Abstract: A floor panel with a substrate, including thermoplastic material, a decor provided thereon, and, on at least one pair of opposite edges, coupling parts realized at least partially from the substrate. The coupling parts allow a mechanical locking between two of such floor panels, where the substrate includes a rigid, non-foamed substrate layer of thermoplastic material.

Abstract: Provided are a manufacturing method for a foamable printed matter, a manufacturing method for a foam and a foaming inhibition ink. The manufacturing method for a printed matter is a manufacturing method for a foamable printed matter that foams to form an irregular pattern on its surface, the method including a printing step of inkjet-printing a foaming inhibition ink on a printing medium having a layer of a foamable resin composition containing a chemical foaming agent, under a temperature condition lower than a softening temperature of the foamable resin composition, the foaming inhibition ink containing: a foaming inhibitor that deteriorates a heat decomposing ability of the foamable resin composition; and a solvent that dissolves the foaming inhibitor when the foaming inhibitor is solid, is compatible with the foaming inhibitor when the foaming inhibitor is liquid, and is able to move the foaming inhibitor into the foamable resin composition.

Abstract: Novel cellular solids and foams from amorphous materials with a glass transition temperature (Tg) and methods of forming such materials are provided. In particular, foams are formed by expanding or compressing hollow spheres made of a high strength amorphous material, which is defined as a material having high strength characteristics, but also possessing a glass transition within a confined space. Using such a method, it has been unexpectedly found that it is possible to make cellular structures, including both open and closed cell foams, with customizable properties from materials that have been inaccessible with conventional methods. Moreover, based on calculations high specific strengths and stiffnesses are expected.

Abstract: A method comprising injection molding a plastic part from a polymer formulation comprising an injection moldable thermoplastic and an additive, wherein the additive has a decomposition temperature that establishes a maximum processing temperature for the polymer formulation. The additive will thermally decompose to generate gaseous products causing visible bubble formation in the surface of the plastic part in response to exposure to a processing temperature that exceeds the decomposition temperature of the additive. A suitable additive may be, for example, selected from oxalates, carbamic acids, carbonic acids, diazocarbonyl compounds, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of composite silica alcogels, aerogels and xerogels, comprising i) providing a reaction mixture comprising at least the following: silane reagent, base catalyst, gelation retarding additive, aqueous/organic solvent mixture, guest particle, ii) agitating the reaction mixture as necessary and sufficient until achieving the viscosity where the spontaneous movement of the guest particles does not occur anymore; and iii) shaping the material obtained to a desired shape during or after step ii); then iv) drying, if desired The method according to the invention is also useful in continuous manufacturing technology, and the invention provides an apparatus for applying the method. The invention further provides novel composite silica alcogels, aerogels or xerogels obtainable by the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a self-extinguishing cable including at least one transmissive element and at least one flame-retardant coating in a position radially external to the at least one transmissive element, wherein the at least one coating includes an expanded flame-retardant polymeric material having (a) at least one expandable polymer; (b) at least one expanding agent; (c) at least one flame-retardant inorganic filler, in an amount of 100 parts by weight of 250 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the at least one expandable polymer. The process includes the following steps: (i) feeding the flame-retardant polymeric material to an extruding apparatus, therein melting and mixing it; (ii) passing the flame-retardant polymeric material obtained in step (i) through at least one static mixer; and (iii) depositing by extrusion the flame-retardant polymeric material obtained in step (ii) onto the at least one transmissive element conveyed to the extruding apparatus.

Abstract: Prepare extruded thermoplastic polymer foam by preparing a foamable polymer mixture containing thermoplastic polymer and blowing agent at a mixing pressure, cooling the foamable polymer mixture and extruding it through a foaming die at a die pressure at least 90 bars lower than the mixing pressure and out through a die opening having cross sectional dimensions of 2.5 millimeter or more and a cross sectional area of at least 700 square millimeters at a flow rate greater than 500 kilograms per hour and allow it to expand into a polymer foam between shaping elements while restraining the extrusion rate with a restraining device so as to form polymer foam having 96 volume percent or less void volume, anisotropic cell size, a thickness of 50 millimeter or greater, compressive and tensile moduli in the thickness dimension greater than 35 mega pascals and an average shear modulus greater than 16 mega pascals.

Abstract: Methods for reducing the density of thermoplastic materials and the articles made therefrom having similar or improved mechanical properties to the solid or noncellular material. Also disclosed are improvements to foaming methods and the cellular structures of the foams made therefrom, and methods for altering the impact strength of solid or noncellular thermoplastic materials and the shaping of the materials into useful articles.

Abstract: An injection mold is provided for the production of an injection molding having a stiff plastics layer and a foamed-plastic surface layer, with at least one undercut region and comprising two mold halves and comprising one or more sliding elements, which delimit a mold cavity with a convex and a concave side. Whereby, there is a first sliding element provided on the convex side of the mold cavity, and this sliding element has been designed so as to interlock with the first mold half more distant from the undercut region, and is movable with this same mold half, in the same direction, after the injection of the stiff plastics backing layer and of the polymer melt forming the foamed-plastic surface layer, in the step of decompression of the polymer melt forming the foamed-plastic surface layer.

Abstract: Methods for reducing the density of thermoplastic materials and the articles made therefrom having similar or improved mechanical properties to the solid or noncellular material. Also disclosed are improvements to foaming methods and the cellular structures of the foams made therefrom, and methods for altering the impact strength of solid or noncellular thermoplastic materials and the shaping of the materials into useful articles.

Abstract: The method of the present invention is adapted to foam and crosslink a raw material including a rubber, a crosslinking agent and a foaming agent. The method includes the following steps: (1) a first crosslinking and foaming step, placing the raw material into a first mold, crosslinking and foaming the raw material to form a pre-molded body; (2) a second crosslinking and foaming step, withdrawing the pre-molded body from the first mold, placing the pre-molded body into a second mold after the pre-molded body being cooled down, crosslinking and foaming the pre-molded body to form a molded body; and (3) a third crosslinking and foaming step, withdrawing the molded body from the second mold, placing the molded body into a heating device after the molded body being cooled down, crosslinking and foaming the molded body to form a product.

Abstract: Foamed thermoplastic polymeric mechanical planarization polishing pads (“MP pads”) made with supercritical fluids are presented. A supercritical fluid foaming agent is dissolved in a thermoplastic polymer. A rapid change in the solubility and volume of the supercritical fluid foaming agent in the thermoplastic polymer results in foaming of the thermoplastic polymer. Foamed thermoplastic polymeric MP pads are advantageously both significantly and uniformly porous.

Abstract: An absorbable sponge containing a contrasting agent (e.g, radiopaque agent) that can be introduced to a biopsy tract or other puncture wound site is provided. The contrasting agent permits identification of the site by fluoroscopy or other imaging techniques.

Abstract: U.S. Pat. No. 6,232,354 issued May 15, 2001 describes an environmentally friendly and commercially practicable process for the production of microcellular polymer foams from amorphous, semi-crystalline and crystalline polymers which involves consolidating the polymer, saturating the polymer with an inert gas at elevated temperature and under elevated pressure, and controllably cooling, i.e. quenching the saturated polymer under a variety of temperature and pressure conditions to produce either a closed or open celled microcellular foam or a high density microcellular foam. It has now been discovered that a process similar to that described in this patent can be used for the production of nanocomposite and molecular-composite foams that exhibit exceptional physical properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a mechanically and chemically embossed surface covering having selectively textured surfaces. The method includes forming a web coated with a wear layer. The coated web is heated to a temperature at which the wear layer is cured, the foam layer expands, and the pattern is chemically embossed to form a surface covering having foamed regions and nonfoamed regions. The temperature gradient of the surface covering is adjusted such that there is a temperature gradient difference between the foamed and nonfoamed regions. A surface texture is then mechanically embossed into the wear layer and selectively set onto the wear layer substantially overlying the non-foamed regions.

Abstract: A method for making a surface covering is disclosed which includes providing a surface covering having a backing layer, a foamable layer, and a design layer, wherein the design layer includes a portion of a pattern printed with at least one retarder composition. A wear layer is then provided on the design layer and the wear layer is cured. The foamable layer is thereby expanded to form a foam layer, and the pattern printed with at least one retarder composition is chemically embossed. The cured product is subsequently cooled to ambient temperature and then the top surface of the wear layer is subjected to a sufficient temperature to soften the wear layer. After being softened the wear layer is mechanically embossed with a surface texture, the embossed surface texture is set in the wear layer, and a top coat may then be provided on the embossed set wear layer. A surface covering having the various features described above is also disclosed.

Abstract: Injection molding systems and methods useful for making microcellular foamed materials are provided as well as microcellular articles. Pressure drop rate and shear rate are important features in some embodiments, and the invention provides systems for controlling these parameters in an injection molding system. Another aspect involves an injection molding system including a nucleator that is upstream of a pressurized mold. Another aspect involves an extrusion system with the reciprocating screw for forming a single phase solution of non-nucleated blowing agent and polymeric material. Another aspect involves very thin walled microcellular material and very thin walled polymeric material. Another aspect provides a method for producing high weight reductions in very thin-walled parts with surfaces that have no noticeable differences from non-foamed parts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a mechanically and chemically embossed surface covering having selectively textured surfaces. The method includes forming a web coated with a wear layer. The coated web is heated to a temperature at which the wear layer is cured, the foam layer expands, and the pattern is chemically embossed to form a surface covering having foamed regions and nonfoamed regions. The temperature gradient of the surface covering is adjusted such that there is a temperature gradient difference between the foamed and nonfoamed regions. A surface texture is then mechanically embossed into the wear layer and selectively set onto the wear layer substantially overlying the non-foamed regions.

Abstract: A molded wood composite article man-made from wood fibers or wood particles on at least an upper, molded surface of the article, and a method of manufacturing the article to include a relatively uniform density, detailed design contours and textured aesthetics on one or more molded depression-interior inclined surfaces, while preventing embrittlement, softness and blistering of the article along the depression-interior inclined surfaces. These attributes are achieved by molding one or more depressions into an initially planar layer of cellulosic material, wherein the molded depressions have a length to depth ratio in the range of about 5.0 to about 8.5, and have one or more inclined walls that have upper surfaces, along essentially an entire inclined span, that include detailed design contours, including adjacent curved and planar portions, e.g., bead and cove.

Abstract: A novel class of transparent polymeric foams from high Tg polymers comprising submicron cells and a process for their production is described. The polymers are preferably high glass transition materials and the process comprises saturating a consolidated polymer shape with an inert gas at a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the polymer and under a pressure of at least 9000 psi for a period adequate to dissolve the gas in the polymer shape and then controllably cooling the polymer shape to produce the submicron cell structure.

Abstract: A novel class of transparent polymeric foams comprising submicron cells and a process for their production is described. The polymers are preferably high glass transition materials and the process comprises saturating a consolidated polymer shape with an inert gas at a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the polymer and under a pressure of at least 9000 psi for a period adequate to dissolve the gas in the polymer shape and then controllably cooling the polymer shape to produce the submicron cell structure.

Abstract: Polyurethane foams formed under vacuum (below atmospheric pressure) conditions using a specific mixture of polyisocyanate and with a major portion of methylene diisocyanate (MDI) and a specific mixture of polyether and graft polyols exhibit superb static shock cushioning characteristics (energy absorption) as illustrated by drop curves of deceleration versus static load. The foam-forming ingredients are mixed together and foamed under controlled pressures in the range 0.5 to 0.90 bar (absolute), preferably 0.5 to 0.8 bar (absolute). A major portion of the MDI is 4, 4′ methylene diisocyanate.

Abstract: Polyurethane foams formed at elevated pressure using a graft polyol, or mixture of polyols to form a polyol system, having a low functionality and a high solids content, exhibit superior dynamic shock cushioning characteristics (energy absorption) as illustrated by the drop curves of deceleration versus static load. The foam-forming ingredients are mixed together and foamed under controlled pressures in the range of 1.2 to 1.5 bar, preferably 1.3 to 1.4 bar. The polyol preferably has a functionality in the range of about 2.0 to 2.5, a hydroxyl number in the range of about 50 to 90, a solids content above about 35%, preferably about 50 to 55%.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the production of an injection-expansion molded, thermoplastic resin product. The process comprises a gas dissolving step, a cooling step, a metering and injection step, and an expansion controlling step. Specifically, a thermoplastic resin is molten in a continuous plasticator (1), supercritical carbon dioxide and/or nitrogen is added as a blowing agent, and the blowing agent and the thermoplastic resin are formed into a mutually-dissolved state. The resultant molten resin composition is cooled within the plasticator while maintaining a pressure equal to or higher than a critical pressure of the blowing agent. The thus-cooled molten resin composition is metered by an injector (7) and is filled in a mold (8). An internal pressure of the mold is lowered beyond the critical pressure of the blowing agent to produce cell nuclei, whereby the cell diameter is controlled. The blowing agent is maintained in a supercritical state up to the metering and injection step.

Abstract: A method for making a surface covering is disclosed which includes providing a surface covering having a backing layer, a foamable layer, and a design layer, wherein the design layer includes a portion of a pattern printed with at least one retarder composition. A wear layer is then provided on the design layer and the wear layer is cured. The foamable layer is thereby expanded to form a foam layer, and the pattern printed with at least one retarder composition is chemically embossed. The cured product is subsequently cooled to ambient temperature and then the top surface of the wear layer is subjected to a sufficient temperature to soften the wear layer. After being softened the wear layer is mechanically embossed with a surface texture, the embossed surface texture is set in the wear layer, and a top coat may then be provided on the embossed set wear layer. A surface covering having the various features described above is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing a foam-containing structure. In a first embodiment, a defoamer is applied to the inner surface of an impermeable carrier. A foamed resin is introduced inside the carrier and contacts the defoamer to form a liquid resin layer on the inner surface. The foamed resin and liquid resin layer are cured to produce a foamed resin inner core and a solid resin outer layer. In a second embodiment, a permeable carrier is covered with an impermeable release material. A defoamer is applied to the carrier. A foamed resin is introduced inside the carrier and contacts the defoamer to form a liquid resin layer impregnating the carrier. The foamed resin and liquid resin layer are cured to produce a foamed resin inner core, the carrier as a facer material, and a solid resin layer impregnating the carrier. In a third embodiment, a defoamer and a catalyst are applied to a permeable carrier.

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: The process of controlling foam in a foam-generating system by adding to the system a foam-inhibiting effective amount of a block copolymer containing alkylene oxide units obtained by reacting a homopolymer or copolymer of alkylene oxides with a diisocyanate or a dicarboxylic acid derivative containing 2 to 44 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Foamed articles having excellent properties are prepared by partially filling a mold with foamable composition, pressurizing the mold while heating to activate blowing agent and crosslinking agent, and releasing the pressure while the polymer is at least partially crosslinked to permit the foam to fill the mold.

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: Disclosed is a method for providing accelerated release of a blowing agent from a solid, non-perforated plastic foam. The method relates (a) providing the solid, non-perforated plastic foam having the blowing agent and a permeability modifier therein and (b) perforating the foam at its surface to form a multiplicity of channels extending from the surface into the foam. The channels are in gaseous communication with the environment outside the foam and provide accelerated release of blowing agent.

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: Disclosed is a method for providing accelerated release of a flammable blowing agent from a plastic foam. The method comprises (a) providing the plastic foam having the blowing agent and a permeability modifier therein and (b) perforating the foam at its surface to form a multiplicity of channels extending from the surface into the foam. The channels are in gaseous communication with the environment outside the foam structures and provide accelerated released of blowing agent.

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: Improved durability and sharper chemical embossing images are obtained in a thick foamed thermoplastic floor structure by the use of an unfoamed inner layer. The floor covering is formed on a release paper and includes an unfoamed thermoplastic base coat, lower foamed thermoplastic layer, an unfoamed thermoplastic inner layer, an upper foamed thermoplastic layer and a clear coat. The enhanced chemical embossing is achieved by printing an inhibitor containing ink on the inner layer and below the upper foamed layer. Multilevel embossing is obtained by embossing both foamed thermoplastic layers or applying a growth-controlling agent to both surfaces of one foamable thermoplastic layer. The preferred embodiment includes a pearl platelet containing layer above the upper foamed layer to give the illusion of deeper embossing. The preferred embodiment also includes a wear coat of the reaction product of an aminoplast, a urethane and a polyol.

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: An ablative foam composition is formed of approximately 150 to 250 parts by weight polymeric isocyanate having an isocyanate functionality of 2.6 to 3.2; approximately 15 to 30 parts by weight reactive flame retardant having a hydroxyl number range from 200-260; approximately 10 to 40 parts by weight non-reactive flame retardant; approximately 10 to 40 parts by weight nonhydrolyzable silicone copolymer having a hydroxyl number range from 75-205; and approximately 3 to 16 parts by weight amine initiated polyether resin having an isocyanate functionality greater than or equal to 3.0 and a hydroxyl number range from 400-800.

Abstract: Disclosed is an extruded, low density, non-outgassing ethylenic polymer foam containing 30-85% open cells and the remainder closed cells and having an essentially integral surface. The foam possesses superior compression recovery and lower compression resistance when compared with similarly comprised ethylenic closed cell foams and superior moisture resistance and handling characteristics when compared to open cell foams.

Abstract: Polyurethane foams having improved physical properties are produced by placing a polymerizable polyurethane reaction mixture into a pressurizable chamber, then polymerizing the reaction mixture at an elevated pressure sufficient to prevent the resulting polymer from completely filling the chamber.

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: The invention provides a printing ink composition comprising a pigment or pigment preparation, a thermoplastic resin, water, a water-soluble solvent, and, as inhibitor for preventing the foaming of a foamable material containing a blowing agent, an azole of the formula ##STR1## wherein A is a benzene or naphthalene radical, X is a nitrogen atom or the ##STR2## group, wherein R is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R.sub.1 is an alkyl or alkenyl group, each of 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a hydroxyalkyl group of 2 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkoxyalkyl or cyanoalkyl group, each of 3 to 20 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group of 5 to 12 carbon atoms, or a phenalkyl group of 7 to 9 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 has the same meaning as R.sub.1 and can in addition be hydrogen, or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form a heterocyclic ring.

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: A process of treating sheet materials with an aqueous treating composition is disclosed in which surfactants are incorporated in the composition to permit it to be foamed with gas to provide a foam which is stable in the form of a thin layer long enough to be handled, but which will collapse completely when heated. This is preferably done by employing a mixture of water soluble surfactant to stabilize the foam and water insoluble defoamer to break the foam when heat is applied. This foam is applied to a surface of the sheet material to provide stable foam thereon, and heat is employed to simultaneously cause the foam to collapse and dry the composition.

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: A relief-surface web and a method of making the same are disclosed. The web has a relief-structured surface, a printed pattern in registry with the relief and at least one coextensive layer which consists at least in part of foamed macromolecular material. The relief structure is obtained by varying thickness of the layer of macromolecular material and the cells of the foamed material are the larger the greater the thickness of the layer. The surface of the foamed layer which has the relief structure is provided with a fibrous web which is united with the foamed layer. The fibrous web accommodates itself to the relief structure formed by the different thickness of the foamed layer and the material of the fibrous web is plastically deformable at the foaming temperature required for foaming the macromolecular material. The web is useful for a variety of purposes, including as a decorative covering for walls and floors.

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