Aesthetics surface finish

Triacetate offers better ease-of-care properties than secondary acetate ia many apparel appHcations. Of particular importance are surface-finished fabrics, eg, fleece, velour, and suede for robes and dresses. These fabrics offer superb aesthetic quaHties at reasonable cost. Triacetate is also deskable for print fabrics, where it produces bright, sharp colors. The recent discontinuance of triacetate fiber Hi the United States has led to the use of acetate with fibers such as polyester (47—50). 

Blending technology offers methods for producing higher-aesthetic-value materials, e.g., films or coatings without gel particles (or fish eyes ) and moldings with streak-free surface finish. 

Often thermoplastic composites are used in applications where the consumer will see the part [131]. In those instances, it is vital to consider the aesthetic aspects of the material as well as the mechanical, electrical and other properties. Fillers affect the surface finish,... 

The presence of a suitable passive film on a metal can confer a high degree of corrosion resistance (Chapter 10), increased electrical insulation, an aesthetically pleasing surface finish, enhanced ability to key a subsequent paint film or the facility to absorb a dye or an oil. 

In the automotive market, appearance is often a significant functional and aesthetic requirement influencing polymer selection. For example, with large exterior body parts, such as fascia and body panels, a surface finish that matches the adjacent sheet metal is an absolute requirement dictated by consumer expectations. This consumer preference for Class A exterior surface quality has several times thwarted attempts to eliminate current painting processes, which tend to be costly and environmentally unfriendly. Pigmented, molded-in-color (MIC) fascia and claddings have only been successful, at this time, on lower line and... 

Miscellaneous Types. Various decorative effects have been developed which meet specific aesthetic requirements. These laminates may have special visual appeal, such as gloss finish, deeply embossed textures, and metallic surfaces. They are designed for specific installations and may not be suitable for all apphcations. For this reason, they are not included in these standards. Information concerning thein proper appHcation, properties, and care should be requested from the manufacturer. 

The fabric may also be given one or more of a number of other finishing treatments, either ia tandem with web formation and bonding or off-line as a separate operation, as a means of enhancing fabric performance or aesthetic properties. Performance properties iaclude functional characteristics such as moisture transport, absorbency, or repeUency flame retardancy electrical conductivity or static propensity abrasion resistance and frictional behavior. Aesthetic properties iaclude appearance, surface texture, and smell. 

Gel coats are pigmented polyester coatings appHed to the mold surface and are an integral part of the finished laminate. Gel coats are used widely on hand lay-up and spray-up parts to enhance surface aesthetics and coloration as weU as to provide an abrasion-resistant waterproof surface that protects the underlying glass-reinforced stmcture. 

The nonleafing grade aluminum types are manufactured using oleic acid. They do not possess the required surface tension to leaf and consequently the aluminum platelets are randomly located within the paint film. The nonleafing grade is primarily used in automotive topcoats where they impart an aesthetically pleasing sparkle to the finish. 

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