The word composite means to combine two or more elements and make composites that have different attributes and properties than their raw materials before being combined. Composite panels are sheets bonding in such a way that a core layer is covered by two coating layers. The thickness of the core layer, which is made of polyethylene rubber, is nearly between 3 and 20 mm depending on the application. The cladding layers are, in most types, made of steel or aluminum. In addition to these two layers, the middle layers of adhesive as well as the colors and protective layers are also naturally added to the layers. Their light weight as much as high strength and flexibility, is their popular and practical features.
The history of production of these panels goes back to the late 60’s. The usage of these panels has changed the urban and industrial landscape of many places ever since, as composite panels give designers and builders unlimited choices by their unique features.
Types of composite panels based on the external layer
The types of the panels depend on the thickness of the central plate, but the main factor is the coating layer, which distinguishes the panels in terms of purpose and appearance. For instance, fire-resistant composite panels, nano-panels, antibacterial panels, stone-laying panels, wood-paneling, and more are separated in terms of coatings.
Applying different layers of paint and shielding make different types of aluminum composite panels. For example, some may be coated with two layers of coatings, or some may be coated with a polyester coating to make insulation more effective.
Variation in the central layer of the panels
Over the time, various materials were considered for the central layer of these sheets. New or recycled polyethylene, and a variety of minerals such as non-flammable or low-flame Rock-wool or stone wool that are fire-retardant and also, aluminum (aluminum hydroxide) used to reinforce anti-fire properties. Important factors for making these types of rubbers are thickness, texture resistance, absorption rate and resistance to chemical and environmental damaging agents.
Application of composite panels
Polyethylene rubber by itself has vast usage such as construction, installations, insulation, flooring and so on. But as a core layer of composite panels, application from short-term structures such as exhibition structures, interior wall partitioning and decorating of interior design to long-term structures such as storefronts, refineries, airports and facades would be vary for building and roofing, etc.
Advantages and strengths of composite panels
These panels are recyclable and can be reused in the same industry.
The workflow and installation of these sheet are quick and much easier than other materials because they will cut in defined sizes to curve or install easier.
These sheets are self-forming due to their cutting shape and their elasticity attribute.
Polyethylene rubber is a petroleum product. Due to its porosity in the tissue, this rubber ties up the molecules of the air and acts as an insulator for energy and moisture.
Depending on the type and color of these plates, dirt and dust may appear on them at different time and forms, but cleaning these panels does not require any special tools or hard work and they are easy to clean indeed. There is also a type of composite panels that are anti-bacterial and do not absorb contamination.
One of the popular items in these panels, is the light weight and the high strength which extends the range of its potential usage.
If you have access to expert people and specific equipment, the installation time of these panels is short.
These pages are separate from each other and would form a set together. When part of the collection is destroyed, this does not mean that the whole collection is in trouble. Parts can be repaired or replaced separately. Only by removing the pages that need repairing the problem can be resolved without damaging the whole collection or needing to be removed and reinstalled again.
Variation in panel appearance and variation in output
These panels are produced in different colors, textures and styles. Access to all that would be expected of these sheets is provided already. Depending on the color and material of the laminate or matte finish, the facade of structure may be different. They also have an advantage over using organic and natural materials. For example, composite sheets with a wood design are less expensive than wood itself, unlike wood, they do not rot and decay, the sun does not affect their color and are resistant to insects.
Since the regular usage of these panels, the restrictions on the implementation of facade designs and decorations disappeared and somehow a revolution occurred in exterior and interior design. Panels of different sizes and angles could create different 3D geometric volumes on the facade of the building or convert a series of these plates into a homogeneous, three-dimensional volume on the facade. In addition, cutting the plates into uniform shapes and sizes makes it possible to make any kind of mosaic or any other texture on any surface.
The elasticity of these plates eventually allows them to bend and curve on the building’s arched form. The flexibility form of these curves was in contrast to previous deprived and static structures, so that eliminated any restrictions on design and implementation.
