-
Reinforced Plastics Make Metals Look Weak
. The thin blade design was made possible due to the high stiffness and impact resistance of the CFRTP material. Powder coated with melt-fusible thermoplastic particles, the continuous-fiber filaments are woven into fabrics or braid, formed into semirigid unidirectional tapes or ribbons, or laminated
-
Slicker Than Skin
to evaluate the surface-roughness effects of nearly 60 fabrics or patterns for the lowest drag," he says. Fabric testing presented challenges. "For example, we had to figure how to get the fabric on a test plate and prepare its edges so nothing would interfere with air flow over the fabric. We've
-
Polyimide
as laminates and shapes, molded parts, and stock shapes from some materials producers. Thin-film products enamel, adhesives, and coatings - are usually derived from thermoplastic polyimide resins. Laminates are based on continuous reinforcements including woven glass and quartz fabrics, or fibers
-
Vibrations pinpoint structural damage
and railways for subways and trains," says technique developer Douglas Adams, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Purdue. The method lets researchers automatically diagnose the structural integrity of materials made from layers of ceramics, plastics, metal alloys, and fabrics, and held together
-
Wash this way
. No agitator means a bigger basket that holds more clothes. It also gives a gentler wash that can be used for a wide variety of fabrics. But if there's no agitator, how do clothes get clean? Read on. No, it's not a new dance. It is, however, the key technology behind the Elite washer consisting of a wash
-
Fibers
specifically to reinforce tires, hoses and belting, such as V-belts and conveyor belts. Kevlar 29 is similar to the basic Kevlar in properties but is designated specifically for use in ropes and cables, protective apparel, and as the substrate for coated fabrics. In short fiber or pulp form, Kevlar 29 can
-
Fast Bike
, Mich. (www.westsystem.com). The West System Brand epoxy bonds to fiberglass, wood, metal, fabrics, and other composite materials and is easily modified for a wide range of coating and adhesive applications and fully cures at room temperature. It is used for construction and repairs requiring superior
-
Laminated Plastics
, cotton linter, and combinations of these. Papers provide excellent electrical properties, good dimensional stability, moderate strength, and uniform appearance. Cotton cloth is used for applications requiring good mechanical strength. The lighter-weight fabrics are not as strong but have excellent