Reinforced directional drilling assemblies and methods of forming reinforced directional drilling assemblies are provided. Strengthening materials may be incorporated into a resilient layer and/or a polymer-based composite material within a directional drilling assembly to improve the durability and performance of a power section within the directional drilling assembly. Inclusion of strengthening materials within a directional drilling assembly may provide a method to detect the status of a power section and send a signal from downhole upon detecting status of the power section. Inclusion of strengthening materials also may provide a method to collect data about operating conditions, including pressure, temperature, torque, RPM, stress level, shock, vibration, downhole weight on bit, and/or equivalent circulating density to send to the surface or to MWD/LWD systems. The strengthening materials may collect data by themselves or in conjunction with a sensor.

Multi-layer protective sheets of the invention are extensible. They are useful in a range of indoor and outdoor applications in, for example, the transportation, architectural and sporting goods industries. The protective sheets can advantageously be applied to at least a portion of a surface of any article where protection is desired. Methods of the invention include those for forming protective sheets of the invention and applying them to articles.

Reinforced directional drilling assemblies and methods of forming reinforced directional drilling assemblies are provided. Strengthening materials may be incorporated into a resilient layer and/or a polymer-based composite material within a directional drilling assembly to improve the durability and performance of a power section within the directional drilling assembly. Inclusion of strengthening materials within a directional drilling assembly may provide a method to detect the status of a power section and send a signal from downhole upon detecting status of the power section. Inclusion of strengthening materials also may provide a method to collect data about operating conditions, including pressure, temperature, torque, RPM, stress level, shock, vibration, downhole weight on bit, and/or equivalent circulating density to send to the surface or to MWD/LWD systems. The strengthening materials may collect data by themselves or in conjunction with a sensor.

A bicycle component is provided comprising an elongated body consisting of structural fibers incorporated in a matrix of polymeric material and having, in an end part thereof, a seat for the mechanical coupling of the component with an element of the bicycle. Also provided in the zone between the seat and the end of the body is a continuous layer of structural fibers which surround the seat and which ensure mechanical continuity in the aforementioned zone. The central part of the component comprises at least one first layer formed of continuous structural fibers incorporated in a matrix of polymeric material and at least one second layer formed of small pieces of structural fibers incorporated in a matrix of polymeric material and arranged randomly inside the layer, such layers overlapping each other.

A resin-soluble thermoplastic polymer veil toughening element for a curable composition wherein the polymer element is a non-woven veil in solid phase adapted to undergo at least partial phase transition to fluid phase on contact with a component of the curable resin matrix composition in which it is soluble at a temperature which is less than the temperature for substantial onset of gelling and/or curing of the curable composition and which temperature is less than the polymer elements melt temperature; a method for the preparation thereof, a preform support structure for a curable composition comprising the at least one thermoplastic veil element together with structural reinforcement fibers, methods for preparation thereof, a curable composition comprising the at least one thermoplastic veil element or the support structure and a curable resin matrix composition, a method for preparation and curing thereof, and a cured composite or resin body obtained thereby, and known and novel uses thereof.