Abstract: A process for preparing multi-level, selectively expanded, resinous sheeting comprising:(A) providing a composite comprising a backing material and adhered thereto a layer of a foamable resin which contains a blowing agent;(B) forming a partially printed composite by applying to a portion of the surface of the layer a composition containing an accelerator which functions to lower the temperature at which the blowing agent decomposes and by applying to some, but not all, of the other portions of the surface of the layer a composition containing an inhibitor which functions to decrease the activity of the blowing agent; and(C) forming the multi-level, selectively expanded, resinous sheeting by raising the temperature of the printed composite to a level such that the blowing agent decomposes and the resin fuses, the decomposition of the blowing agent evolving gas which causes expansion of the foamable resin in the portion where the surface is not printed and expansion of the foamable resin in the portion where t

Abstract: Synthetic foam compressed between a pattern roller and a smooth compression roller is driven against a cutting edge closely adjacent and tangent to the pattern surface but spaced from the compression roller to reproduce a three dimensional pattern roller surface on the foam sheet. Three dimensional patterns of arbitrary geometries including sharp edged, flat surfaced geometric solids can be reproduced on a foam surface.

Abstract: A method of molding a design in low relief in an area of printing ink with a puffing agent placed on fabric which comprises applying a molding die with a reverse impression of the design to be molded on the ink under heat and pressure for a sufficient time to activate the puffing agent to produce a molded design in the ink with a minimum change to the physical configuration of the underlying fabric. Heat and pressure can also be applied through a transfer medium to the area surrounding where the design in low relief is to be formed to enhance the feel or hand of the fabric. This method is especially useful for molding a design on cotton and cotton blend T-shirts and sweatshirts, hats and denim jackets.

Abstract: A continuous rotary method for surface shaping of resilient material such as synthetic foam. Three dimensional surface geometries of well defined and arbitrary shapes are obtained by pressing foam against a die roller to compress some foam portions to a reduced thickness against raised portions of the die and extrude other foam portions into depressions of the die, and cutting away the extruded portions. The compressed portions return to an uncompressed state after passage against the die roller and form raised areas on the foam surface around depressions corresponding to the cut away portions of foam.

Abstract: A water-based embossing composition for use in chemically embossing a foamable polymeric material having a blowing agent incorporated therein comprising: (A) a film-forming resin dissolved or dispersed in said aqueous composition; (B) a modifier which is effective in modifying the activity of the blowing agent comprising particulate solids which are substantially insoluble and uniformly dispersible in the liquid medium of the embossing composition and which have an average particle size of no greater than about 100 microns, said modifier being present in the composition in an amount of at least about 3 wt. %; and (C) optionally, a colorant or a softening agent for the modifier solids or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: A water-based embossing composition for use in chemically embossing a foamable polymeric material having a blowing agent incorporated therein comprising: (A) a film-forming resin dissolved or dispersed in said aqueous composition; (B) a modifier which is effective in modifying the activity of the blowing agent comprising particulate solids which are substantially insoluble and uniformly dispersible in the liquid medium of the embossing composition and which have an average particle size of no greater than about 100 microns, said modifier being present in the composition in an amount of at least about 3 wt. %; and (C) optionally, a colorant or a softening agent for the modifier solids or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional image is obtained in a substantially flat surface covering by aligning the platelets of a platey material in the optical surface of the surface covering parallel to the exposed surface of the surface covering and realigning predetermined platelets to a predetermined angle with respect to the original alignment. The platelets can be realigned by pressing a gelled transparent or translucent element into the platey material containing layer or by mechanically embossing the platey material containing layer.

Abstract: An aqueous, foam-retarding, printing ink composition consists essentially of:(A) an aqueous thermoplastic or thermosetting printing ink;(B) benzotriazole, fumaric acid, malic acid, hydroquinone, dodecanethiol, succinic anhydride, or adipic acid as foaming or blowing agent modifiers or inhibitors;(C) optionally a C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 water soluble or water dispersible alcohol; and(D) water.The printing ink composition has a pH of about 3 to about 5. The composition is useful for chemically embossing heat expandable or heat foamable resinous materials. The embossed materials are useful, for example, as floor coverings.

Abstract: A method of producing embossed decorative thermoplastic sheets by forming a laminate including a printable composition, having a relatively low viscosity and containing an effective amount of a blowing agent, between thermoplastic resin sheets. The printable composition is applied in a design pattern to a gelled thermoplastic resin on a support surface. A second layer of thermoplastic resin having a melt viscosity which differs from that of the first layer is applied to the printed first layer to form a composite structure. This structure is heated to decompose the blowing agent and effect foaming in selected portions of the resin layer having are established by the printed design pattern containing the blowing agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to superior wear layer-coated embossed surface coverings which are prepared by depositing a cross-linking inhibitor on at least a portion of the surface of a cross-linkable foam formed on a backing and containing a cross-linking initiator. Preferably a wear layer is applied at this point and cross-linking of the affected areas is accomplished by heating the sheet. The sheet of material is either uniformly or differentially heated and then uniformly compressed to a desired embossing depth using a non-patterned press or roll. The noncross-linked regions remain depressed upon removal of the compressing force whereas the cross-linked regions return essentially to their original height. The wear layer remains in contact with all of the foam regions so that the resulting sheet of material has a wear layer which is uniformly adhered to the contour of the foam layer. The surface of the sheet has an embossed or textured finish.

Abstract: Organic carboxylic acid containing from 2 to 12 carbon atoms and having at least two carboxyl groups or at least one carboxyl group and one amino or hydroxy group or anhydride or halide of such acid is used in making aqueous, foam-growth-controlling printing ink composition for use in chemical embossing of heat-foamable and expandable resinous materials such as polyvinyl chloride.

Abstract: Chemically embossed foamed plastic sheet, and method of producing it, which sheet is formed of a base layer of fused resin particles, such as PVC, randomly intermixed with particles of a foaming inhibitor, especially benzotriazole; and an upper layer of foamed plastic, such as PVC, having irregularly shaped, lump-like elevated areas interspersed with irregularly shaped, trough-like depressions. The depressions result from the inhibiting action of foaming inhibitor particles in the base layer upon the blowing agent used for expanding the foamed layer. In the Example, the foamed layer is pigmented PVC with a gloss surface, lying in rectangular patches upon the base layer; and the base layer is fused pigmented PVC intermixed with particles of benzotriazole giving it a grainy texture.

Abstract: Organic carboxylic acid containing from 2 to 12 carbon atoms and having at least two carboxyl groups or at least one carboxyl group and one amino or hydroxy group or anhydride or halide of such acid is used in making aqueous, foam-growth-controlling printing ink composition for use in chemical embossing of heat-foamable and expandable resinous materials such as polyvinyl chloride.

Abstract: According to the process for producing a foam sheet having an embossed pattern of the present invention, a coating containing an aliphatic ketone type solvent as its main ingredient and being incapable by itself of substantially inhibiting decomposition of a blowing agent comprising azodicarbonamide as its main ingredient is printed in the form of a pattern on selected portions of the surface of a foamable polyvinyl chloride resin sheet material containing a specific amine or amines and the blowing agent, and the foamable sheet material subsequently is heated to foam it.

Abstract: A method of making a solar heat energy collecting system which comprises: forming a potentially foamable, resinous base layer containing a blowing agent; applying a printing composition to the surface of the potentially foamable, resinous base layer in the form of at least one continuous path extending from one edge point to another edge point of the potentially foamable, resinous base layer, the printing composition comprising a blowing inhibitor and a release agent; applying a top surface layer to the surface of the printed potentially foamable, resinous base layer which adheres thereto except in those areas containing the blowing inhibitor and release agent; heating the potentially foamable, resinous base layer to decompose or to activate the blowing agent in those portions of the potentially foamable, resinous base layer not lying under the blowing inhibitor and release agent, whereby such portions are blown and expand to extend and stretch upwardly so as to form upright walls of foamed, relatively lower

Abstract: The process for producing a surface covering having a randomly embossed wear surface which comprises incorporating a blowing agent into a resinous composition, forming the resinous composition into a layer, heating to partially fuse the layer, printing a design on the surface of the layer, randomly distributing flakes of resinous composition containing an inhibitor for the blowing agent onto the printed surface of the layer, applying a clear wear layer thereto and heating the assembly to the decomposition temperature of the blowing agent.

Abstract: A method of making a differential gloss product which comprises: forming a foamable base resinous plastisol on a substrate; gelling the base resinous plastisol; applying to the base resinous plastisol various printing ink compositions in a predetermined pattern, some portions of which contain a blowing inhibitor and a polymerization temperature-lowering promoter, either in the same or different portions; applying to the printed base resinous plastisol a resinous wear layer containing a polymerizable and/or cross-linkable monomeric material and a free radical polymerization catalyst; gelling the wear layer; mechanically dull mat embossing the entire surface of the wear layer at a temperature below the normal decomposition temperature of the catalyst but which is sufficient to decompose the catalyst in those portions of the wear layer lying directly over the polymerization temperature-lowering promoter present in some portions of the printed pattern, whereby the polymerizable monomeric material polymerizes to b

Abstract: Resinous polymer sheet materials having selective, surface decorative effects comprising:(1) a base layer or substrate, such as a fibrous backing sheet material and/or a blown or unblown resinous polymer composition having either an embossed or a relatively smooth surface;(2) a pattern or design printed or otherwise deposited on and adhered to the base layer or substrate, certain portions of the printed pattern or design having certain colors, and other portions of the printed pattern or design having other colors; and(3) a wear layer having an embossed or a relatively smooth surface and containing reactive polymerizable monomers and having certain surface portions provided with a certain texture or effect, such as a flat, dead or dull mat finish, and other surface portions provided with another texture or effect, such as a sleek, glossy or lustrous finish, the interior portions of the wear layer lying under the flat, dead or dull mat finish having a relatively high melt viscosity and containing relatively hi

Abstract: A process for embossing a thermoplastic polymeric material by selective expansion which comprises forming into sheet form an expandable mix containing a thermoplastic polymeric material and a chemical blowing agent, applying to selected areas of the surface of the sheet an activator ink composition in the form of a plastisol or organosol containing a vinyl resin, a plasticizer for the vinyl resin, and a kicker for the chemical blowing agent in the expandable mix, and heating the sheet to a temperature and for a time such that in those areas of the sheet in contact with the kicker-containing activator ink composition, the chemical blowing agent is decomposed to a greater degree than in the remaining areas and the sheet is thereby differentially selectively expanded.

Abstract: Resinous polymer sheet materials having selective, surface decorative effects comprising:(1) a base layer or substrate, such as a fibrous backing sheet material and/or a blown or unblown resinous polymer composition having either an embossed or a relatively smooth surface;(2) a pattern or design printed or otherwise deposited on and adhered to the base layer or substrate, certain portions of the printed pattern or design having certain colors, and other portions of the printed pattern or design having other colors; and(3) a wear layer having an embossed or a relatively smooth surface and containing reactive polymerizable monomers and having certain surface portions provided with a certain texture or effect, such as a flat, dead or dull mat finish, and other surface portions provided with another texture or effect, such as a sleek, glossy or lustrous finish, the interior portions of the wear layer lying under the flat, dead or dull mat finish having a relatively high melt viscosity and containing relatively hi

Abstract: Resinous polymer sheet materials having selective, surface decorative effects comprising:(1) a base layer or substrate, such as a fibrous backing sheet material and/or a blown or unblown resinous polymer composition having either an embossed or a relatively smooth surface;(2) a pattern or design printed or otherwise deposited on and adhered to the base layer or substrate, certain portions of the printed pattern or design having certain colors, and other portions of the printed pattern or design having other colors; and(3) a wear layer having an embossed or a relatively smooth surface and containing reactive polymerizable monomers and having certain surface portions provided with a certain texture or effect, such as a flat, dead or dull mat finish, and other surface portions provided with another texture or effect, such as a sleek, glossy or lustrous finish, the interior portions of the wear layer lying under the flat, dead or dull mat finish having a relatively high melt viscosity and containing relatively hi

Abstract: A process of forming a surface covering having decorative effects is disclosed. The process comprises forming a foam comprising at least one polymer having at least a first phase region and a second phase region on a backing, heating the foam to the flow temperature of the first phase region of the foam, compressing the heated foam and cooling the foam while in the compressed shape, thus facilitating coating the surface of the foam which remains in the compressed shape, and reheating the foam to permit the compressed foam to return to substantially its precompressed shape.

Abstract: Resinous polymer sheet materials having selective, surface decorative effects comprising:(1) a base layer or substrate, such as a fibrous backing sheet material and/or a blown or unblown resinous polymer composition having either an embossed or a relatively smooth surface;(2) a pattern or design printed or otherwise deposited on and adhered to the base layer or substrate, certain portions of the printed pattern or design having certain colors, and other portions of the printed pattern or design having other colors; and(3) a wear layer having an embossed or a relatively smooth surface and containing reactive polymerizable monomers and having certain surface portions provided with a certain texture or effect, such as a flat, dead or dull mat finish, and other surface portions provided with another texture or effect, such as a sleek, glossy or lustrous finish, the interior portions of the wear layer lying under the flat, dead or dull mat finish having a relatively high melt viscosity and containing relatively hi

Abstract: Foamed bodies having chemically embossed patterns are prepared by a first method comprising forming a composition containing a vinyl chloride resin, a synthetic rubber material capable of forming sulfur bridges, a blowing agent, a vulcanizing agent (sulfur) and a vulcanization promotor (metal oxide) into a sheet, printing an ink containing a vulcanizing accelerator into a desired configuration onto the sheet, drying and curing the printed sheet and then heating the sheet to decompose the blowing agent thereby foaming the sheet; and a second method comprising forming a composition containing a vinyl chloride resin, a synthetic rubber containing terminal groups capable of reacting with an isocyanate, and a blowing agent, printing an ink containing an isocyanate into a desired configuration onto the sheet, drying the printed sheet and then heating the sheet to decompose the blowing agent thereby foaming the sheet.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a differentially expanded sheet material comprises applying an organic solvent to the surface of an expandable thermoplastic sheet containing a blowing agent and allowing the treated sheet to at least partially dry before a composition comprising an ink and a kicker for the blowing agent is applied to selected areas of the treated surface. The sheet is then heated so that differential expansion occurs.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a differentially expanded sheet material comprises applying an organic solvent to the surface of an expandable thermoplastic sheet containing a blowing agent and allowing the treated sheet to at least partially dry before a composition containing a metallic powder and a kicker for the blowing agent is applied to selected areas of the treated surface. The sheet is then uniformly heated to a temperature at which the blowing agent in contact with the kicker decomposes but below that at which it decomposes in the absence of the kicker, so that the areas of the sheet in contact with the kicker expand to a greater extent than the uncontacted areas.

Abstract: Methods for producing bodies having chemically embossed patterns comprise: (1) adding sulphur and synthetic rubber material capable of forming sulphur bridges to a vinyl chloride resin preparation containing a foaming agent, forming the mixture into a sheet, printing embossed patterns on the sheet using an ink containing a vulcanization accelerator, drying the printed sheet and then heating the sheet to decompose the foaming agent thereby foaming the sheet; and (2) adding synthetic rubber material containing terminal groups capable of reacting with isocyanates to a vinyl chloride resin preparation containing a foaming agent, forming the mixture into a sheet, printing embossed patterns on the sheet using an ink containing isocyanates, drying the printed sheet and then heating the sheet to decompose the foaming agent thereby foaming the sheet.

Abstract: A method of providing foam plastic surfaces with a relief structure comprising the steps of: producing printed films which contain at predetermined locations, substantially corresponding to the printing pattern, either (a) means which inhibit and/or accelerate foaming, or (b) a barrier layer material which prevents the throughpassage of the means which inhibits or accelerates foaming, applying the film, prior to foaming, to the base layer to be foamed, and this combined or composite material is heated to the foaming temperature, whereby by means of the migration of the means inhibiting and/or accelerating foaming in accordance with the printing pattern of the film into the base layer during foaming there is obtained the relief formation of the surface and the anchoring of the printed film at the surface.