Wear-resistant reinforcing coating

Abstract

A method of forming a wear-resistant reinforcing coating on a substrate, such as concrete, wood, metal or particulate. A reinforcing fiber mat is placed on the substrate and a liquid matrix material is mixed with small colored stones. The mixture of matrix material and stones is poured onto the mat, and the liquid wets the mat and contacts the substrate. After curing, a composite coating is formed with stones as the wearing surface. A membrane can be interposed between the substrate and the reinforcing coating to prevent adhesion and “starving” of the mat.

1 . A method of forming a wear-resistant reinforcing coating on a substrate, the method comprising: 
 (a) aligning a substantially planar composite substantially parallel to the substrate, the composite comprising a hardened matrix embedded with reinforcing fibers;    (b) forcing the composite against the substrate;    (c) applying adhesive to the composite on a side of the composite opposite the substrate;    (d) placing particulate in contact with the adhesive; and    (e) hardening the adhesive, thereby forming a wearing surface of particulate.    
   
   
       2 . The method in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising applying an adhesive in a layer between the composite and the substrate.  
   
   
       3 . The method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the substrate is a solid substrate.  
   
   
       4 . The method in accordance with  claim 3 , wherein the solid substrate is wood.  
   
   
       5 . The method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing fibers are fiberglass.  
   
   
       6 . The method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing fibers are carbon.  
   
   
       7 . The method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the substrate is particulate.  
   
   
       8 . The method in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising the step of interposing a membrane between the substrate and the composite for substantially preventing the adhesive from adhering to the substrate.  
   
   
       9 . The method in accordance with  claim 8 , wherein the membrane is plastic sheeting.  
   
   
       10 . The method in accordance with  claim 8 , wherein the membrane is a release agent.