High quality clear coatings for veneer-faced aerospace panels

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The interiors of business jets are often given added appeal by the decorative use of composite panels and cabinetry that feature highly 'figured' wooden veneers that are exceptionally beautiful. The beauty of these panels is further enhanced by clear coatings that are polished to produce a highly reflective mirror-smooth surface. The smoothness and reflectivity of the surface finish, however, can be affected by swelling of the underlying wood in response to changes in atmospheric conditions within the interiors of jets. Swelling of the wood substrate is telegraphed through to the coating, which develops noticeable rippling. Rippling of coatings on veneered panels and cabinets is a serious issue for companies that manufacture business jets because it results in customer dissatisfaction and costly removal of panels and furnishings from the interior of business jets, and subsequent rework to restore them to their original condition. This project seeks a solution to this problem. We will modify the molecular structure of veneer to dampen its dimensional response to moisture. We will fabricate veneer-faced, clear coated aerospace panels that incorporate modified veneer, subject panels to moisture-cycling tests that simulate the fluctuating environmental conditions that occur in the interior of business jets, and compare their performance with that of panels that are currently state-of-the-art. We anticipate significant improvements. The project will help Bombardier remain competitive, which is very important because it is the most significant company in the aerospace sector that provides over 211,000 quality-jobs for Canadians and $28 billion annually in GDP to Canada's economy.