Abstract:
A method and apparatus (10) are provided for producing composite strands (16). The apparatus (10) comprises a heated bushing (12) for supplying streams of molten glass to be drawn into continuous first fibers (14); a drawing device (20) adapted to draw the streams into the first fibers (14); supply equipment for supplying one or more second fibers (66) of a second material; one or more applicators (30, 35) for applying a size to the first (14) and second fibers (66); and a device (50) for gathering the first (14) and second fibers (66) into one or more composite strands (16).
Abstract:
A fiber insulation product (30) comprising hollow fibers (76). Each hollow fiber (76) may be composed of at least two different thermoplastic insulating materials, such as glasses, having differing coefficients of thermal expansion, with each of th e hollow fibers (76) being an irregular-shape exhibiting a substantially uniform volume filling nature, and providing improved recovery and thermal conductivity abilities even in the absence of a binder material. An apparatus for making hollow fibers (76) for such a product is also provided.