Advance in paint stripping from aluminium substrates

An investigation in paint stripping of a single-layer epoxy polyester hybrid coating from an aluminium substrate highly suitable for recycling process was reported. The feasibility of a diode laser source without any assistance of oxygen flow was checked and the best operative conditions were sought. Attention was first paid on the deposition of the polymeric film on aluminium substrates so as to perform the paint stripping process on coatings with the closest geometrical tolerances and dimensional accuracy. Then, a full factorial experimental design was led in order to study the influence of main process variables, that is, the interaction time, the power density, the focusing length, the absorption coefficient and the number of passes on the effectiveness of paint stripping expressed in terms of paint removal depth. Finally, several process maps were developed as a support in identifying the best way to lead the paint stripping process. Process characteristics, leading mechanisms and a simple regression linear model, easily applicable to a wide range of paint stripping contexts, were also discussed in detail. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.