USRE30233E - Multiple layer decorated paper, laminate prepared therefrom and process - Google Patents

Multiple layer decorated paper, laminate prepared therefrom and process Download PDF

Info

Publication number
USRE30233E
USRE30233E US05/600,154 US60015475A USRE30233E US RE30233 E USRE30233 E US RE30233E US 60015475 A US60015475 A US 60015475A US RE30233 E USRE30233 E US RE30233E
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
layer
paper
abrasion
printed
abrasion resistant
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US05/600,154
Inventor
William C. Lane
Donald E. Moffatt
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Mead Corp
Original Assignee
Mead Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Mead Corp filed Critical Mead Corp
Priority to US05/600,154 priority Critical patent/USRE30233E/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of USRE30233E publication Critical patent/USRE30233E/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B29/00Layered products comprising a layer of paper or cardboard
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B44DECORATIVE ARTS
    • B44CPRODUCING DECORATIVE EFFECTS; MOSAICS; TARSIA WORK; PAPERHANGING
    • B44C5/00Processes for producing special ornamental bodies
    • B44C5/04Ornamental plaques, e.g. decorative panels, decorative veneers
    • B44C5/0469Ornamental plaques, e.g. decorative panels, decorative veneers comprising a decorative sheet and a core formed by one or more resin impregnated sheets of paper
    • B44C5/0476Ornamental plaques, e.g. decorative panels, decorative veneers comprising a decorative sheet and a core formed by one or more resin impregnated sheets of paper with abrasion resistant properties
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D21PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
    • D21HPULP COMPOSITIONS; PREPARATION THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES D21C OR D21D; IMPREGNATING OR COATING OF PAPER; TREATMENT OF FINISHED PAPER NOT COVERED BY CLASS B31 OR SUBCLASS D21G; PAPER NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D21H27/00Special paper not otherwise provided for, e.g. made by multi-step processes
    • D21H27/18Paper- or board-based structures for surface covering
    • D21H27/22Structures being applied on the surface by special manufacturing processes, e.g. in presses
    • D21H27/26Structures being applied on the surface by special manufacturing processes, e.g. in presses characterised by the overlay sheet or the top layers of the structures
    • D21H27/28Structures being applied on the surface by special manufacturing processes, e.g. in presses characterised by the overlay sheet or the top layers of the structures treated to obtain specific resistance properties, e.g. against wear or weather
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/24Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
    • Y10T428/24802Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond [e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.]
    • Y10T428/24893Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond [e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.] including particulate material
    • Y10T428/24901Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond [e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.] including particulate material including coloring matter
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/25Web or sheet containing structurally defined element or component and including a second component containing structurally defined particles
    • Y10T428/256Heavy metal or aluminum or compound thereof
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/25Web or sheet containing structurally defined element or component and including a second component containing structurally defined particles
    • Y10T428/256Heavy metal or aluminum or compound thereof
    • Y10T428/257Iron oxide or aluminum oxide
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T442/00Fabric [woven, knitted, or nonwoven textile or cloth, etc.]
    • Y10T442/60Nonwoven fabric [i.e., nonwoven strand or fiber material]
    • Y10T442/693Including a paper layer
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T442/00Fabric [woven, knitted, or nonwoven textile or cloth, etc.]
    • Y10T442/60Nonwoven fabric [i.e., nonwoven strand or fiber material]
    • Y10T442/699Including particulate material other than strand or fiber material

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to laminates, more particularly to laminates having a high degree of abrasion resistance and suitable for table and counter tops, wall panels, floor surfacing, tableware and the like.
  • laminates may be made from papers or fabrics by impregnating them with resins of various kinds, assembling several layers and consolidating the assembly into a unitary structure while converting the resin to a cured state.
  • Resins used may be any selected from phenolics, aminoplasts, polyesters, polyurethanes, epoxy resins and the like. Consolidation of the layers to a unitary laminated structure may involve pressures ranging from essentially zero (with contact only between the layers comprising the final laminate) to 2000 lb. per sq. in. or more. Curing or setting of the resins may be accomplished at room temperature, or elevated temperatures (of the order of 150°-180° C.) to reduce the time required for curing.
  • the selection of the paper or fabric to be used, and the resin for impregnation is governed by the intended end-use of the finished laminate.
  • surface decoration is not required or wanted, but in many instances colors and/or patterns are desired to add eye appeal to the finished laminate.
  • color and/or pattern decoration may be wanted for an outer surface of the laminate, the core or base functions primarily as a strengthening support, and may comprise wood, such as plywood, multiple layers of unbleached or dark colored paper or cloth, and may utilize dark colored, less expensive impregnating resins, such as phenolic resins.
  • an outer surface layer hereinafter called “decor,” is used to cover the core layer or layers.
  • This colored or decorated paper may be pigmented with titanium dioxide and/or other opacifying pigments to mask the dark-colored core stock.
  • the decor layer may be impregnated with a wide variety of resins, which may be applied to the decor in latex form, or as solutions in suitable solvents.
  • overlay a resin-impregnated surfacing paper
  • overlay a resin-impregnated surfacing paper
  • the overlay sheet Upon consolidating the laminate, generally under heat and pressure, the overlay sheet becomes transparent, permitting the printed pattern to be seen.
  • particles of silica have been incorporated in overlay papers to give added abrasion resistance to laminates incorporating them.
  • printed decor papers have been coated with resin syrups containing abrasion resisting particles of silica, sometimes with added fibers or micro-crystalline cellulose. All the known prior art relating to abrasion resistant laminates applies a wear layer of some type over the printed pattern.
  • This invention relates to a multiple layer decor paper having abrasion-resisting mineral particles incorporated in the top layer thereof and having printing on the surface of said top layer, the paper being adapted to saturation with resins and incorporation into wear resistant decorative laminates, and to decorative laminates produced therefrom.
  • the multiple-layer decor paper of this invention has a base layer of fibers and opacifying fillers, with a top layer comprising fibers and abrasion resistant mineral particles.
  • An intermediate layer may be provided and contain decorative inclusions such as planchets or sequins, chopped foil or the like.
  • the top surface of the paper is printed to provide the desired appearance, color and/or pattern desired in a completed laminate.
  • the abrasion resistant decorative laminates of this invention have a top surface ply of resin impregnated printed decor paper of this invention bonded to a base or core. No overlay is required.
  • standard NEMA abrasion tests give wear rates well under 0.08 gm./100 cycles, and require up to 3000 cycles or more to the end-point (this being taken as the point where one-half the printed pattern has been abraded away).
  • prior art laminates with conventional decor papers require the use of overlay papers to meet the NEMA Class A specification of 400 cycles and a wear rate of 0.08 gm./100 cycles.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide simplified methods for producing decor papers and laminates prepared therefrom, which laminates exhibit unusually high resistance to abrasion, without the need to incorporate overlays therein.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, greatly enlarged elevational section through the printed, multiple layer decor paper of this invention
  • FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic, elevational section through a decorated, abrasion resistant laminate of this invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a graphical showing of abrasion resistance of the decorative laminates of this invention as a function of the amount of alumina added to the decor paper of this invention.
  • the multiple layer printed decor of this invention has a base layer comprising fibers and most often, opacifying pigments such as titanium dioxide, although for some end uses of laminates where opacity of the decor is not required, the base layer may be free of opacifying pigments. Additionally, the base layer may contain strengthening agents, and formation and retention aids, all as known in the art.
  • the weight per ream of the base layer is not critical, and may range from 10 to 100 lbs. or more per ream of 500 sheets, 24" ⁇ 36" (3000 sq. ft.) A preferred range is from 30 to 100 lbs./3000 sq. ft., and very suitable opaque decors can be produced from base layers of 60 lbs./3000 sq. ft.
  • Such base layers are formed on the wire of a conventional paper machine having one or more secondary headboxes, with the fiber stock for the base layer delivered to the forming wire by means of a primary headbox, all as well known in the art.
  • a top layer comprising abrasion resisting mineral particles.
  • This top layer may also include fibers, and a range of mineral particles to fibers from 100% mineral particles to 5% mineral particles is useful. A preferred range is from 10% mineral particles to 50% mineral particles, with the balance made up of fibers, and excellent results are obtained with 25% mineral particles and 75% fibers.
  • the base layer must be fairly well formed but not too free of water, prior to application of the top layer, to allow the top layer components to partially mix and combine with the base layer. The dandy roll and wet presses help to accomplish the bonding together of the base and top layers, but the top layer will consist essentially of the composition as applied from the secondary headbox.
  • the mineral particles are adequately retained in the top layer by entanglement with the fibers present.
  • a small amount of an adhesive such as starch may be incorporated in the top layer, or a thin layer of additional fibers may be applied over the top layer to intermingle and bond the mineral particles therein.
  • additional fibers are suitably applied by a tertiary headbox, in an amount of the order of 2 lbs./3000 sq. ft.
  • the amount of top layer applied to the base layer can range from 1 to 20 lbs./3000 sq. ft., with a preferred range of 4 to 14 lbs./3000 sq. ft. (dry basis). Excellent results are obtained with a top layer amounting to 4 to 10 lbs./3000 sq. ft. dry basis.
  • the abrasion resisting mineral particles comprising the top layer are selected from materials having a hardness of 7 or more on the Moh hardness scale. Such materials as silica, alumina, alundum, corundum, emery, spinel, as well as other materials such as tungsten carbide, zirconium boride, titanium nitride, tantalum carbide, beryllium carbide, silicon carbide, aluminum boride, boron carbide, diamond dust, and mixtures thereof may be used.
  • the suitability of the abrasion resisting mineral particles will depend on such factors as availability and cost of a particular material, particle size available and color.
  • alumina is a preferred mineral for incorporation in the top layer.
  • the average particle size and particle size distribution of the mineral particles used in producing the multiple layer decor of this invention are quite important. Very fine particles of 2 microns or less, such as exhibited by the more conventional mineral fillers used in printing papers do not yield the desired high abrasion resistance in laminates.
  • a useful range of particle size according to this invention is from 10 micron average particle size up to 75 micron average particle size. Average particle sizes much over 75 microns are coarse enough to interfere with printing detail, and may cause undue wear on caul plates. Also, fairly closely sized mineral particles are preferred to those having a wide range of particle diameters. A preferred average particle size of 40 microns has given excellent results.
  • Alumina Moh hardness of 9 with an average size designation of 40 microns and having the following size distribution is available from Micro Abrasives Corporation of Westfield, Mass. under the grade designation "Microgrit WCA-40" and is well-suited for our purposes:
  • the wet, double layer web is pressed, dried and may be calendered, all as known in the art, followed by application of a decorative printed pattern to the surface of the top layer to yield the multiple-layer decor paper of this invention, as shown in the diagrammatic vertical section of FIG. 1.
  • the decorated, abrasion resistant plastic laminate of this invention is prepared by treating or impregnating the printed multiple layer decor of FIG. 1 with a suitable resin, drying and assembling the impregnated multiple layer decor as the surface layer, printed side out over a base or core and consolidating the assembly as by use of heat and pressure to cure the resin therein.
  • a typical resulting laminate such as is shown in diagrammatic vertical section in FIG. 2, although it does not contain an overlay over the print surface, still exhibits excellent abrasion resistance and high quality decorative print quality, making it suitable for numerous applications where severe wear may be expected, such as furniture, table tops and counter tops, flooring and the like. This is a wholly unexpected result, since the print pattern has not been covered with a wear-resisting layer such as an overlay paper of a coating of abrasion resisting material over the print pattern.
  • the key feature of this invention centers on achieving high abrasion resistance in a finished, decorative laminate by use of a multiple layer structure in a decor surface ply, the abrasion resistance being attributable to abrasion resisting mineral particles comprising the outer surface layer of the decor, with the printed pattern applied over this surface layer.
  • the core of the laminate may be of any desired type, and such cores as wood, particle board, plaster board, asbestos board and the like are contemplated as being within the scope of the invention, as well as the commonly used plies of unbleached kraft paper impregnated with resins such as phenol-aldehyde resins.
  • the base layer of the multiple layer decor of this invention may utilize fibers of a wide variety, these being selected to impart desired properties in finished laminates to meet particular end-use requirements.
  • the base layer may comprise asbestos or glass fibers where flame resistance is desired, and synthetic organic fibers may be used, such as nylon, rayon, acrylic, polyolefin and the like.
  • Aminoplasts such as melaminealdehyde resins, acrylics such as polyacrylonitrile, polyester resins such as diallyl phthalate, phenolic resins, polyurethanes, and epoxy resins may be used.
  • the laminates of the invention which incorporate the printed multiple layer decor of the invention were evaluated for abrasion resistance according to NEMA Method DL1-2.01. Values reported are the number of abrasive cycles required to reach an end point, which is taken as the point where one-half of the decorative print pattern has been abraded away. The wear rate is reported as the weight lost by the test laminate per 100 revolutions of the abrading wheels of the test instrument, the Taber abrasor. It should be noted that accepted industry standards for Class A laminates (suitable for table and counter tops) is a minimum of 400 cycles, with a wear rate not to exceed 0.08 gm. per 100 revolutions.
  • Printing quality of the multiple layer decors and laminates prepared therefrom was measured by measuring the ink receptivity of the surface of the top layer. Using a proof press and a uniform halftone plate, decor samples were printed under controlled standardized conditions using a constant metered amount of black ink on the plate. Reflectance of the resulting print was measured by a reflectance measuring instrument known as a "Densichron" to give numerical values representative of the blackness of the printed image, the blacker image resulting when the decor surface layer is more receptive to ink. Accordingly, the lower the Densichron reading, the better the printed result.
  • Bleached alpha pulp was beaten to a freeness of 500 ml. (Canadian Standard) and formed on a paper machine into a base layer weighing 22 lbs./3000 sq. ft. (dry basis).
  • a base layer weighing 22 lbs./3000 sq. ft. (dry basis).
  • 10 lbs./3000 sq. ft. (dry basis) of a mixture of 1 part bleached alpha pulp and 1 part 325 mesh silica substantially 100% finer than 44 microns.
  • the double layer decor so formed had a total basis weight of 32 lbs./3000 sq. ft.
  • the double layer decor of this invention improved abrasion resistance by a factor of 3.5, and wear rate by a factor of almost 4.
  • the base layer prepared in this manner had a basis weight of 60.5 lbs./3000 sq. ft. (dry basis).
  • the fiber component was mixed in various ratios with a variety of abrasion resistant mineral particles, then applied by means of a secondary headbox to the wet primary layer on the wire of the paper machine.
  • the double layer web in each case, was then pressed, dried and calendered. Following this, the same printed pattern was applied to the exposed side of the top layer of the several different examples.
  • Laminates were then prepared by employing the resin impregnated multiple layer decors as surface sheets, printed side out, over six sheets of corestock. Pressing and curing were under the same time, temperature and pressure conditions in each case.
  • the base layer as used in Examples 2 through 8 was used throughout.
  • the top layer utilized the same hardwood fiber component in 1:1 ratios with alumina of different particle sizes to show the relationship between particle size and abrasion resistance of laminates, as well as relative print quality, other factors being held constant. Results are tabulated below.
  • the top layer was varied by using a mixture of two different sized alumina powders, one being closely sized at 60 to 95 microns and the other being an unsized fraction having particles ranging from 1 to 60 microns, and a weight-average size of 40 microns. These were compared with laminates having closely sized 40 micron alumina in the top layer.
  • Example 25 containing no fiber in the top layer shows a decrease in abrasion resistance
  • the weight of top layer applied is only 2 lbs. per 3000 sq. ft.
  • the base layer composition was the same and consisted of:
  • This composition was processed in conventional paper-making equipment, and refined to a freeness of 425 ml. (Canadian Standard). It was delivered to the primary headbox of a paper machine and formed into a base layer of 60 lbs. per ream of 3000 sq. ft.
  • the top layer applied over the base layer by a secondary headbox, consisted of bleached hardwood sulfite and closely sized 40 micron alumina (available from Micro Abrasives Corp. and identified as Microgrit WCA040). The amount of top layer applied as well as the ratio of fibers to alumina were varied as shown in the following tabulation.
  • the multi-layer decor papers produced in these examples were printed, saturated with a melamine resin and made into laminates according to Example 2. Tests of the papers and laminates are set forth in the following tabulation.
  • FIG. 3 has been constructed from the data obtained in these examples, and shows the relationship between abrasion resistance of the laminate and the amount of alumina in the top layer.
  • Denischron data show that, in each case, ink receptivity of the double layer decor paper is improved over the control. Visual examination of the completed laminates confirms this. The improvement in printing quality is probably traceable to the presence of relatively fine hardwood fibers and closely sized mineral particles in the top surface of the double layer decor.
  • the final color of the laminate was indistinguishable from the final color of the laminate prepared from the control (base layer only), even though no coloring dyes or pigments were incorporated in the top layer. This indicates that the top layer has become essentially transparent following resin impregnation, pressing and curing.
  • the base layer of Example 2 was used.
  • an intermediate layer having a composition of 50 parts bleached hardwood sulfite fibers and 50 parts of 40-micron alumina to which was added a sufficient quantity of sequins cut from aluminum foil to yield approximately 100 sequins in each 10 sq. inches of the intermediate layer.
  • a top layer of 50 parts bleached hardwood sulfite fibers and 50 parts 40-micron alumina was added by means of a third headbox.
  • the resultant 3-layer product was pressed dried, calendered and printed to yield a multiple layer decor.
  • the base layer had a basis weight of 60.5 lbs./3000 sq. ft., the intermediate layer a basis weight of 3.0 lbs./3000 sq. ft. and the top layer a basis weight of 2.8 lbs./3000 sq. ft. for a total of 66.3 lbs./3000 sq. ft.
  • This three layered decor was incorporated in a laminate according to Example 2.
  • the laminate showed an abrasion resistance of 1500 cycles and a wear rate of 0.0046 gm./100 cycles.
  • the printed multi-layer decor paper of Example 33 was saturated with 58% of a polyester resin, then pressed at 270° F. for 2 minutes at 200 p.s.i.
  • the finished laminate was tested for its abrasion resistance in comparison with a similar laminate using the single layer printed decor of the control sample for Examples 26-34, with the following results:
  • the printed multi-layer decors of Examples 28 and 33 were each saturated with a low pressure melamine resin and with a diallyl phthalate resin crosslinked with styrene.
  • the low pressure melamine samples were pressed for 3.25 minutes at 300° F. and 300 p.s.i., while the diallyl phthalate samples were cured for 9 minutes at 240° F. under 50 p.s.i. with the following results:
  • Sheets of the printed multi-layer decor paper of Examples 28 and 33 were saturated with a self-crosslinking acrylic resin in latex form. The water was evaporated and the resin cross-linked by heating at 130° C. The resultant product was suitable for such applications as wear resistant book covers, or could be adhered to a base or core to provide a thicker, laminated structure.
  • Abrasion resistance of the cured sheets, prior to any laminating or adhering step was as follows:

Abstract

A decorated multiple layer paper suitable for use as a top surface in resin impregnated abrasion resistance decorated laminates, and the laminates prepared therefrom, said multiple layer having a base layer and a top layer, the top layer comprising abrasion resisting mineral particles having a hardness of 7 or more on the Moh scale and a particle size ranging from 10 to 75 microns, and with a printed pattern over the exposed surface of the top layer. The multiple layer paper is made by depositing a base layer on a paper machine forming wire, and while the base layer is in a wet state and still supported on the forming wire, depositing the top layer thereover. Abrasion resistant decorative laminates are prepared from said decorated multiple layer paper by saturating said paper with a resin, suitably a thermosetting resin followed by uniting with a core and curing of said resin.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is a continuation-in-part of copending application Ser. No. 147,839, filed May 28, 1971 now abandoned.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(1) Field of the invention
The present invention relates to laminates, more particularly to laminates having a high degree of abrasion resistance and suitable for table and counter tops, wall panels, floor surfacing, tableware and the like.
(2) Description of the prior art
Typically, laminates may be made from papers or fabrics by impregnating them with resins of various kinds, assembling several layers and consolidating the assembly into a unitary structure while converting the resin to a cured state. Resins used may be any selected from phenolics, aminoplasts, polyesters, polyurethanes, epoxy resins and the like. Consolidation of the layers to a unitary laminated structure may involve pressures ranging from essentially zero (with contact only between the layers comprising the final laminate) to 2000 lb. per sq. in. or more. Curing or setting of the resins may be accomplished at room temperature, or elevated temperatures (of the order of 150°-180° C.) to reduce the time required for curing.
The selection of the paper or fabric to be used, and the resin for impregnation is governed by the intended end-use of the finished laminate. For some end uses, surface decoration is not required or wanted, but in many instances colors and/or patterns are desired to add eye appeal to the finished laminate. While color and/or pattern decoration may be wanted for an outer surface of the laminate, the core or base functions primarily as a strengthening support, and may comprise wood, such as plywood, multiple layers of unbleached or dark colored paper or cloth, and may utilize dark colored, less expensive impregnating resins, such as phenolic resins.
When decorated laminates are desired, an outer surface layer, hereinafter called "decor," is used to cover the core layer or layers. This colored or decorated paper, may be pigmented with titanium dioxide and/or other opacifying pigments to mask the dark-colored core stock. The decor layer may be impregnated with a wide variety of resins, which may be applied to the decor in latex form, or as solutions in suitable solvents.
To impart wear and/or abrasion resistance to such decorated laminates, it has long been the practice to place a resin-impregnated surfacing paper, hereinafter called "overlay" over the decor sheet. Upon consolidating the laminate, generally under heat and pressure, the overlay sheet becomes transparent, permitting the printed pattern to be seen. More recently, particles of silica have been incorporated in overlay papers to give added abrasion resistance to laminates incorporating them. Likewise, printed decor papers have been coated with resin syrups containing abrasion resisting particles of silica, sometimes with added fibers or micro-crystalline cellulose. All the known prior art relating to abrasion resistant laminates applies a wear layer of some type over the printed pattern.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a multiple layer decor paper having abrasion-resisting mineral particles incorporated in the top layer thereof and having printing on the surface of said top layer, the paper being adapted to saturation with resins and incorporation into wear resistant decorative laminates, and to decorative laminates produced therefrom.
In one embodiment, the multiple-layer decor paper of this invention has a base layer of fibers and opacifying fillers, with a top layer comprising fibers and abrasion resistant mineral particles. An intermediate layer may be provided and contain decorative inclusions such as planchets or sequins, chopped foil or the like. The top surface of the paper is printed to provide the desired appearance, color and/or pattern desired in a completed laminate.
Typically, the abrasion resistant decorative laminates of this invention have a top surface ply of resin impregnated printed decor paper of this invention bonded to a base or core. No overlay is required. Surprisingly, even though the printing is applied on or over the top layer of the paper, and thus over the wear-resisting mineral particles incorporated therein, standard NEMA abrasion tests give wear rates well under 0.08 gm./100 cycles, and require up to 3000 cycles or more to the end-point (this being taken as the point where one-half the printed pattern has been abraded away). By contrast, prior art laminates with conventional decor papers require the use of overlay papers to meet the NEMA Class A specification of 400 cycles and a wear rate of 0.08 gm./100 cycles.
So far as we know, no one prior to our invention has incorporated abrasion resisting mineral particles in a top layer of a multi-layer decor paper, printed over this top layer (and thus over the abrasion resisting mineral particles), and, incorporated such paper in a laminate with no overlay to achieve the desired high abrasion resistance in the finished laminate. With the decorative pattern applied over the abrasion resistant layer, it is indeed unexpected that even nominal abrasion resistance is obtained, let alone values several times greater than that prior achieved with conventional overlay papers.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a multi-layer decor paper having abrasion resisting mineral particles incorporated in the top layer thereof, with decorative printing applied over said top layer, such printed multi-layer decor being adapted to impregnation with resins to produce abrasion resistant decorative laminates.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a decor paper having improved quality of printing applied thereto.
It is yet another object to provide abrasion resistant laminates of improved post-forming characteristics.
Another object of this invention is to provide simplified methods for producing decor papers and laminates prepared therefrom, which laminates exhibit unusually high resistance to abrasion, without the need to incorporate overlays therein.
These and other objects will become apparent from the description which follows.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the accompanying drawings:
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, greatly enlarged elevational section through the printed, multiple layer decor paper of this invention;
FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic, elevational section through a decorated, abrasion resistant laminate of this invention; and
FIG. 3 is a graphical showing of abrasion resistance of the decorative laminates of this invention as a function of the amount of alumina added to the decor paper of this invention.
(1) Multiple layer printed decor
The multiple layer printed decor of this invention has a base layer comprising fibers and most often, opacifying pigments such as titanium dioxide, although for some end uses of laminates where opacity of the decor is not required, the base layer may be free of opacifying pigments. Additionally, the base layer may contain strengthening agents, and formation and retention aids, all as known in the art. The weight per ream of the base layer is not critical, and may range from 10 to 100 lbs. or more per ream of 500 sheets, 24"×36" (3000 sq. ft.) A preferred range is from 30 to 100 lbs./3000 sq. ft., and very suitable opaque decors can be produced from base layers of 60 lbs./3000 sq. ft.
Such base layers are formed on the wire of a conventional paper machine having one or more secondary headboxes, with the fiber stock for the base layer delivered to the forming wire by means of a primary headbox, all as well known in the art.
To the formed, wet base layer, while still carried by the forming wire of the paper machine is added a top layer comprising abrasion resisting mineral particles. This top layer may also include fibers, and a range of mineral particles to fibers from 100% mineral particles to 5% mineral particles is useful. A preferred range is from 10% mineral particles to 50% mineral particles, with the balance made up of fibers, and excellent results are obtained with 25% mineral particles and 75% fibers. In general, the base layer must be fairly well formed but not too free of water, prior to application of the top layer, to allow the top layer components to partially mix and combine with the base layer. The dandy roll and wet presses help to accomplish the bonding together of the base and top layers, but the top layer will consist essentially of the composition as applied from the secondary headbox.
Generally speaking the mineral particles are adequately retained in the top layer by entanglement with the fibers present. However, if more positive retention is desired, a small amount of an adhesive such as starch may be incorporated in the top layer, or a thin layer of additional fibers may be applied over the top layer to intermingle and bond the mineral particles therein. Such additional fibers are suitably applied by a tertiary headbox, in an amount of the order of 2 lbs./3000 sq. ft.
Depending on the end-use properties desired in the laminates to be manufactured using the multiple layer decor of this invention, the amount of top layer applied to the base layer can range from 1 to 20 lbs./3000 sq. ft., with a preferred range of 4 to 14 lbs./3000 sq. ft. (dry basis). Excellent results are obtained with a top layer amounting to 4 to 10 lbs./3000 sq. ft. dry basis.
The abrasion resisting mineral particles comprising the top layer are selected from materials having a hardness of 7 or more on the Moh hardness scale. Such materials as silica, alumina, alundum, corundum, emery, spinel, as well as other materials such as tungsten carbide, zirconium boride, titanium nitride, tantalum carbide, beryllium carbide, silicon carbide, aluminum boride, boron carbide, diamond dust, and mixtures thereof may be used. The suitability of the abrasion resisting mineral particles will depend on such factors as availability and cost of a particular material, particle size available and color. For very light or white background colors, it is desirable to use essentially colorless mineral particles, such as alumina or silica. On the other hand, color of the mineral particles is not critical for colored decor papers, since the print patterns are applied over the surface thereof. Considering cost, availability, hardness, particle sizes available and lack of color, alumina is a preferred mineral for incorporation in the top layer.
The average particle size and particle size distribution of the mineral particles used in producing the multiple layer decor of this invention are quite important. Very fine particles of 2 microns or less, such as exhibited by the more conventional mineral fillers used in printing papers do not yield the desired high abrasion resistance in laminates. A useful range of particle size according to this invention is from 10 micron average particle size up to 75 micron average particle size. Average particle sizes much over 75 microns are coarse enough to interfere with printing detail, and may cause undue wear on caul plates. Also, fairly closely sized mineral particles are preferred to those having a wide range of particle diameters. A preferred average particle size of 40 microns has given excellent results. Alumina (Moh hardness of 9) with an average size designation of 40 microns and having the following size distribution is available from Micro Abrasives Corporation of Westfield, Mass. under the grade designation "Microgrit WCA-40" and is well-suited for our purposes:
______________________________________                                    
Size, microns:     Percent by weight                                      
______________________________________                                    
60 and over         4                                                     
50-60              17                                                     
40-50              29                                                     
30-40              38                                                     
25-30              12                                                     
Under 25            0                                                     
______________________________________                                    
As may be seen from the data, 67% of this material falls in the size range of 30 to 50 microns and 96% in the size range of 25-60 microns, and is a fairly closely sized material.
After deposition of the top layer over the base layer by means of a secondary headbox on the paper machine, the wet, double layer web is pressed, dried and may be calendered, all as known in the art, followed by application of a decorative printed pattern to the surface of the top layer to yield the multiple-layer decor paper of this invention, as shown in the diagrammatic vertical section of FIG. 1.
(2) Abrasion resistant laminate
The decorated, abrasion resistant plastic laminate of this invention is prepared by treating or impregnating the printed multiple layer decor of FIG. 1 with a suitable resin, drying and assembling the impregnated multiple layer decor as the surface layer, printed side out over a base or core and consolidating the assembly as by use of heat and pressure to cure the resin therein. A typical resulting laminate, such as is shown in diagrammatic vertical section in FIG. 2, although it does not contain an overlay over the print surface, still exhibits excellent abrasion resistance and high quality decorative print quality, making it suitable for numerous applications where severe wear may be expected, such as furniture, table tops and counter tops, flooring and the like. This is a wholly unexpected result, since the print pattern has not been covered with a wear-resisting layer such as an overlay paper of a coating of abrasion resisting material over the print pattern.
It should be evident that the key feature of this invention centers on achieving high abrasion resistance in a finished, decorative laminate by use of a multiple layer structure in a decor surface ply, the abrasion resistance being attributable to abrasion resisting mineral particles comprising the outer surface layer of the decor, with the printed pattern applied over this surface layer. Thus, the core of the laminate may be of any desired type, and such cores as wood, particle board, plaster board, asbestos board and the like are contemplated as being within the scope of the invention, as well as the commonly used plies of unbleached kraft paper impregnated with resins such as phenol-aldehyde resins.
Similarly, the base layer of the multiple layer decor of this invention may utilize fibers of a wide variety, these being selected to impart desired properties in finished laminates to meet particular end-use requirements. For example, the base layer may comprise asbestos or glass fibers where flame resistance is desired, and synthetic organic fibers may be used, such as nylon, rayon, acrylic, polyolefin and the like.
Selection of the resin for impregnation of the multiple layer printed decor will largely be governed by the intended end use of the finished laminate. Aminoplasts such as melaminealdehyde resins, acrylics such as polyacrylonitrile, polyester resins such as diallyl phthalate, phenolic resins, polyurethanes, and epoxy resins may be used.
The various embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the examples which follow. In the examples, the laminates of the invention, which incorporate the printed multiple layer decor of the invention were evaluated for abrasion resistance according to NEMA Method DL1-2.01. Values reported are the number of abrasive cycles required to reach an end point, which is taken as the point where one-half of the decorative print pattern has been abraded away. The wear rate is reported as the weight lost by the test laminate per 100 revolutions of the abrading wheels of the test instrument, the Taber abrasor. It should be noted that accepted industry standards for Class A laminates (suitable for table and counter tops) is a minimum of 400 cycles, with a wear rate not to exceed 0.08 gm. per 100 revolutions.
Printing quality of the multiple layer decors and laminates prepared therefrom was measured by measuring the ink receptivity of the surface of the top layer. Using a proof press and a uniform halftone plate, decor samples were printed under controlled standardized conditions using a constant metered amount of black ink on the plate. Reflectance of the resulting print was measured by a reflectance measuring instrument known as a "Densichron" to give numerical values representative of the blackness of the printed image, the blacker image resulting when the decor surface layer is more receptive to ink. Accordingly, the lower the Densichron reading, the better the printed result.
EXAMPLE 1
Bleached alpha pulp was beaten to a freeness of 500 ml. (Canadian Standard) and formed on a paper machine into a base layer weighing 22 lbs./3000 sq. ft. (dry basis). To the wet base layer on the foaming wire of the paper machine was added, by means of a secondary headbox, 10 lbs./3000 sq. ft. (dry basis) of a mixture of 1 part bleached alpha pulp and 1 part 325 mesh silica (substantially 100% finer than 44 microns). The double layer decor so formed had a total basis weight of 32 lbs./3000 sq. ft. (dry basis), with a silica content of 15.6%, based on total decor, most of the silica being retained in the top layer. After pressing, drying and calendering, the exposed side of the top layer was printed with a wood grain pattern. This printed double layer decor was then impregnated with a melamine resin and assembled, with six plies of corestock, as the top ply (printed side out) of a laminate. After pressing and curing, the laminate showed an abrasion resistance of 350 cycles and a wear rate of 0.015 gm./100 cycles. By comparison, a laminate made from the decor comprising the base layer only, and having the same print pattern, had an abrasion resistance of 100 cycles and a wear rate of 0.059 gm./100 cycles. Thus, the double layer decor of this invention improved abrasion resistance by a factor of 3.5, and wear rate by a factor of almost 4.
EXAMPLES 2 THROUGH 8 INCL.
In the examples which follow, the same base layer was used throughout, as follows: 31 parts of bleached softwood pulp, 25 parts bleached hardwood pulp and 44 parts of titanium dioxide were blended and refined to a freeness of 425 to 450 ml. (Canadian Standard). This furnish included 0.25 part of a dispersing agent for the dioxide and 1.5 parts of a wet strength agent. This composition was delivered to the primary headbox of a paper machine at a rate to form a base layer of 66.3 lbs./3000 sq. ft. (dry basis). A portion of the base layer was pressed and dried without application of any top layer, for use as a control in connection with the examples representing the invention. To a further portion of the base layer, water was added by means of a secondary headbox to check on the amount of base layer washed through the paper machine wire by reason of the application of a top layer, using the same secondary headbox. The base layer prepared in this manner had a basis weight of 60.5 lbs./3000 sq. ft. (dry basis).
A fiber component for use in the top layer, in combination with various kinds of abrasion resisting mineral particles, comprised bleached hardwood pulp refined to a freeness of 425 ml. (Canadian Standard). The fiber component was mixed in various ratios with a variety of abrasion resistant mineral particles, then applied by means of a secondary headbox to the wet primary layer on the wire of the paper machine. The double layer web, in each case, was then pressed, dried and calendered. Following this, the same printed pattern was applied to the exposed side of the top layer of the several different examples.
Each of the double layer printed decors was then impregnated with a 50% solution of the same melamineformaldehyde resin to give a 48-52% resin content and dried to a volatile content of about 6%. Laminates were then prepared by employing the resin impregnated multiple layer decors as surface sheets, printed side out, over six sheets of corestock. Pressing and curing were under the same time, temperature and pressure conditions in each case.
__________________________________________________________________________
                   Control                                                
                        Example                                           
                   plus                                                   
              Control                                                     
                   H.sub.2 O                                              
                        2    3    4    5     6     7     8                
__________________________________________________________________________
Top layer composition:                                                    
Hardwood fibers, percent                                                  
                        50   50   50   50    50    50    50               
40μ Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, percent                                          
                        50   50                                           
90μ Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, percent  50   50                                 
40μ SiC, percent                          50                           
35-40μ Norbide 320.sup.3                        50    50               
Physical properties:                                                      
Basis wt., base layer                                                     
              66.3 60.5 60.5 60.4 60.5 60.5  60.5  60.5  60.5             
Basis wt., top layer    6.5  8.5  4.6  5.2   4.4   6.3   7.8              
Basis wt., total                                                          
              66.3 60.5 67.0 69.0 65.1 65.7  64.9  66.8  68.3             
Ash, total percent                                                        
              38.6 38.2 38.8 38.5 37.4 36.2  37.3  39.7  40.2             
Ash, TiO.sub.2, percent                                                   
              38.6 38.2 34.6 33.5 35.5 35.2  35.6  34.6  33.9             
Mineral particles, percent                                                
                        4.2  5.0  1.9  1.0   1.7   5.1   6.3              
Abrasion tests on laminates:                                              
Cycles to end point                                                       
              93        625  783  233  208   1.917 3,200 3,833            
Wear rate, gm./100 cycles                                                 
              0.077     0.0111                                            
                             0.0071                                       
                                  0.0281                                  
                                       0.0387                             
                                             0.0033                       
                                                   0.0023                 
                                                         0.0018           
Printing evaluation:                                                      
Densichron-decor                                                          
              30.0      29.0 27.0 28.0 26.0  30.0  38.0  37.0             
Densichron-laminate                                                       
              13.5      11.0 10.5 11.0 10.5  13.0  24.5  21.5             
__________________________________________________________________________
 .sup.3 Norbide is a mixture of tungsten carbide and boron carbide having 
 hardness in excess of 9 on the Moh scale.                                
EXAMPLES 9 THROUGH 16 INCL.
In this series of examples, the base layer as used in Examples 2 through 8 was used throughout. The top layer utilized the same hardwood fiber component in 1:1 ratios with alumina of different particle sizes to show the relationship between particle size and abrasion resistance of laminates, as well as relative print quality, other factors being held constant. Results are tabulated below.
______________________________________                                    
       Av.    Alumina  Densi-  Abra- Resistance                           
       particle                                                           
              in total chron-  sion  wear,                                
       size,  decor,   lami-   cycles                                     
                                     g./100                               
       μ   percent  nate    to E.P.                                    
                                     cycles                               
______________________________________                                    
Control            0       18.5  100   0.0710                             
Example No.:                                                              
 9       40       3.3      16.8  767   0.0091                             
10       40       4.6      16.3  900   0.0076                             
11       40       4.9      15.0  944   0.0070                             
12       60-65    3.5      16.5  1,050 0.0062                             
13       60-65    4.0      18.0  1,087 0.0056                             
14       75       2.7      16.7  210   0.0271                             
15       75       3.5      15.5  342   0.0142                             
16       90       2.5      15.8  450   0.0152                             
______________________________________                                    
As may be seen, optimum abrasion resistance is obtained in the particle size range of 40 to 65 microns. In all cases, printing quality, as judged by Densichron readings, was equal to or somewhat better than the control.
EXAMPLES 17 THROUGH 20
Using the base layer of Example 2, the top layer was varied by using a mixture of two different sized alumina powders, one being closely sized at 60 to 95 microns and the other being an unsized fraction having particles ranging from 1 to 60 microns, and a weight-average size of 40 microns. These were compared with laminates having closely sized 40 micron alumina in the top layer.
__________________________________________________________________________
Example number     17   18   19   20                                      
__________________________________________________________________________
Top layer composition:                                                    
Bleached hardwook pulp, percent                                           
                   50   50   50   60                                      
40μ alumina          50   40                                           
60-65μ alumina  33             26.4                                    
Unsized alumina    17        13.6                                         
Physical properties:                                                      
Basis wt, base layer                                                      
                   58.0 59.0 59.5 57.5                                    
Basis wt, top layer                                                       
                   5.5  5.5  5.5  5.0                                     
Basis wt, total    63.5 61.5 65.0 62.5                                    
TiO.sub.2, percent 36.2 36.2 36.2 36.4                                    
Alumina percent    3.8  3.8  3.0  2.1                                     
Abrasion tests:                                                           
Cycles to end point                                                       
                   550  833  664  625                                     
Wear rate, gm./100 cycles                                                 
                   0.0090                                                 
                        0.0080                                            
                             0.0106                                       
                                  0.0106                                  
Ink receptivity: Densichron-laminate                                      
                   18.0 16.5 16.0 16.8                                    
__________________________________________________________________________
From this data, it may be seen that closely sized 40 micron alumina gives somewhat better abrasion resistance than the mixture, although all these examples meet NEMA standards for Class A laminates.
EXAMPLES 21 THROUGH 25 INCL.
In this series of examples, using the base layer of Example 2, the ratio of fibers to 40 micron alumina was varied over wide limits. The following tabulation shows the results obtained.
______________________________________                                    
Example number  21      22     23   24   25                               
______________________________________                                    
Top layer composition:                                                    
Bl. hardwood fibers, per-                                                 
cent            80      70     40   20   0                                
40μ alumina, percent                                                   
                20      30     60   80   100                              
Physical properties:                                                      
Basis wt., base layer                                                     
                58.5    59.0   60.5 61.0 59.5                             
Basis wt., top layer                                                      
                5.5     4.5    3.5  4.3  2.0                              
Basis wt., total                                                          
                64.0    63.5   64.0 65.3 61.5                             
TiO.sub.2, percent                                                        
                36.5    37.1   37.7 37.2 38.6                             
Alumina, percent                                                          
                2.2     2.4    3.4  4.9  2.2                              
Abrasion tests:                                                           
Cycles to end point                                                       
                442     552    787  1,210                                 
                                         810                              
Wear rate, gm./100 cycles                                                 
                0.0131  .0106  .0070                                      
                                    .0051                                 
                                         .0066                            
Ink receptivity: Densichron-                                              
laminate        15.3    16.0   16.3 16.5 17.5                             
______________________________________                                    
These examples show that, as the proportion of fibers decreases in the top layer, abrasion resistance generally increases. While Example 25, containing no fiber in the top layer shows a decrease in abrasion resistance, note that the weight of top layer applied is only 2 lbs. per 3000 sq. ft.
EXAMPLES 26 THROUGH 34 INCL.
In these examples, the base layer composition was the same and consisted of:
______________________________________                                    
                        Parts                                             
______________________________________                                    
Bleached softwood sulfite pulp                                            
                          27.7                                            
Bleached hardwood sulfite pulp                                            
                          27.7                                            
Bleached softwood sulfate pulp                                            
                          27.7                                            
Titanium dioxide          2.0                                             
Diatomaceous earth        14.9                                            
Zinc oxide                2.9                                             
Dyes to produce brown color                                               
                          6.49                                            
______________________________________                                    
This composition was processed in conventional paper-making equipment, and refined to a freeness of 425 ml. (Canadian Standard). It was delivered to the primary headbox of a paper machine and formed into a base layer of 60 lbs. per ream of 3000 sq. ft.
The top layer, applied over the base layer by a secondary headbox, consisted of bleached hardwood sulfite and closely sized 40 micron alumina (available from Micro Abrasives Corp. and identified as Microgrit WCA040). The amount of top layer applied as well as the ratio of fibers to alumina were varied as shown in the following tabulation.
The multi-layer decor papers produced in these examples were printed, saturated with a melamine resin and made into laminates according to Example 2. Tests of the papers and laminates are set forth in the following tabulation.
__________________________________________________________________________
                 Example number                                           
            Control                                                       
                 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34                               
__________________________________________________________________________
Top layer composition:                                                    
Fibers, percent  50 50 50 50 50 50 50 67 67                               
40μ alumina, percent                                                   
                 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 33 33                               
Physical properties:                                                      
Basis wt., base layer                                                     
            59.6 62.0                                                     
                    59.6                                                  
                       61.0                                               
                          59.6                                            
                             61.0                                         
                                59.6                                      
                                   59.6                                   
                                      59.6                                
                                         6.15                             
Basis wt., top layer                                                      
                 4.9                                                      
                    7.0                                                   
                       8.0                                                
                          8.2                                             
                             9.0                                          
                                12.0                                      
                                   13.9                                   
                                      8.4                                 
                                         8.5                              
Basis wt., total                                                          
            59.6 66.9                                                     
                    66.6                                                  
                       69.0                                               
                          67.8                                            
                             70.0                                         
                                71.6                                      
                                   73.5                                   
                                      68.0                                
                                         70.0                             
Total ash, percent                                                        
            20.2 22.9                                                     
                    23.8                                                  
                       24.9                                               
                          24.3                                            
                             24.4                                         
                                25.5                                      
                                   26.3                                   
                                      23.0                                
                                         23.2                             
Ash, base, percent                                                        
            20.2 18.8                                                     
                    18.1                                                  
                       17.9                                               
                          17.8                                            
                             17.6                                         
                                16.8                                      
                                   16.4                                   
                                      17.8                                
                                         17.8                             
Alumina, percent                                                          
            0    4.1                                                      
                    5.7                                                   
                       7.0                                                
                          6.5                                             
                             6.8                                          
                                8.7                                       
                                   9.9                                    
                                      5.2                                 
                                         5.4                              
Abrasion tests:                                                           
Cycles to E.P.                                                            
            130  1,100                                                    
                    1,100                                                 
                       1,500                                              
                          1,300                                           
                             1,575                                        
                                1,900                                     
                                   2,125                                  
                                      1,140                               
                                         1,150                            
Wear rate, gm./100 c                                                      
            .0650                                                         
                 .0057                                                    
                    .0055                                                 
                       .0041                                              
                          .0044                                           
                             .0041                                        
                                .0040                                     
                                   .0042                                  
                                      .0063                               
                                         .0051                            
Ink receptivity:                                                          
Densichron-decor                                                          
            41.0 39.0                                                     
                    36.0                                                  
                       35.5                                               
                          37.0                                            
                             36.0                                         
                                35.5                                      
                                   33.5                                   
                                      36.0                                
                                         36.0                             
Densichron-laminate                                                       
            31.2 32.0                                                     
                    30.1                                                  
                       30.0                                               
                          32.5                                            
                             29.3                                         
                                28.0                                      
                                   26.7                                   
                                      28.5                                
                                         29.4                             
__________________________________________________________________________
FIG. 3 has been constructed from the data obtained in these examples, and shows the relationship between abrasion resistance of the laminate and the amount of alumina in the top layer. Denischron data show that, in each case, ink receptivity of the double layer decor paper is improved over the control. Visual examination of the completed laminates confirms this. The improvement in printing quality is probably traceable to the presence of relatively fine hardwood fibers and closely sized mineral particles in the top surface of the double layer decor.
It is also interesting to note that, in each case, the final color of the laminate was indistinguishable from the final color of the laminate prepared from the control (base layer only), even though no coloring dyes or pigments were incorporated in the top layer. This indicates that the top layer has become essentially transparent following resin impregnation, pressing and curing.
EXAMPLE 35
In this example, the base layer of Example 2 was used. To this layer, while on the wire of a paper machine, was added an intermediate layer having a composition of 50 parts bleached hardwood sulfite fibers and 50 parts of 40-micron alumina to which was added a sufficient quantity of sequins cut from aluminum foil to yield approximately 100 sequins in each 10 sq. inches of the intermediate layer. Over the surface of the intermediate layer, while it and the base layer were still carried by the wire of the paper machine, a top layer of 50 parts bleached hardwood sulfite fibers and 50 parts 40-micron alumina was added by means of a third headbox. The resultant 3-layer product was pressed dried, calendered and printed to yield a multiple layer decor. The base layer had a basis weight of 60.5 lbs./3000 sq. ft., the intermediate layer a basis weight of 3.0 lbs./3000 sq. ft. and the top layer a basis weight of 2.8 lbs./3000 sq. ft. for a total of 66.3 lbs./3000 sq. ft.
This three layered decor was incorporated in a laminate according to Example 2. When tested, the laminate showed an abrasion resistance of 1500 cycles and a wear rate of 0.0046 gm./100 cycles.
EXAMPLES 36 THROUGH 38 INCL.
Using the base layer of Example 2, top layers using blends of bleached hardwood sulfite pulp and cotton linters were used, with 40 micron alumina as the abrasion resisting mineral particles. The results are tabulated below:
______________________________________                                    
                Example number                                            
                Control                                                   
                       36     37     38                                   
______________________________________                                    
Top layer composition:                                                    
Bleached hardwood pulp, percent                                           
                  0        20     35   67                                 
Cotton linters, percent                                                   
                  0        30     15                                      
40μ alumina, percent                                                   
                  0        50     50   33                                 
Physical properties:                                                      
Basis wt., base layer                                                     
                  58.5     59.0   59.0 61.0                               
Basis wt., top layer       4.0    3.8  2.8                                
Basis wt., total  58.5     63.0   62.8 63.8                               
TiO.sub.2, percent                                                        
                  39.9     37.4   37.5 38.1                               
Alumina, percent  0        1.7    1.7  1.7                                
Abrasion tests:                                                           
Cycles to end point                                                       
                  74       683    663  535                                
Wear rate, gm./100 cycles                                                 
                  .0716    .0075  .0092                                   
                                       .0102                              
Ink receptivity:                                                          
Densichron-decor  31.0     31.0   31.2 30.8                               
Densichron-laminate                                                       
                  16.3     16.3   15.3 15.3                               
______________________________________                                    
All the laminates had adequate levels of abrasion resistance and ink receptivity. Additionally, the laminates of Examples 36 and 37, each of which contained cotton linters in the surface layer, showed very acceptable post-formability, being capable of post forming to 1/2-inch radius bends with no perceptible cracking or crazing in the bend region. Both the control and Example 38 could not be post formed to 1/2-inch radius without objectionable cracking and/or crazing.
EXAMPLE 39
In this example, the printed multi-layer decor paper of Example 33 was saturated with 58% of a polyester resin, then pressed at 270° F. for 2 minutes at 200 p.s.i. The finished laminate was tested for its abrasion resistance in comparison with a similar laminate using the single layer printed decor of the control sample for Examples 26-34, with the following results:
______________________________________                                    
Abrasion resistance                                                       
                  Control    Example 39                                   
______________________________________                                    
Cycles to end-point                                                       
                  300        500                                          
Wear rate, gm./100 cycles                                                 
                  0.068      0.0484                                       
______________________________________                                    
EXAMPLES 40 THROUGH 43
The printed multi-layer decors of Examples 28 and 33 were each saturated with a low pressure melamine resin and with a diallyl phthalate resin crosslinked with styrene. The low pressure melamine samples were pressed for 3.25 minutes at 300° F. and 300 p.s.i., while the diallyl phthalate samples were cured for 9 minutes at 240° F. under 50 p.s.i. with the following results:
 ______________________________________                                    
Example number                                                            
            40      41      42    43    Control                           
______________________________________                                    
Decor from                                                                
example number                                                            
            28      33      28    33    39                                
Resin used.sup.1                                                          
            LPM     LPM     DAP   DAP   DAP                               
Cycles to end-point                                                       
            1.500   1.060   530   490   290                               
Wear rate,  0.0058  0.0073  0.0240                                        
                                  0.0314                                  
                                        0.0710                            
gm./100 cycles                                                            
______________________________________                                    
 .sup.1 LPM is low pressure melamine.                                     
 DAP is diallyl phthalate.                                                
While the low pressure melamine is a harder resin than diallyl phthalate, both show marked improvement in abrasion resistance resulting from the decor of this invention.
EXAMPLES 44-45
Sheets of the printed multi-layer decor paper of Examples 28 and 33 were saturated with a self-crosslinking acrylic resin in latex form. The water was evaporated and the resin cross-linked by heating at 130° C. The resultant product was suitable for such applications as wear resistant book covers, or could be adhered to a base or core to provide a thicker, laminated structure.
Abrasion resistance of the cured sheets, prior to any laminating or adhering step was as follows:
______________________________________                                    
Example number    44      45      Control                                 
______________________________________                                    
Decor from example number                                                 
                  33      28      39                                      
Percent acrylic resin                                                     
                  32      34      34                                      
Cycles to end point                                                       
                  400     600     140                                     
______________________________________                                    
Again, the marked improvement in abrasion resistance attained with the printed multi-layer decor of this invention is evident.

Claims (13)

What is claimed is:
1. An abrasion resistant laminate comprising a core and a resin impregnated cured decorated surface paper, said surface paper, prior to resin impregnation comprising
(a) a paper base layer;
(b) a top layer integral with said base layer and comprising from about 2 to 100 percent by weight of abrasion resisting mineral particles having a hardness of from 7 to 10 on the Moh scale and an average particle size ranging from 10 to 75 microns, and
(c) printing applied on the exposed outer surface of said top layer.
2. The abrasion resistant laminate of claim 1 wherein said resin is a thermosetting resin.
3. The abrasion resistant laminate of claim 1 wherein said top layer includes fibers.
4. The abrasion resistant laminate of claim .[.2.]. .Iadd.3 .Iaddend.wherein said top layer comprises from 10% to 50% of said mineral particles and from 90% to 50% of said fibers.
5. The abrasion resistant laminate of claim 1 wherein said mineral particles are alumina.
6. The abrasion rsistant laminate of claim 1 wherein said mineral particles are silica.
7. The abrasion resistant laminate of claim 1 wherein said mineral particles are silicon carbide.
8. The abrasion resistant laminate of claim 1 wherein said mineral particles are a mixture of tungsten carbide and borron carbide.
9. The abrasion resistant laminates of claim 1 wherein said top layer has a basis weight ranging from 1 to 20 lbs. per ream of 3000 sq. ft.
10. The abrasion resistant laminate of claim 1 wherein said base layer comprises fibers.
11. The abrasion resistant laminate of claim 9 wherein said base layer has a basis weight ranging from 10 to 100 lbs. per ream of 3000 sq. ft.
12. The abrasion resistant laminate of claim 1 wherein said base layer comprises fibers and opacifying pigments, and has a basis weight ranging from 30 to 100 lbs. per ream of 3000 sq. ft. and said top layer comprises from 10% to 50% alumina having a particle size distribution of 96% in the size range of 20 to 60 microns and 90% to 50% of bleached hardwood fibers, said top layer having a basis weight ranging from 4 to 14 lbs. per ream of 3000 sq. ft. .Iadd.13. An abrasion resistant laminate comprising a core and a resin impregnated printed decor paper, said printed decor paper comprising:
(a) a base paper layer of fibers and opacifying pigments; and
(b) integral with said base paper layer a printed layer comprising a mixture of abrasion resisting mineral particles having a hardness of 7 to 10 on the Moh scale and print receptive fibers, the fibers and abrasion resisting mineral particles being present in said printed layer in an amount and size to impart printability to the printed surface of the printed layer and to provide such abrasion resistance to said decor paper that upon lamination, without the presence of overlay paper, the resulting laminate has a wear rate of under 0.08 gm/100 cycles and a minimum of 400 cycles in the NEMA Method LD1-2.01 abrasion test, the printing on said printed layer being on the surface opposite the surface integral with said base layer. .Iaddend. .Iadd.14. The abrasion resistant laminate of claim 13 wherein said base paper layer has a dry basis weight ranging from 30 to 100 lbs. per ream of 3000 sq. ft. and said printed layer has a dry basis weight ranging from 4 to 14 lbs. per ream of 3000 sq. ft. .Iaddend. .Iadd.15. The abrasion resistant laminate of claim 13 wherein said printed layer includes a small amount of adhesive. .Iaddend. .Iadd.16. The abrasion resistant laminate of claim 15 wherein said adhesive is starch. .Iaddend. .Iadd.17. The abrasion resistant laminate of claim 13 wherein said decor paper includes a thin fiber layer over said printable layer. .Iaddend. .Iadd.18. An abrasion resistant laminate comprising a core and a resin impregnated printed decor paper, said printed decor paper comprising:
(a) a base paper layer;
(b) integral with said base paper layer a printed layer comprising a mixture of abrasion resisting mineral particles having a hardness of 7 to 10 on the Moh scale and print receptive fibers, the fibers and abrasion resisting mineral particles being present in said printed layer in an amount and size to impart printability to the printed layer and to provide such abrasion resistance to said decor paper that upon lamination, without the presence of overlay paper, the resulting laminate has a wear rate of under 0.08 gm/100 cycles and a minimum of 400 cycles in the NEMA Method LD1-2.01 abrasion test; and
(c) the printing on said printed layer being on the surface opposite the
surface integral with said base paper layer. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 19. The abrasion resistant laminate of claim 18 wherein said base paper layer has a dry basis weight ranging from 30 to 100 lbs. per ream of 3000 sq. ft. and said printed layer has a dry basis weight ranging from 4 to 14 lbs. per ream of 3000 sq. ft. .Iaddend..Iadd. 20. An abrasion resistant laminate comprising a core and a resin impregnated printed decor paper, said printed decor paper comprising:
(a) a base paper layer of fibers and opacifying pigments; and
(b) integral with said base paper layer a printed layer comprising a mixture of abrasion resisting alumina particles, print receptive fibers and starch, the fibers and abrasion resisting alumina particles being present in said printed layer in an amount and size to impart printability to the printable surface of the printed layer and to provide such abrasion resistance to said decor paper that upon lamination, without the presence of overlay paper, the resulting laminate has a wear rate of under 0.08 gm/100 cycles and a minimum of 400 cycles in the NEMA Method LD1-2.01 abrasion test, the printing on said printed layer being on the surface opposite the surface integral with said base paper layer. .Iaddend. .Iadd.21. The abrasion resistant laminate of claim 20 wherein said base paper layer has a dry basis weight ranging from 30 to 100 lbs. per ream of 3000 sq. ft. and said printed layer has a dry basis weight ranging from 4 to 14 lbs. per ream of 3000 sq. ft. .Iaddend..Iadd. 22. The abrasion resistant laminate of claim 20 wherein said decor paper includes a thin fiber layer over said printed layer. .Iaddend.
US05/600,154 1971-05-28 1975-07-29 Multiple layer decorated paper, laminate prepared therefrom and process Expired - Lifetime USRE30233E (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US05/600,154 USRE30233E (en) 1971-05-28 1975-07-29 Multiple layer decorated paper, laminate prepared therefrom and process

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14783971A 1971-05-28 1971-05-28
US05/600,154 USRE30233E (en) 1971-05-28 1975-07-29 Multiple layer decorated paper, laminate prepared therefrom and process

Related Parent Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14783971A Continuation-In-Part 1971-05-28 1971-05-28
US23795272A Reissue 1971-05-28 1972-03-24

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
USRE30233E true USRE30233E (en) 1980-03-18

Family

ID=26845277

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US05/600,154 Expired - Lifetime USRE30233E (en) 1971-05-28 1975-07-29 Multiple layer decorated paper, laminate prepared therefrom and process

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) USRE30233E (en)

Cited By (51)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4741946A (en) 1986-10-07 1988-05-03 Nevamar Corporation Scuff and abrasion-resistant laminates
US4971855A (en) * 1988-05-02 1990-11-20 Nevamar Corporation Wear-resistant glossy laminates
US5141799A (en) * 1990-08-10 1992-08-25 The Mead Corporation Low scratch, abrasion-resistant overlay and decor papers
US5252378A (en) * 1992-05-13 1993-10-12 The Mead Corporation Method of producing decorative sheets having localized patterns of color, decorative sheets produced by such method, and laminates employing such decorative sheets
US5266384A (en) * 1991-07-18 1993-11-30 Nevamar Corporation Aesthetic surface layer
US5344704A (en) * 1993-04-07 1994-09-06 Nevamar Corporation Abrasion-resistant, aesthetic surface layer laminate
US5456949A (en) * 1991-06-21 1995-10-10 Formica Technology Inc. Method of producing damage resistant decorative laminate
US5466511A (en) * 1991-07-18 1995-11-14 Nevamar Corporation Coated transfer sheet and laminate produced therefrom
US5601930A (en) * 1994-04-13 1997-02-11 The Mead Corporation Decor sheet and decorative laminates prepared therefrom
US5702806A (en) * 1991-07-18 1997-12-30 O'dell; Robin D. Decorative laminate surface layer
US5820937A (en) * 1992-06-15 1998-10-13 The Mead Corporation Process for making high abrasion overlays
US5866208A (en) * 1991-07-18 1999-02-02 International Paper Company Process for producing aesthetic surface layer composition and aesthetic surface layer
WO1999009274A2 (en) * 1997-08-14 1999-02-25 Akzenta Paneele + Profile Gmbh Covering element for building surfaces or the like and method for the production thereof
US20020117277A1 (en) * 2001-02-27 2002-08-29 Johnson Mark A. Multi-layer printable wear resistant papers including particle rich interior layer
US20030024199A1 (en) * 2001-07-27 2003-02-06 Darko Pervan Floor panel with sealing means
US20040112515A1 (en) * 2000-11-10 2004-06-17 Erich Rathgeb Method for producing a shaped part
US20040200567A1 (en) * 2000-07-11 2004-10-14 Laurence Mott Process for the manufacturing of an improved core for decorative laminates and a decorative laminate obtained by the process
US20050102937A1 (en) * 1998-06-03 2005-05-19 Valinge Aluminium Ab Locking System And Flooring Board
US20050208255A1 (en) * 2002-04-08 2005-09-22 Valinge Aluminium Ab Floorboards for floorings
US20060070333A1 (en) * 2002-04-03 2006-04-06 Darko Pervan Mechanical locking system for floorboards
US20060073320A1 (en) * 2004-10-05 2006-04-06 Valinge Aluminium Ab Appliance And Method For Surface Treatment Of A Board Shaped Material And Floorboard
US20060179774A1 (en) * 2000-06-13 2006-08-17 Flooring Industies Ltd. Floor covering, floor panels for forming such floor covering, and method for realizing such floor panels
US20060179773A1 (en) * 2005-02-15 2006-08-17 Valinge Aluminium Ab Building Panel With Compressed Edges And Method Of Making Same
US20060275597A1 (en) * 2005-06-07 2006-12-07 Thiele Erik S Paper and paper laminates containing modified titanium dioxide
WO2007027711A1 (en) 2005-08-29 2007-03-08 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Pigment particles coated with polysaccharides and having improved properties
US20070071989A1 (en) * 2005-09-27 2007-03-29 Thiele Erik S Paper laminates
US20070068423A1 (en) * 2005-09-27 2007-03-29 Thiele Erik S Titanium dioxide pigment useful in paper laminates
US20070175144A1 (en) * 2006-01-11 2007-08-02 Valinge Innovation Ab V-groove
US20070175148A1 (en) * 2006-01-12 2007-08-02 Valinge Innovation Ab Resilient groove
US20080000179A1 (en) * 2002-03-20 2008-01-03 Valinge Innovation Ab Floorboards with decorative grooves
US20080000182A1 (en) * 1998-06-03 2008-01-03 Valinge Innovation Ab Locking system and flooring board
US20080066425A1 (en) * 2006-09-15 2008-03-20 Valinge Innovation Ab Device and method for compressing an edge of a building panel and a building panel with compressed edges
US20080160267A1 (en) * 2002-12-30 2008-07-03 Erik Shepard Thiele Process for making a water dispersible titanium dioxide pigment useful in paper laminates
US20090208705A1 (en) * 2000-10-03 2009-08-20 Nilsson Magnus N Process for manuafacture of surface elements
US20100040841A1 (en) * 2005-01-13 2010-02-18 Kunz-Holding Gmbh & Co. Kg Web-like coating film
US20110146188A1 (en) * 2009-12-17 2011-06-23 Valinge Innovation Ab Methods and arrangements relating to surface forming of building panels
US20110219716A1 (en) * 2006-06-08 2011-09-15 Mannington Mills, Inc. Methods and Systems For Decorating Bevel and Other Surfaces Of Laminated Floorings
US8875464B2 (en) 2012-04-26 2014-11-04 Valinge Innovation Ab Building panels of solid wood
US8888956B2 (en) 2011-04-28 2014-11-18 E I Du Pont De Nemours And Company Treated inorganic pigments having improved bulk flow and their use in paper slurries
US20140338852A1 (en) * 2011-10-28 2014-11-20 E I Du Pont De Nemours And Company Treated inorganic pigments having improved dispersability and use thereof in paper products
US8935899B2 (en) 2012-02-02 2015-01-20 Valinge Innovation Ab Lamella core and a method for producing it
US9115470B2 (en) 2011-06-28 2015-08-25 The Chemours Company Tt, Llc Treated inorganic pigments having reduced photoactivity and anti-microbial properties and their use in paper slurries
US9140010B2 (en) 2012-07-02 2015-09-22 Valinge Flooring Technology Ab Panel forming
US9322183B2 (en) 2004-01-13 2016-04-26 Valinge Innovation Ab Floor covering and locking systems
US9539557B2 (en) 2011-10-28 2017-01-10 The Chemours Company Tt, Llc Treated inorganic pigments having improved dispersability and use thereof in coating compositions
US9567753B2 (en) 1999-04-30 2017-02-14 Valinge Innovation Ab Locking system, floorboard comprising such a locking system, as well as method for making floorboards
US9573108B2 (en) 2011-10-28 2017-02-21 The Chemours Company Tt, Llc Treated inorganic core particles having improved dispersability
US9605436B2 (en) 2003-12-02 2017-03-28 Valinge Innovation Ab Floorboard, system and method for forming a flooring, and a flooring formed thereof
US9975267B2 (en) 2013-08-27 2018-05-22 Valinge Innovation Ab Method for producing a lamella core
US10801213B2 (en) 2018-01-10 2020-10-13 Valinge Innovation Ab Subfloor joint
US11578495B2 (en) 2018-12-05 2023-02-14 Valinge Innovation Ab Subfloor joint

Citations (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1230095A (en) * 1916-02-11 1917-06-19 James E Baum Jr Paper.
US1672988A (en) * 1922-04-12 1928-06-12 Raybestos Co Plied sheet and method of producing the same
US1953111A (en) * 1930-06-16 1934-04-03 Westinghouse Electric & Mfg Co Laminated material and method of producing same
US2060824A (en) * 1933-06-14 1936-11-17 Raffold Process Corp Paper manufacture
US2202488A (en) * 1938-02-21 1940-05-28 Bird & Son Floor covering
US2599092A (en) * 1946-01-28 1952-06-03 Vanderbilt Co R T Multiple layer paper containing pigmented pulp and method of making
US3123515A (en) * 1964-03-03 Now by judicial change of name
US3135643A (en) * 1960-05-31 1964-06-02 Gen Electric Decorative laminates
US3190786A (en) * 1961-05-10 1965-06-22 Fitchburg Paper Decorative laminated paper
US3223579A (en) * 1958-09-22 1965-12-14 Rodger M Dorland Pigment coated paper including polyvinyl alcohol binder as hardboard overlay
US3287207A (en) * 1964-04-17 1966-11-22 Huber Corp J M Method of distributing siliceous fillers uniformly throughout a water-laid web while the web is on the fourdrinier wire
US3343975A (en) * 1961-09-27 1967-09-26 Congoleum Nairn Inc Process of producing decorative surface covering
US3372084A (en) * 1966-07-18 1968-03-05 Mead Corp Post-formable absorbent paper
US3373070A (en) * 1964-05-01 1968-03-12 Gen Electric Laminates
US3373071A (en) * 1964-03-26 1968-03-12 Gen Electric Laminates
US3445327A (en) * 1964-03-26 1969-05-20 Gen Electric Abrasive-resistant decorative laminates and method for making same
US3525664A (en) * 1967-11-29 1970-08-25 Domtar Ltd Abrasion resistant plastic laminate and method of making same
US3540978A (en) * 1967-11-08 1970-11-17 Kimberly Clark Co Abrasion resistant laminates and coating therefor
US3551241A (en) * 1967-08-23 1970-12-29 Formica Corp Process for producing a decorative laminate comprising transferring a film of a transparent noble thermosetting resin to a decorative sheet from a flexible release transfer sheet and removing the flexible release sheet after the heat and pressure consolidation step
US3562076A (en) * 1967-03-03 1971-02-09 Minnesota Mining & Mfg Flooring with decorative filler
BE775555A (en) 1970-11-20 1972-03-16 Mead Corp ABRASION RESISTANT COVERS
US3661673A (en) * 1969-05-01 1972-05-09 Woodall Industries Inc Method of making plastic laminate having high abrasion resistance
US3716440A (en) * 1970-01-19 1973-02-13 Ilrigawa Electric Ind Co Ltd Method of manufacturing a resinous decorative laminate having a lustrous pattern of really metallic surface

Patent Citations (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3123515A (en) * 1964-03-03 Now by judicial change of name
US1230095A (en) * 1916-02-11 1917-06-19 James E Baum Jr Paper.
US1672988A (en) * 1922-04-12 1928-06-12 Raybestos Co Plied sheet and method of producing the same
US1953111A (en) * 1930-06-16 1934-04-03 Westinghouse Electric & Mfg Co Laminated material and method of producing same
US2060824A (en) * 1933-06-14 1936-11-17 Raffold Process Corp Paper manufacture
US2202488A (en) * 1938-02-21 1940-05-28 Bird & Son Floor covering
US2599092A (en) * 1946-01-28 1952-06-03 Vanderbilt Co R T Multiple layer paper containing pigmented pulp and method of making
US3223579A (en) * 1958-09-22 1965-12-14 Rodger M Dorland Pigment coated paper including polyvinyl alcohol binder as hardboard overlay
US3135643A (en) * 1960-05-31 1964-06-02 Gen Electric Decorative laminates
US3190786A (en) * 1961-05-10 1965-06-22 Fitchburg Paper Decorative laminated paper
US3343975A (en) * 1961-09-27 1967-09-26 Congoleum Nairn Inc Process of producing decorative surface covering
US3445327A (en) * 1964-03-26 1969-05-20 Gen Electric Abrasive-resistant decorative laminates and method for making same
US3373071A (en) * 1964-03-26 1968-03-12 Gen Electric Laminates
US3287207A (en) * 1964-04-17 1966-11-22 Huber Corp J M Method of distributing siliceous fillers uniformly throughout a water-laid web while the web is on the fourdrinier wire
US3373070A (en) * 1964-05-01 1968-03-12 Gen Electric Laminates
US3372084A (en) * 1966-07-18 1968-03-05 Mead Corp Post-formable absorbent paper
US3562076A (en) * 1967-03-03 1971-02-09 Minnesota Mining & Mfg Flooring with decorative filler
US3551241A (en) * 1967-08-23 1970-12-29 Formica Corp Process for producing a decorative laminate comprising transferring a film of a transparent noble thermosetting resin to a decorative sheet from a flexible release transfer sheet and removing the flexible release sheet after the heat and pressure consolidation step
US3540978A (en) * 1967-11-08 1970-11-17 Kimberly Clark Co Abrasion resistant laminates and coating therefor
US3525664A (en) * 1967-11-29 1970-08-25 Domtar Ltd Abrasion resistant plastic laminate and method of making same
US3661673A (en) * 1969-05-01 1972-05-09 Woodall Industries Inc Method of making plastic laminate having high abrasion resistance
US3716440A (en) * 1970-01-19 1973-02-13 Ilrigawa Electric Ind Co Ltd Method of manufacturing a resinous decorative laminate having a lustrous pattern of really metallic surface
BE775555A (en) 1970-11-20 1972-03-16 Mead Corp ABRASION RESISTANT COVERS

Cited By (120)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4741946A (en) 1986-10-07 1988-05-03 Nevamar Corporation Scuff and abrasion-resistant laminates
US4971855A (en) * 1988-05-02 1990-11-20 Nevamar Corporation Wear-resistant glossy laminates
US5141799A (en) * 1990-08-10 1992-08-25 The Mead Corporation Low scratch, abrasion-resistant overlay and decor papers
US5456949A (en) * 1991-06-21 1995-10-10 Formica Technology Inc. Method of producing damage resistant decorative laminate
US5702806A (en) * 1991-07-18 1997-12-30 O'dell; Robin D. Decorative laminate surface layer
US5266384A (en) * 1991-07-18 1993-11-30 Nevamar Corporation Aesthetic surface layer
US5466511A (en) * 1991-07-18 1995-11-14 Nevamar Corporation Coated transfer sheet and laminate produced therefrom
US5866208A (en) * 1991-07-18 1999-02-02 International Paper Company Process for producing aesthetic surface layer composition and aesthetic surface layer
US5866209A (en) * 1991-07-18 1999-02-02 International Paper Company Process for producing aesthetic surface layer composition and aesthetic surface layer
US5866207A (en) * 1991-07-18 1999-02-02 International Paper Company Process for producing aesthetic surface layer composition and aesthetic surface layer
US5252378A (en) * 1992-05-13 1993-10-12 The Mead Corporation Method of producing decorative sheets having localized patterns of color, decorative sheets produced by such method, and laminates employing such decorative sheets
US5820937A (en) * 1992-06-15 1998-10-13 The Mead Corporation Process for making high abrasion overlays
US5344704A (en) * 1993-04-07 1994-09-06 Nevamar Corporation Abrasion-resistant, aesthetic surface layer laminate
US5601930A (en) * 1994-04-13 1997-02-11 The Mead Corporation Decor sheet and decorative laminates prepared therefrom
WO1999009274A2 (en) * 1997-08-14 1999-02-25 Akzenta Paneele + Profile Gmbh Covering element for building surfaces or the like and method for the production thereof
US6568148B1 (en) * 1997-08-14 2003-05-27 Akzenta Paneele + Profile Gmbh Covering element for building surfaces or the like and method for the production thereof
WO1999009274A3 (en) * 1997-08-14 1999-04-15 Akzenta Paneele & Profile Gmbh Covering element for building surfaces or the like and method for the production thereof
US20080028707A1 (en) * 1998-06-03 2008-02-07 Valinge Innovation Ab Locking System And Flooring Board
US7954295B2 (en) 1998-06-03 2011-06-07 Valinge Innovation Ab Locking system and flooring board
US7386963B2 (en) * 1998-06-03 2008-06-17 Valinge Innovation Ab Locking system and flooring board
US9528276B2 (en) 1998-06-03 2016-12-27 Valinge Innovation Ab Locking system and flooring board
US8869486B2 (en) 1998-06-03 2014-10-28 Valinge Innovation Ab Locking system and flooring board
US20050102937A1 (en) * 1998-06-03 2005-05-19 Valinge Aluminium Ab Locking System And Flooring Board
US8429869B2 (en) 1998-06-03 2013-04-30 Valinge Innovation Ab Locking system and flooring board
US20080000182A1 (en) * 1998-06-03 2008-01-03 Valinge Innovation Ab Locking system and flooring board
US8033075B2 (en) 1998-06-03 2011-10-11 Välinge Innovation AB Locking system and flooring board
US20110203214A1 (en) * 1998-06-03 2011-08-25 Valinge Innovation Ab Locking system and flooring board
US9567753B2 (en) 1999-04-30 2017-02-14 Valinge Innovation Ab Locking system, floorboard comprising such a locking system, as well as method for making floorboards
US20060179774A1 (en) * 2000-06-13 2006-08-17 Flooring Industies Ltd. Floor covering, floor panels for forming such floor covering, and method for realizing such floor panels
US7842212B2 (en) 2000-06-13 2010-11-30 Flooring Industries Limited, Sarl Floor covering, floor panels for forming such floor covering, and method for realizing such floor panels
US20070051064A1 (en) * 2000-06-13 2007-03-08 Thiers Bernard P J Floor covering, floor panels for forming such floor covering, and method of realizing such floor panels
US20060179776A1 (en) * 2000-06-13 2006-08-17 Flooring Industries Ltd. Floor covering, floor panels for forming such floor covering, and method for realizing such floor panels
US8535589B2 (en) 2000-06-13 2013-09-17 Flooring Industries Limited, Sarl Floor covering, floor panels for forming such floor covering, and method for realizing such floor panels
US9970198B2 (en) * 2000-06-13 2018-05-15 Flooring Industries Limited, Sarl Floor covering, floor panels for forming such floor covering, and method for realizing such floor panels
US7249445B2 (en) 2000-06-13 2007-07-31 Flooring Industries Ltd. Floor covering, floor panels for forming such floor covering, and method of realizing such floor panels
US20040200567A1 (en) * 2000-07-11 2004-10-14 Laurence Mott Process for the manufacturing of an improved core for decorative laminates and a decorative laminate obtained by the process
US8597766B2 (en) * 2000-10-03 2013-12-03 Pergo (Europe) Ab Process for manufacture of surface elements
US20090208705A1 (en) * 2000-10-03 2009-08-20 Nilsson Magnus N Process for manuafacture of surface elements
US6994764B2 (en) * 2000-11-10 2006-02-07 Munksjoe Paper Decor Gmbh & Co. Kg Method for producing a shaped part
US20040112515A1 (en) * 2000-11-10 2004-06-17 Erich Rathgeb Method for producing a shaped part
US6551455B2 (en) * 2001-02-27 2003-04-22 The Mead Corporation Multi-layer printable wear resistant papers including particle rich interior layer
US20020117277A1 (en) * 2001-02-27 2002-08-29 Johnson Mark A. Multi-layer printable wear resistant papers including particle rich interior layer
US8584423B2 (en) 2001-07-27 2013-11-19 Valinge Innovation Ab Floor panel with sealing means
US8028486B2 (en) 2001-07-27 2011-10-04 Valinge Innovation Ab Floor panel with sealing means
US20110131901A1 (en) * 2001-07-27 2011-06-09 Valinge Innovation Ab Floor panel with sealing means
US20030024199A1 (en) * 2001-07-27 2003-02-06 Darko Pervan Floor panel with sealing means
US10471678B2 (en) 2002-03-20 2019-11-12 Valinge Innovation Ab Floorboards with decorative grooves
US11498305B2 (en) 2002-03-20 2022-11-15 Valinge Innovation Ab Floorboards with decorative grooves
US8683698B2 (en) 2002-03-20 2014-04-01 Valinge Innovation Ab Method for making floorboards with decorative grooves
US7926234B2 (en) 2002-03-20 2011-04-19 Valinge Innovation Ab Floorboards with decorative grooves
US20110154665A1 (en) * 2002-03-20 2011-06-30 Valinge Innovation Ab Floorboards with decorative grooves
US20080000179A1 (en) * 2002-03-20 2008-01-03 Valinge Innovation Ab Floorboards with decorative grooves
US7866115B2 (en) * 2002-03-20 2011-01-11 Valinge Innovation Ab Floorboards with decorative grooves
US7757452B2 (en) 2002-04-03 2010-07-20 Valinge Innovation Ab Mechanical locking system for floorboards
US20060070333A1 (en) * 2002-04-03 2006-04-06 Darko Pervan Mechanical locking system for floorboards
US8381488B2 (en) 2002-04-08 2013-02-26 Valinge Innovation Ab Floorboards for floorings
US8720151B2 (en) 2002-04-08 2014-05-13 Valinge Innovation Ab Floorboards for flooring
US9194135B2 (en) 2002-04-08 2015-11-24 Valinge Innovation Ab Floorboards for floorings
US20050208255A1 (en) * 2002-04-08 2005-09-22 Valinge Aluminium Ab Floorboards for floorings
US20080008871A1 (en) * 2002-04-08 2008-01-10 Valinge Innovation Ab Floorboards for floorings
US8245477B2 (en) 2002-04-08 2012-08-21 Välinge Innovation AB Floorboards for floorings
US20080160267A1 (en) * 2002-12-30 2008-07-03 Erik Shepard Thiele Process for making a water dispersible titanium dioxide pigment useful in paper laminates
US8475582B2 (en) 2002-12-30 2013-07-02 E I Du Pont De Nemours And Company Process for making a water dispersible titanium dioxide pigment useful in paper laminates
US9605436B2 (en) 2003-12-02 2017-03-28 Valinge Innovation Ab Floorboard, system and method for forming a flooring, and a flooring formed thereof
US9970199B2 (en) 2003-12-02 2018-05-15 Valinge Innovation Ab Floorboard, system and method for forming a flooring, and a flooring formed thereof
US10138637B2 (en) 2004-01-13 2018-11-27 Valinge Innovation Ab Floor covering and locking systems
US9322183B2 (en) 2004-01-13 2016-04-26 Valinge Innovation Ab Floor covering and locking systems
US20060073320A1 (en) * 2004-10-05 2006-04-06 Valinge Aluminium Ab Appliance And Method For Surface Treatment Of A Board Shaped Material And Floorboard
US9623433B2 (en) 2004-10-05 2017-04-18 Valinge Innovation Ab Appliance and method for surface treatment of a board shaped material and floorboard
US8042484B2 (en) 2004-10-05 2011-10-25 Valinge Innovation Ab Appliance and method for surface treatment of a board shaped material and floorboard
US20080000417A1 (en) * 2004-10-05 2008-01-03 Valinge Innovation Ab Appliance and method for surface treatment of a board shaped material and floorboard
US20100040841A1 (en) * 2005-01-13 2010-02-18 Kunz-Holding Gmbh & Co. Kg Web-like coating film
US20060179773A1 (en) * 2005-02-15 2006-08-17 Valinge Aluminium Ab Building Panel With Compressed Edges And Method Of Making Same
US8215078B2 (en) 2005-02-15 2012-07-10 Välinge Innovation Belgium BVBA Building panel with compressed edges and method of making same
US8429872B2 (en) 2005-02-15 2013-04-30 Valinge Innovation Belgium Bvba Building panel with compressed edges and method of making same
US20060275597A1 (en) * 2005-06-07 2006-12-07 Thiele Erik S Paper and paper laminates containing modified titanium dioxide
DE112006001459B4 (en) 2005-06-07 2019-05-29 The Chemours Company Fc, Llc PAPER AND LAMB PAPERS CONTAINING MODIFIED TITANIUM DIOXIDE
US8043715B2 (en) 2005-06-07 2011-10-25 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Paper and paper laminates containing modified titanium dioxide
US20070181038A1 (en) * 2005-08-29 2007-08-09 Subramaniam Sabesan Pigment particles coated with polysaccharides and having improved properties
WO2007027711A1 (en) 2005-08-29 2007-03-08 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Pigment particles coated with polysaccharides and having improved properties
US7601212B2 (en) 2005-08-29 2009-10-13 E.I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Pigment particles coated with polysaccharides and having improved properties
US20070068423A1 (en) * 2005-09-27 2007-03-29 Thiele Erik S Titanium dioxide pigment useful in paper laminates
US20070071989A1 (en) * 2005-09-27 2007-03-29 Thiele Erik S Paper laminates
US20080308009A1 (en) * 2005-09-27 2008-12-18 Erik Shepard Thiele Titanium dioxide pigment useful in paper laminates
US8261504B2 (en) 2006-01-11 2012-09-11 Valinge Innovation Ab V-groove
US20080000190A1 (en) * 2006-01-11 2008-01-03 Valinge Innovation Ab V-groove
US20070175144A1 (en) * 2006-01-11 2007-08-02 Valinge Innovation Ab V-groove
US8511031B2 (en) 2006-01-12 2013-08-20 Valinge Innovation Ab Set F floorboards with overlapping edges
US8245478B2 (en) 2006-01-12 2012-08-21 Välinge Innovation AB Set of floorboards with sealing arrangement
US7584583B2 (en) 2006-01-12 2009-09-08 Valinge Innovation Ab Resilient groove
US20110154763A1 (en) * 2006-01-12 2011-06-30 Valinge Innovation Ab Resilient groove
US20070175148A1 (en) * 2006-01-12 2007-08-02 Valinge Innovation Ab Resilient groove
US7930862B2 (en) 2006-01-12 2011-04-26 Valinge Innovation Ab Floorboards having a resilent surface layer with a decorative groove
US8365488B2 (en) * 2006-06-08 2013-02-05 Mannington Mills, Inc. Methods and systems for decorating bevel and other surfaces of laminated floorings
US20110219716A1 (en) * 2006-06-08 2011-09-15 Mannington Mills, Inc. Methods and Systems For Decorating Bevel and Other Surfaces Of Laminated Floorings
US20080066425A1 (en) * 2006-09-15 2008-03-20 Valinge Innovation Ab Device and method for compressing an edge of a building panel and a building panel with compressed edges
US8940216B2 (en) 2006-09-15 2015-01-27 Valinge Innovation Ab Device and method for compressing an edge of a building panel and a building panel with compressed edges
US8323016B2 (en) 2006-09-15 2012-12-04 Valinge Innovation Belgium Bvba Device and method for compressing an edge of a building panel and a building panel with compressed edges
US20080120938A1 (en) * 2006-09-15 2008-05-29 Jan Jacobsson Device and method for compressing an edge of a building panel and a building panel with compressed edges
US20110146188A1 (en) * 2009-12-17 2011-06-23 Valinge Innovation Ab Methods and arrangements relating to surface forming of building panels
US9447587B2 (en) 2009-12-17 2016-09-20 Valinge Innovation Ab Methods and arrangements relating to surface forming of building panels
US8591691B2 (en) 2009-12-17 2013-11-26 Valinge Innovation Ab Methods and arrangements relating to surface forming of building panels
US9169654B2 (en) 2009-12-17 2015-10-27 Valinge Innovation Ab Methods and arrangements relating to surface forming of building panels
US8888956B2 (en) 2011-04-28 2014-11-18 E I Du Pont De Nemours And Company Treated inorganic pigments having improved bulk flow and their use in paper slurries
US9115470B2 (en) 2011-06-28 2015-08-25 The Chemours Company Tt, Llc Treated inorganic pigments having reduced photoactivity and anti-microbial properties and their use in paper slurries
US9573108B2 (en) 2011-10-28 2017-02-21 The Chemours Company Tt, Llc Treated inorganic core particles having improved dispersability
US9120074B2 (en) * 2011-10-28 2015-09-01 The Chemours Company Tt, Llc Laminate paper treated with inorganic pigments having improved dispersability
US9539557B2 (en) 2011-10-28 2017-01-10 The Chemours Company Tt, Llc Treated inorganic pigments having improved dispersability and use thereof in coating compositions
US20140338852A1 (en) * 2011-10-28 2014-11-20 E I Du Pont De Nemours And Company Treated inorganic pigments having improved dispersability and use thereof in paper products
US8935899B2 (en) 2012-02-02 2015-01-20 Valinge Innovation Ab Lamella core and a method for producing it
US9758966B2 (en) 2012-02-02 2017-09-12 Valinge Innovation Ab Lamella core and a method for producing it
US8875464B2 (en) 2012-04-26 2014-11-04 Valinge Innovation Ab Building panels of solid wood
US9482015B2 (en) 2012-07-02 2016-11-01 Ceraloc Innovation Ab Panel forming
US9556623B2 (en) 2012-07-02 2017-01-31 Ceraloc Innovation Ab Panel forming
US9140010B2 (en) 2012-07-02 2015-09-22 Valinge Flooring Technology Ab Panel forming
US9663956B2 (en) 2012-07-02 2017-05-30 Ceraloc Innovation Ab Panel forming
US9975267B2 (en) 2013-08-27 2018-05-22 Valinge Innovation Ab Method for producing a lamella core
US10801213B2 (en) 2018-01-10 2020-10-13 Valinge Innovation Ab Subfloor joint
US10941578B2 (en) 2018-01-10 2021-03-09 Valinge Innovation Ab Subfloor joint
US11578495B2 (en) 2018-12-05 2023-02-14 Valinge Innovation Ab Subfloor joint

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
USRE30233E (en) Multiple layer decorated paper, laminate prepared therefrom and process
US3798111A (en) Multiple layer decorated paper,laminates prepared therefrom and process
US5141799A (en) Low scratch, abrasion-resistant overlay and decor papers
US5601930A (en) Decor sheet and decorative laminates prepared therefrom
US5466511A (en) Coated transfer sheet and laminate produced therefrom
US5609966A (en) Sheet produced by a papermaking technique for abrasion-resistant laminates
CA1321133C (en) Decorative thermosetting laminate
US5807608A (en) Forming a laminate sheet by pressing resin particulates on a decorative sheet
US6890652B2 (en) Decorative paper base with improved opacity
US20050079780A1 (en) Fiber wear layer for resilient flooring and other products
US3887743A (en) Unitary plastic laminate
US6783631B2 (en) Decorative paper with a high opacity
CA2363357C (en) Decorative raw paper with high opacity
US5702806A (en) Decorative laminate surface layer
US4888220A (en) Decorative laminates having 3-dimensional effect
EP0054405B1 (en) Process for the manufacture of decorative laminates
US5820937A (en) Process for making high abrasion overlays
US5213883A (en) Decor sheet containing fibrets
US5258235A (en) Decorative laminates having translucent core sheets
US5268204A (en) Method for producing decorative paper using a slot coater, decorative paper, and decorative laminates prepared therefrom
US5573827A (en) Fine dot-like tone decorative laminates containing pigmented fibers
US5962123A (en) Decorative laminating sheets employing paper chips and decorative laminates made therefrom
US5252378A (en) Method of producing decorative sheets having localized patterns of color, decorative sheets produced by such method, and laminates employing such decorative sheets
EP0310350B1 (en) Decorative laminates having 3-dimensional effect and sheets for use therein
US20190390411A1 (en) Decor paper for laminates