Coatings Summary

The long term performance of composite structures is heavily dependent upon the level of protection provided to resist the corrosive nature of the environment to which such structures will be exposed during their working lives.

In many situations, formulated gelcoats can be used to provide the in-mould finish necessary to provide life-time environmental protection to building panels, land transport components and marine structures. In more demanding chemical plant applications, careful choice of chemical resistant resins and barrier layer construction are essential for satisfactory performance of fibre reinforced structures.

Dr L S Norwood, Scott Bader Company Ltd