Factors affecting some quality properties of the decorative surface overlays

In this study, the influences of varnish and overlaying material types, structure of continuous pressed laminates (CPL) and resin mixture on the cigarette, scratch and abrasion resistances were investigated. Three-layered particleboard composites were overlaid with various decorative surface overlays (veneer, continuous pressed laminates, high-pressure laminates and finish foils). The results showed that the overlay and varnish types, and resin mixture used for the finish foil manufacturing were significantly found to be effective on the cigarette, scratch and abrasion resistances. While the lowest scratch and abrasion resistances were obtained from veneered boards, high-pressure laminates (HPL) had the highest values. Polyurethane based varnish showed higher resistances to the scratch and abrasion compared to cellulosic-based varnish. CPL structure was not found to be effective on these properties. The acrylic and urea mixture ratio used for the finish foil manufacturing was found to be effective on the abrasion and cigarette resistances. Increasing acrylic amount in the resin mixture statistically improved the quality properties of the finish foils. This study shows that end use applications of the overlaid panels are related to the overlay and varnish types, and resin mixture used for impregnating of the decor papers.