JP6441298B2 - Printable fabric - Google Patents

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a membrane having an ink-receiving layer, and more particularly to such a membrane comprising a coated fabric.

  Certain existing coated fabrics can be printed on and used for interior architectural membranes with ink. However, due to increasingly stringent building codes and available materials, membranes are typically limited to a single uniform color, and the manufacture of these membranes is detrimental to standard inks. You may need high temperatures to get. Thus, there is a need for an improved interior building membrane.

  The embodiments are illustrated by way of example and are not limited to the attached figures.

1 includes a cross-sectional view of a membrane according to embodiments described herein. FIG. 4 includes a cross-sectional view of another membrane according to embodiments described herein. FIG. 6 includes a cross-sectional view of yet another membrane according to embodiments described herein.

  Those skilled in the art will recognize that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to improve the understanding of embodiments of the invention.

  The following description is provided in conjunction with the figures to assist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The following discussion focuses on specific implementations and embodiments of the teachings. This focus is provided to assist in explaining the teachings and should not be construed as limiting the scope or applicability of the teachings. However, other embodiments can be used based on the teachings disclosed in this application.

  The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “has”, “having”, or any other of these Variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a method, article, or device that includes an enumeration of features is not necessarily limited to only those features, but is not explicitly listed or is unique to such a method, article, or device. Other features may be included. Further, unless expressly stated otherwise, “or” refers to inclusive or, and not exclusive or. For example, condition A or B is met by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), and A is false (or present) Not) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

  Also, the use of “a” or “an” is used to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one, at least one, or the singular includes the plural and vice versa unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise. . For example, when a single item is described herein, multiple items may be used instead of a single item. Similarly, when a plurality of items are described herein, a single item may be replaced by that plurality of items.

  Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. For the scope not described herein, many details regarding specific materials and processing actions are conventional and can be found in technical textbooks and other sources of fluoropolymer-containing fabrics.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the membrane 101 may include at least a reinforcing layer 102 and an ink receiving layer 104 that covers the reinforcing layer 102. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the membrane 201 can further include an intermediate layer 103 disposed between the reinforcing layer 102 and the ink receiving layer 104. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the membrane 301 may further include a printed layer 105 that covers the ink receiving layer 104, regardless of the presence of the intermediate layer 103.

  In certain embodiments, the ink receiving layer may include a low melting point material. As used herein, the term “low melting point” refers to a material having a melting temperature of 200 ° C. or less in accordance with ASTM D4591-07 (2012). In certain embodiments, the low melting point material may have a melting temperature of 195 ° C. or lower, or 190 ° C. or lower, or 185 ° C. or lower, or even 180 ° C. or lower. In other embodiments, the low melting point material may have a melting temperature of at least 80 ° C, or at least 85 ° C, or at least 90 ° C, or at least 95 ° C, or even at least 100 ° C. Further, the low melting point material may be within the range of any of the above minimum and maximum values, such as 80-200 ° C, or 85-195 ° C, or 90-190 ° C, or 95-185 ° C, or even 100. It may have a melting temperature of ˜180 ° C.

  In certain embodiments, the low melting material may comprise a low melting polymer. In a specific embodiment, the low melting point polymer can comprise a thermoplastic polymer. In a more specific embodiment, the low melting point polymer may comprise a fluoropolymer. For example, the low melting point polymer may be a tetrafluoroethylene-co-hexafluoropropylene-co-vinylidene fluoride terpolymer (hereinafter “THV”), a terpolymer of ethylene, tetrafluoroethylene, and hexafluoropropylene (hereinafter “EFEP”). , Polyvinylidene difluoride (hereinafter “PVDF”), or any combination thereof.

  In certain embodiments, the low melting point material may comprise a blend of polymers including a low melting point polymer and an additional polymer. The additional polymer may include a low melting point polymer or a polymer that is not a low melting point polymer as long as the material forming the ink receiving layer is a low melting point material as defined above. For example, additional polymers include the low melting polymers listed above, polytetrafluoroethylene (hereinafter “PTFE”), perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether (hereinafter “PFA”), polyhexafluoropropylene (hereinafter “HFP”), fluorinated Ethylene-propylene copolymer (hereinafter “FEP”), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (hereinafter “ETFE”), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (hereinafter “PCTFE”), perfluoropropylene-vinyl-ether (hereinafter “PPVE”), PTFE, and It may comprise either a copolymer of PPVE (hereinafter “TFM”), or any combination thereof.

  As described above, the ink receiving layer can be disposed on the reinforcing layer. The reinforcing layer may include a fiber reinforcement such as a woven or non-woven fiber reinforcement. For example, the fiber reinforcement can be a woven or interlocking of random fiber bundles. In other embodiments, the reinforcing layer comprises woven and non-woven materials formed of fibers selected from aramid, fluorinated polymers, fiberglass, graphite, polyimide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyketone, polyester, or combinations thereof. obtain. In certain embodiments, the reinforcing layer can include a glass woven fabric. Specifically, the reinforcing layer may comprise a glass woven fabric that has been washed or heat pretreated. Alternatively, the glass woven fabric can be coated. For example, each of the fibers of the glass woven fabric can be individually coated with a polymer coating, such as a fluoropolymer coating, such as PTFE. In an embodiment, the fabric may be a plain weave fabric in which warp and weft yarns cross over one another. A plain weave fabric may be a glass fabric adapted to improve acoustic properties.

  In other embodiments, the reinforcing layer may include, among other things, a composite ceramic, plastic, or metal material or a mesh of sheets. In yet other embodiments, the reinforcing layer may take the form of a substrate, typically a sheet. Embodiments include high melting thermoplastics, such as thermoplastic polyimides, polyether-ether ketones, polyaryl ketones, polyphenylene sulfides, and polyetherimides, particularly thermosetting plastics, such as high temperature compatible thermosetting resins, such as Coated or laminated fabrics based on the above thermoplastics or similar thermally stable resins and thermally stable reinforcements, such as polyimide, plastics such as fiberglass, graphite, and polyaramid Coated metal foils and supports formed of metallized or metal foil laminated plastic films may be used.

  In order to form an ink-receiving layer on the reinforcing material, a low melting dispersion containing a precursor of a low melting material can be prepared. In certain embodiments, the low melting point dispersion can be an aqueous dispersion. The reinforcing layer can be coated with the low melting point dispersion through a coating process such as, for example, a dip coating process, a knife coating process, a casting process, and the like. Excess material can be wiped off and the coating can be dried, sintered or fused.

  In certain embodiments, the reinforcing layer may be passed through a low melting point precursor and silicone oil emulsion as a first pass. The silicone oil can include, for example, a siloxane such as methylphenyl polysiloxane. In a specific embodiment, the silicone oil can provide improved coating adhesion and weather resistance. In other embodiments, no emulsion is used and the toughening material is passed through the low melting point dispersion as a first pass. In any case, the reinforcing material can be passed through the low melting point dispersion for a second pass, a third pass, a fourth pass, etc. as needed to achieve the desired thickness. After each pass, the coated material can be passed through a wiping device to remove excess dispersion. The wiping device may include a metering bar, a Bird bar, a winding metering bar, a K bar, or other similar equipment, or a combination thereof. The coated material can then be heated to dry the dispersion and remove surfactants or other additives. Furthermore, the coated material can be passed through a cooling plenum from which it is directed to a subsequent dipping pan to initiate the formation of a further layer of film, to a stripping device, or to a storage roll. obtain.

  Although the membranes described herein may include a reinforcing layer, in certain embodiments, the membrane may not include a reinforcing layer. Such membranes can be made using the coating process described above, except that the dispersion is coated on a carrier instead of a reinforcing layer. For example, the carrier can be a solid material that can be separable from the sheet material. In such a case, a film comprising an ink receiving layer can be formed by first coating the carrier, drying and sintering to form a low melting material, and finally separating the ink receiving layer from the carrier.

  In certain embodiments, the ink receptive layer may have a thickness of at least 0.005 mm, or at least 0.02 mm, or at least 0.03 mm, or at least 0.04 mm, or even at least 0.05 mm. In further embodiments, the ink receiving layer has a thickness of 1 mm or less, or 0.8 mm or less, or 0.6 mm or less, or 0.4 mm or less, or 0.2 mm or less, or even 0.1 mm or less. Can do. Further, the ink receiving layer has a thickness within any of the above minimum and maximum values, for example, 0.005 to 1 mm, or 0.03 to 0.6 mm, or even 0.05 to 0.1 mm. You can have

  In certain embodiments, the membrane is at least 10 pli, or at least 12 pli, or at least as measured according to ASTM D751-06 standard T-peel test using 3 mil THV film as glue lines. It may have a coating adhesion of 14 pli, or at least 16 pli. Although increased coating adhesion is desirable, in certain embodiments, the membrane has a coating adhesion of 30 pli or less, or 28 pli or less, or 26 pli or less, or 24 pli or less, or 22 pli or less, or even 20 pli or less. May be. Further, the coating adhesion can be within the range of any of the above minimum and maximum values, for example, 10-30 pli, or 14-22 pli, or even 16-20 pli.

  In certain embodiments, the outer surface of the ink receiving layer may include a process for receiving the printed layer. (The print layer is described in more detail later herein.) When used in the context of an ink receiving layer, the term “outer surface” refers to the major surface of the ink receiving layer furthest from the enhancement layer. In a specific embodiment, the treatment can improve the adhesion between the ink receiving layer and the print layer. For example, the treatment can include corona treatment, C treatment, ultraviolet treatment, electron beam treatment, flame treatment, scuffing treatment, sodium naphthalene treatment, or any combination thereof.

  In a specific embodiment, the treatment can include a corona treatment. Corona treatment can include exposing the surface of the membrane to a corona discharge. Corona discharge may include gas ionization by electric fields from neighboring conductors. Exposure to corona discharge can modify the surface layer to increase wettability, cementability, or both. In embodiments, the effects of corona treatment can be relatively short, for example, about a few hours. In contrast, in certain embodiments, the surface treatment can include a C treatment, which means that the corona treatment is performed in a standard atmosphere, whereas an acteon or 4 carbon atoms or less. High energy processing performed in an organic gas atmosphere containing an alcohol. In a more specific embodiment, the C-treated organic gas atmosphere may include acetone. Further, the organic gas atmosphere of the C treatment can be mixed with an inert gas such as nitrogen. An acetone / nitrogen atmosphere can cause an increase in adhesion compared to the use of an acetone atmosphere alone. The C treatment can create different species on the surface of the material, which has a much longer life, even as long as several years, while increasing wettability and bondability as well as the corona treatment. In addition, the C treatment can maintain membrane porosity and acoustic absorption. An example of C treatment is disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,726,976, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

  In a further embodiment, the outer surface of the ink receiving layer can be a non-treated surface. In the context of the outer surface of the ink receiving layer, the term “non-treated surface” indicates that the outer surface of the ink receiving layer does not include a surface treatment. In a specific embodiment, the ink receiving layer does not include a corona treatment. In a more specific embodiment, the ink receiving layer does not include a C treatment. In a more specific embodiment, the ink receiving layer does not include any of the processes described above. Furthermore, the printing layer can be applied to the non-treated surface of the ink receiving layer. That is, in certain embodiments, the printed layer can be directly adjacent to the untreated surface of the ink receiving layer.

  As described above, the membrane may include a printed layer that covers the ink receiving layer. The print layer may include an ink that includes a vehicle and a pigment or dye for coloring the outer surface of the ink-receiving layer, for example, to generate an image, text, or design. In certain embodiments, the ink can include an aqueous ink or a solvent-based ink. In a specific embodiment, the ink can include an aqueous ink. For example, the ink may include a latex ink, such as an HP 831 or HP LX610 latex ink that can be applied using an HP Latex 360 Printer available from Hewlett Packard. As used herein, the term “latex” refers to an aqueous dispersion of stable polymer particles that forms a durable film on the surface of the medium to protect the pigment. The ink may have a degradation temperature of up to 270 ° C, or up to 265 ° C, or up to 260 ° C. The ink may have a degradation temperature of at least 210 ° C, or at least 215 ° C, or at least 220 ° C. The ink may have a degradation temperature in the range of 210-270 ° C, or 215-265 ° C, or 220-260 ° C. The degradation temperature refers to the temperature at which color breakdown first occurs in the ink.

  In certain embodiments, the print layer may include a single color or multiple colors. Existing architectural membranes that meet architectural and fire code standards are typically limited in nature to a single uniform color as a fluoropolymer surface and are difficult to print on. However, it is a particular advantage of the specific embodiments described herein that the printed layer of architectural membranes can include multiple colors and designs.

  In certain embodiments, after the printed layer is applied, the film can undergo a post-printing heat treatment. In certain embodiments, the heat treatment can be performed in conjunction with a printing operation. In a specific embodiment, the heat treatment can be provided via a conventional hot air oven, belt laminator, infrared heater, or the like. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that aggressive thermal curing of the printed layer described herein can improve ink adhesion. For example, it is believed that a chemical reaction can occur between the printing layer ink and the low-melting fluoropolymer and can be initiated by thermal exposure resulting in increased adhesion. In specific embodiments, thermosetting the printed layer is at least 130 ° C (266 ° F), or at least 150 ° C (300 ° F), or at least 175 ° C (350 ° F), or at least 200 ° C ( 400 ° F), or curing at a temperature of at least 230 ° C (450 ° F). In more specific embodiments, thermosetting is 260 ° C (500 ° F) or lower, or 230 ° C (450 ° F) or lower, or 200 ° C (400 ° F) or lower, or 175 ° C (350 ° F). ) Curing at the following temperatures. Furthermore, thermosetting the printed layer is within the range of any of the above minimum and maximum values, for example, 150-260 ° C, or 175-230 ° C, or 175-200 ° C, or 200-230 ° C, Or curing at a temperature of 230-260 ° C.

  As described above, the ink may have a degradation temperature at which color destruction occurs. Thus, in order to limit or prevent color destruction, the heat treatment can occur at temperatures near or below the degradation temperature. On the other hand, as described above, it may be advantageous to have a softening of the ink receiving layer in order to increase the adhesion of the printed layer to the ink receiving layer. Thus, in certain embodiments, it may be advantageous to have a heat treatment that occurs at a temperature between the melting temperature of the ink receiving layer and the degradation temperature of the printed layer. In certain embodiments, when the heat treatment occurs between the melting temperature of the ink receiving layer and the degradation temperature of the printed layer, the ink receiving layer may exhibit unexpectedly superior results in a tape peel test.

  It is a particular advantage of certain embodiments described herein that the film can exhibit improved printability and ink adhesion over existing technologies. The ink adhesion of the film can be determined using a tape peel test according to ASTM D3359 or JIS K5600-1999, each of which measures the percentage of ink removed. The less ink that is removed, the better the ink adhesion. In certain embodiments, the membrane is compliant with ASTM D3359 or JIS K5600-1999 with 16% or less ink removal, or 14% or less ink removal, or 12% or less ink removal, or even 10% or less ink. Can have ink adhesion of removal. In other embodiments, the membrane provides an ink removal ink adhesion of 0% ink removal, or at least 1% ink removal, or even at least 2% ink removal according to ASTM D3359 or JIS K5600-1999. Can have. Further, the present film is in accordance with ASTM D3359 or JIS K5600-1999 within any of the above minimum and maximum values, for example, 0-16% ink removal, or 1-12% ink removal, or even May have an ink adhesion of 2-10% ink removal.

  In certain embodiments, the membrane can include a seam, such as, for example, a butt seam. It is a particular advantage of certain embodiments of the membranes described herein to perform heat sealing, such as seam formation, without degrading the ink in the printed layer. Furthermore, showing improved seam strength is a particular advantage of certain embodiments of the membranes described herein. For example, the membrane can have a seam strength of at least 350 pli, or at least 375 pli, or at least 400 pli, or at least 425 pli, or even at least 450 pli. In other embodiments, the membrane can have a seam strength of 700 pli or less, or 650 pli or less, or 600 pli or less. Further, the membrane can have a seam strength within any of the above minimum and maximum values, eg, 350-700 pli, or 400-650 pli, or 450-600 pli. Seam strength can be measured according to ASTM D751. In certain embodiments, the seam uses a platen heated to a temperature of about 400 ° F. for a fabric layup consisting of 3-5 mil THV film sandwiched between two layers of coated fabric. It can be a butt seam made by applying pressure for about 3 minutes. Furthermore, withstanding heat sealing without degrading industry standard inks is a particular advantage of certain embodiments of the membranes described herein.

  In certain embodiments, the membrane can exhibit enhanced acoustic properties. For example, the membrane can have a noise reduction factor (NRC) of at least 0.5, or at least 0.6, or at least 0.7, or at least 0.8, or even at least 0.9. In other embodiments, the membrane can have an NRC of 1.0 or less, or 0.9 or less, or 0.8 or less, or 0.7 or less, or 0.6 or less. Furthermore, the membrane is within the range of any of the above minimum and maximum values, for example 0.5 to 0.7, or 0.7 to 0.9, or 0.9 to 0.10. Can have NRC. NRC is determined by ASTM C423-09a-Standard Test Method for Sound Absorption and Sound Absorption Coefficients by the Reverberation Chamber Method.

  In certain embodiments, the membrane may exhibit improved breathability. In embodiments, the membrane may exhibit a breathability of at least 8 cubic feet / minute / square foot (cfm / sq ft), or at least 9 cfm / sq ft, or at least 10 cfm / sq ft. In embodiments, the membrane may exhibit a breathability of up to 35 cfm / sq ft, or up to 33 cfm / sq ft, or up to 31 cfm / sq ft. Furthermore, the membrane can exhibit breathability within any range of the above values, for example, 8-35 cfm / sq ft, or 9-33 cfm / sq ft, or 10-31 cfm / sq ft. Breathability is measured according to ASTM D737-04 (2016).

  In embodiments, the membrane can exhibit improved flame resistance. In a specific embodiment, the membrane may exhibit a Class A fire rating when measured according to ASTM E84-16. Class A fire rating includes a flame spread score of 0-25 and a smoke score of 0-450. In a specific embodiment, the membrane passes when measured according to ASTM E136-16, a standard test method for material behavior in a vertical tube furnace at 750 ° C., which reports a pass / fail score. Can receive.

  Furthermore, the membrane can be an architectural membrane. Certain embodiments of the architectural membrane may exhibit improved acoustic properties, improved fire resistance, improved adhesion strength and durability, or any combination thereof. Thus, the architectural membrane can be utilized for internal ceiling structures, acoustic wall panels, vertical partitions, and any other applications where such properties are desirable.

  Many different aspects and embodiments are possible. Some of those aspects and embodiments are described below. After reading this specification, skilled artisans will appreciate that these aspects and embodiments are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the invention. Embodiments may be in accordance with any one or more of the embodiments listed below.

Embodiment 1. FIG.
A reinforcement layer,
An intermediate layer covering the reinforcing layer, the intermediate layer comprising a blend comprising a fluoropolymer and silicone;
An ink receiving layer covering the intermediate layer, wherein the intermediate layer and the ink receiving layer each include an ink receiving layer having a melting temperature of 200 ° C. or less.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
A reinforcement layer,
An ink-receiving layer covering the reinforcing layer, the ink-receiving layer having a melting temperature of 200 ° C. or less, and a film comprising:
The membrane
An ink adhesion of 10% or less, as measured using a tape peel test according to JIS K5600-1999,
At least of a class A fire rating as measured according to ASTM E84-16 and a noise reduction factor (NRC) of at least 0.5 as measured according to ASTM C423-09a. A membrane showing one.

Embodiment 3. FIG. A method of making a coated fabric,
Providing a reinforcing layer and an ink receiving layer covering the reinforcing layer, the ink receiving layer having a melting temperature of 200 ° C. or less;
Disposing a printed layer on the low melting point ink receiving layer;
Thermosetting the printed layer.

Embodiment 4 FIG. A method of making a coated fabric,
Providing a reinforcing layer and a low melting point ink receiving layer covering the reinforcing layer, the ink receiving layer having a melting temperature of 200 ° C. or less;
Allowing the low melting point ink receiving layer to be bonded by C treatment.

  Embodiment 5. FIG. Embodiment 5. The membrane or method of any one of embodiments 2-4, further comprising an intermediate layer disposed between the reinforcing layer and the ink receiving layer.

  Embodiment 6. FIG. Embodiment 6. The film or method of any one of embodiments 1, 2, 4, and 5, further comprising a printed layer covering the low melting point ink receiving layer.

  Embodiment 7. FIG. The intermediate layer, the ink receiving layer, or both, according to any one of embodiments 1-6, wherein the intermediate layer, the ink receiving layer, or both have a melting temperature of 195 ° C. or lower, or 190 ° C. or lower, or 185 ° C. or lower, or 180 ° C. or lower. Membrane or method.

  Embodiment 8. FIG. The low melting point ink receiving layer is at least 80 ° C, or at least 85 ° C, or at least 90 ° C, or at least 95 ° C, or at least 100 ° C. Embodiment 8. The film or method of any one of embodiments 1-7 having a melting temperature of

  Embodiment 9. FIG. Embodiments 1-8 wherein the low melting point ink receiving layer has a melting temperature in the range of 80-200 ° C, or 85-195 ° C, or 90-190 ° C, or 95-185 ° C, or 100-180 ° C. A membrane or method according to any one.

  Embodiment 10 FIG. Embodiment 10. The membrane or method of any one of embodiments 1-9, wherein the ink receiving layer comprises a fluoropolymer.

  Embodiment 11. FIG. The ink receiving layer comprises a tetrafluoroethylene-co-hexafluoropropylene-co-vinylidene fluoride terpolymer (hereinafter “THV”), a terpolymer of ethylene, tetrafluoroethylene, and hexafluoropropylene (hereinafter “EFEP”), The membrane or method of any one of embodiments 1-10, comprising polyvinylidene difluoride (hereinafter “PVDF”), or any combination thereof.

  Embodiment 12 FIG. Embodiment 12. The film or method of any one of embodiments 1 through 11, wherein the low melting point ink receiving layer comprises a THV polymer.

  Embodiment 13. FIG. The low melting point ink receiving layer is composed of polytetrafluoroethylene (hereinafter “PTFE”), perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether (hereinafter “PFA”), polyhexafluoropropylene (hereinafter “HFP”), fluorinated ethylene-propylene copolymer (hereinafter “FEP”). )), Ethylenetetrafluoroethylene copolymer (hereinafter “ETFE”), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (hereinafter “PCTFE”), perfluoropropylene-vinyl-ether (hereinafter “PPVE”), PTFE and PPVE copolymer (hereinafter “TFM”). Or the film or method of any one of embodiments 11 and 12, further comprising any combination thereof.

  Embodiment 14 FIG. Any one of embodiments 1-13, wherein the low melting point ink receiver has a thickness of at least 0.01 mm, or at least 0.02 mm, or at least 0.03 mm, or at least 0.04 mm, or at least 0.05 mm. The membrane or method according to one.

  Embodiment 15. FIG. Embodiments 1-14 wherein the low melting point ink receiver has a thickness of 1 mm or less, or 0.8 mm or less, or 0.6 mm or less, or 0.4 mm or less, or 0.2 mm or less, or 0.1 mm or less. A membrane or method according to any one of

  Embodiment 16. FIG. Embodiment 1 Any one of embodiments 1-15, wherein the low melting point ink receiver has a thickness in the range of 0.01-1 mm, or 0.03-0.6 mm, or even 0.05-0.1 mm. A membrane or method according to 1.

  Embodiment 17. FIG. Embodiment 17. The membrane or method of any one of embodiments 1 and 5-16, wherein the intermediate layer comprises a fluoropolymer and silicone.

  Embodiment 18. FIG. Embodiment 18. The membrane or method of any one of embodiments 1 and 5-17, wherein the intermediate layer comprises a fluoropolymer and silicone oil.

  Embodiment 19. FIG. The intermediate layer includes a fluoropolymer, the fluoropolymer comprising tetrafluoroethylene-co-hexafluoropropylene-co-vinylidene fluoride terpolymer (hereinafter “THV”), ethylene, tetrafluoroethylene, and hexafluoropropylene. Embodiment 19. The membrane or method of any one of embodiments 1 through 18, comprising a terpolymer (hereinafter “EFEP”), polyvinylidene difluoride (hereinafter “PVDF”), or any combination thereof.

  Embodiment 20. FIG. Embodiment 20. The membrane or method of any one of embodiments 1 and 5-19, wherein the intermediate layer comprises a fluoropolymer and silicone, and the fluoropolymer comprises a THV polymer.

  Embodiment 21. FIG. The intermediate layer includes polytetrafluoroethylene (hereinafter “PTFE”), perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether (hereinafter “PFA”), polyhexafluoropropylene (hereinafter “HFP”), fluorinated ethylene-propylene copolymer (hereinafter “FEP”), Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (hereinafter “ETFE”), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (hereinafter “PCTFE”), perfluoropropylene-vinyl-ether (hereinafter “PPVE”), copolymer of PTFE and PPVE (hereinafter “TFM”), or The membrane or method of any one of embodiments 17-20, further comprising any combination thereof.

  Embodiment 22. FIG. The membrane is at least 10 pli, or at least 12 pli, or at least 14 pli, or at least 16 pli, as measured according to ASTM D751-06 standard T-peel test using 3 mil THV film as glue line Embodiment 23. The membrane or method of any one of embodiments 1-21 having a coating adhesion.

  Embodiment 23. FIG. The membrane is 30 pli or less, or 28 pli or less, or 26 pli or less, or 24 pli or less, as measured according to ASTM D751-06 standard T-peel test using 3 mil THV film as glue line, 23. The membrane or method of any one of embodiments 1-22, having a coating adhesion of 22 pli or less, or even 20 pli or less.

  Embodiment 24. FIG. The membrane is 10-30 pli, or 14-22 pli, or even 16-20 pli as measured according to ASTM D751-06 standard T-peel test using 3 mil THV film as glue line. Embodiment 24. The membrane or method of any one of embodiments 1 to 23 having a coating adhesion in the range of

  Embodiment 25. FIG. Embodiment 25. The membrane or method of any one of embodiments 2, 3, and 5-24, wherein the outer surface of the ink receiving layer comprises a C treatment.

  Embodiment 26. FIG. Embodiment 26. The film or method of any one of embodiments 1-3 and 5-25, wherein the outer surface of the ink receiving layer is an untreated surface and does not include corona treatment or C treatment.

  Embodiment 27. FIG. Embodiment 27. The membrane or method according to any one of embodiments 3 and 6-26, wherein the printed layer comprises ink.

  Embodiment 28. FIG. Embodiment 28. The membrane or method according to any one of embodiments 3 and 6-27, wherein the printed layer comprises aqueous ink.

  Embodiment 29. FIG. Embodiment 29. The membrane or method of any one of embodiments 3 and 6-28, wherein the printed layer comprises a latex ink.

  Embodiment 30. FIG. Embodiment 30. The film or method of any one of embodiments 3 and 6-29, wherein the printed layer comprises a plurality of colors, designs, or both.

  Embodiment 31. FIG. Embodiment 31. The membrane or method according to any one of embodiments 27-30, wherein the membrane is heat sealable without degrading the ink of the printed layer.

  Embodiment 32. FIG. 32. The method of any one of embodiments 4-31, further comprising heat curing the printed layer.

  Embodiment 33. FIG. The thermosetting of the printed layer comprises any one of embodiments 3-11, comprising curing at a temperature of at least 130 ° C., or at least 150 ° C., or at least 175 ° C., or at least 200 ° C. the method of.

  Embodiment 34. FIG. The method according to claim 3, wherein thermally curing the printed layer includes curing at a temperature of 260 ° C. or lower, or 230 ° C. or lower.

  Embodiment 35. FIG. Thermosetting the printed layer comprises curing at a temperature in the range of 150-260 ° C, or 175-230 ° C, or 175-200 ° C, or 200-230 ° C, or 230-260 ° C. The method according to any one of Forms 3 and 31-34.

  Embodiment 36. FIG. The printed layer has 16% or less ink removal, or 14% or less ink removal, or 12% or less ink removal, as measured using a tape peel test according to ASTM D3359 or JIS K5600-1999, or Furthermore, the film | membrane or method of any one of Claims 3-12 which has the ink adhesive force of 10% or less of ink removal.

  Embodiment 37. FIG. The printed layer has an ink adhesion of 0% ink removal, or at least 1% ink removal, or even at least 2% ink removal, as measured using a tape peel test according to ASTM D3359. 37. A membrane or method according to any one of Embodiments 3 and 6-36.

  Embodiment 38. FIG. The printed layer has a range of 0-16% ink removal, or 1-12% ink removal, or even 2-10% ink removal, as measured using a tape peel test according to ASTM D3359. The film or method according to any one of Embodiments 3 and 6 to 37, having an ink adhesion of:

  Embodiment 39. FIG. The membrane or method of any one of embodiments 1-38, wherein the membrane comprises a seam.

  Embodiment 40. FIG. 40. The membrane or method of embodiment 39, wherein the seam has a seam strength of at least 350 pli, or at least 375 pli, or at least 400 pli, or at least 425 pli, or even at least 450 pli, as measured according to ASTM D751.

  Embodiment 41. FIG. 41. The membrane or method of any one of embodiments 39 and 40, wherein the seam has a seam strength of 700 pli or less, or 650 pli or less, or 600 pli or less when measured according to ASTM D751.

  Embodiment 42. FIG. 42. The membrane or method of any one of embodiments 39-41, wherein the seam has a seam strength in the range of 350-700 pli, or 400-650 pli, or 450-600 pli, as measured according to ASTM D751. .

  Embodiment 43. FIG. The membrane has a noise reduction factor of at least 0.5, or at least 0.6, or at least 0.7, or at least 0.8, or even at least 0.9, as measured according to ASTM C423-09a ( 45. The membrane or method according to any one of embodiments 1-42, having NRC).

  Embodiment 44. FIG. The film has a noise reduction factor (NRC) of 1.0 or less, or 0.9 or less, or 0.8 or less, or 0.7 or less, or 0.6 or less, as measured according to ASTM C423-09a. The membrane or method according to any one of embodiments 1-43, wherein:

  Embodiment 45. FIG. The membrane has a noise reduction factor (NRC) in the range of 0.5 to 0.7, or 0.7 to 0.9, or 0.9 to 0.10, as measured according to ASTM C423-09a. The membrane or method of any one of embodiments 1-44, wherein:

  Embodiment 46. FIG. The membrane or method of any one of embodiments 1-45, wherein the membrane comprises an architectural membrane.

  Embodiment 47. 47. The membrane or method of embodiment 46, wherein the architectural membrane comprises an internal ceiling structure, an acoustic wall panel, or a vertical partition.

  The concepts described herein are further described in the following examples, which do not limit the scope of the invention described in the claims. The numerical values in the Examples section may be approximated or rounded off for convenience.

  Example

Samples 1 and 2 have a thickness of 14 mils and 8.8 oz / w with BC 150 2/2 warp yarns and BC 150 2/2 weft yarns woven to 32 × 23 warp and weft numbers. A plain woven glass fabric having a weight of yd ² , style 331, was made and first dip coated with a blend of polytetrafluoroethylene and THV fluoroprimer. This material was then dip coated with only THV to obtain a fluropolymer surface. The sample did not have any surface treatment and the final material still had a measurable porosity.

  The coating adhesion of Sample 1 was evaluated by splicing two pieces of coated fabric together using 3 mil THV film as a glue line between the fabric pieces. The seaming itself was accomplished by subjecting the layup to 400 ° F. for 3 minutes. The coating adhesion of Sample 1 was found to be 16.0 lbf / inch when measured by a standard T-peel test according to ASTM D751-Coated Fabric Test Methods for Coated Fabrics. .

  In addition, samples 1 and 2 were printed using an HP Latex 360 printer utilizing HP 831 series ink. Initially, the level of ink adhesion on Sample 1 was assessed without further processing by a tape peel test as described in ASTM D3359. This test showed that more than 50% of the ink was removed from the fabric surface. The tape peel test was then repeated on Sample 2 after it was exposed to a temperature of 400 ° F. for 2 minutes in a hot air oven. A tape peel test on Sample 2 showed that less than 5% of the ink had been removed from the surface.

  Samples 3-12 were prepared in the same manner as Samples 1 and 2 without any surface treatment on the ink receiving layer. Each of Samples 3-12 received the same printed layer and then subjected to heat treatment at different temperatures and for different periods. Next, the printed samples were subjected to a standard tape peel test according to JIS K5600-1999 (Testing methods for paint, Part 5: Mechanical properties of film, Chapter 6: Testing methods for paints, Part 5 : Mechanical property of film, Section 6: Adhesion test). The temperature and duration of each heat treatment and the results of each adhesion test are provided in Table 1 below.

Table 1
Sample Heat treatment Tape peeling test Temperature (℃) Time (second) Ink peeling%
3 115 120 Over 50% 4 143 120 10-50%
5 143 300 Less than 10% 6 149 120 Less than 10% 7 171 30 0%
8 171 60 0%
9 171 120 0%
10 193 30 0%
11 193 60 0%
12 193 120 0%

  Not all of the acts described above in the summary or examples are required, some of the specific acts may not be required, and one or more further acts Note that there may be implementations in addition to those described. Still further, the order in which actions are listed are not necessarily the order in which they are performed.

  Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems and optional feature (s) that may result in or make obvious any benefit, advantage or solution are within the scope of the claims Should not be construed as any critical, essential, or essential feature.

  The descriptions and illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The specification and illustrations are not intended to serve as an exhaustive and comprehensive description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that use the structures or methods described herein. Separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment, on the contrary, various features that are backed up in the context of a single embodiment for the sake of brevity are also considered separately. Or it may be provided in any sub-combination. Furthermore, references to values stated within ranges include every value within that range. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading this specification. Other embodiments may be used and derived from the present disclosure such that structural substitutions, logical substitutions, or other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure should be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting.

Claims (10)

A reinforcement layer,
An intermediate layer covering the reinforcing layer, the intermediate layer comprising a blend comprising a fluoropolymer and silicone;
An ink receiving layer covering the intermediate layer, wherein the intermediate layer and the ink receiving layer each include an ink receiving layer having a melting temperature of 200 ° C. or less. Further comprising, membrane of claim 1 printing layer covering the low melting point ink receiving layer. The film of claim 1 , wherein the intermediate layer, the ink receiving layer, or both have a melting temperature of 195 ° C. or less . The film according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the ink receiving layer contains a fluoropolymer . The ink receiving layer comprises a tetrafluoroethylene-co-hexafluoropropylene-co-vinylidene fluoride terpolymer (hereinafter “THV”), a terpolymer of ethylene, tetrafluoroethylene, and hexafluoropropylene (hereinafter “EFEP”), The film according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , comprising polyvinylidene fluoride (hereinafter "PVDF"), or any combination thereof . The film according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the low-melting-point ink receiving layer contains a THV polymer . The intermediate layer includes a fluoropolymer, the fluoropolymer comprising tetrafluoroethylene-co-hexafluoropropylene-co-vinylidene fluoride terpolymer (hereinafter “THV”), ethylene, tetrafluoroethylene, and hexafluoropropylene. terpolymer (hereinafter "EFEP"), polyvinylidene fluoride (hereinafter "PVDF"), or those containing any combination, according to claim 1 to 6 film according to any one of. 8. The film of claim 1 to 7 , wherein the film has a coating adhesion of at least 10 pli as measured according to ASTM D751-06 standard T-peel test using 3 mil THV film as glueline. The membrane according to any one of the above . The membrane, when measured in accordance with ASTM C423-09a, with noise reduction coefficient of at least 0.5 (NRC), membrane according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The film includes architectural membrane A membrane according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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