Abstract: The invention provides a ventilating synthetic floor-covering comprising a ventilating support layer and one or more synthetic layers wherein the ventilating support layer comprises a plurality of studs between which narrow ventilation channels are formed even when the floor-covering is compressed in normal use wherein the narrow ventilation channels have a width which is less than a principal dimension of the studs; a ventilating support layer; a production line for use in the preparation of a ventilating support layer wherein the ventilating support layer comprises a support layer and a plurality of studs wherein the production line comprises an embossing roller for embossing the plurality of studs on the support layer or a printing roller for printing the plurality of studs on the support layer wherein narrow ventilation channels are formed between the plurality of studs and wherein the narrow ventilation channels have a width which is less than a principal dimension of the studs; and a method of preparing

Abstract: The invention provides a plasticiser composition which comprises: (a) a first plasticiser which is one or more compounds of general formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 each independently represent a straight or branched chain alkyl moiety comprising from seven to twelve carbon atoms; and (b) a second plasticiser which is a citrate ester; a plasticised polymer formulation comprising a polymer and the plasticiser composition; a plastics article comprising the plasticised polymer formulation; and a method for the preparation of the plasticiser composition to provide a plasticised polymeric formulation which can be stored for up to five weeks with an increase of viscosity of less than 300%.

Abstract: The invention provides a ventilating synthetic floor-covering comprising a ventilating support layer and one or more synthetic layers wherein the ventilating support layer comprises a plurality of studs between which narrow ventilation channels are formed even when the floor-covering is compressed in normal use wherein the narrow ventilation channels have a width which is less than a principal dimension of the studs; a ventilating support layer; a production line for use in the preparation of a ventilating support layer wherein the ventilating support layer comprises a support layer and a plurality of studs wherein the production line comprises an embossing roller for embossing the plurality of studs on the support layer or a printing roller for printing the plurality of studs on the support layer wherein narrow ventilation channels are formed between the plurality of studs and wherein the narrow ventilation channels have a width which is less than a principal dimension of the studs; and a method of preparing

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the preparation of pattern data for a surface-covering for one or more spaces wherein the surface-covering pattern data defines pattern characteristics which include the number of pieces of surface-covering, the measurements of each piece, the shape of each piece, laying direction of each piece, laying angle of each piece, number of joints, position of each joint, and/or -machine-learnt pattern characteristics which method comprises the steps of: a. Providing a surface plan for the one or more spaces wherein the surface plan defines shape characteristics of each of the spaces wherein shape characteristics comprise the dimensions and shape of each space and the location, type, shape, and/or dimensions of any feature or obstruction in each space; b.

Abstract: The invention provides a lightweight layered product for use in a digital printing process wherein the layered product consists essentially of: a reinforcing base layer having a support; and a printing layer suitable for receiving a print design; and a method of preparing a printed layered product which method comprises the following steps: Providing a lightweight layered product according to the invention; Winding the lightweight layered product on to a roll; Loading the roll into a printing machine; Applying a decorative layer having a print design to the printing layer of the lightweight layered product; and Winding the printed layered product on to a roll for transfer to a production line; the layered product and method allow the incorporation of digital printing techniques into an industrial production line for the preparation of a surface-covering material without the need for heavy duty lifting and rolling equipment.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensor surface-covering material sensor surface-covering material comprising a layer of synthetic material and a sensor layer which detects a change in an electrical property wherein the sensor layer comprises at least one electrically conductive layer and wherein the electrical property is resistance and/or capacitance; and a sensor surface-covering system comprising a sensor surface-covering material according to the invention and an electrical component housing for processing a signal generated by the sensor material.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy generator comprising energy generator comprising an energy harvesting material which generates energy when moved from a pre-selected first position to a second position wherein the energy generator comprises one or more deflection aids which comprise a moveable clamp wherein each deflection aid biases the energy harvesting material to the first position and wherein the first position of the energy harvesting material is pre-selected using the moveable clamp; an energy harvesting layer comprising one or more of the energy generators according to the invention; an energy harvesting flooring material comprising a layer of synthetic material and the energy harvesting layer according to the invention; and an energy harvesting system comprising (a) the energy generator according to the invention, the flooring material according to the invention and/or the energy harvesting layer according to the invention; (b) a power management system and (c) an electrical storage device.

Abstract: Silicon carbide particles coated with a pigmented coating result in silicon carbide particles which can be used in slip resistant flooring to achieve the desired slip resistance whilst giving improved aesthetic properties. The pigmented coating can be an organic coating such as a two part epoxy system or a water based or solvent based epoxy. Alternatively the pigmented coating can be an inorganic coating such as a ceramic glaze. Also provided are methods of coating silicon carbide particles with either an organic or an inorganic pigmented coating. Further provided are safety flooring materials including silicon carbide particles having a pigmented coating.

Abstract: A flooring material (1) comprises a base portion (2) having a coating portion (3) which imparts improved stain resistance to the flooring material (1) and is positioned in contact with an upper surface of the base portion (2). The coating portion (3) creates an upper surface of the flooring material (1). A particulate material (6) is embedded in the coating material (3) and at least partially penetrates the base portion (2). The particulate material (6) provides a roughened effect to the upper surface of the flooring material (1) and protects the coating from wear. The coating (3) merges into the base portion (2) where they meet at joint (4) to form a stratified portion (5).