Composite Release Cover Developments - Past, Present and Future, 1992 Engineering Conference Proceedings

The use of composite covers in papermachines is not an invention of the day. Composite coverings, materials which consist of two or more dispersed phases with a selected filler or reinforcing component and a compatible matrix binder, have been employed as roll coverings for many decades. In a broad sense practically all materials containing two or more components can be regarded as composites i.e. rubber compounds, metal alloys, polymer blends, etc.

Composite covers have a wide range of applications in the papermachine from the wet end through the finishing operation. The filler and binder components of composite covers may be selected to produce a full complement of cover hardnesses, wear resistance, surface chemistry and a broad range of other physical properties.

This paper discusses the history of composite cover development and its primary focus is the application of composites to center press release roll covers. Topics include sheet release theory, physical property development and future considerations in roll covering.