In one aspect, a fiber-reinforced polymer is disclosed, which comprises a resin, and a plurality of carbon fiber filaments distributed throughout the resin, where at least about 60 percent of the carbon filaments are substantially aligned relative to one another. In some embodiments, at least about 70 percent, or at least about 80 percent, or at least about 90 percent, of the carbon filaments are substantially aligned relative to one another.

Disclosed is a method for producing an open cell low-density semi-rigid polyurethane foam suitable for general use as a thermal insulating material and/or acoustical applications. The method comprises producing a flame-retardant open-celled semi-rigid polyurethane foam having an overall density of 5 to 30 kg/m.sup.2 by reacting (a) a polyisocyanate and (b) a polyol having a molecular weight of 100 to 10,000, in the presence of (c) 2,2-bis(chloromethyl)-trimethylene bis(bis(2-chloroethyl)phosphate, (d) blowing agent, and (e) optional additional components.

The present invention provides novel cyclic phosphorus-containing compounds, namely hydroxyl-functional phospholene-1-oxides, serving as highly efficient reactive flame retardants in urethane systems, particularly in flexible polyurethane foams, semi-rigid and rigid polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams. The invention further provides fire-retarded polyurethane compositions comprising said hydroxyl-functional phospholene-1-oxides.

The present invention provides novel cyclic phosphorus-containing compounds, namely hydroxyl-functional phospholene-1-oxides, serving as highly efficient reactive flame retardants in urethane systems, particularly in flexible polyurethane foams, rigid polyurethane foams and rigid polyisocyanurate foams. The invention further provides fire-retarded polyurethane compositions comprising said hydroxyl-functional phospholene-1-oxides.

The present invention relates to a cleaning implement that includes a melamine-formaldehyde foam. The melamine-formaldehyde foam cleaning implement has a d90/d10 ratio above 1.65 and a compression deflection force above 3.25 psi. Additionally the present invention encompasses processes for making and methods for cleaning hard surfaces with a cleaning implement according to the present invention.

The invention relates to modifying synthetic fiber sponge, such as polyester or polyurethane foam, with an epoxy-, polyester, or acrylic-resin to induce an engineered rock product for use as stone replacement in a variety of applications. The method for manufacturing comprises: producing a foam block; shaping the foam block into any regular or irregular shape; weathering the shaped foam block; infusing the weathered foam block with a resin; curing the infused foam block; and finishing the cured foam block. The artificial rock comprises a foam block shaped to resemble a rock, an exterior of the foam block infused with a resin.

A reinforcing sheet including one or more layers of a reinforcing material, and a thermosetting adhesive associated with the reinforcing material, wherein the thermosetting adhesive includes a curing agent, and an epoxy-modified dimerized fatty acid combined with an epoxy terminated polyurethane interpenetrating network.

This invention relates to novel macromers prepared from amine based polyols, preformed stabilizers prepared from these macromers, and to polymer polyols prepared from the preformed stabilizers. The present invention also relates to processes for preparing these compositions.

The present invention relates to a process for the production of polyurethanes where (a) polyisocyanate, (b) polymeric compounds having groups reactive toward isocyanates, (c) catalysts, (d) polymer P formed from ethylenically unsaturated monomers and having an average of more than 2 functional groups of the formula ONH.sub.2 and optionally (e) blowing agent, (f) chain extender and/or crosslinking agent, and (g) auxiliaries and/or additives are mixed to give a reaction mixture, and the reaction mixture is allowed to complete a reaction to give the polyurethane. The present invention further relates to polyurethanes produced by this process and to the use of these polyurethanes in the interior of means of transport.

This invention relates to novel macromers prepared from amine based polyols, preformed stabilizers prepared from these macromers, and to polymer polyols prepared from the preformed stabilizers. The present invention also relates to processes for preparing these compositions.