Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-tension cover layer intended for a laminate material and comprising a resin-impregnated, printed or unprinted decorative paper or comprising a resin-impregnated overlay paper or comprising a combination of the two, where the resin in each case comprises a mixture of at least one aminoplastic resin and at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible synthetic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl resin, polyvinyl acetate, and polyvinyl alcohol. The invention further relates to the use of the low-tension cover layer of the invention for the construction of a laminate material with appropriate balancing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an abrasion-resistant decorative sheet (1), in particular an overlay for the production of a laminate floor or of an abrasion-resistant furniture surface, comprising a paper layer (3) provided on one side with a print layer (2), comprising an impregnation (3a) formed from a first plastic mixture and comprising a layer (4) which is formed from a second plastic mixture and contains particulate abrasion-reducing material. In order to provide such a decorative sheet (1) which meets the high requirements in line with standards with regard to its abrasion resistance and permits a high-quality and clear printed image and has an appealing optical impression or an optical special effect, such as a metallic or nacreous appearance, it is proposed to apply the layer (4) formed from the second plastic mixture and containing particulate abrasion-reducing material to that side of the paper layer (3) which is opposite the print layer (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to phenol-free decorative laminates, in the form of sheets, such as HPL, CPL and LPL, using multilayer carrier materials in which no phenol resins are used for impregnation and which are therefore toxicologically safe, have a neutral odor and are more economical in their production. The impregnating resin system used is a urea/melamine/formaldehyde resin which was processed exclusively in an aqueous reaction medium and to which a polymer dispersion was added, the impregnating resin having been prepared in a first stage in the pH range from 7.0 to 8.5 and in a second stage in the pH range from 4.0 to 6.0. Finally, this resin batch is neutralized, added to the carrier material and pressed with the latter.