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Abstract

A process for producing coated glass yarns which comprises drawing a plurality of fibers formed from strands of molten glass, applying to the strands a sizing coating comprising at least a monounsaturated or polyunsaturated oligomer and a photostarter composition such as a photoinitiator compound, a photosensitizer compound or a mixture thereof and optionally an organic solvent and an additive composition comprising at least one of a wetting agent, an adhesion promoting agent, an antishrinking agent and a coupling agent, gathering the coated strands into a yarn and irradiating the coated yarn with a source of actinic radiation. An apparatus for performing this process comprises a spinneret having a plurality of nozzles or orifices, from which strands of molten glass are discharged, means for drawing a plurality of glass fibers from the spinneret, at least one coating applicator for applying the sizing coating to the glass fibers, guide means for gathering the coated fibers into a yarn and an irradiation enclosure wherein the coating is crosslinked and/or polymerized by the effect of at least two sources of actinic, preferably ultraviolet, radiation.

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First Claim