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 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).