Abstract:
A process and product is presented for obtaining selective areas of distinctive appearance, i.e., matting on synthetic coverings. The process includes, depositing a polymeric coating which contains at least one radiation initiator for polymerization onto at least a first selected area or zone on an expandable or non-expandable support substrate. Next, at least one second coating comprised of a crosslinkable monomer is deposited onto a second selected area on the substrate. This second area or zone may encompass at least a portion of the first area. Thereafter, pre-gelling is performed on the deposited material followed by a graining operation which is carried out over at least a portion of the substrate surface. The synthetic covering in the first zone or area is then polymerized by radiation initiation wherein the particular appearance thereof is fixed to the substrate. Thereafter, gelling is carried out wherein the polymer which has not been fixed by radiation initiation will flow, i.e., fluidize, such that the grained appearance in the second area or zone will disappear, i.e., smooth over. This gelling may also cause some expansion of the polymer on the substrate.
Abstract:
A decorative surface covering has a transparent or translucent layer containing a plately material that is reoriented at two or more different angles with respect to the surface of the layer to provide a three-dimensional effect to the decorative surface covering. The covering can be chemically embossed to further enhance the three-dimensional effect. Portions of the layer containing the platey material can be masked to produce an inlaid or inset effect.
Abstract:
An improved process, particularly adapted for making that type of sheet vinyl covering materials known as inlaids by first depositing resinous particles on a wet ungelled layer of PVC plastisol or organosol and then passing the sheet between a heated, cylindrical surface and a means for gradually and uniformly increasing the contact pressure between the cylindrical surface and the coated surface of the sheet. Upon completion of the step, a substantially uniformly, gelled matrix layer is produced, with the resinous particles embedded therein, and having a smooth and firm surface of uniform thickness.
Abstract:
An improved means is disclosed for continuously forming tiles that are embossed in register with a printed design. A printed design is first applied to a base coat and a wear coat is laminated over the design. Advantageously, the wear coat is applied to the printed web before it is heated for lamination. Before embossing occurs, the laminated product is cooled until partial setting occurs, and the embossing roll is sprayed with water in order to minimize the likelihood that the laminated product will adhere to the embossing roll. To avoid distorting the web during lamination and embossing, proper web tension is maintained by controlling the rotational speeds of the laminating drum and the embossing roll so that a desired ratio is preserved. The web is then cut into oversized tiles that shrink to size during annealing.
Abstract:
A process and product is presented for obtaining selective areas of distinctive appearance, i.e., matting on synthetic coverings. The process includes, depositing a polymeric coating which contains at least one radiation initiator for polymerization onto at least a first selected area or zone on an expandable or non-expandable support substrate. Next, at least one second coating comprised of a crosslinkable monomer is deposited onto a second selected area on the substrate. This second area or zone may encompass at least a portion of the first area. Thereafter, pre-gelling is performed on the deposited material followed by a graining operation which is carried out over at least a portion of the substrate surface. The synthetic covering in the first zone or area is then polymerized by radiation initiation wherein the particular appearance thereof is fixed to the substrate. Thereafter, gelling is carried out wherein the polymer which has not been fixed by radiation initiation will flow, i.e., fluidize, such that the grained appearance in the second area or zone will disappear, i.e., smooth over. This gelling may also cause some expansion of the polymer on the substrate.
Abstract:
A fabric suitable for embossing to form a pattern thereon comprises a substrate (10) of a thermo-plastic material which carries a coating of fibres (11) such that under the application of heat and pressure the fibres may be compressed into the substrate. The fibres are coloured and the substrate is either colourless or of a colour which contrasts with the fibres. When the fibres are compressed into the substrate, the latter is at least partially revealed so as to produce an area (12) of colour which contrasts with the fibres adjacent to such area.
Abstract:
A resinous flooring sheet is obtained by laminating successively on a light-shielding resinous base sheet (1), a transparent synthetic resin intermediate layer (2), a light-shielding ink pattern (3) and an overcoat transparent synthetic resin layer (4). This flooring sheet can impart abundant three-dimensional or visual depth impression through the optical path difference between the reflected light from the light-shielding ink pattern (3) and the reflected light from the light-shielding synthetic resinous base sheet (1) as well as through the shading of the light-shielding pattern (3) projected through the transparent synthetic resin intermediate layer (2) on the light-shielding synthetic resinous base sheet (1).
Abstract:
Textured sheet material is produced by a process which includes two printing steps and two separate applications of plastisol in the form of discontinuous layers. The plastisol layers are applied over respective of the printed patterns and the first layer of plastisol is gelled, but not fused, prior to the second printing step which provides an image thereon. The process enables production of a relief pattern having "valleys" of two different depths.
Abstract:
A method for making a dimensionally stable decorative floor covering product. A sheet is first formed, and this is then provided with a decorative design. A clear wear layer is applied thereon, mechanically embossed-in-register, and then the sheet is cut into a plurality of individual tile units.
Abstract:
Resinous polymer sheet materials having selective, decorative effects comprising: a first layer of a resinous polymer composition; a pattern or design printed on and adhered to the surface of the first layer of resinous polymer composition and having a relatively dark colored printed portions and relatively light colored printed portions; and a second layer of a resinous polymer composition applied on and adhered to the printed pattern or design and to the first layer of resinous polymer composition, the second layer of resinous polymer composition having a refractive index of from about 1.3 to about 1.7 and having included or embedded substantially uniformly therein a layer of relatively small, flat, decorative chips or flakes comprising a very thin layer of translucent or transparent platelets provided with a coating having a refractive index of at least about 1.8 and at least 0.2 greater than the refractive index of any surrounding, contacting material, and a thickness of from about 0.05 micron to about 2 microns, such that light wave interference and color absorptive effects are created in light waves striking and reflecting from the second layer of resinous polymer composition, whereby those decorative chips or flakes located over the relatively dark colored printed portions are discernible from eye-level or a distance of about five feet, whereas those decorative chips or flakes located over the relatively light colored printed portions are indiscernible from eye-level or a distance of about five feet. Methods of making such resinous polymer sheet materials having such selective, decorative effects are also included.