GB2333264A

GB2333264A - Triple-layered sheet for thermoforming

Info

Publication number: GB2333264A
Application number: GB9900551A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Josep Frandera I Romeu
Original assignee: Plasticos Marlix S A
Current assignee: Plasticos Marlix S A
Priority date: 1998-01-16
Filing date: 1999-01-11
Publication date: 1999-07-21
Anticipated expiration: 2019-01-11
Also published as: ITMI990037A1; ES2152139A1; ES2152139B1; FR2773738B1; DE19900373A1; GB2333264B; IT1306939B1; FR2773738A1

Abstract

A triple-layered sheet for thermoforming, of the type that can be used for purposes such as the interior lining of cars consists of an interior extruded sheet of plastic polymer with added elements (2)of organic and inorganic origin, with vegetable or synthetic fibre mats containing a certain percentage of polymer affixed on both sides, and eventually a small quantity of fungicide (5).

Description

1 -

DESCRIPTION

2333264 The present invention refers to a triple-layered sheet for therinoforming, of the type that can be used for different purposes; for example, the interior lining of car doors, characterized in that it can be used to great advantage in place of the materials commonly used for the same purpose.

At present there is a number of well-known materials used for lateral linings of doors, trays and other similar parts used in the automobile sector.

They also fulfil similar functions in other sectors, and can be divided into two large groups: those defined as sheets and those defined as mats.

The fundamental difference between the two groups derives from the fact that the former are rigid whilst the latter are not. The former are consequently heavier than Lhe latter, and behave differently in response to external agents.

The triple-layered sheet which constitutes the present invention enjoys a significant advantage over the aforementioned materials since it brings together, in one single product, the advantages of both groups, but without the negative aspects to which each group type is prone. Thus, compared to those materials used at present, the new layered sheet material has proved to be clearly favourable with regard to its application. This is a consequence of the sheet's characteristics, which are explained below.

This is, therefore, a product of medium weight, between that of sheets and mats, a factor which allows a reduction in rigidity with respect to the sheets. It also ensures that the material is better as regards processability. The material is also much less absorbent, and consequently it can easily resist the external agents with which it comes into contact during normal usage.

2 - It is also worth adding that, given the characteristics of the triplelayered sheet, it can be treated with other products for specific ends; for example, a fungicidal product, to protect it against fungal growth. It has been difficult to effect such a treatment with the materials that have been used up to now.

In order to achieve this end, a triple-layered sheet has been designed, that is to say, a sheet made up of three different layers. The middle one is a plastic polymer, preferably polypropylene, to which organic or inorganic fillers have been added; for e.-ample, from wood to talc. To this middle layer, on both sides, are af f iXed mats of vegetable or synthetic fibre, with a certain percentage of polymer. As has been previously mentioned, a quantity of fungicide suitable for preventing the generation of mould and/or bacteria can be added to these mats To facilitate the explanation of the present invention, a diagram sheet is enclosed, which shows, by way of illustration and not of limitation, an example of the triple-layered sheet for thermoforming, according to the principles of the claims.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a top view of a triple-layered sheet for thermoforming in accordance with the principles of the claims, whilst figure 2 shows a close-up of figure 1 in section.

As can be seen f roin the diagram sheet, the claimed triple-layered sheet for thermoforming, is made up of a central layer of polymeric material which includes, advantageously, elements of organic and inorganic origin -2- to which, by means of adhesives -3- mats -4- of vegetable or synthetic fibre with a percentage of polymer are affixed on both sides. These 1 mats can be treated with a fungicidal additive -5-. As a whole this constitutes a sheet which is suitable for thermoforming uses, with characteristics that provide it with a form suitable for its functions, one of the most important being, as has been previously mentioned, the interior linings for doors within the automobile sector, or of rear trays for the same sector, or for other similar -uses.

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- Triple-layered sheet for thermoforming characterized in that it consists of an interior extruded sheet of plastic polymer with added elements of organic and inorganic origin, to which are affixed on both sides vegetable or synthetic fibre mats containing a percentage of polymer, and which can be treated with a certain quantity of fungicide.

1 Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. Triple-layered sheet for thermoforming characterized in that it consists of an interior extruded sheet of plastic polymer with added organic or inorganic fillers, to which are affixed on both sides vegetable or synthetic fibre mats containing a percentage of polymer.

2. A triple-layered sheet as claimed in claim 1 wherein said sheet is treated with a quantity of fungicide suitable for preventing the generation of mould and/or bacteria.