Curable prepregs possessing enhanced ability for the removal of gases from within prepregs and between prepreg plies in a prepreg layup prior to and/or during consolidation and curing. Each curable prepreg is a resin-impregnated, woven fabric that has been subjected to a treatment to create an array of openings in at least one major surface. Furthermore, the location of the openings is specific to the weave pattern of the fabric.

The present technology provides a carbon fiber reinforced plastic that includes carbon fibers covalently bonded to an energetic polymer and a polymer matrix. Also described is a method for recycling carbon fibers from the carbon fiber reinforced plastic material using microwave energy to separate the carbon fibers from the polymer matrix.

Curable prepregs possessing enhanced ability for the removal of gases from within prepregs and between prepreg plies in a prepreg layup prior to and/or during consolidation and curing. Each curable prepreg is a resin-impregnated, woven fabric that has been subjected to a treatment to create an array of openings in at least one major surface. Furthermore, the location of the openings is specific to the weave pattern of the fabric.

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.

An example method to prepare a prepreg is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes applying a mixture on a fibrous material and heating the mixture and the fibrous material to a temperature greater than about 225 degrees Celsius during a process of preparing the prepreg. The mixture includes an epoxy compound, a compound having a ring structure, and a crosslinking agent.

Curable prepregs possessing enhanced ability for the removal of gases from within prepregs and between prepreg plies in a prepreg layup prior to and/or during consolidation and curing. Each curable prepreg is a resin-impregnated, woven fabric that has been subjected to a treatment to create an array of openings in at least one major surface. Furthermore, the location of the openings is specific to the weave pattern of the fabric.

The present invention relates to fiber glass strands, yarns, fabrics, composites, prepregs, laminates, fiber-metal laminates, and other products incorporating glass fibers formed from glass compositions. The glass fibers, in some embodiments, are incorporated into composites that can be used in reinforcement applications. Glass fibers formed from some embodiments of the glass compositions can have certain desirable properties that can include, for example, desirable electrical properties (e.g. low D.sub.k) or desirable mechanical properties (e.g., specific strength).

The invention provides a varnish produced through reaction between a compound having an amino group and a resin having a functional group capable of reacting with an amino group, and having a polycyclic structure, wherein a portion of a plurality of the functional group of the resin is caused to react with the amino group of the compound in a solvent, and also a varnish produced through reaction between a compound having a phenolic hydroxyl group and a resin having a functional group capable of reacting with a phenolic hydroxyl group, and having a polycyclic structure, wherein a portion of a plurality of the functional group of the resin is caused to react with the phenolic hydroxyl group of the compound in the solvent. The invention also provides a prepreg, a resin-coated film, a metal-foil-clad laminate, and a printed wiring board produced by use of any of the varnishes.

Fiber webs that may be coated and used in filter media are provided. In some embodiments, the fiber web is a non-woven web that is coated with a resin including at least two components (e.g., a first component and a second component) that may react with one another to form a copolymer. In some embodiments, the coated fiber web may be sufficiently self-supporting, durable, and strong, such that filter media and/or elements formed of the web do not require additional support structures (e.g., a scrim).

Curable prepregs possessing enhanced ability for the removal of gases from within prepregs and between prepreg plies in a prepreg layup prior to and/or during consolidation and curing. Each curable prepreg is a resin-impregnated, woven fabric that has been subjected to a treatment to create an array of openings in at least one major surface. Furthermore, the location of the openings is specific to the weave pattern of the fabric.