Abstract: Disclosed is a product and process for a substantially halogen-free thermoplastic elastomer. The thermoplastic elastomer can be incorporated into a decorative surface covering as a binder with the addition of an optional filler. The substantially halogen-free thermoplastic comprises the combination of a dynamically vulcanized blend of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR), ionomers and a diluent polymer such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). The combination produces a pliable and flexible flooring product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a product and process for a substantially halogen-free thermoplastic elastomer. The thermoplastic elastomer can be incorporated into a decorative surface covering as a binder with the addition of an optional filler. The substantially halogen-free thermoplastic comprises the combination of a dynamically vulcanized blend of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR), ionomers and a diluent polymer such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). The combination produces a pliable and flexible flooring product.

Abstract: A resilient surface covering, including a melt-processed layer, having improved impact resistance properties is provided herein. The melt-processed layer is formed, in part, of either a non-polyvinyl chloride resin, or a blend of a polyvinyl chloride resin and a compatible polymer, such as nitrile rubber, which imparts improved toughness characteristics to the layer. The increased toughness of the melt-processed layer consequently imparts improved impact resistance to the surface covering of which it is a part as compared to a control surface covering having a control layer formed only of a conventional melt-processed polyvinyl chloride resin.

Abstract: A flooring resistant to bottom-up staining is provided which includes a substrate; a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) barrier layer contacting the substrate; and a flooring structure in contact with the PET barrier layer. A method for manufacturing the flooring utilizing lamination processes is also provided.

Abstract: A highly filled surface covering, preferably a floor covering and more preferably a floor tile, includes a resin layer which has about 80% to about 95% by weight of filler and a chlorine-free binder. The binder includes a mixture of a maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene and a substantially linear ethylene/octene copolymer. The ratio of maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene and ethylene/octene copolymer is from about 1:5 to about 1:15 by weight. The preferred formulation for the binder includes a solid tackifier selected from the group consisting of a hydrocarbon resin having an ester moiety and hydrogenated aromatic resin.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polymer composition capable of being extruded comprises a reaction product of an ionomer and a polymer which contains a moiety which is reactive with the acid or neutralized acid group of the ionomer. The composition is sufficiently non-sticking that it can be extruded and calendered without substantial adherance to any hot metal parts. Since this thermoplastic polymer composition does not stick to hot metal parts, the composition is more than suitable as resilient flooring and welding rods.

Abstract: Coating compositions for making films having reduced surface resistivity are described herein. These compositions are clear and produce films that are clear and transparent enough to read newsprint through the films. The compositions include colloidal silica, a choline based antistat, and a film-forming binder which is a (meth)acrylic polymer having a quaternary ammonium salt moiety in the polymeric molecule.