EP2723561B1 - Printed linoleum-based sheet material - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a linoleum-based printed matter comprising a base layer of linoleum, a primer layer, a printing layer and a cover layer which has high abrasion resistance and adhesion resistance, and a process for producing the sheet of the present invention.

Linoleum or Korkment-based fabrics have been used as floor coverings for many years. Such linoleum and Korkmentbeläge have long been produced in different colors and patterns. However, the methods known in the prior art for the production of special surface designs and color designs in linoleum and Korkmentbelägen subject to relatively strong limitations.

The production of colored or patterned Linoleumflächengebilden takes place in principle by the admixture of colorants, such as inorganic and organic pigments or similar dyes, to a mixed mass, which fed to a rolling mill (eg a calender) and under pressure and a temperature of usually 10 to 150 ° C (depending on the recipe and the process engineering) is pressed onto a support material. For the production of patterned Linoleumflächengebilden differently colored mixed masses are first prepared separately. Thereafter, different colored granules are mixed together and then fed to the rolling mill, whereby a linoleum fur is formed. This can be pressed either directly onto the carrier fabric or onto the carrier fabric pre-coated with plain mixed compound and / or a corkment layer.

However, the drawback of the method for producing the conventional patterned linoleum sheets in which differently colored, scraped mixes are poured directly into a calendering nip and rolled into a linoleum roll skin is that forcibly more or less strong longitudinal structures result, whereby the design options for a patterned Linoleumflächengebilde are severely limited.

In addition, a so-called spreading technique has been used for many years in the production of special color designs in linoleum fabrics in which colored mixed pulp particles are sprinkled by hand onto a linoleum roll or carrier and then pressed with the linoleum roller skin or pressed onto the carrier. However, this method of the scattering technology is associated with an unjustifiable today and also does not allow rapid pattern changes, whereby the production flexibility is severely limited. Accordingly, today it would be mainly mechanically scattered. However, the application of such a scattering technique is limited in the resolution of color design, since only rough-resolution patterns can be achieved, thereby limiting repeat accuracy. In addition, the design possibilities of linoleum floor coverings are also limited in the color scheme of the design, since very bright or brilliant tones have remained unattainable so far. Realistic replicas of wood structures or even photorealistic representations are therefore not possible. In addition, the above-described production of linoleum fabrics with corresponding color designs has the general disadvantage that it is always necessary to wait for a corresponding maturing time, which severely restricts the flexibility in production.

In order to reduce the abrasion of linoleum or Korkmentbelägen, ie to preserve the color design as long as possible, can be applied to these linoleum or Korkmentgrundschichten protective films, such as those used in the production of floor coverings based on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) , Such protective films can be either transparent or self-printed, ie, in addition to or instead of the pattern of the base layer contribute to color design. However, these films are often composed of non-renewable, halogen-containing materials, the use of which is being increasingly critically assessed in the present time due to intensified environmental discussions. In addition, such multilayer structures often an insufficient adhesion resistance of the respective layers to one another, as well as the phenomenon of "high-standing edges" known to the person skilled in the art.

Thus, the present invention has for its object to provide a linoleum-based fabric, which allows a high degree of design freedom and flexibility in design, while mainly based on renewable resources, and which permanently preserves the corresponding surface design even under intense stress.

This object is achieved by the features characterized in the claims.

In particular, there is provided a linoleum-based printed matter comprising a base layer of linoleum, a primer layer disposed thereon, a print layer disposed thereon, and a high-resistance cover layer disposed on the print layer which have an abrasion value of AC 2 or better according to DIN EN 13329 or an abrasion value of WR 2 or better according to DIN EN 14354, wherein the covering layer is a heat-sealing layer containing inorganic particles.

Surprisingly, it has been found that decoupling the linoleum production from the color or design on the one hand allows great freedom and diversity in the design of the appearance of a corresponding linoleum-based fabric according to the invention, and on the other hand, the representation of special patterns and color designs in significantly shorter Times realizable, whereby a high degree of flexible and individual design is achieved. In particular, appropriate printing techniques can be used here for the purpose of design, which was previously not possible in combination with the material linoleum, and will be described in detail below. The sheet according to the invention also advantageously allows the recourse to renewable raw materials, the basis of linoleum, with materials such as chlorine-containing polymers can be dispensed with. In addition, stands out the High-resistant cover layer of the invention by their high abrasion resistance and surprisingly allows the provision of a printed sheet with increased adhesion of the cover layer.

Renewable resources are according to the invention organic raw materials derived from agricultural and forestry production. Examples include wood, natural fibers, vegetable oils, sugar and starch, chemical and pharmacological raw materials and raw materials of animal origin. In accordance with the present invention, they may optionally undergo one or more derivatization / processing / modification steps before being used as part of the sheet.

According to the invention, the layers which are different from the base layer of linoleum preferably also comprise at least partially renewable resources. Thus, with respect to the entire sheet, although the printing and / or covering layer is based on renewable raw materials (t / en), a proportion thereof of ≥45%, preferably ≥55%, and most preferably ≥75% be specified.

According to the present invention, the printed fabric meets the requirements of DIN EN 548. According to the invention, the base layer of linoleum comprises conventional components, such as binders (so-called Bedford cement or B cement from a partially oxidized linseed oil and at least one resin as tackifier), at least one Filler and optionally at least one colorant. Softwood flour and / or cork flour (with the simultaneous presence of wood flour and cork powder typically in the weight ratio 90:10) and / or chalk, kaolin (China clay), kieselguhr and barite are usually used as filler. In addition, precipitated silica and small amounts of water glass, for example water glass, in an amount of up to 15% by weight, based on the amount of the layer, may be added as a filler for the mass to be ground.

The linoleum compound usually contains at least one colorant, such as an inorganic (e.g., titanium dioxide) and / or organic pigment, and / or other common dyes. As colorants, any natural or synthetic dyes and inorganic or organic pigments, alone or in any combination, can be used. According to the invention, these pigments contained in the base layer can contribute to the color design of the fabric.

A typical linoleum composition contains, based on the weight of the linoleum layer, about 40% by weight of binder, about 30% by weight of organic substances, about 20% by weight of inorganic (mineral) fillers and about 10% by weight. % Colorant. Further, in the linoleum compound, conventional additives such as processing aids, UV stabilizers, lubricants, dimensional stabilizers and the like may be contained, which are selected depending on the binder.

As examples of dimensional stabilizers, there are mentioned chalk, barium sulfate, slate meal, silicic acid, kaolin, quartz flour, talc, lignin, cellulose, glass powder, textile or glass fibers, cellulose fibers and polyester fibers, in an amount of about 1 to 20% by weight on the total weight of the relevant layer.

There is also generally described a base layer of corkment comprising a mixture comprising B cement and milled cork as a filler, in analogy to the above description of the base layer of linoleum, except that the milled cork filler is in contrast to the composition of linoleum (US Pat. DIN EN 548) occupies a significantly higher proportion (DIN EN 12455). Thus, a typical Korkment composition, based on the weight of Korkment layer, about 40 wt .-% binder, about 40 wt .-% milled cork, about 20 wt .-% inorganic (mineral) fillers and optionally colorants. Furthermore, conventional additives, such as processing aids, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, lubricants, Dimensional stabilizers and the like, which are selected depending on the binder.

Examples of dimensional stabilizers are as mentioned above. The possible proportion is about 1 to 20 wt .-%, based on the total weight of the relevant layer.

In the sheet according to the invention, the linoleum layer can be designed both single-layered and multi-layered. For the latter case, depending on the sequence of layers, symmetrical as well as asymmetric fabrics result. For example, the sheet according to the invention may comprise two layers of linoleum (material homogeneous), which may be the same or different.

The base layer of linoleum of the fabric according to the invention can furthermore be provided with or without support.

Furthermore, a corkment layer with or without support can be arranged under the linoleum layer. As previously described, Korkment is a blend that contains B cement and milled cork as a filler and, as linoleum based liners, provides an insulating underlayer for better thermal insulation, tread elasticity and walking comfort, and dampens footfall and room noise.

In addition, functional layers can also be arranged below or between two linoleum layers, resulting in three-layered or multi-layered sheets. For example, at least one further layer, preferably a foam layer, a layer for impact sound insulation and / or an insulation layer can be arranged below the linoleum layer of the sheet according to the invention. The layer thicknesses of the applied layers may be the same or different.

According to the invention, a printing layer is applied to the base layer based on linoleum. In the case where the sheet according to the invention has a plurality of layers as described above, the printing layer is applied to the outer surface of the uppermost (base) layer. According to the present invention, the printing layer is not limited and can be made by any printing technique known to those skilled in the art. Suitable printing techniques are, for example, those which permit the provision of a printing layer on the base layer, the base layer being in the form of a web or plate. The printing of the base layer, which is in the form of a web, can take place both continuously and discontinuously.

Particularly suitable are flat printing techniques, such as offset printing, in which the printing layer can be produced with sheet-fed or web offset printing presses. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the print layer is produced by means of an electronic printing method, so-called non-impact printing, in which the print is thermally transferred to the base layer, for example. In a further preferred embodiment, the printing layer is in the form of a digital print. Digital printing techniques allow the display of high-resolution designs and the use of a wide variety of colors, which can be even very bright and brilliant tones generated. For example, in this embodiment, electro-ink methods, plate direct printing techniques, gravure and gravure printing (e.g., stamping and embossing printing) or throughprinting (e.g., screen printing) may be employed.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the printing layer may comprise an electrically conductive component. This advantageously allows the electrical properties of the printed layer, such as conductivity and resistivity, to be changed in whole or in part, resulting in various functions for the resulting printed fabric. According to the present invention, it is possible, for example, to print partially or completely over the entire area with, inter alia, an electrically conductive dye, which can lead to the formation of, for example, printed conductors, antennas, (pressure-sensitive) sensors, and the printed fabric electronically usable. In a specific embodiment, this electronic usability can make the sheet according to the invention "interactive", ie, for example, information can be exchanged and / or commands can be entered.

According to the present invention, the print layer is provided thereon before or after the linoleum-based base layer has matured, the latter variant being preferred. Due to this decoupling of the linoleum production and the color and design, which will be described in detail later, a design freedom and flexibility in the design can be achieved, which was previously not possible. Another advantage over conventional color and pattern design of linoleum is the production time. Due to the maturity of linoleum of several weeks, the production of a particular design is very tedious. On the other hand, the decoupling of linoleum or Korkmentherstellung and the color and design allows advantageously the representation of special designs and color designs in much shorter times to the realization of individual wishes.

According to the present invention, a primer layer is further interposed between the base layer and the print layer to enhance the compatibility between the print layer and the base layer. Corresponding primer materials include (meth) acrylates (e.g., UV-curing functionalized (meth) acrylate), amine compounds or silanes.

The linoleum-based printed sheet according to the invention additionally comprises a highly resistant covering layer arranged on the printing layer, which is preferably transparent. In the context of the present invention, "transparent" is understood to be a state in which the visual impression, in particular the printing, as will be described in more detail below, is not affected.

In principle, the printing and / or the cover layer can be based on synthetic and / or renewable raw materials. Become synthetic raw materials described below. According to the invention, renewable raw materials may be, for example, oils and / or raw materials obtained from starch, which advantageously contribute to increased environmental compatibility of the resulting printed fabric. The oils and / or raw materials obtained from starch according to the present invention may undergo one or more derivatization / processing / modification steps before they are formed in the form of the printing and / or covering layer.

In general, the highly resistant top layer may be a lacquer, preferably a transparent lacquer containing nanoparticles (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, a thermally induced curing at temperatures above about 100 ° C is suitable. The varnish can also be a UV varnish, which cures by irradiation of UV rays. The paint can be both a one-component (1K) paint, as well as a two-component (2K) paint. In general, the paint can be selected from the group consisting of (meth) acrylic paints, epoxy paints, alkyd paints, polyurethane paints, aminoplast-based paints, SiliXan®-based paints, silkon-based paints, polyester-based paints (saturated and unsaturated ), Cellulose-based paints (eg nitrocellulose, cellulose acetobutyrate (CAB)), paints based on ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) systems, coatings based on butyrals (eg polyvinyl butyral (PVB)), polyether-based paints and mixtures thereof, be selected.

The nano-lacquer may contain inorganic nanoparticles. In particular, ceramic particles of the aforementioned size are added to the paint. Suitable ceramic particles include, but are not limited to, metal (hydr) oxides and semimetal (hydr) oxides, such as, for example, aluminas, zirconium oxides, titanium oxides and silicon oxides. For example, corundum may be mentioned as a preferable alumina. These ceramic particles can be like be functionalized below and / or interact with the paint matrix.

The nano-lacquer may comprise the above ceramic particles, in particular SiO ₂ particles, which have a (meth) acrylate, epoxide, isocyanate or polyurethane functionalization, these functionalizations being able to be present individually or in any desired combination. Corresponding nano-lacquers are in the patent EP 1 153 090 B1 described. In addition to or instead of the functionalization, the ceramic particles, in particular SiO ₂ particles, can interact with the surrounding paint matrix.

As described above, the nano-lacquer is preferably transparent, whereby the color design of the underlying printing layer is not affected. The nano-lacquer may be applied in the form of a single layer on the print layer. In addition, the cover layer in the form of the nano-lacquer may also comprise a plurality of layers, such as an additional base layer.

The nano-lacquer is characterized by its inorganic content and its high degree of cross-linking, which increases the abrasion resistance of a linoleum-based printed fabric. The high degree of crosslinking can be achieved and influenced by special irradiation techniques, such as the patent EP 1 153 090 B1 can be seen. In addition, the nano-varnish allows an improvement in the adhesion resistance of the individual layers, whereby peeling of the layers of the base layer based on linoleum can be prevented. Since the nano-lacquer is in flowable form when applied, it adapts exactly to the contours of the underlying layer, whereby no contact defects between the layers of material can arise, which can be expected in an alternative lamination of different material layers the surfaces to be joined always have inhomogeneities such as depressions, elevations, etc. In addition, depending on the paint composition, interactions of corresponding paint components with the base / print layer up to chemical bonds can occur.

In the linoleum-based printed sheet according to the present invention, the high-resistance covering layer constitutes a heat-sealing layer (hot coating).

Since the heat-sealable layer is in a flowable form when applied, it conforms exactly to the contours of the underlying layer, so that no contact imperfections between the layers of material can be expected with alternative lamination of different layers of material connecting surfaces always inhomogeneities such as depressions, elevations, etc exhibit. In addition, depending on the heat-sealing composition, interactions of corresponding components with the base / print layer up to chemical bonds may occur.

As an example of a heat-sealing layer according to the invention, the hot-coating materials of Kleiberit® can be mentioned.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an additional lacquer layer is arranged on the heat-sealing layer. With such an additional paint layer, surface properties such as gloss and slip resistance can be advantageously influenced. The curing of the additional lacquer layer can be based on chemical or physical processes according to the present invention. For example, thermally induced curing is suitable at temperatures above about 70 ° C. According to the invention, the paint may also be a UV paint which cures by irradiation of UV rays. The paint according to the invention can be both a one-component (1K) paint and a two-component (2K) paint. In a preferred embodiment, the paint is selected from the group consisting of (meth) acrylic paints, epoxy paints, alkyd paints, polyurethane paints, aminoplastic-based paints, SiliXan®-based paints, silkon-based paints, polyester-based paints (saturated as well as unsaturated), lacquers based on cellulose (eg nitrocellulose, cellulose acetobutyrate (CAB)), lacquers based on Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) systems, butyral based paints (eg polyvinyl butyral (PVB)), polyether based paints and mixtures thereof. Polyurethane coatings are particularly preferred according to the invention.

The heat-sealing layer and the additional lacquer layer may be formed according to the present invention as single-layered or multi-layered.

Further, depending on the kind of the layer, the overcoat layer may contain plasticizers and common additives such as fillers, driers, colorants such as organic and inorganic pigments and the like dyes, auxiliaries, dimensional stability additives and inorganic particles for (further) increasing abrasion resistance. According to the present invention, the cover layer necessarily contains inorganic particles.

As examples of fillers or additives for dimensional stability are chalk, barium sulfate, slate, silica, kaolin, quartz powder, talc, lignin, cellulose, glass powder, textile or glass fibers, cellulose fibers and polyester fibers called in an amount of about 0.1 to 80 wt .-%, preferably 2 to 50 wt .-%, based on the total weight of the layer concerned, can be used. The excipients include, for example, antioxidants, antistatic agents, stabilizers, UV absorbers, blowing agents, fungicides, lubricants and processing aids in the usual amounts. Suitable inorganic particles for increasing the abrasion resistance are, for example, metal oxides and semimetal oxides, such as, but not limited to, aluminas, zirconium oxides, titanium oxides and silicon oxides. For example, corundum may be mentioned as a preferable alumina.

The highly resistant top layer of the linoleum-based printed sheet according to the invention thus enables a particularly good adhesion between the individual layers, ie cover, printing and base layer, and also ensures a high abrasion resistance, without having to resort to environmentally harmful halogen-containing materials.

In addition, the fabric of the present invention may preferably be designed such that the cover layer has an embossing on its surface facing away from the print layer and / or the base / print layer on its surface facing the cover layer. This can be an irregular embossing, for example a fine embossing to matt the surface. In addition, an embossing of the cover layer according to the invention on the useful side can advantageously bring about an anti-slip effect.

The above-mentioned embossments between the layers, which may also be present on additional layers in the fabric according to the invention, as described below, can advantageously also give the fabric a three-dimensional appearance. If several surfaces of corresponding layers are provided with such embossings, this effect is even more pronounced.

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

Advantageously, the additional embossing on the uppermost surface is a uniform embossment with a regular pattern of embossments and depressions, since by such embossing the staining behavior of e.g. a flooring can be significantly improved. This effect has also become known as the "lotus effect". It has been found that the effect of the additional surface structuring is most pronounced when the average distance between profile peaks in the center line, corresponding to the so-called Sm value or groove spacing Sm according to DIN 4768, in a range of greater than 200 microns and less than 1000 μm is located.

With regard to the height of the elevations (average roughness R _{z in} accordance with DIN 4768) of the embossed material has a value in the range of 20 microns to 200 microns as proved advantageous. The embossing can be achieved, for example, with an embossing roller.

As already described, the fabric according to the invention may comprise further (transparent) layers, which have, for example, embossments mentioned above. These additional layers are not arranged as the uppermost layer and can be arranged both between the base and printing layers and between the printing and covering layers.

Thus, according to the present invention, the embossing described above can be design supportive and / or functional (e.g., slip resistance).

In addition, a metal layer can additionally be deposited on the printing layer according to the invention and / or on a further layer. The vapor deposition with a metal layer, whereby, for example, the effect of a metal mirror can be realized, on the one hand, in the case of the print layer on the base layer facing side and / or on the base layer side facing away from done. On the other hand, a metal layer may also be deposited on the optional further layer, wherein in analogy to the printing layer, one or both surfaces, preferably the surface facing away from the base layer, are or are coated with a metal layer.

Thus, according to the present invention, the metal layer described above may be design supportive and / or functional (e.g., electrical conductivity).

According to the present invention, the abrasion value of the printed fabric, ie the resistance to abrasion according to DIN EN 13329 is determined. The abrasion value of the cover layer of the fabric according to the invention is AC 2 or better. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the abrasion value of the cover layer of the printed Sheet AC 3 or better, more preferably AC 4 or better, and most preferably AC 5 or better.

Alternatively, the abrasion value of the printed fabric of the present invention, i. the resistance to abrasion according to DIN EN 14354 determined. The abrasion value of the cover layer of the sheet according to the invention is in this context WR 2 or better. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the abrasion value of the cover layer of the printed fabric is WR 3 or better.

The linoleum-based printed fabric also has an increased adhesion resistance compared to the prior art. That the individual layers, which are applied to the base layer, adhere more strongly to one another and to the base layer. As a result, detachment from the base layer can be minimized. The adhesion is determined by a cross-hatch according to DIN EN ISO 2409.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive strength of the cover layer of the printed fabric is 1 or better, more preferably 0.

As already stated above for the abrasion resistance, the excellent adhesive strength of the printed fabric cover sheet according to the present invention can be explained as follows: Since the heat sealer is in a flowable form when applied, it conforms exactly to the contours of the underlying layer (s) with which no contact defects between the material layers can arise, which can be expected in an alternative lamination of different material layers, since the surfaces to be joined always inhomogeneities such as depressions, elevations, etc .. In addition, depending on the composition of the cover layer, interactions of corresponding components with the base / print layer up to chemical bonds may also occur.

• Deckschicht: Dicke von 0,005 bis 1,5 mm, vorzugsweise von 0,01 bis 0,2 mm.
• Druckschicht: Dicke von 0,001 bis 0,05 mm, vorzugsweise von 0,002 bis 0,01 mm.
• optionale weitere Schicht(en): Dicke von 0,001 bis 1,5 mm, vorzugsweise von 0,01 bis 0,2 mm.

The thicknesses of the individual layers, ie the cover layer, the print layer, the base layer and the optional further layers in the linoleum-based sheet according to the present invention can be given, for example, as follows:

• Covering layer: thickness from 0.005 to 1.5 mm, preferably from 0.01 to 0.2 mm.
• Printing layer: thickness from 0.001 to 0.05 mm, preferably from 0.002 to 0.01 mm.
• optional further layer (s): thickness from 0.001 to 1.5 mm, preferably from 0.01 to 0.2 mm.

The total thickness of the linoleum-based sheet according to the invention is preferably from 1 to 6 mm, with a total thickness of from 2 to 4 mm being preferred.

Furthermore, in the sheetlike structure according to the present invention, an adhesive layer can be arranged on the surface of the base layer facing away from the printing layer, so that the sheetlike structure according to the invention is self-adhesive. In addition, as described above, in addition to the layers mentioned, other layers may be present as needed. For example, a layer for impact sound insulation or for heat insulation may be arranged as the last layer below the base layer.

According to the present invention, the sheet is preferably in the form of a sheet or plate.

If the printed sheet of the present invention is in the form of a plate, it may be provided with a laying aid. Such laying aids are, for example, so-called click systems, which allow easy laying of the plates, for example in the form of a floor covering. The application of such click systems or one such Click underground before printing the base layer or after completion of the printed sheet of the present invention.

• Bereitstellen einer Grundschicht auf Linoleum-Basis,
• Aufbringen einer Primerschicht auf der Grundschicht,
• Aufbringen einer Druckschicht auf der Primerschicht, und
• Aufbringen einer Deckschicht auf der Druckschicht, wobei die Deckschicht eine Heißversiegelungschicht ist, die anorganische Teilchen enthält.

In addition, the present invention provides a method for producing the above-described printed fabric. In particular, the present invention provides a process for producing a linoleum-based printed fabric comprising a base layer of linoleum, a primer layer disposed thereon, a print layer disposed thereon, and a high-strength cover layer disposed on the print layer, which has an abrasion value of AC 2 or better DIN EN 13329 or an abrasion value of WR 2 or better according to DIN EN 14354, ready, comprising the following steps:

• Providing a base coat based on linoleum,
• Applying a primer layer on the base layer,
• Applying a print layer on the primer layer, and
• Applying a cover layer to the print layer, wherein the cover layer is a heat seal layer containing inorganic particles.

As already described, the method according to the invention for producing a linoleum-based printed fabric makes it possible to decouple the linoleum production and the color or design. This allows a hitherto unattainable flexibility in the design options with regard to patterning and color design, since the otherwise necessary maturing time of the linoleum layer can be avoided. In addition, the decoupling of the color design allows the use of hitherto unapplicable printing options, which on the one hand, the resolution of the color design and thus the repeat accuracy is increased, and on the other hand the use of very bright and brilliant tones.

According to the present invention, the provision of the linoleum based base layer is not limited. For example, the linoleum-based sheet according to the invention can be replaced by conventional static (eg presses) or dynamic (eg rolling) processes for the production of single or multi-layered linoleum fabrics with or without support are produced. Accordingly, the processing of linoleum cements, which are made according to the requirements of DIN EN 548 and DIN EN 12455 from drying vegetable oils or fats and tree resins.

As already mentioned above, the linoleum based base layer of the sheet according to the invention can be provided with or without support. In this case, the base layer is first placed on this substrate before the topcoat and print layer are provided thereon.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the base layer of linoleum is provided without backing, according to the method of the present invention, before or after it has matured, the print layer is applied after a primer layer has been applied to the base layer. As described above, the printing technique is not limited. Preference is given to the use of digital printing techniques, whereby a particularly high flexibility in the color design is achieved with simultaneous high resolution.

As described above, the base layer of the sheet of the invention may be multi-layered. In this case, the further layers or support may first be applied in an automatic laminating machine (also called AUMA) using pressure (typically about 8-30 N / cm ² ) and temperature (typically about 110 ° to 100 ° F.) before the print layer is applied 160 ° C) are non-positively connected to each other during a period of about 10 seconds to 3 minutes. To further improve the durable bonding of said layers, appropriate adhesives may also be introduced between the respective layers prior to lamination. Examples of such adhesives are hot melt adhesives, pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA), EVA or PVA adhesive film.

The lamination of these layers can alternatively be done in a static press. The pressure is typically about 10 to 300 N / cm ² and the temperature is typically about 40 to 150 ° C for a period of about 10 seconds to 1 minute.

According to the present invention, after the printing layer has been provided on the base layer, a high-resistance cover layer is applied thereto. In general, the high-resistance cover layer may be a nano-lacquer. Here, the paint, which contains inorganic nanoparticles, applied in liquid or powder form to the print layer and then cured. As mentioned above, the curing can be done by chemical or physical processes. Surprisingly, the cover layer in the form of a nano-lacquer combines with the underlying layer, comprising the base layer based on linoleum and the printing layer, such that a very high adhesive strength of this layer can be achieved.

The application of the nano-lacquer to the print layer can be conventionally accomplished by e.g. Brushing, rolling, spraying or pouring take place, preferably in a continuous process.

According to the present invention, a heat-sealing layer is applied to the printing layer. The application of the heat-sealing layer can be carried out in a conventional manner. One skilled in the art will also be able to choose suitable conditions, such as applying squeegees to remove excess sealant, or choosing the required heat seal temperature, to form a homogeneous layer of the same thickness.

In the case of the above heat-sealing layer, the method according to the invention can additionally comprise the step of applying a lacquer layer on the cover layer include. This can be done, for example, analogous to the above statements with respect to the nano-lacquer layer.

A further preferred production of the printed fabric according to the invention comprises a further process step in which an embossing is provided on the cover layer and / or between the cover layer and base / print layer. In the event that the embossment is arranged on the base / print layer, this step takes place before the cover layer is applied. Accordingly, this step occurs in the case where the embossment is disposed on the outer surface of the cover layer after the cover layer has been provided on the print layer. In other words, the method according to the invention may additionally comprise the step of applying an embossing on the cover layer facing surface of the base layer before its maturation and / or on the outer surface of the cover layer, and / or in the step of applying the pressure and / or Cover layer is varied in thickness to obtain a three-dimensional appearance of the printed sheet. Additionally or alternatively, the thickness of the base layer may also be varied to create and / or enhance three-dimensionality.

The linoleum-based printed sheet according to the invention can be used as a wall covering, ceiling covering, floor covering, decorative cover or veneer, preferably as a floor covering, due to its high abrasion resistance and adhesive strength. As a floor covering, the sheet of the present invention may be in the form of a sheet or tile, for example.

Surprisingly and advantageously, the inventive combination of the base layer based on linoleum, the printing layer and the cover layer enables the decoupling of the linoleum production and the color or design. This realizes advantageously on the one hand the recourse to renewable raw materials, the basis of linoleum, and on the other hand, a great freedom and diversity in the design of the appearance of a corresponding fabric according to the invention based on linoleum.

In particular, appropriate printing techniques can be used here for the design, which was previously not possible in combination with the material linoleum. In addition, the printed fabric according to the invention has an increased abrasion resistance and adhesion of the cover layer, whereby the use is made possible in heavily used environments.

Claims (14)

1. A printed linoleum-based sheetlike material 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 according to DIN EN 13329 or an abrasion value of WR 2 or better according to DIN EN 14354, wherein the top layer is a heat-sealing layer which comprises inorganic particles.
2. The printed sheetlike material according to claim 1, wherein the adherence of the top layer of the sheetlike material, determined by a cross-cut test according to DIN EN ISO 2409, has a characteristic of 1 or better.
3. The printed sheetlike material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the print layer and/or the top layer is/are based on renewable raw materials.
4. The printed sheetlike material according to claim 1, wherein a lacquer layer is arranged on the heat-sealing layer.
5. The printed sheetlike material according to any one of claims 1 to 4, having a three-dimensional appearance, wherein the base layer and/or the top layer has/have an embossment, and/or the base layer and/or the print layer and/or the top layer are of varying thickness, wherein the embossment is present on the side of the base layer facing the top layer and/or the outer surface of the top layer.
6. The printed sheetlike material according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the print layer is a digital print.
7. The printed sheetlike material according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the print layer comprises an electrically conductive constituent.
8. The printed sheetlike material according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sheetlike material is in the form of a web or sheet.
9. The printed sheetlike material according to claim 8, wherein the sheetlike material is in the form of a sheet and comprises a laying aid.
10. A process for producing a printed linoleum-based sheetlike material 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 according to DIN EN 13329 or an abrasion value of WR 2 or better according to DIN EN 14354, 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 heat-sealing layer which comprises inorganic particles.
11. The process according to claim 10, wherein the adherence of the top layer of the sheetlike material, determined by a cross-cut test according to DIN EN ISO 2409, has a characteristic of 1 or better.
12. The process according to claim 10, further comprising the step of applying a lacquer layer to the top layer.
13. The process according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising 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 wherein the thickness of the print layer and/or of the top layer is varied in the application step, to obtain a three-dimensional appearance of the printed sheetlike material.
14. Use of the printed sheetlike material based on linoleum according to any one of claims 1 to 9 as a wall covering, roof covering, floor covering, decorative covering or veneer.