65 wt. % of an inorganic, halogen free filler, along with at least one photoinitiator and an antioxidant. In an embodiment phosphor-containing polymer layer can be applied between the primary coating and the flame retardant coating. In another embodiment the phosphor can be added to the flame retardant coating.

Methods of reducing salt precipitation from a binder composition are described. The methods may include the steps of providing an aqueous binder solution having one or more carbohydrates. They may also include adding a sequestrant for one or more multivalent ions to the aqueous binder solution. The sequestrant reduces a precipitation rate for the multivalent ions from the binder composition. The binder composition may include a polymerization catalyst. Exemplary sequestrants may include polycarboxylic acids or anhydrides. Exemplary sequestrant concentrations may range from about 2 wt. % or less of the aqueous binder solution.

Provided is an optical fiber cable having excellent flame retardancy, long-term heat resistance and mechanical characteristics. An optical fiber cable according to the present invention comprises an optical fiber and a cladding layer that is provided on the outer circumference of the optical fiber. The cladding layer contains a chlorinated polyolefin resin (A) and a polyolefin resin (B).

Fiber coatings with low Young's modulus and high tear strength are realized with coating compositions that include an oligomeric material formed from an isocyanate, a hydroxy acrylate compound and a polyol. The oligomeric material includes a polyether urethane acrylate and a di-adduct compound, where the di-adduct compound is present in an amount of at least 2.35 wt %. The reaction mixture used to form the oligomeric material may include a molar ratio of isocyanate:hydroxy acrylate:polyol of n:m:p, where n may be greater than 3.0, m may be between n−1 and 2n−4, and p may be 2. Young's modulus and tear strength of coatings made from the compositions increase with increasing n. Coatings formed from the present oligomers feature high tear strength for a given Young's modulus.

The present invention concerns a two-part sizing composition comprising: (A) A precursor comprising: (a) An aminosilane (e.g. A1100) and (b) a polymer or copolymer containing carboxylic acid and/or anhydride, both having a functionality, F≧3, and (B) A binder comprising a multi-functional epoxy resin of functionality, F≧3. Glass fibres sized with the reaction product of the above composition yield a higher resistance to hydrolysis of polymeric matrix composite materials reinforced with such fibres. The sizing composition of the present invention is particularly advantageous for use with polyester resins, such as PET.