DK2723561T3 - Linoleum-based surface structure with printing - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a linoleum or korkment-based sheet material comprising a base layer made of linoleum or korkment, a printed layer and a cover layer which has high abrasion resistance and adhesion permanence, and to a method for producing the sheet material according to the invention.

Description

Printed linoleum-based sheetiike material Description

The present invention relates to a printed linoleum-based sheetlike material comprising a base layer of linoleum, a primer layer, a print layer and a top layer which has a high abrasion resistance and adherence, and to a process for producing the inventive sheetlike material.

Linoleum- or corkment-based sheetiike materials have found use for many years, specifically as floor coverings, Linoleum and corkment coverings of this kind have long been produced in different colors and patterns. However, the methods known in the prior art for producing specific surface patterns and color configurations in linoleum and corkment coverings are subject to relatively severe restrictions.

In principle, colored or patterned sheetiike linoleum materials are produced by the addition of colorants, for example inorganic and organic pigments or similar dyes, to a mixture which is fed to a roiier system (e.g. a calender) and pressed onto a backing material under pressure and at a temperature of typically 10 to 150°C (depending on the formulation and the process technology). For production of patterned sheetiike linoleum materials, differently colored mixtures are first produced separately. Thereafter, granules in various colors are mixed with one another and then fed to the roller system, forming a linoleum sheet. This can then be pressed either directly onto the backing fabric or onto the backing fabric precoated with single-color mixture and/or a corkment layer.

The disadvantage of the process for producing the conventional patterned sheetiike linoleum materials, in which differently colored, grated mixtures are poured directly into a calender nip and rolled to give a rolled linoleum sheet, however, is that more or less longitudinally aligned structures are the inevitable result, which means that the configuration options for a patterned sheetiike Sinoleurh materia! are severely limited,

Furthermore, in the production of specific color designs in sheetlike linoleum materials, what is called a scattering technique has been used for many years, in which colored mixture particles are scattered by hand onto a roiled linoleum sheet or a backing and are then pressed together with the roiled linoleum sheet onto the backing. However, this scattering technique method is associated with a level of cost and inconvenience which is no longer acceptable nowadays, and additionally does not aiiow quick pattern changes, which greatly restricts production flexibility. Nowadays, scattering would accordingly be effected predominantly by machine. However, the application of such a scattering technique is subject to barriers in the resolution of the color design, since only patterns with coarse resolutions are achievable, which restricts repeat accuracy. Furthermore, the configurability of linoleum coverings is aiso limited in terms of the coloring of the design, since very light-colored or bright shades have remained unattained to date. Realistic reproductions of wood structures or even photo-quality reproductions are accordingly impossible. Moreover, the above-described production of sheetlike iinoleum materials with appropriate color designs is associated with the genera! disadvantage that it is always necessary to wait for an appropriate ripening time, which greatly restricts flexibility in production.

In order to reduce the abrasion of linoleum or corkiinent coverings, he, to preserve the color design for as long as possible, protective films as used, for example, in the production of floor coverings based oh polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can be applied to these lirioleum or corkment base layers. Protective films of this kind may either be transparent or printed themselves, i.e. contribute to color configuration in addition to or instead of the base layer pattern. However, these films are frequently formed from formed from non-renewable, halogen-containing materials, the use of which is currently being increasingly critically viewed because of the intensified environmental discussions. Furthermore, multilayer structures of this kind frequently have inadequate adherence of the respective layers to one another, and aiso the phenomenon of edges sticking up, known to those skilled in the art.

Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a linoleum-based sheetlike material which allows a high degree of configuration freedom and flexibility in the design, and at the same time is based principally on renewable raw materials, and which preserves the particuiar surface design permanentiy, even under intense traffic.

This object is achieved by the subject-matter characterised in the claims.

More particularly, a printed linoleum-based sheetiike material is provided, comprising a base layer of linoleum, a primer layer arranged thereon, a print layer arranged thereon and a high-durability top layer which Is arranged on the print layer and has an abrasion value of AC 2 or better to DIN EN 133291 or an abrasion value of WR 2 or better to DIN EN 14354, wherein the top layer is a heat-sealing layer which comprises inorganic particles.

It has been found that, surprisingly, decoupling of the linoleum production from the imparting of color and/or design firstly enables great freedom and variety in the configuration of the outward appearance of a corresponding inventive sheetfike materia! based on linoleum, and, secondly, the production of specific patterns and color designs Is achievable within much shorter times, as a result of which a high degree of flexible and individual design configuration is achieved. More particularly, it is possible here to use appropriate printing techniques for configuration, which was not possible to date in combination with the materia! linoleum, and is described in detail hereinafter. In addition, the inventive sheetlike material advantageously makes It possible to resort to renewable raw materials based on linoleum, it being possible to dispense with materials, for example chlorinated polymers. Furthermore, the inventive high-durability top layer is notable for its high abrasion resistance, and surprisingly allows the provision of a printed sheetlike material with increased adherence of the top layer.

In the context of the present invention, renewable raw materials are organic raw materials which originate from agricultural and forestry production. Examples include wood, natural fibers, vegetable oils, sugar and starch, chemical and pharmacological base materials, and raw materials of animal origin. According to the present invention, these can optionally be subjected to one or more derivatizaiion/processing/modification steps before they are used as a constituent of the sheetiike material.

In the context of the present invention, the Sayers other than the base layer of linoleum at least partly comprise renewable raw materials. Thus, with regard to the overall sheetiike material, when the print layer and/or the top layer is/are also based on renewable raw materials, a proportion thereof of £45%, preferably of >55% and most preferably >75% may be specified.

According to the present invention, the printed sheetiike material meets the requirements of DIN EN 548. According to the invention, the base layer of linoleum comprises customary components, such as binders (what is called bedford cement or B cement composed of a partly oxidized linseed oil and at least one resin as a tackifier), at least one filler and optionally at least one colorant. The fillers used are typically softwood flour and/or cork flour (in the simultaneous presence of wood flour and cork flour typically in a weight ratio of 90:10) and/or chalk, kaolin (china day), kieseiguhr arid barytes. In addition, fillers used to stiffen the material may be precipitated silica and small amounts of waterglass, for example waterglass in an amount up to 15% by weight, based on the amount of the layer.

The linoleum mixture typically comprises at feast one colorant, such as an inorganic (e.g. titanium dioxide) and/or organic pigment, and/or other customary colorants. The colorants used may be any natural or synthetic dyes and inorganic or organic pigments, alone or in any combination. According to the invention, these pigments present in the base layer can contribute to the color configuration of the sheetiike material. A typical linoleum composition comprises, based on the weight of the linoleum layer, about 40% by weight of binders, about 30% by weight of organic substances, about 20% by weight of inorganic (mineral) fillers and about 10% by weight of colorants. In addition, the linoleum mixture may include customary additives, such as processing aids, UV stabilizers, lubricants, dimensional stabilizers and the like, which are selected according to the binder.

Examples of dimensional stabilizers include chalk, barium sulfate, slate flour, silica, kaolin, quartz flour, talc, lignin, cellulose, glass powder, textile or glass fibers, cellulose fibers and polyester fibers, which can be used in an amount of about 1 to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the layer in question.

There is further generally described a base layer of corkment which comprises a mixture comprising B cement and ground cork as a filler, in analogy to the above description of the base layer of linoleum, except that the ground cork as a filler assumes a much higher proportion (DIN EN 12455) compared to the composition of linoleum (DIN EN 548). For instance, a typical corkment composition comprises, based on the weight of the corkment layer, about 40% by weight of binders, about 40% by weight of ground cork, about 20% by weight of inorganic (mineral) fifiers and optionally colorants. In addition, the corkment mixture may inciude customary additives, such as processing aids, sritioxidants, UV stabilizers, lubricants, dimensional stabilizers and the like, which are selected according to the binder.

Examples of dimensional stabilizers are as specified above. In this context, the possible proportion is about 1 to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the layer in question. in the inventive sheetlike material, the linoleum layer may have either a singie-layer or multilayer configuration According to the layer sequence, the latter case results either in symmetric or in asymmetric sheetlike materiais. For example, the inventive sheetiike materia! may comprise two layers of linoleum (be materially homogeneous), which may be the same or different.

The base layer of linoleum in the inventive sheetiike material may additionally be provided with or without backing.

Furthermore, a corkment layer with or without backing may be arranged beneath the linoleum layer. As already described above, corkment is a mixture comprising B cement and ground cork as a filler and, in linoleum-based floor coverings, as an insulating underlayer, ensures better heat insulation, tread elasticity and underfoot comfort, and deadens footfall sound and room sound.

In addition, functional Sayers may also be arranged beneath war between two linoleum layers, so as to give rise to three-layer or multilayer sbeetlike materials. For example, beneath the linoleum layer of the inventive sbeetlike material may be arranged at least one further layer, preferably a foam layer, a layer for footfall sound deadening and/or an Insulation layer. The layer thicknesses of the layers applied may be the same or different

According to the invention, a print layer has been applied to the base layer based on the linoleum. If the inventive sheetlike material, as described above, has a plurality of layers, the print layer has preferably been applied to the outer surface of the uppermost (base) layer. According to the present invention, the print layer is not restricted and can be produced by any printing technique known to those skilled in the art. Suitable printing techniques are, for example, those which allow the provision of a print layer on the base layer, the print layer being in the form of a web or sheet. The printing of the base layer present in the form of a web can be effected either continuously or batchwise.

Particularly suitable techniques are planographic printing techniques, for example offset printing, in which the print layer can be produced by sheet-fed of roll-fed offset printing machines, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the print layer is produced by an electronic printing process, called non-impact printing, in which the print is transferred to the base layer by therfnai means, for example. In a further preferred embodiment, the print layer is in the form of a digital print. Digital printing techniques allow the production of high-resolution patterns and the use of a wide variety of colours, as a result of which it is possible to produce even very light-colored and bright shades. For example, in this embodiment, it is possible to employ Electro-Ink processes, direct plate printing techniques, relief and gravure printing (e.g. die printing and embossed printing) or through-printing (e.g. screenprinting). in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the print layer may comprise an electrically conductive constituent. It is thus advantageously possible to fully or partly alter the electrical properties of the printed layer, such as (dissipative) conductivity and resistance, which can result in various functions for the resuiting printed sheetiike material. According to the present invention, it is possible, for example, to print over part of the area or the full area with an electrically conductive dye inter alia, which can lead to the formation of, for example, conductor tracks, antennas, (pressure-reactive) sensors, etc., and renders the printed sheetlike material electronically utifizable, in a specific embodiment, this electronic utilizability can render the inventive sheetiike material "interactive”, meaning that, for example, information can be exchanged and/or commands can be input.

According to the present invention, the print layer has been provided on the linoleum-based base layer before or after it has ripened, preference being given to the latter variant. Because of this decoupling of the linoleum production and the imparting of color or design, which is described in detail later, it is possible to achieve configuration freedom and flexibility in the design to a hitherto impossible degree. A further advantage over conventional color and pattern configuration of linoleum is also the production time. As a result of the ripening time of several weeks for linoleum, the production of a particular design is very laborious. On the other hand, the decoupling of the linoleum or corkment production and the imparting of color and design advantageously allows the production of specific patterns and color designs within much shorter times, extending as far as the realization of individual requests.

According to the present invention, a primer layer is also arranged between the base layer and the print layer, In order to enhance the compatibility or adhesion between the print layer and the base layer. Appropriate primer materials are, for example, (meth)acrylates (e.g. UV-cursng functionalized (meth)acrylate), amine compounds or silanes.

The inventive printed linoleum-based sheetlike material additionally comprises a high-durabiiity top layer which has been arranged on the print layer and is preferably transparent. In the context of the present invention, "transparent* is understood to mean a state in which the visual impression, especially the print, as described in detail hereinafter, is not affected. fn principle, the print layer and/or the top layer may be based on synthetic and/or renewable raw materials. Synthetic raw materials are described below. Renewable raw materials may, in accordance with the invention, for example, be oils and/or raw materials obtained from starch, which advantageously contribute to increased environmental compatibility of the resulting printed sheetlike material. These oils and/or raw materials obtained from starch according to the present invention may be subject to one or more derivatization/processing/modification steps before they are configured in the form of the print layer and/or top layer.

In general, the high-durability top iayef may be a lacquer, preferably a transparent lacquer comprising nanoparticles (a nano-lacquer). The nanoparticles have a diameter of 1 nm to 100 nm, preferably 1 nm to 50 nm. The curing may be based on chemical or physical processes. For example, thermally induced curing at temperatures above about 1Q0*C is suitable. The lacquer may also be a UV lacquer which cures through incidence of UV rays. The lacquer may either be a one-component (1K) lacquer or a two-component (2K) lacquer. Generally, the lacquer may be selected from the group consisting of (meth)acryiic lacquers, epoxy lacquers, alkyd lacquers, polyurethane iacquers, amino resin-based lacquers, StiiXan®-based lacquers, silicone-based iacquers, lacquers based oh polyester (saturated or else unsaturated), iacquers based on cellulose (e.g. nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB)), lacquers based on ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) systems, lacquers based on bUtyrals (e.g. polyvinyl butyral (PVB)), polyether-based lacquers and mixtures thereof.

The nano-lacquer may comprise inorganic nanopariicles. More particularly, ceramic particles of the aforementioned size are added to the lacquer. Suitable ceramic particles are metal (hydr)oxides arid semimetal (hydr)oxides, for example aluminum oxides, zirconium oxides, titanium oxides and silicon oxides, but without restriction thereto. An example of a preferred aluminum oxide which may be mentioned is corundum. These ceramic particles may be functionalized as described below and/or interact with the lacquer matrix.

The nano-lacquer may comprise the above ceramic particles, especially SiOa particles having (meth)acrylate, epoxy, isocyanate or polyurethane functionalization, and these functionalizations may be present individually or in any desired combination. Corresponding nano-lacquers are described in the patent EP 1 153 090 B1. As well as or instead of the functionalisation, the ceramic particles, especially SiOa particles, may enfif ihto an interaction with the iacquer matrix surrounding them.

As described above, the nano-lacquer is preferably transparent, which does not impair the color design of the print layer beneath. The nano-lacquer can be applied to the print layer in the form of a single layer, in addition, the top layer in the form of the nano-lacquer may also comprise a plurality of layers, for example an additional base layer.

The nano-lacquer is notable for its inorganic component and for its high level of crosslinking, as a result of which there the abrasion resistance of a printed linoleum-based sheetlike material is increased. The high level of crosslinking can be achieved and influenced through specific irradiation techniques, as can be discerned from the patent EP 1 153 090 B1. in addition, the hano-lacquer enables an improvement in the adherence of individual layers, which can prevent detachment or deiamination of the layers from the linoleum-based base layer. Since the nano-lacquer is in free-flowing form on application thereof, it exactly fits the contours of the underlying layer, which means that no contact defects can arise between the material layers, which are to be expected in the case of an alternative lamination of different material layers, since the surfaces to be bonded always have irihomogeneities, such as recesses, elevations, etc. In addition, according to the iacquer composition, interactions of particular iacquer components with the base/print layer extending as far as chemical bonds can also occur. in the inventive printed linoleum-based sheetiike material, the high-durability top layer is a heat-sealing layer (HqtQoating).

Since the heat-sealing layer is in free-flowing form on application thereof, it exactly fits the contours of the underlying layer, which means that no contact defects can arise between the material layers, which are to be expected in the case of an alternative lamination of different material layers, since the surfaces to be bonded always have inhomogeneities, such as recesses, elevations, etc. In addition, according to the heat-sealing composition, interactions of particular components with the base/print iayer extending as far as chemical bonds can also occur.

An example of an inventive heat-sealing layer which may be mentioned is the range of HotGoating materials from KleiberitCR). in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an additional lacquer layer has been arranged on the heat-sealing layer. Such an additional iacquer layer can advantageously affect surface properties, for example shlhe and antislip properties. According to the present invention, the curing of the additional lacquer layer may be based on chemical or physical processes. For example, thermally induced curing at temperatures above about 70°C is suitable. According to the invention, the lacquer may also be a UV lacquer which cures through incidence of UV rays. The inventive lacquer may either be a one-component (1K) lacquer or a two-component (2K) lacquer. In a preferred embodiment, the iacquer is selected from the group consisting of {meth)acryiic lacquers, epoxy lacquers, alkyd lacquers, polyurethane lacquers, amino resin-based lacquers, Ssi!Xan©-based lacquers, silicone-based lacquers, lacquers based on polyester (saturated or else unsaturated), lacquers based on cellulose (e.g. nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB)), lacquers based on ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) systems, lacquers based on butyrals (e.g. polyvinyl butyral (PVB)), polyether-based lacquers and mixtures thereof. Polyurethane lacquers are particularly preferred in accordance with the invention.

According to the present invention, the heat-sealing layer and the additional lacquer layer may have one or more layers.

According to the nature of the layer, the top layer may further comprise plasticizers and customary additives, such as fillers, desiccants, colorants, for example organic and inorganic pigments and similar dyes, auxiliaries, additives for dimensional stability, and inorganic particles to (further) increase the abrasion resistance. According to the present invention, the top layer mandatorily comprises inorganic particles.

Examples of fillers or additives for dimensional stability include chalk, barium sulfate, slate flour, silica, kaolin, quartz flour, talc, lignin, cellulose, glass powder, textile or glass fibers, cellulose fibers and polyester fibers, which can be used in an amount of about 0.1 to 80% by weight, preferably 2 to 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the layer in question. The assistants include, for example, antioxidants, antistats, stabilizers, UV absorbers, blowing agents, fungicides, lubricants and processing aids, ih the customary amounts. Examples of inorganic particles suitable for Increasing the abrasion resistance include metal oxides and semimetal oxides, for example aluminum oxides, zirconium oxides, titanium oxides and silicon oxides, but without restriction thereto. An example of a preferred aluminum oxide which may be mentioned is corundum.

The high-durability top layer of the inventive printed linoleum-based sheetlike material thus enables particularly good adhesion between the individual layers, i.e. top layer, print layer and base layer, and additionally ensures a high abrasion resistance, without having to resort to environmentally harmful halogen-containing materials.

In addition, the sheetlike material of the present invention may preferably be configured such that the top layer has an embossment on its surface facing away from the print layer and/or the base/prirsi layer has an embossment on its surface facing the top layer. This may be an irregular embossment, for example a fine embossment to render the surface matt, in addition, an inventive embossment of the top layer on the service side may advantageously impart antislip properties.

The aforementioned embossments between the layers, which may aiso be present on additional layers in the inventive sheetiike materia!, as described hereinafter, can advantageously also impart a three-dimensional appearance to the sheetlike materia!. When two or more surfaces of corresponding iayers have been provided with such embossments, this effect is enhanced.

Additionally or alternatively, the base iayer and/or the print iayer and special the top layer may vary in thickness, in order to create or to enhance a three- dimensional impression.

Advantageously, the additional embossrherit on the uppermost surface is a homogeneous embossment or an embossment with a regular pattern of elevations and recesses, since such an embossment can distinctly improve the soiling behavior of a floor covering, for example. This effect has also become known as the lotus effect". It has been found that the effect of the additional surface structuring is at its most marked when the average distance between profile tips in the center line, corresponding to what is called the Sm value or groove separation Sm to DIN 4788, is in a range of greater than 200 pm and less than 1000 pm.

With regard to the height of the elevations (averaged roughness depth Rz to DIN 4768) of the embossed material, a value in the range from 20 pm to 200 pm has been found to be advantageous. The embossing can be achieved, for example, with ah embossing roller.

As already described, the inventive sheetiike material may have further (transparent) layers having, for example, the aforementioned embossments. These additional iayers are not arranged as the uppermost layer and may be arranged either between the base layer and the print layer, or between the print iayer and the top layer.

According to the present invention, the above-described embossment may ttius be design-promoting and/or functionai (e.g. antisiip properties).

In addition, a metal layer may have been deposited on the inventive print layer in addition and/or on a further iayer. Vapor deposition of a metal iayer, which can achieve, for example, the effect of a metal mirror, can firstly be effected, in the case of the print iayer, on the side facing the base layer and/or on the side facing awly from the base layer. Secondly, a metal layer rrtiy be deposited on the optional further layer as well, in which case, in analogy to the print layer, one or both surface^) in each case, preferably the surface on the side facing away from the base layer, has/have been coated with a metal layer.

According to the present invention, the above-described metal layer may thus be design-promoting and/or functional (e.g. electrical conductivity).

According· to the present invention, the abrasion value of the printed sheetlike material, i.e. the resistance to abrasion, is determined to Ε3ΓΝ EN 13329. The abrasion value of the top layer of the inventive sheetiike materia! is AC 2 or better. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the abrasion value of the top iayer of the printed sheetiike material is AC 3 or better, more preferably AC 4 or better and most preferably AC 5 or better.

Alternatively, the abrasion value of the inventive printed sheetlike material, i.e. the resistance to abrasion, is determined to DIN ÉN 14354. The abrasion value of the top layer of the inventive sheetiike materia! in this context is WR 2 or better, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the abrasion value of the top layer of the printed sheetiike materia! is WR 3 or better.

The printed linoleum-based sheetiike material additionally has an increased adherence compared to the prior art. in other words, the individual layers which have been applied to the base layer adhere more strongly tg one another and to the base layer. As a result, detachment from the base layer can be minimized. Adherence is determined by a cross-cut test to DIN EN ISO 2409.

In a preferred embodiment of the present Invention, the adherence of the top layer of the printed sheetlike material is 1 or better, more preferably 0.

As already stated above for the abrasion resistance, the excellent adherence of the top layer of the printed sheettike material according to the present invention can be explained as follows: Since the heat-sealing layer is in free-flowing form on application thereof, it exactly fits the contours of the underlying Sayer(s), which means that no contact defects can arise between the material layers, which are to be expected in the case of an alternative lamination of different material layers, since the surfaces to be bonded always have inhomogeneities, such as recesses, elevations, etc. In addition, according to the composition of the top layer, interactions of particular components with the base/prini iayer extending as far as chemical bonds can also occur.

The thicknesses of the individual layers, Le. the top layer, the print iayer, the base layer and of the optional further layers in the linoleum-based sheetiike material according to the present invention may be specified, for example, as follows: top layer: thickness of 0.005 to 1.5 mm, preferably of 0.01 to 0.2 mm. print iayer: thickness of 0.001 to 0.05 mm, preferably of 0.002 to 0.01 mm. - optional further layer{s): thickness of 0.001 to 1.5 mm, preferably of 0.01 to 0.2 mm.

The total thickness of the inventive linoleum-based sheetlike material is preferably from 1 to 6 mm, a preferred total thickness being from 2 to 4 mm.

In addition, in the sheetlike material according to the present invention, an adhesive layer may be arranged on the surface of the base layer facing away from the print layer, such that the inventive sheetlike material is self-adhesive, in addition, as already described above, further layers may also be present as well as the layers mentioned, as required. For example, a layer for footfall sound deadening or for heat insulation may be arranged as the last layer below the base layer.

According to the present invention, the sheetiike material is preferably in the form of a web or sheet.

If the printed sheetlike material of the present invention is in the form of a sheet, it may be provided with a laying aid. Such laying aids are, for example, what are called click systems, which enable simple laying of the sheets, for example in the form of a floor covering. This application of such dick systems or of such a click substrate may precede the printing of the base layer or follow completion of the printed sheetlike material of the present invention.

The present invention further provides a process for producing the above-described printed sheetlike material. More particularly, the present invention provides a process for producing a printed linoleum-based sheetlike material comprising a basé layer of linoleum, a primer layer arranged thereon, a print layer arranged thereon and a high-durabillty top layer which is arranged on the print layer and has an abrasion value of AC 2 or better to DIN EN 133291 or an abrasion value of WR 2 or better to DIN EN 143S4, comprising the following steps: providing a base layer based on linoleum, applying a primer layer to the base layer, applying a print layer to the primer layer, and applying a top layer to the print layer, wherein the top layer is a heatsealing layer which comprises inorganic particles.

As described above, the process according to the invention for producing a printed linoleum-based sheetlike material enables the decoupling of the linoleum production and the imparting of color or design. This enables a flexibility which has not been attained to date in the configurability in terms of pattern and color design, since the ripening time which is otherwise necessary for the linoleum layer can be avoided. Furthermore, the decoupling of the color configuration allows the use of printing options which have not been employable to date, which firstly increases the resolution of the color design and hence the repeat accuracy, and secondly enables the use of very light-coloured and bright shades.

According to the present invention, the provision of the linoleum-based base layer is not restricted. For example, the inventive linoleum-based sheetlike material can be produced by customary static (e.g, pressing) or dynamic (e.g. rolling) processes for producing single-layer or multilayer linoleum sheetlike materials with or without backing. Linoleum cements, which, according to the requirements of PIN EN 548 or DIN EN 12455, are produced from drying vegetable oils or fats and tree resins, are processed correspondingly.

As already mentioned above, the linoleum-based base layer in the inventive sheetlike materia! can be provided with or without backing. In this case, the base layer is first arranged on this support materia!, before the top layer and print layer are provided thereon. if, in one embodiment of the present invention, the base layer of linoleum is provided without backing, in the process of the present invention, the print iayer is applied before or after it has ripened, after a primer layer has been applied to the base iayer. As described above, the printing technique is not restricted. Preference is given to the use of digital printing techniques, which achieves particularly high flexibility in the color configuration with simultaneously high resolution.

As described above, the base layer of the inventive sheetlike materia! may have a plurality of layers. In this case, the further layers or the backing may first, before the print iayer is applied, be bonded non-positively to one another in an automatic laminating machine (also called AUMA) with application of pressure (typically about 8-30 N/cm2) and temperature (typically about 110 to 160°C) over a period of about 10 seconds to 3 minutes. For further improvement of the permanent bonding of said layers, appropriate adhesives may additlonaiiy be introduced between the respective layers prior te lamination. Examples of such adhesives are hotmelt adhesives, pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs), or EVA or PVA adhesive film.

These layers can alternatively also be laminated in a static press, in this case, the pressure is typically about 10 to 300 N/cm2 and the temperature is typically about 40 to 150°C over a period of about 10 seconds to 1 minute.

According to the present invention, after the print layer has been provided on the base iayer, a high-durability top iayer is applied thereto. Generally, the high-durability top layer may be a nano-lacquer, in this case, the lacquer comprising inorganic particles is applied to the print layer in liquid or powder form and then cured. As mentioned above, the curing can be effected by chemical or physical processes. Surprisingly, the top iayer in the form of a nano-lacquer combines with the layer beneath, comprising the linoleum-based base layer and the print layer, In such a way that a very high adherence of this layer can be achieved.

The nano-lacquer can be applied to the print iayer in a conventional manner by, for example, painting, rolling, spraying or pouring, preferably in a continuous process.

In the present invention, a heat-sealing layer is applied to the print layer. The heat-sealing layer can be applied in a conventional manner. A person skilled in the art is additionally able to select suitable conditions, for example the application of coating bars in order to remove excess sealing material, or the choice of the heat-seating temperature required, so as to give a homogeneous layer of the same thickness.

In the case of the above heat-sealing layer, the process according to the invention may additionally comprises the step of applying a lacquer layer to the top layer. This can be done, for example, analogously to the above details relating to the nano-lacquer layer, A further preferred production of the inventive printed sheetlike material comprises a further process step in which an embossment is provided on the top layer and/or between the top layer and base/print layer. If the embossment is arranged on the base/print layer, this step is effected before the top layer is applied. Correspondingly, this step, if the embossment is arranged on the outer surface of the top layer, is effected after the top layer has been provided on the print layer. In other words, the process according to the invention may additionally comprise the step of applying an embossment to the surface of the base layer facing the top layer before said base layer has ripened, and/or to the outer surface of the top layer, and/or the thickness of the print layer and/or the top layer is varied in the step of application thereof, to obtain a three-dimensional appearance of the printed sheetiike material. Additionally or alternatively, the thickness of the base iayer can also be varied in order to create and/or enhance three-dimensionality.

The inventive printed linoleum-based sheetiike material can be used as a wall covering, ceiling covering, floor covering, decorative covering or veneer, preferably as a floor covering because of the high abrasion resistance and adherence. As a floor covering, the sheetiike material of the present Invention may be present, for example, in the form of a web or sheet or tile.

Surprisingly and advantageously, the inventive combination of the linoleum-based base layer, the print layer and the top layer enables the decoupling of the linoleum production and the imparting of color or design. This advantageously achieves, firstly, recourse to renewable raw materials, based on the linoleum, and secondly great freedom and variety in the configuration of the outward appearance of a corresponding inventive sheetiike materia! based on linoleum. More particularly, it is possible here to use appropriate printing techniques for configuration, which was not possible to date in combination with the material linoleum. Moreover, the inventive printed sheetiike materia! has increased abrasion resistance and adherence of the top layer, which enables use in high-traffic environmehts.

Claims (14)

A linoleum-based fleet structure with printing, comprising a linoleum base, a primer layer applied thereto, a pressurized coating layer and a high-resistance coating layer which exhibits a wear index of AC 2 or better according to DIN EN 13329 or a wear index of WR 2 or better according to DIN EN 14354, where the cover layer is a heat sealing layer containing inorganic constituents. 2. A float structure with a print according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive capacity of the fleet structure's cover layer, determined by means of grid sections according to DIN EN ISO 2409, exhibits a characteristic value of 1 or better. The printing structure with printing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the printing and / or covering layer is based on renewable raw materials. The raft structure with printing according to claim 1, wherein a lacquer layer is arranged on the heat seal layer. A naval structure with imprint according to one of claims 1 to 4, which exhibits a three-dimensional appearance, wherein the base and / or cover layer exhibits an embossing, and / or the base and / or printing and / or cover layer varies in thickness. wherein the embossing is on the side of the base facing the cover layer and / or on the outer surface of the cover layer. The printing structure with printing according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the printing layer is a digital print. A raft structure with printing according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the printing layer comprises an electrically conductive component. Imprinted naval structure according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the naval structure is in the form of a web or plate. The raft structure with printing according to claim 8, wherein the raft structure is in the form of a plate and comprises a laying aid. A method of producing a fleece structure with linoleum-based printing comprising a linoleum base, a primer layer, a pressure layer applied thereto and a high-resistance coating layer exhibiting a wear index of AC 2 or better according to DIN EN 13329 or a wear index of WR 2 or better according to DIN EN 14354, which comprises the following steps: - to provide a linoleum base, - to apply a primer layer to the foundation, - to apply a pressure layer to the primer layer, and - to apply a cover layer to the printing layer , wherein the cover layer is a heat sealing layer containing inorganic constituents. The method of claim 10, wherein the adhesive capacity of the fleet structure cover layer, determined by lattice section according to DIN EN ISO 2409, exhibits a characteristic value of 1 or better. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of applying a lacquer layer to the liner. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising the step of applying an embossing to the surface of the base facing the cover layer before the first mentioned maturation, and / or to the outer surface of the cover layer, and / or where the pressure and / or the thickness of the covering layer is varied in the step of application or application thereof, to obtain a three-dimensional appearance of the surface structure with printing. Use of the linoleum-based fleet structure according to one of claims 1 to 9 as wall covering, ceiling covering, floor covering, decorative covering or veneer.