a process is provided for preparing recyclable reinforced composite structures having enhanced surface appearance by heating a self - supporting porous batt comprised of an intimate homogenous blend of high modulus reinforcing fibers and thermoplastic resin fibers to a temperature sufficient to melt the resin component and convert the batt into moldable form , placing the moldable batt into a heated mold to flow , solidify and substantially crystallize the component , introducing a thermosetting resin - containing coating material into the mold adjacent at least one surface of the crystallized structure to provide a coating on the one surface and dwelling the coated structure in the mold for a time sufficient to set the coating material .