| abstract |
Disclosed are methods and coatings for protecting the surface of a non-metallic composite part, comprising applying a protective layer to an exposed surface of the non-metallic composite part, the protective layer comprising: (a) a multilayer having at least a co-cured layer applied to the surface of the non-metallic part and laser-sensitive layer applied to a surface of the co-cured layer, wherein the laser-sensitive layer is selected from a reflective layer, an optical sensor layer or a layer having both reflective and optical sensor properties; or (b) a co-cured coating which comprises a laser-sensitive material incorporated therein to form a laser-sensitive co-cured layer applied to a surface of the non-metallic composite part, wherein the laser-sensitive material is selected from a reflective material, an optical sensor material or a combination thereof, such that the non-metallic composite part will be protected from damage during subsequent laser ablation to remove an outer coating. |