Abstract
A new method has been developed to produce composite panels with textured finish using low-cost polyester molds that have a non-textured surface. This method uses a removable textured coating (RTC) to impart texture on the surface of the molded parts. This RTC is de-molded along with the composite panel and is removed from the part at a later stage to reveal the textured surface. It has been shown that, depending on the method of application and the type of equipment, various effects can be generated. However, as long as the manufacturing conditions are maintained constant the resultant textured finish is reliably reproducible. It has been observed that the optimum thickness for the RTC film is 0.15 ± 0.03 mm. Furthermore, the experiments showed that at relative humidities <50%, temperatures between 35 and 40°C, and air flow rate of 6-10 m/s, a reasonable drying time of 12-15 min can be achieved. It has been concluded that, because of its high viscosity, an air-assist airless spray system is the most suitable equipment for spraying the RTC.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.