Preformed yarn useful for forming composite articles and process for producing same

Abstract

A preformed yarn useful for forming composite articles is disclosed which includes a core of a multiplicity of fibers, fine powder provided in the interstices between the fibers, and a flexible sleeve formed of a thermoplastic resin and surrounding the core. The fine powder is formed of a material which neither melts nor reacts with the thermoplastic resin at a temperature up to 450.degree. C. and at a temperature up to the melting point of the thermoplastic resin. The incorporation of the fine powder between the fibers is effected by injecting fine powder-containing air from a jet nozzle and blowing the air against a bundle of the fibers.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.