EP4221989A1

EP4221989A1 - Polymer substrate for producing polymer value papers or polymer security papers

Info

Publication number: EP4221989A1
Application number: EP21783514.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Martin EGGINGER; Anita FUCHSBAUER
Original assignee: Hueck Folien GmbH
Current assignee: Hueck Folien GmbH
Priority date: 2020-09-29
Filing date: 2021-09-28
Publication date: 2023-08-09
Also published as: EP3939803A1; EP3939803B1; CN116507504A; KR20230070045A; CA3194206A1; AU2021354757B2; AU2021354757A1; US20230331022A1; WO2022069484A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a polymer substrate (1) for producing polymer value papers (2) or polymer security papers (3), to a polymer value paper (2) or a polymer security paper (3), and to a method for producing a polymer substrate (1). The polymer substrate (1) comprises a polymer support layer (4) and at least one security element (5), wherein the security element (5) is applied onto and/or into the polymer support layer (4), and a primer (6) is at least partly applied onto a first substrate side (7) and/or a second substrate side (8) of the polymer substrate (1). The primer (6) is at least partly arranged between the polymer support layer (4) and the security element (5) and/or at least partly covers the security element (5) and/or the polymer support layer (4). Security element (5) regions covered by the primer (6) are less readily visible than security element (5) regions not covered by the primer (6) and/or polymer support layer (4) regions not covered by the primer (6).

Description

POLYMERS UBS STARTED TO MANUFACTURE POLYMER SECURITIES OR POLYMER SECURITY SECURITIES

The invention relates to a polymer substrate for the production of polymer securities or polymer security paper, a polymer security paper or polymer security paper, and a method for producing a polymer substrate.

Polymer securities or polymer security papers of the type mentioned at the outset are usually used in order to increase the counterfeit security of securities or security papers, such as banknotes, identity cards, credit cards, ATM cards, tickets, etc.

According to the prior art, it is not technically possible in the case of polymer securities or polymer security papers to apply a security element with security features in the form of a security thread. In particular, it is not possible with polymer securities or polymer security papers to introduce a customary or conventional security thread directly into the polymer, as is currently the case with securities or security papers made of paper or fibers. Polymer securities or polymer security papers based on polymer substrates are currently used particularly frequently for low denominations. Expensive security features are not usually applied to these polymer banknotes, for cost reasons among other things.

In order to remedy this disadvantage, security threads in polymer security papers or polymer security papers are only imitated by means of printing technology. However, compared to the security threads known from securities or security papers made of paper or fibers, such imprinted security threads cannot be produced economically in a satisfactory quality and therefore cannot guarantee a user a sufficiently high protection against forgery.

The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a polymer substrate and a method for producing a polymer substrate by means of which polymer securities or polymer security papers with one or more highly forgery-proof security elements or security elements with Security features are manufacturable. This object is achieved by a polymer substrate, a polymer security paper or polymer security paper and a production method according to the claims.

The polymer substrate according to the invention for the production of polymer securities or polymer security papers comprises a polymer carrier layer and at least one security element. It is provided that the security element is applied to and/or in the polymer carrier layer and that a primer is applied at least in sections to a first substrate side and/or a second substrate side of the polymer substrate. The primer is arranged at least in sections between the polymer carrier layer and the security element and/or covers the security element and/or the polymer carrier layer at least in sections, with areas of the security element covered by the primer being less clearly visible than areas not covered by the primer Areas of the security element and/or as areas of the polymer carrier layer not covered by the primer.

The polymer substrate according to the invention creates the possibility or basis for producing polymer securities or polymer security papers with one or more highly counterfeit-proof security elements or security elements with one or more security features. With the polymer substrate according to the invention, a banknote manufacturer is provided with a starting material which, in principle, can be further processed like or similar to paper for paper banknotes. A banknote manufacturer can thus produce both paper banknotes and polymer banknotes, for example using the same machines or process steps, or using minor modifications. This brings advantages in terms of profitability of the entire production chain, while at the same time achieving a high product quality.

At this point it should be pointed out that in the context of the invention the term security element can refer to various types of security elements familiar to a person skilled in the art. For example, security elements can be designed as security threads, security strips and the like, with other advantageous types of security elements known to those skilled in the art also being conceivable. A security element can have one or more similar or different security features or security features. Security features can be optically variable Features, features that are optically recognizable in transmission or reflection, machine-readable features, substances or features that absorb and/or re-emit electromagnetic waves. For example, security features can be formed as holograms, embossed layers, partially metallized layers, fluorescent layers, printed layers, and/or magnetic coding and/or optically variable features, in particular around holograms and/or around color-changing coatings, for example around a color-changing thin-film element having coatings be. Security features can be arranged in or on security elements or be integrated into this, which thus act as a kind of carrier for the security feature or features. If a security element is mentioned in the following description, it can therefore be a security element with an individually configured security feature. Basically, it is of course also conceivable that the security element is designed with only one security feature. The primer can describe a single layer as well as a compound or a layering of several layers. This can involve, for example, several layers or plies of the same type, but also several different layers.

The security element(s) formed in or on the polymer substrate ensures an additional level of security against forgery, because the visibility of the security element(s) is reduced as a result of the primer applied. According to the invention, those areas on the first and/or second substrate side on which or in which a security element covered with a primer is formed can be perceived less well or less clearly than those areas of the polymer carrier layer with and/or without an overlying one Primer. According to the invention, the primer, which serves to cover the security element or elements, but can also enable a later, individual printing of the polymer substrate by a banknote manufacturer, is applied at least in sections to the security element or elements and/or to the polymer carrier layer, so that at least selected areas are covered and are not or at least less well or less clearly or less strongly contrasted visible. This effect, that areas covered by the primer are less clearly visible than areas not covered by the primer, is primarily recognizable or perceptible to an observer when he looks at that substrate side of the polymer substrate to which the primer is applied. Of course, the polymer substrate can also be on both Pages have a primer. In these forms, the effect of the less good visibility of covered areas on both sides of the substrate would be recognizable. It is also possible for the security element or elements to be arranged on or in both outer surfaces of the polymer carrier layer. The at least one security element has the advantage that the entire portfolio of security elements known according to the prior art, which is also used with conventional papers for the production of paper banknotes, can be used. Advantageously, it can be the case that an observer only recognizes the security element covered by the primer when he observes the polymer substrate in transmitted light.

If the security element or elements are applied to the polymer carrier layer, it can be advantageous if the polymer carrier layer is made thinner at the points in which the security element or elements is to be applied. It may be that the visibility of the security element is additionally reduced, or that the location at which the security element is arranged is hidden or “concealed” because there are no elevations, or elevations that are barely perceptible. In this case, the primer can also contribute to “concealing” the areas with security elements.

Also advantageous is a development according to which it is provided that the areas of the security element covered by the primer are not visible when viewed from above and are visible when viewed through, or that the areas of the security element covered by the primer are better visible when viewed through than when viewed from above . This advantageous embodiment can make it easier for a user to check the authenticity of a polymer banknote by holding it against the light or looking through it. In this way, a further contribution can be made to counterfeit security in polymer banknotes. It can also be the case here that not the entire area of the security element covered by the primer is visible when viewed through, but only parts of it. This is the case, for example, when the security element is formed with a thread or a thread foil with a partial metallization. Only the partial metallization of the thread foil would be visible in transmitted light. In the case of partial metallization, the metal layer can—to name just a few examples—contain gaps in the form of characters, letters, patterns, motifs, geometric figures, guilloches and also lines. According to an advantageous development, the security element and/or the polymer carrier layer and/or the primer can be covered at least in sections with a cover layer, with areas of the security element covered by the cover layer being less clearly visible than those not covered by the cover layer Areas of the security element and/or as areas of the polymer carrier layer not covered by the cover layer and/or as areas of the primer not covered by the cover layer. This development can be advantageous above all in those forms in which the primer is arranged at least in sections between the polymer carrier layer and the security element. Thus, optical effects can be achieved by overprinting selected areas—for example also in the course of bank note printing—and in particular a visibility contrast between areas with a cover layer and areas without a cover layer can be brought about.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the primer is applied by means of a printing process. As a result, a uniform and level primer or primer layer can be implemented in an economical manner. This can be advantageous in particular in the case of further processing of the polymer substrate in the course of subsequent banknote printing and can contribute to a high product quality. In addition to printing processes, it would of course also be conceivable and possibly advantageous for the primer to be applied by painting, dip coating, spray coating or roller coating. It is also conceivable to apply the primer using vacuum-based coating methods, such as plasma coating or PVD and CVD coating.

In addition, it can be provided that the primer is designed to be printable. Good printability can be important in further processing of the polymer substrate in the course of banknote printing and can sometimes enable a satisfactory or even high final quality of a polymer security paper or polymer security paper. In addition, good printability of the primer or the polymer substrate can have a positive effect on the longevity or resilience of a polymer banknote. For example, good printability can be achieved by an even primer, or also by a structure that takes up a printing ink well, or by the material of the primer. Also advantageous is an embodiment according to which it can be provided that the primer covers the entire surface of the polymer carrier layer and/or the security element. For reasons of protection against forgery of polymer banknotes, it can sometimes be advantageous if the security element or elements are completely covered and are therefore not visible or only visible poorly or indistinctly when viewed from above.

According to one development, it is possible for the primer to partially cover the polymer carrier layer and/or the security element. Such areas of the security element or elements, which are not covered by the primer and are therefore visible when viewed from above, are often referred to in the industry as windows. Security elements designed in this way in the form of a thread are often referred to as window threads. Such windows can be designed both as so-called half windows and as full windows. A half-window is a gap in the primer on just one side of the polymer substrate, or on one side of the primer. If the primer is applied to both sides of the polymer substrate and gaps are provided opposite or at least partially opposite or overlapping in the primer on both sides, then in technical jargon one speaks of a full window. These windows can make it easier for a user to verify the authenticity of a polymer banknote in a simple and quick manner. In addition, by partially covering one or more security features, security against forgery can be improved because an exact positioning of windows makes it considerably more difficult to imitate or forge polymer banknotes.

In addition, it can be provided that the primer is designed to be diffusely scattering, in particular that the primer produces a white color impression in daylight. This design can have a particularly positive effect on a polymer banknote that can be produced from the polymer substrate, since a white primer layer or surface can enable particularly high-quality subsequent printing or other application of motifs, numbers and the like. Such layers or primers are also known as opacifying layers. The ink used in this case is also referred to as opacity ink. Furthermore, it can be provided that the polymer carrier layer is made of plastic, in particular made of a translucent plastic, with the polymer carrier layer preferably at least one of the materials from the group polyimide (PI), polypropylene (PP), monoaxially oriented polypropylene (MOPP), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polyethylene (PE), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketone (PEK), polyethyleneimide (PEI), polysulfone (PSU), polyaryletherketone (PAEK), polyethylene naphthalate ( PEN), liquid crystalline polymers (LCP), polyester, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), cycloolefin copolymers (COC), polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and ethylene tetrafluoroethylene hexafluoropropylene fluorine polymer (EFEP) and/or mixtures and/or copolymers and/or composite materials of these materials or is made from at least one of these materials.

According to a particular embodiment, it is possible for the primer to have a thickness between 1 μm and 50 μm, preferably between 5 μm and 30 μm, particularly preferably between 7 μm and 25 μm, in particular between 10 μm and 20 μm. Thin primer thickness can be advantageous in that it can contribute to a thin polymeric substrate. End products, such as polymer banknotes, should also be thin so that they can be easily printed on and stacked easily and to save space. For this purpose, an advantageous basis can be created by forming a thin, but nevertheless covering primer. In addition, the polymer substrate can advantageously have between 30 μm and 150 μm, preferably between 35 μm and 110 μm, particularly preferably between 50 μm and 100 μm, in particular between 65 μm and 90 μm. If the security element or elements are formed to include a transfer film, which transfer film also includes a detachable carrier film in addition to the security feature or features, this carrier film can have a thickness of between 6 μm and 100 μm, preferably 8 μm and 50 μm, particularly preferably 10 μm and 36 μm pm, in particular 12 pm and 23 pm. The transferred security element, i.e. that part of the security element in which the detachable carrier film was removed after application to the polymer substrate, can have a thickness of 1 μm to 50 μm, preferably a thickness of 1 μm to 40 μm, particularly preferably from 2 μm to 30 pm, in particular from 5 pm to 20 pm. According to an advantageous development, it can be provided that the security element with at least one security feature is formed by optically variable features, features optically recognizable in transmission or reflection, machine-readable features and/or substances or features absorbing and/or reemitting electromagnetic waves. This can be, for example, an embossed layer, a partially metallized layer, a fluorescent layer, a printed layer, a magnetic coding and/or an optically variable feature, in particular by a hologram and/or a color-shifting base layer, for example at least one color-shifting Thin-film element having base layer act. This form has the advantage that a user can choose from a large portfolio and a large number of possible combinations of security features. As a result, a high level of security against counterfeiting can be achieved.

The invention also relates to a method for producing a polymer substrate with at least one security element for the production of polymer securities or polymer security papers, in particular for producing the polymer substrate according to one of claims 1 to 11.

The following procedural steps are planned:

providing a polymer backing,

providing at least one security element,

Application of the security element to and/or in the polymer carrier layer, optional connection of the security element to the polymer carrier layer, at least partial application of a primer to a first substrate side and/or a second substrate side of the polymer substrate, which primer at least partially between the polymer carrier layer and the security element and/or by which primer the security element and/or the polymer carrier layer is covered at least in sections, with the areas of the security element covered by the primer being less clearly visible than the areas of the security element not covered by the primer and /or as the areas of the polymer backing not covered by the primer. The method according to the invention for producing a polymer substrate creates the possibility or the basis for producing polymer securities or polymer security papers with one or more highly counterfeit-proof security elements. With the polymer substrate produced according to the invention, a bank note manufacturer is provided with a product which, in principle, can be further processed in methods such as or similar to the production of paper bank notes. A banknote manufacturer can thus produce both paper banknotes and polymer banknotes, for example using the same machines or process steps, or using minor modifications. A polymer substrate produced according to the invention brings advantages with regard to the economy of the entire production chain, while at the same time a high product quality can be achieved.

In the course of the method, one or more security elements are applied to the polymer carrier material, with a security element comprising at least one security feature. Optionally, a method step can take place which brings about a, preferably permanent, connection between the security element and the polymer carrier material. This connection can take place, for example, by means of suitable adhesives on the security element and/or on the polymer carrier material. It is of course also conceivable and possible for the connection to take place or be promoted or accelerated under the influence of heat or pressure. The connection can also facilitate or promote any desired embedding of the security element or elements in the polymer carrier layer. Embedding here means in particular that the security element or elements are incorporated into the polymer carrier layer. In principle, recesses can be provided in the polymer carrier layer, in which recesses the security element or elements are embedded. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the security element or elements are embedded in the polymer carrier layer by displacing or also compressing the material of the polymer carrier layer. The security elements can preferably be incorporated so deeply into the polymer carrier layer that a continuous, i.e. smooth or approximately smooth surface of the substrate sides is formed, or that the security elements do not stand out from the polymer carrier layer and thus do not increase the thickness of the polymer carrier layer . The security element(s) formed in or on the polymer substrate ensures an additional level of security against forgery, because the visibility of the security element(s) is reduced as a result of the primer applied. According to the invention, those areas on the first and/or second substrate side on which a security element covered with a primer is formed can be perceived less well or less clearly than those areas of the polymer carrier layer with and/or without an overlying layer Primer. The primer, which serves to cover the security element or elements, but can also enable a later, individual printing of the polymer substrate by a banknote manufacturer, is applied according to the invention at least in sections to the security element or elements and/or to the polymer carrier layer, so that selected areas are covered and are not or at least less well or less clearly or less strongly contrasted visible. It is also possible for the security element or elements to be arranged on or in both outer surfaces of the polymer carrier layer. The at least one security element has the advantage that the entire portfolio of security elements known according to the prior art, which is also used with conventional papers for the production of paper banknotes, can be used.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the security element is formed by a transfer film comprising at least one security feature and a detachable carrier film, the detachable carrier film being removed after application or after the optional connection. This advantageous embodiment creates the possibility of applying the at least one security element to the polymer substrate in a simple and precise manner. In addition, a large number of combination and design options can be realized with this design.

This advantageous embodiment creates the possibility of applying the at least one security element to the polymer substrate in a simple and precise manner. In addition, a large number of combination and design options can be realized with this design. In addition, this development offers the advantage that that part of the security element which remains on the polymer substrate without the carrier film can be made particularly thin. This is due to the fact that security elements with a detachable transfer film can be implemented with very thin security features. In addition, it can be provided that the primer is applied by means of a printing process. As a result, a uniform and level primer or primer layer can be produced in an economical manner. This can be advantageous in particular in the case of further processing of the polymer substrate in the course of subsequent banknote printing and can contribute to a high product quality. In addition to printing processes, it would of course also be conceivable and possibly advantageous for the primer to be applied by painting, dip coating, spray coating or roller coating. It is also conceivable to apply the primer using vacuum-based coating methods, such as plasma coating or PVD and CVD coating.

Also advantageous is an embodiment according to which it can be provided that the polymer substrate is cut, in particular cut into sheets, before the security element is applied and/or before the primer is applied. This process step can bring process-related advantages. For example, security elements can be applied more simply or more precisely to cut sheets. Depending on the process, it may also be more economical if the polymer substrate is cut in small quantities before the security element or elements are applied and/or before the primer is applied. In addition, it may be easier to apply the security elements and/or the primer to small-format sheets, since these are sometimes easier to handle. This can also be expedient in particular if the security elements and/or the primer are to be applied to both sides of the substrate.

According to one development, it is possible for the security element to be applied directly onto and/or into the polymer carrier layer, or for the security element to be applied to the polymer carrier layer in a register. A direct application of one or more security elements can be particularly expedient if the primer is to be subsequently applied over the entire surface. Application by means of a register, ie realizing register matching, can be advantageous or increase quality if it is provided that the security element or elements should not be completely covered by the primer, ie so-called windows are realised. In terms of high product quality, it can be advantageous if the planned or predefined windows are not covered by the primer, or are only covered within narrow tolerance limits.

According to the invention, a polymer security paper or polymer security paper with at least one security element comprising a polymer substrate is also provided. The polymer substrate is formed according to one of Claims 1 to 11 and/or the polymer substrate is produced in a method according to one of Claims 12 to 16.

Also advantageous is a development according to which it is provided that a primer is applied at least in sections to a first substrate side and/or a second substrate side of the polymer substrate, which primer is arranged between a polymer carrier layer and the security element, the security element and/or the The polymer carrier layer is at least partially covered with a cover layer, with areas of the security element covered by the cover layer being less visible than areas of the security element not covered by the cover layer and/or as areas of the polymer carrier layer not covered by the cover layer and/or as areas of the primer not covered by the top coat.

For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

They each show in a greatly simplified, schematic representation:

1 shows a first embodiment of a polymer substrate in cross section with three completely covered security features;

2 shows a second embodiment of a polymer substrate in cross section with two partially covered security features;

3 shows a third embodiment of a polymer substrate in cross section with three completely covered security features; 4 shows a fourth embodiment of a polymer sub struts in cross section with two partially and one completely covered security feature;

5 shows a fifth embodiment of a polymer substrate in cross section with security features applied on both sides;

6 shows a sixth embodiment of a polymer substrate in cross section;

Fig. 7 shows a seventh embodiment of a polymer sub struts in plan, and four sectional views 7a to 7d thereof in cross section.

As an introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numbers or the same component designations, it being possible for the disclosures contained throughout the description to be applied to the same parts with the same reference numbers or the same component designations. The position information selected in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., is related to the figure directly described and shown and these position information are to be transferred to the new position in the event of a change of position.

FIG. 1 shows a cross section of a first embodiment of a polymer substrate 1 with three completely covered security elements 5 or security features 11 which are formed in a security element 5 . This first embodiment also shows a polymer security paper 2 or a polymer security paper 3 made from the polymer substrate 1 . For example, as shown, a banknote print layer 13 was applied to a substrate side 7 , 8 or to a primer 6 . This further processing step can take place in particular in a banknote or security printing works. The banknote print layer 13 can be designed for the pictorial reproduction of images, numbers and the like, but sometimes also have or include other security features 11 or other security elements 5 . It is also possible that the banknote printing layer 13 is designed as a cover layer 9, as outlined in FIG. This can be particularly advantageous when the primer 6 is arranged between the polymer carrier layer 4 and the security feature 11 and/or the security element 5 . FIGS. 1 to 7 show, if appropriate, independent embodiments of the polymer substrate 1 or of the polymer substrate 1 manufactured according to the manufacturing method described in the claims, the same reference numbers or component designations as in the previous FIG. 1 being used for the same parts. The embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 7 are described together below in order to avoid unnecessary repetition.

In the figures 1 to 7 seven conceivable embodiments of polymer substrates 1 are shown as an example. FIGS. 1 and 6 also show exemplary designs of polymer security papers 2 or polymer security papers 3. It should be explicitly pointed out that a large number of other design variants are conceivable and the designs shown are only to be interpreted as examples. Whenever security elements 5 are discussed below, security elements 5 with one or more identical or different security features 11 are meant. In terms of readability, however, only security elements 5 will usually be mentioned.

FIGS. 1 to 7 show differently configured polymer substrates 1 comprising a polymer carrier layer 4 and at least one security element 5. Specifically, three security elements 5 of the same width 12 but different heights 14 are shown in FIG. FIG. 2 shows a polymer substrate 1 with two security elements 5 of different widths 12. In FIGS. 3 and 4 three security elements 5 of different widths 12 and heights 14 are shown. The security elements 5 and also security features 11 are shown in all figures with a rectangular cross section. However, it is of course also possible for security elements 5 and also security features 11 to have other geometries. It is also shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 that the security element or elements 5 are applied to (FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6) or in (FIGS. 5) the polymer carrier layer 4 . Security features 11 can be applied to the polymer carrier layer 4 in gaps provided for this purpose in the polymer carrier layer 4 and/or by applying pressure and/or temperature. It is also conceivable that the polymer carrier layer 4 has a smaller thickness at the points at which security elements 5 are to be applied, so that the security element 5 can be accommodated therein completely or almost completely. In this way, a final polymer substrate 1 that is as planar as possible can be realized. In principle, there are also alternative embodiments conceivable, but not illustrated, in which both security elements 5 are formed in and on the polymer carrier layer 4. Furthermore, it is possible and possibly expedient if security elements 5 are not only applied to one side of the polymer carrier layer 4, as shown in FIGS this is shown by FIG. In the figures 1 to 4 it is shown that a primer 6 is applied to a first substrate side 7 of the polymer substrate 1 at least in sections. If security elements 5 are applied to both sides of the polymer carrier layer 4, it can also be expedient if the primer 6 is applied to the first substrate side 7 and additionally to a second substrate side 8. This can be done based on FIG. 5, for example. FIG. 6 shows that it is also conceivable for the primer 6 to be applied between the polymer carrier layer 4 and the security elements 5 . The three security elements 5 shown are arranged on the primer 6 in this example. However, it could also be the case that the security elements 5 are at least partially embedded in the primer 6 .

In Figures 1 to 5, the primer 6 covers at least the security elements 5 at least in sections, with the areas of the security elements 5 covered by the primer 6 being less clearly visible than the areas of the security element 5 not covered by the primer 6 and/or than the areas of the polymer carrier layer 4 not covered by the primer 6. The areas of the security elements 5 covered by the primer 6 can preferably be less clearly visible in plan than the areas of the polymer carrier layer not covered by the primer 6. In FIGS. 1 and 3, the security elements 5 are completely covered by the primer 6 and are therefore not visible or perceptible to a user looking at the polymer substrate 1 from above, or are less visible or perceptible than uncovered areas. In FIG. 2, the security elements 5 are each only partly or partially covered by the primer 6 . These uncovered areas or sections are perceived as so-called windows 15 by a user looking at them from above. Since these windows 15 are only on one side of the polymer substrate 1, they are also referred to as half-windows. FIG. 4 shows a security element 5 without a primer 6 overlying it, as well as a partially covered security element 5 and a completely covered security element 5. This is not the case covered and the partially covered security element 5 can be seen or viewed through half windows. FIG. 5 shows that the primer 6 can also be applied to the second substrate side 8 at least in sections, ie partially. If the areas not covered by the primer 6 are opposite one another, the windows 15 formed as a result are referred to as full windows. A full window, a half window and a completely covered security element 5 are thus shown in FIG. 5--described from left to right. In FIG. 6, the primer 6 has been applied to the entire surface of the first substrate side 7, with the three security elements 5 being arranged on the primer 6. FIG. A cover layer 9, which can be a layer 13 printed on banknotes, is partially applied to the first side 7 of the substrate. The cover layer 9 can cover the security elements 5 completely or partially and thus form windows. However, as shown, it is also conceivable that the cover layer 9 does not cover the security elements 5 .

It can also be the case that one or more security elements 5 are formed to include a transfer film. The transfer film can have the security feature or features 11 and a detachable carrier film, the transfer film being delimited on its outside by the detachable carrier film. It may be the case here that the detachable carrier film is removed in the course of the production of the polymer substrate 1 after the application or after the optional connection of the security feature 11 or the security element 5 to the polymer carrier layer 4 .

The areas of the security element 5 covered by the primer 6 may not be visible or only poorly visible when viewed from above and be visible when viewed through. Alternatively, the areas of the security element 5 covered by the primer 6 can be better visible when viewed through than when viewed from above. For example, a user can hold the polymer substrate 1 against the light and thus optically perceive or see the sections of the security elements 5 covered by the primer 6 .

In addition, it may be useful if the primer 6 by means of a typographic

procedure is applied. In addition, the primer 6 can be designed to be printable. The primer 6 can also be designed to be diffusely scattering. In particular, it may be that the primer 6 produces a white color impression on a user when natural or also artificial light is incident on it. The primer 6 can have a thickness 10 between 1 μm and 50 μm, preferably between 5 μm and 30 μm, particularly preferably between 7 μm and 25 μm, in particular between 10 μm and 20 μm.

The polymer carrier layer 4 can be made of plastic, in particular made of a translucent plastic. The polymer carrier layer 4 can preferably contain at least one of the materials from the group polyimide (PI), polypropylene (PP), monoaxially oriented polypropylene (MOPP), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polyethylene (PE), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyether ether ketone ( PEEK), polyetherketone (PEK), polyethyleneimide (PEI), polysulfone (PSU), polyaryletherketone (PAEK), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), liquid crystalline polymers (LCP), polyester, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), cycloolefin copolymers (COC), polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), poly vinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene-fluorine polymer (EFEP) and/or mixtures and/or copolymers and/or composite materials of these materials or made from at least one of these materials s a.

The security element or elements 5 can be formed with at least one security feature 11, which can be formed, for example, by optically variable features, features optically recognizable in transmission or reflection, machine-readable features and/or substances or features that absorb and/or re-emit electromagnetic waves .

In the course of the production of the polymer substrates 1 according to FIGS. 1 to 5, it can be expedient if the polymer substrate 1 is cut before the at least one security element 5 is applied and/or before the primer 6 is applied, in particular is cut into sheets. Furthermore, the security element 5 can be applied directly to and/or in the polymer carrier layer 4, or applied to the polymer carrier layer 4 via a register. Application via a register, or by carrying out a register adjustment, can be expedient in particular if the primer 6 is applied partially and windows 15 are thus formed. Here it is important if the primer 6 covers the provided window 15 as a result of a register adjustment that is not dimensionally accurate.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a polymer substrate 1 or a sheet of a polymer substrate 1 in plan view. The polymer substrate 1 is divided into zones by means of finely broken lines, which zones identify the areas for polymer security papers 2 or polymer security papers 3 that can be made from the polymer substrate 1 or from the further processed polymer substrate 1 . The column shown furthest to the left in FIG. 7 includes—just by way of example—six such zones. This left-hand column is formed with a security element 5 designed as a security thread, with the security element 5 being covered in sections with a primer 6 . In a plan view of the polymer substrate 1, an observer can see the areas covered by the primer 6 better than the areas of the security element 5 that are not covered by the primer.

The second column shown in FIG. 7, seen from the left, also includes six such zones. This second column from the left is formed with a security element 5 in the form of a security thread, although the security element 5 is completely covered with a primer 6 here. The areas of the security element 5 covered by the primer 6 may not be visible when viewed from above and visible when viewed through, or the areas of the security element 5 covered by the primer 6 may be more visible when viewed through than when viewed from above. This quasi-concealing effect is shown in the second column from the left by means of roughly broken lines, these lines indicating that the security element 5 designed as a thread is arranged underneath.

FIGS. 7a to 7d each show sectional views of the embodiment according to FIG. 7 in cross section. The cutting positions of the respective cross sections according to FIGS. 7a to 7d are sketched in FIG. 7 and indicated by means of corresponding letters and position arrows. FIGS. 7a and 7c each show sections through the length of the security element 5 or the security thread. FIGS. 7b and 7d show sections across the security element 5 and the thread. The exemplary embodiments show possible variants, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated variants of the same, but rather that various combinations of the individual variants with one another are also possible and this possibility of variation is based on the teaching on technical action through the present invention in skills of the specialist working in this technical field.

The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and drawings should be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described can represent independent inventive solutions. The task on which the independent inventive solutions are based can be found in the description.

All information on value ranges in the present description is to be understood in such a way that it also includes any and all sub-ranges, e.g. the information 1 to 10 is to be understood in such a way that all sub-ranges, starting from the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10, are also included , i.e. all subranges start with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

Finally, for the sake of clarity, it should be pointed out that some elements are shown not to scale and/or enlarged and/or reduced in size for a better understanding of the structure.

list of reference numbers

polymer substrate

polymer security

polymer security paper

polymer backing

security element

primer

substrate side

top layer

thickness

security feature

broad

B annotate printing layer

Height

window

Claims

P atentClaims

1. polymer substrate (1) for the production of polymer securities (2) or polymer security papers (3), characterized in that the polymer substrate (1) comprises a polymer carrier layer (4) and at least one security element (5), wherein the security element (5) is applied to and/or in the polymer carrier layer (4) and wherein a primer (6) is applied at least in sections to a first substrate side (7) and/or a second substrate side (8) of the polymer substrate (1). which primer (6) is arranged at least in sections between the polymer carrier layer (4) and the security element (5), and/or which primer (6) the security element (5) and/or the polymer carrier layer (4) at least partially covered, areas of the security element (5) covered by the primer (6) being less clearly visible than areas of the security element (5) not covered by the primer (6) and/or than areas of the security element (5) covered by the primer (6 ) Uncovered areas of the polymer carrier layer (4).

2. Polymer substrate (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the areas of the security element (5) covered by the primer (6) are not visible when viewed from above and are visible when viewed through, or that the areas covered by the primer (6). of the security element (5) are more visible when viewed through than when viewed from above.

3. Polymer substrate (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the security element (5) and/or the polymer carrier layer (4) and/or the primer (6) is covered at least in sections with a cover layer (9). areas of the security element (5) covered by the cover layer (9) are less clearly visible than areas of the security element (5) not covered by the cover layer (9) and/or than areas of the security element (5) not covered by the cover layer (9). Polymer carrier layer (4) and/or as areas of the primer (6) not covered by the top layer (9).

4. Polymer substrate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the primer (6) is applied by means of a printing process.

5. Polymer substrate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the primer (6) is designed to be printable.

6. Polymer substrate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the primer (6) covers the entire surface of the polymer carrier layer (4) and/or the security element (5).

7. Polymer substrate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the primer (6) partially covers the polymer carrier layer (4) and/or the security element (5).

8. Polymer substrate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the primer (6) is designed to be diffusely scattering, in particular that the primer (6) produces a white color impression in daylight.

9. Polymer substrate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the polymer carrier layer (4) is made of plastic, in particular made of a translucent plastic, wherein the polymer carrier layer (4) preferably comprises at least one of the materials from the group polyimide (PI), polypropylene (PP), monoaxially oriented polypropylene (MOPP), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polyethylene (PE), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketone (PEK), polyethyleneimide (PEI) , polysulfone (PSU), polyaryletherketone (PAEK), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), liquid crystalline polymers (LCP), polyester, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), cycloolefin copolymers ( COC), polyoximethylene (POM), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene-fluoroterpolymer (EFEP) and/or mixtures and/or copolymers and/or composite materials of these materials or is made from at least one of these materials.

10. Polymer substrate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the primer (6) has a thickness (10) between 1 μm and 50 μm, preferably between 5 pm and 30 pm, particularly preferably between 7 pm and 25 pm, in particular between 10 pm and 20 pm.

11. Polymer substrate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the security element (5) is formed with at least one security feature (11), which at least one security feature (11) by optically variable features, optically recognizable in transmission or reflection features , machine-readable features and/or substances or features that absorb and/or re-emit electromagnetic waves.

12. Method for the production of a polymer substrate (1) with at least one security element (5) for the production of polymer securities (2) or polymer security papers (3), in particular for the production of the polymer substrate (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11 , encompassing the steps

- Providing a polymer carrier layer (4),

- Providing at least one security element (5),

- applying the security element (5) to and/or in the polymer carrier layer (4),

- optional connection of the security element (5) to the polymer carrier layer (4),

- at least partially applying a primer (6) to a first substrate side (7) and/or a second substrate side (8) of the polymer substrate (1), which primer (6) at least partially between the polymer carrier layer (4) and the security element ( 5) is applied and/or by which primer (6) the security element (5) and/or the polymer carrier layer (4) is covered at least in sections, with the areas of the security element (5) covered less well by the primer (6). are visible as the areas of the security element (5) not covered by the primer (6) and/or as the areas of the polymer carrier layer (4) not covered by the primer (6).

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the security element (5) is formed by a transfer film comprising at least one security feature (11) and a detachable carrier film, the detachable carrier film being removed after application or after the optional connection.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the primer (6) is applied by means of a printing process.

15. The method as claimed in one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the polymer substrate (1) is cut, in particular cut into sheets, before the security element (5) is applied and/or before the primer (6) is applied.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the security element (5) is applied directly to and / or in the polymer carrier layer (4), or that the security element (5) in a register on the polymer Carrier layer (4) is applied.

17. Polymer security paper (2) or polymer security paper (3) with at least one security element (5) comprising a polymer substrate (1), characterized in that the polymer substrate (1) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 11 and/ or that the polymer substrate (1) is produced in a method according to any one of claims 12 to 16.

18. Polymer security paper (2) or polymer security paper (3) according to claim 17, characterized in that a primer (6) on a first substrate side (7) and / or a second substrate side (8) of the polymer substrate (1) at least is applied in sections, which primer (6) is arranged between a polymer carrier layer (4) and the security element (5), the security element (5) and/or the polymer carrier layer (4) having a cover layer (9) at least in sections are covered, areas of the security element (5) covered by the cover layer (9) being less clearly visible than areas of the security element (5) not covered by the cover layer (9) and/or as areas not covered by the cover layer (9). the polymer carrier layer (4) and/or as areas of the primer (6) not covered by the top layer (9).