Abstract: Plastic surfacing material of the FOUNTAINHEAD® type having a bold and aesthetically pleasing appearance is achieved by the use TFR pigments, the latter of which are manufactured by orienting reflective flake pigments in a plastic substrate and grinding the substrate to a particulate material.

Abstract: A decorative laminate assembly having a decorative laminate top layer assembly. This top layer assembly includes, in descending superimposed relationship, a decorative layer and a core layer that includes PETG, or other polymeric material. Preferably, the top layer assembly also includes a wear resistant overlay layer on top of the decorative layer, and the core layer's PETG is in a sheet form. The top layer assembly may be directly bonded to a water resistant substrate. The decorative laminate assembly of the present invention can be used for a variety of purposes, including flooring applications. When the present invention is used for flooring applications, it is preferred that the overlay layer has enhanced wear resistant qualities and that the water resistant substrate comprise PVC or cement fiberboard.

Abstract: A decorative laminate assembly having a decorative laminate top layer assembly. This top layer assembly includes, in descending superimposed relationship, a decorative layer and a core layer that includes PETG. Preferably, the top layer assembly also includes a wear resistant overlay layer on top of the decorative layer, and the core layer's PETG is in a sheet form. The top layer assembly is attached to a water resistant substrate through the use of a water resistant adhesive. The decorative laminate assembly of the present invention can be used for a variety of purposes, including flooring applications. When the present invention is used for flooring applications, it is preferred that the overlay layer include wear resistant qualities and that the water resistant substrate comprise PVC or cement fiberboard.

Abstract: A deep embossed high pressure decorative laminate having a plurality of integral tiles with various surface textures bordered by deep embossed portions. Each tile of the laminate has a peripheral thickness greater than the thickness of the non-peripheral portions of the tile. Preferably, each tile has a concave profile along its upper surface when viewed in cross section. A method of producing artwork necessary for the deep embossed high pressure decorative laminate of the present invention comprises assembling a first layer of fibrous sheets impregnated with a thermosetting resin, a second layer comprising a plurality of adjacent tiles comprising a plurality of fibrous sheets impregnated with a thermosetting resin, wherein the tiles were previously pressed and heated, and a third layer comprising a plurality of shims.

Abstract: A bridging agent for improving the bond between incompatible component layers of laminates comprising one or more N-substituted melamine compounds. The bridging agent is comprised of an N-substituted melamine, an N-substituted melamine formaldehyde resin, a hybrid N-substituted melamine resin, or mixtures of these resins. The bridging agent improves bonding between laminate layers known not to bond well together such as between a styrenated polyester top coat and a melamine impregnating resin. As a result of improving the bond between the incompatible component layers, the bridging agent improves the blister resistance and cove forming characteristics of the laminate. The bridging agent can be used to improve bonding both with and without an overlay paper layer.

Abstract: Plastic surfacing material of the FOUNTAINHEAD.RTM. type having a bold and aesthetically pleasing appearance is achieved by the use TFR pigments, the latter of which are manufactured by orienting reflective flake pigments in a plastic substrate and grinding the substrate to a particulate material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device and method for selecting surfacing material complementary to a predetermined cabinet finish. The device includes a display having sample display areas. The sample display areas include a resilient member formed with a plurality of recesses for receiving and removably retaining a plurality of surfacing samples selected in a predetermined manner and having characteristics making them complementary to a predetermined cabinet finish.

Abstract: A press plate for decorative laminate production has an aluminum alloy core plate exhibiting a 0.2% compressive yield stress of not less than about 180 MPa at 140.degree. C., an aluminum cladding layer integrally bonded to opposing surfaces of the core plate, and a layer of aluminum oxide formed on the aluminous cladding which is substantially free of grain line effects.

Abstract: A translucent and variegated resin impregnated decorative paper laminate having the visual three-dimensional effect of depth and to a method of manufacturing the same which comprises laminating a plurality of highly absorbent, transparent paper sheets impregnated with a resin under heat and pressure sufficient to form a unified and stratified laminate.

Abstract: Decorative laminate having improved resistance against marring, abrasion, staining and crocking, and method for the preparation thereof, the laminate comprising a substrate and a decorative sheet, the decorative sheet having on the exposed surface a layer consisting essentially of a thermoset resin, substantially fully hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol, fumed amorphous silica, and particulate abrasive material having a hardness higher than that of silica. Abrasion resistance greater than 3000 cycles (NEMA Wear) by the NEMA test LD 3-3.01 is obtained in combination with improved mar resistance.

Abstract: Melamine resins modified with a mixture of a polyalkylene glycol and an alkylated methylolmelamine, paper sheets impregnated therewith, decorative laminates prepared from said sheets and a method of producing said laminates are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for producing cast unsaturated thermosetting resins which are highly stain resistant is disclosed. A pressurization step is applied to the thermosetting resin prior to casting to reincorporate any volatilized monomer which has volatilized during a previous deaeration step. The resultant casting is non-porous in cross-section which produces a product which is both stain resistant and machinable in the field without exposing voids.

Abstract: Polyester resins are disclosed as the impregnant in the core sheets of heat and pressure consolidated laminates, especially decorative laminates having a core of a color complementing that of the decor sheet, and more especially those decorative laminates of unusual thickness.

Abstract: Polymethylol ketones are disclosed as ingredients in various resins which find use as the resin component of heat and pressure consolidated laminates, especially decorative laminates having a core of a color complementing that of the decor sheet.

Abstract: Decorative laminates and a method for their production are disclosed, the laminates having dispersed in their uppermost surface hard mineral particles whereby mar-resistance is imparted to the laminate.

Abstract: A method for producing a melamine-formaldehyde resin by reacting crystalline melamine and solid formaldehyde in a single pass reactor, the resin produced by said process and a reinforcing substrate coated with said melamine-formaldehyde resin, are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to flame-retardant, high pressure consolidated articles containing an air-laid web and to a method of preparing such articles wherein boric acid or ammonium pentaborate is added as a flame-retardant additive.

Abstract: Polyester resins are disclosed as the impregnant in the core sheets of heat and pressure consolidated laminates, especially decorative laminates having a core of a color complementing that of the decor sheet, and more especially those decorative laminates of unusual thickness.