Control apparatus for the formation of a tube (referred to as clad) and subsequent injection of material into the tube (referred to as core) to create a unified product (referred to as preform) while in a microgravity environment. The apparatus permits control of a plurality of key variables during the manufacturing process including heating, cooling, and holding temperature in various parts of the instrument, keeping a precise rotation schedule, maintaining a dry atmosphere, managing any chemical effluent, and ensuring all surfaces are unreactive.

Provided are a method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced resin composite, a fiber-reinforced resin composite manufactured by the manufacturing method, and a molded product, the method comprising the steps of: spinning a fiber filament; coating a surface of the fiber filament by spraying an impregnation resin emulsion onto the spun fiber filament; and forming a fiber strand by bundling the surface-coated fiber filament.

Provided are a method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced resin composite, a fiber-reinforced resin composite manufactured by the manufacturing method, and a molded product, the method comprising the steps of: spinning a fiber filament; coating a surface of the fiber filament by spraying an impregnation resin emulsion onto the spun fiber filament; and forming a fiber strand by bundling the surface-coated fiber filament.

To provide a glass fiber having a low spinning temperature and a low liquidus temperature, a large difference between the liquidus temperature and the spinning temperature, and excellent alkali resistance, and a manufacturing method therefor. A glass fiber contains, as a glass composition, in mass % in terms of oxide, from 50% to 70% of SiO.sub.2, from 10% to 20% of Na.sub.2O, from 0% to 5.5% of TiO.sub.2, and from 10% to 30% of ZrO.sub.2.

Described herein are apparatuses and methods of creating fibers, such as microfibers and nanofibers. The methods discussed herein employ centrifugal forces to transform material into fibers. Apparatuses that may be used to create fibers are also described. To improve the formation of fibers, various devices and systems for controlling the micro-environment around the fiber producing device are described.

A method of forming high strength glass fibers in a refractory-lined glass melter, products made there from and batch compositions suited for use in the method are disclosed. The glass composition for use in the method of the present invention is up to about 64-75 weight percent SiO.sub.2, 16-24 weight percent Al.sub.2O.sub.3, 8-12 weight percent MgO and 0.25-3 weight percent R.sub.2O, where R.sub.2O equals the sum of Li.sub.2O and Na.sub.2O, has a fiberizing temperature less than about 2650 F., and a T of at least 80 F. By using oxide-based refractory-lined furnaces the cost of production of glass fibers is substantially reduced in comparison with the cost of fibers produced using a platinum-lined melting furnace. High strength composite articles including the high strength glass fibers are also disclosed.

A method of forming high strength glass fibers in a refractory-lined glass melter, products made there from and batch compositions suited for use in the method are disclosed. The glass composition for use in the method of the present invention is up to about 64-75 weight percent SiO.sub.2, 16-24 weight percent Al.sub.2O.sub.3, 8-12 weight percent MgO and 0.25-3 weight percent R.sub.2O, where R.sub.2O equals the sum of Li.sub.2O and Na.sub.2O, has a fiberizing temperature less than about 2650 F., and a T of at least 80 F. By using oxide-based refractory-lined furnaces the cost of production of glass fibers is substantially reduced in comparison with the cost of fibers produced using a platinum-lined melting furnace. High strength composite articles including the high strength glass fibers are also disclosed.

Rotary spinner apparatuses, systems and methods for producing fibers from molten materials are disclosed. Certain exemplary embodiments include rotary spinners including a hub, a slinger, an annular member, a retaining member, and a plurality of fasteners. In certain embodiments the hub, the retaining member, and the plurality of fasteners are structured to limit axial movement of the annular member relative to the hub member and to allow radial expansion and contraction of the annular member relative to the hub member. In certain embodiments the annular member is structured to contact the hub at a plurality of contact areas and is spaced apart from the hub at a plurality of gap areas. In certain embodiments the slinger is structured to contact the hub at a plurality of contact areas and is spaced apart from the hub at a plurality of gap areas.

A composition of raw materials suitable for being melted and fiberized by external centrifugation in order to obtain a mineral wool, the composition includes between 1 and 62% by weight of glass wool.

A method of forming high strength glass fibers in a refractory-lined glass melter, products made there from and batch compositions suited for use in the method are disclosed. The glass composition for use in the method of the present invention is up to about 64-75 weight percent SiO.sub.2, 16-24 weight percent Al.sub.2O.sub.3, 8-12 weight percent MgO and 0.25-3 weight percent R.sub.2O, where R.sub.2O equals the sum of Li.sub.2O and Na.sub.2O, has a fiberizing temperature less than about 2650 F., and a T of at least 80 F. By using oxide-based refractory-lined furnaces the cost of production of glass fibers is substantially reduced in comparison with the cost of fibers produced using a platinum-lined melting furnace. High strength composite articles including the high strength glass fibers are also disclosed.