Abstract: The invention relates to fungal materials comprising fungal biomass, a polysaccharide-based matrix, a plasticiser (e.g. a polyol and/or latex), and an emulsifying agent. The invention also relates to methods of producing said fungal materials, and to uses of said fungal materials.

Abstract: Provided is a synthetic leather in which the occurrence of ease wrinkles can be inhibited or reduced. This synthetic leather comprises a cloth (10), and a resin layer (20) laminated on the cloth (10). The cloth (10) is a tricot knitted fabric knitted with front yarn, middle yarn, and back yarn, and having a nap (12). The tricot knitted fabric has a cord stitch structure knitted with the front yarn, a denbigh stitch structure or cord stitch structure knitted with the middle yarn, and an inlay structure or cord stitch structure knitted with the back yarn. The nap (12) is formed by napping a sinker loop side of the tricot knitted fabric.

Abstract: A polymer fiber sheet exhibits high porosity and good tensile properties in both “wet” and “dry” states. A fiber modifying agent is incorporated into a polymer extrusion and fiber formation process to produce a highly porous polymer fiber sheet that is instantaneously wettable by an aqueous medium. The fiber modifying agent functions as either one or both (1) a plasticizer that reduces the polymer extrudate melt viscosity and allows the formation of fine fibers during processing and (2) a surface modifying agent that promotes the instantaneous and sustainable wettability of individual polymer fibers and a porous fiber sheet formed from them. The polymer fiber sheet maintains its wettability even after repeated washing and drying cycles. The resultant fiber sheet can be densified and embossed to provide a desired thickness and porosity, while at the same time longitudinal ribs with desired pattern can also be formed on the fiber sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a synthetic leather for a steering wheel cover of a vehicle, and a method for preparing the same. The synthetic leather including a fiber base layer (101) including a microfiber nonwoven fabric, an urethane porous layer (102) formed on the fiber base layer, a polyurethane resin skin layer (104) formed on the urethane porous layer, and prepared by polymerizing an isocyanate compound and a polyol compound including polycarbonate-based polyol, fluorine-based polyol and ester-based polyol, and an adhesive layer (103) for adhering the urethane porous layer and the skin layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides layered collagen materials comprising one or more collagen/polymer matrix layers. The collagen/polymer matrix layer(s) are formed of a collagen blended with one or more polymers. The collagen blended within the polymer(s) can be dissolved within the polymer(s). The one or more collagen/polymer matrix layers can be attached to a substrate layer, for example a fabric layer.

Abstract: A method for conditioning a load bearing surface includes positioning an oriented polymeric membrane in a mount and applying a force to the polymeric membrane so as to create a stress in the membrane. The stressed membrane is heated to a temperature no less than about a temperature that the load bearing surface is expected endure in use. The membrane is maintained at the temperature for a first period of time sufficient to heat the entirety of the membrane and the it is cooled while maintaining the stress on the membrane. Following a predetermined cool down period, the applied stress is removed for availability of the end use product. A seating surface for use in a vehicle that is subjected to an elevated temperature is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sheet material has good mechanical properties, flexibility, lightweight properties, and quality, and also relates to a production method therefor. The sheet material includes, as constitutional components, an elastic polymer and nonwoven fabric composed mainly of ultrafine hollow fiber with an average monofilament diameter in the range of 0.05 to 10 ?m, the ultrafine hollow fiber containing 2 to 60 hollows.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a coating film, optionally in the form of sheets or slabs, especially for the coating of a carrier layer (3), optionally textile materials and/or peelable polyurethane foams and/or a textile carrier layer (3), wherein the coating film (100) has an optionally multilayer upper layer (1) and a bonding layer (2) bonded thereto and optionally having multiple layers (2?, 2?) for bonding to the carrier layer (3). It is envisaged in accordance with the invention that the bonding layer (2) creates an uncrosslinked, polyurethane layer having thermoplastic properties and having a thickness between 0.080 and 0.500 mm, preferably between 0.200 and 0.500, especially between 0.120 and 0.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method for making a partially bonded optical fiber ribbon. The method includes providing a linear array of optical fibers, and applying a bonding matrix material randomly to at least a portion of at least two adjacent optical fibers. The bonding matrix material is applied randomly to the adjacent optical fibers in such a way that the linear array of optical fibers forms a partially bonded optical fiber ribbon. The bonding matrix material applied randomly to the adjacent optical fibers is dense enough to allow the resulting partially bonded optical fiber ribbon to lay substantially flat. Also, the bonding matrix material applied randomly to the adjacent optical fibers is sparse enough to allow the resulting partially bonded optical fiber ribbon to be rolled into a substantially circular shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door skin comprising an exterior surface having outer portions lying on a first plane, spaced grooves recessed from the plane of the outer portions, and tonal portions having a planar area and a plurality of spaced depressions recessed from the plane of said planar area. The present invention is also directed to a method of etching a plate, for use with a molded die set, for embossing a wood grain pattern in the door skin, and the etched plate formed therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method for producing a printed decorative paper comprising the steps of: i) providing a substrate paper; ii) applying to said substrate paper a decorative layer; iii) applying to said decorative layer a liquid coating consisting essentially of a polymerizable mixture; iv) applying polymerization conditions to form a polymerized layer on said decorative layer. An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a printed decorative paper, which decorative paper is processed to form a decorative panel, which decorative panel thus obtained will exhibit a good resistance against weather influences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a panel and method for manufacturing panels for wall or floor coverings, comprising two or more thermoplastic layers including at least one thermoplastic substrate layer and at least one top layer comprising at least a decor layer, a print layer and a transparent wear layer, and wherein both said thermoplastic substrate layer and said top layer are provided with a reinforcement layer, wherein said transparent wear layer is provided with a relief.

Abstract: In the surface structure of an article 7 according to the present invention, a plurality of convex portions 11 are so disposed on a surface 9 as to have intervals relative to each other and a plurality of fine convex portions 21 having a diameter d and a height h smaller than those of the concave portion 11 are formed on the surface of at least the edge portion 15 of the concave portion 11. By this, when a hand touches the surface 9 of the article 7, the proper number of convex portions 21 abut on a linear object 25 constituting a fingerprint 23 of a hand's finger, to thereby allow the human being to obtain a delicate-and-soft touch feeling.

Abstract: Disclosed is a napped artificial leather including: a fabric that has been impregnated with a first elastic polymer and that has a napped surface including napped ultrafine fibers with an average fineness of 0.01 to 0.5 dtex, wherein the napped surface has, as measured by a surface roughness measurement in accordance with ISO 25178, an arithmetic mean height (Sa) of 30 ?m or less in both a grain direction and a reverse grain direction, and a density of peaks (Spd) having a height of 100 ?m or more from a mean height, of 30/432 mm2 or less in both of the grain direction and the reverse grain direction, and a difference (absolute value) in the density of peaks (Spd) between the grain direction and the reverse grain direction is 20/432 mm2 or less.

Abstract: A plastisol formulation configured for use in coating substrates. The inventive formulation has exceptional flexibility over a wide range of temperatures. It is comprised of polyvinyl chloride, a plasticizer, a stabilizer, preferably a pigment, and a UV inhibitor/light stabilizer. The formulation is applied to a substrate and then cured by exposing it to an elevated temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door skin comprising an exterior surface having outer portions lying on a first plane, spaced grooves recessed from the plane of the outer portions, and tonal portions having a planar area and a plurality of spaced depressions recessed from the plane of said planar area. The present invention is also directed to a method of etching a plate, for use with a molded die set, for embossing a wood grain pattern in the door skin, and the etched plate formed therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for production of artificial leather comprising top coat, polyurethane layer and optional substrate layer, said process comprising i) providing a release layer, ii) applying one or more than one layer of a top coat to the release layer to an overall top coat layer thickness in the range from 1 to 500 ?m, iii) applying first polyurethane system components comprising an isocyanate component (A) and a polyol component (B) to the top coat to form a first polyurethane layer, wherein the isocyanate index of the first polyurethane system components is in the range from 101 to 140, iv) optionally applying further polyurethane system components to the first polyurethane layer to form further polyurethane layers, v) optionally applying a substrate layer to the polyurethane system components, vi) curing the polyurethane system components to form a polyurethane layer, and vii) separating the release layer from the top coat, wherein the overall thickness of the first and optional

Abstract: A composite sheet having an elastic layer and an inelastic layer and high breathability and a method for manufacturing such improved composite sheet. The composite sheet includes an elastic layer and an inelastic layer joined and laminated through a plurality of joints. The elastic layer is formed with first depressions overlapping the joints and extending in a transverse direction and first protrusions. Interior space if the first protrusions is filled with constituent fibers of the elastic layer. The inelastic layer is formed with second depressions overlapping the joints and extending in a longitudinal direction and second protrusions. Along the second depressions, the elastic layer and the inelastic layer come in contact with each other at the joints and, along the second protrusions, the inelastic layer is spaced from the elastic layer to define clearance gaps in these layers.

Abstract: Building panels, especially floor panels, and a method of forming embossed in register surfaces with a digital ink head that applies a curable ink on the panel surface or on an upper side of a foil as a coating and forms an ink matrix that is used to create a cavity in the surface by applying a pressure on the ink matrix.

Abstract: Composite materials and methods for their preparation are described herein. The composite materials can comprise (a) a polyurethane and (b) from 35% to 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the composite, of a particulate filler dispersed in the polyurethane. The polyurethane can be formed by the reaction of (i) one or more isocyanates selected from the group consisting of diisocyanates, polyisocyanates, and mixtures thereof, and (ii) one or more polyols. The one or more polyols that form the polyurethane comprise a high hydroxyl number polyol having a hydroxyl number of at least 250 mg KOH/g. In some cases, the one or more polyols that form the polyurethane can have a weight average equivalent weight of from 200 to 1100 amu.

Abstract: A decorative film includes a dark-colored opaque substrate, which includes a surface that includes an uneven section, and a transparent decorative layer, which is stacked on the surface of the opaque substrate and closely contacts the uneven section. The uneven section includes ridges and grooves, which are located between the ridges. The ridges extend in directions of the same tendency, and the grooves extend in directions of the same tendency as the ridges. A minute uneven section formed in the top surface of each ridge includes minute ridges and minute grooves, which are located between the minute ridges. The minute ridges extend in directions of the same tendency and have a narrower width than the ridges and the grooves, and the minute grooves extend in directions of the same tendency as the minute ridges and have a narrower width than the ridges and the grooves.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sheet-like material which is produced by an environmentally friendly procedure and has an elegant appearance with piloerection, good wear resistance and good texture. Specifically disclosed is a sheet-like material containing a water-dispersed polyurethane within a fibrous base that contains extra-fine fibers having an average single fiber diameter of 0.3-7 um. The inside of the water-dispersed polyurethane is provided with pores each having a diameter of 10-200 um. Also specifically disclosed is a method for producing a sheet-like material by applying a polyurethane liquid to a fibrous base, wherein the polyurethane liquid is a water-dispersed polyurethane liquid that contains a foaming agent and a dry film of the polyurethane that constitutes the polyurethane liquid has a 100% modulus of 3-8 MPa.

Abstract: Floor covering, made of floor elements, which, at least at two opposite sides, comprise a male and a female coupling part, which allow that two of such floor elements can be interconnected at the respective sides at the respective sides by pushing one of these floor elements with the associated male coupling part, by means of a downward movement, home into the female coupling part of the other floor element, wherein at least one of said coupling parts, either the male coupling part or the female coupling part, is made as least partially in a filled synthetic material composite, such as extruded wood.

Abstract: A laminar composite comprising a transparent or translucent cover layer, a base layer, and a layer of reptile shed sandwiched between the base layer and the cover layer. The base layer, cover layer and/or reptile shed are provided on one side with an adhesive, such as a heat-activatable adhesive, to bond the three layers together to form a flexible laminar composite.

Abstract: A masterbatch for a thermoplastic compound is disclosed, comprising fly ash and/or cinders and a carrier thermoplastic resin, compatible with or the same as the thermoplastic resin used in the compound. The amount of fly ash and/or cinders comprises at least 50 percent by weight of the masterbatch. Presence of the fly ash and/or cinders can reduce cycle time for molding of the compound into a plastic article by from about 5 percent to about 30 percent merely because of the presence of the fly ash and/or cinders.

Abstract: An interlocking wall panel with machine carved decorative texture is provided. An interlocking wall panel may comprise a body comprising a wooden material. The wooden material may be solid wood or any of a variety of engineered wood product or laminates thereof. The body may have a carved top surface. A first side of the body may have an interlocking groove formed therein, and a second side substantially parallel to the first side may have an interlocking tongue extending therefrom. A pair of opposed ends may form a perimeter of the body with the first and second sides. The carved top surface of the interlocking wall panel may include a texture comprising a plurality of decorative grooves. The decorative grooves may vary in depth along their length and may furthermore vary in width. Each of the ends of the body may include respective matching end profiles.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extruded surface covering material for covering a boat or yacht deck or another outdoor area, the surface covering material comprising a synthetic material, where the surface covering material further comprises rigid hollow microballoons with an opaque surface. The invention also relates to an extruded product.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a door skin having an exterior surface with a wood grain pattern formed therein, and an etched plate for use as an embossing plate or with a molded die set, for forming the woodgrain pattern in the door skin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a group of elongate panels for imitating a slat, the group comprising at least two slat end panels which have respectively a first short traverse edge and a second short traverse edge and two longitudinal edges and which, when the first respective short traverse edges are placed end to end or are arranged on the end of short traverse edges of at least one elongate intermediate panel, form a slat which has a continuous decoration on the joint of the traverse edges. The panels may have bevel longitudinal edges on their decorated sides, and the second short traversal edge of the respective slat end panel is formed on the decorated side as a bevel transversal edge.

Abstract: A production method of an elastically stretchable artificial leather which includes a step of making microfiberizable fibers into a web; a step of entangling the obtained web to produce an entangled nonwoven fabric; a step of converting the microfiberizable fibers in the nonwoven fabric to microfine fibers, thereby producing a substrate for artificial leather; a step of producing an artificial leather by using the obtained substrate for artificial leather; and a step wherein the obtained artificial leather is brought into close contact with an elastomer sheet stretched in a machine direction by 5 to 40%; the artificial leather is allowed to shrink in the machine direction simultaneously with allowing the elastomer sheet to shrink in the machine direction by relaxing elongation of the elastomer sheet; the artificial leather is heat-treated in shrunk state; and then the artificial leather is peeled off from the elastomer sheet.

Abstract: A molded door skin is provided that features a molded component having a stainable or stained exterior surface including molded grooves and molded tonal portions. The grooves are configured with variable depths and lengths with respect to one another and variably spaced with respect to one another to collectively simulate an appearance of a naturally appearing wood grain tick pattern. The tonal portions are configured to receive and retain sufficient stain to simulate an appearance of darkened naturally appearing wood grain background tone. Doors having the molded door skin or first and second molded door skins are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed therein are an extrusion die for synthetic wood which can provide a natural wood pattern similar with real wood by forming various wood patterns on the surface of synthetic wood manufactured through extrusion molding, manufacturing apparatus and method using the same, and synthetic wood manufactured by the same. The extrusion die includes: a pair of molds respectively having rectangular extrusion holes for allowing extrudates forming an inner layer to pass through the extrusion holes; and surface layer forming parts having flow paths which are oppositely formed on contact faces of the molds in such a way as to keep a predetermined gap and formed in a top and bottom asymmetrical manner for injecting other extrudates supplied, the surface layer forming parts serving to form a surface layer having different wood patterns on the outer circumference of the inner layer.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatuses for creating a visual effect on a rubber article are disclosed. In one embodiment, a rubber article having a visual effect is provided, the rubber article comprising: a surface having at least one surface feature; and wherein the at least one surface feature comprises a plurality of linear elements creating a camouflage-shaped appearance.

Abstract: An embossing and texturizing system capable of imparting a natural cloth-like surface to a flexible thermoplastic material or film simultaneously to either or both of its two exterior surfaces, through the use of a unique device and technique combining metal rolls, metal and rubber rolls, and embossing and texturizing fabric rolls into an embossing system creating the desired visual and tactile feel of natural fabrics as well as additional performance characteristics. The embossing and texturizing system embosses and texturizes the exterior surface of the flexible thermoplastic material or film by selectively altering the exterior surface, and therefore, the film can be embossed simultaneously on either or both of its two exterior surfaces (face and reverse) without necessitating major interruption or adjustment of the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an artificial wood product from fibers and bonding agent and to an artificial wood product comprising fibers and bonding agent. The objective of the invention is to disclose a new kind of method and a product which allows a production of an artificial wood having an outer appearance just like a natural wood. In the method several fibers are aligned longitudinally to form a strand wire, several said strand wires are bonded with said bonding agent unidirectionally and side by side together to form a fiber sheet, and several said fiber sheets are stacked and bonded with said bonding agent one upon the other in layers to form an elongated wood product in which said sheets replicate the pattern of annular growth rings of a natural wood.

Abstract: A system and method for imparting a textured surface effect in a board. The system and method are configured to releasably secure a charge on a table; determine a random abrasion pattern for the charge with at least one programmable controller; and control at least one abrasion assembly with the at least one programmable controller in accord with the random abrasion pattern to selectively engage and remove desired portions of the upper surface of the charge with the at least one abrasion assembly to form a randomized textured surface effect thereon.

Abstract: A (semi)grain-finished leather-like sheet composed of an entangled nonwoven fabric of three-dimensionally entangled fiber bundles containing microfine long fibers and an elastic polymer contained in the entangled nonwoven fabric. When dividing the (semi)grain-finished leather-like sheet to five layers with equal thickness, i.e., surface layer, substrate layer 1, substrate layer 2, substrate layer 3 and back layer in this order along the thickness direction, part of the microfine long fibers forming the surface layer and/or the back layer are fuse-bonded to each other and the microfine long fibers forming the intermediate layer are not fuse-bonded. With such a fuse-bonding state of the microfine long fibers, the (semi)grain-finished leather-like sheet combines a low compression resistance and a dense feel each comparable to natural leathers, has a sufficient practical strength, and are excellent in properties which are required according to its use.

Abstract: A building product and method for manufacturing a building product made from an oriented polymer composition which can be split to provide a surface of the building product with a plurality of visible fibrils to form an aesthetic representative of split wood.

Abstract: A molded door skin is provided that features a molded component having a stainable or stained exterior surface including molded grooves and molded tonal portions. The grooves are configured with variable depths and lengths with respect to one another and variably spaced with respect to one another to collectively simulate an appearance of a naturally appearing wood grain tick pattern. The tonal portions are configured to receive and retain sufficient stain to simulate an appearance of darkened naturally appearing wood grain background tone. Doors having the molded door skin or first and second molded door skins are also provided.

Abstract: A wood-fiber aluminum-plastic composite profile and a producing method thereof is provided. The profile comprises: an inner core made from minerals, plant fibers, additive and a type of waste plastic, and a protective film layer on the outer surface of the inner core made from a type of plastic identical to that of the inner core. The producing method comprises: adding raw material in weight ratio with main material of 30-55%, supplement material of 38-55%, filler of 5-30%, and additive of 2-6% in a mixer, processing into particles, and co-extruding the inner core and the protective film layer synchronously. The profile produced by the method has good quality, long service life, high durability and wide application range.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a door skin having an exterior surface with a wood grain pattern formed therein, and an etched plate for use as an embossing plate or with a molded die set, for forming the woodgrain pattern in the door skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a release sheet which comprises a mat making layer forming a refined uneven of mat style on a surface, the mat making layer being provided on at least one surface of a substrate sheet, and a release layer formed with a coating film layer of releasable resin containing ultra micro particles having an average particle size of 0.01 to 0.3 ?m, the release sheet being provided on a surface of the mat making layer. The release sheet of the present invention has superior heat resistance and mechanical strength for a long time, and can prevent change of mat style having low gloss of the surface or of gloss, even if repeat uses are conducted. By using the release sheet of the present invention, a formed article such as synthetic leathers and decorative laminated plates having uniformity quality, can be provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door skin comprising an exterior surface having outer portions lying on a first plane, spaced grooves recessed from the plane of the outer portions, and tonal portions having a planar area and a plurality of spaced depressions recessed from the plane of said planar area. The present invention is also directed to a method of etching a plate, for use with a molded die set, for embossing a wood grain pattern in the door skin, and the etched plate formed therefrom.

Abstract: A process for the manufacturing of a decorative surface element, which element comprises a base layer and a decorative upper surface. A radiation curing lacquer is printed in a predetermined pattern as an uppermost layer on the decorative upper surface. The radiation curing lacquer covers only parts of the decorative upper surface whereby the lacquer is exposed to radiation whereby it cures. A surface structure is hereby achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of aqueous polyurethane-polyurea dispersions for which A) firstly A1) primary and/or secondary monoamines or diamines are reacted with A2) cyclic carbonates which contain precisely one hydroxy group, where the molar ratio of A1) and A2) is such that in the case of monoamines A1) the theoretical ratio of the entirety of the primary and secondary amine groups to the cyclic carbonate groups is from 0.8 to 1.2 and in the case of diamines A1) the theoretical ratio of the entirety of the primary and secondary amine groups to the cyclic carbonate groups is from 1.8 to 2.

Abstract: An ornamental structure for a vehicle upholstery member provides a plurality of surface patterns by using a single vehicle upholstery member. On the surface of an embossed vehicle upholstery member are arranged a first region formed with a first emboss pattern, a second region spaced from the first region and formed with a second emboss pattern different from the first emboss pattern, and a third region located between the first and second regions and formed with a third emboss pattern which changes progressively from the first emboss pattern to the second emboss pattern as one moves from the first region to the second region.

Abstract: A molded article integrates molded features that simulate an appearance of brush strokes. A die plate for forming the molded features simulating the brush strokes and a method of molding an article utilizing the die plate are also provided.

Abstract: A depth-changing pattern for simulating a wood grain appearance is debossed on strip material, such as a metal or steel sheet, by longitudinally feeding the strip material past a debossing drum having upraised protrusions with transversely-varying depths that impact the surface of the strip material, forming depressions in the surface as the sheet is pulled past the debossing drum. As the sheet material is pulled through the debossing drum assembly, it is moved in a direction parallel with the rotational axis of the debossing drum and transverse to the direction of material feed, thereby creating a random or non-repeating and depth-changing pattern. The strip material may then be subjected to further processing steps such as forming, coloring and staining to produce an article having a realistic wood grain appearance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an artificial wood product from fibres and bonding agent and to an artificial wood product comprising fibres and bonding agent. The objective of the invention is to disclose a new kind of method and a product which allows a production of an artificial wood having an outer appearance just like a natural wood. In the method several fibres are aligned longitudinally to form a strand wire, several said strand wires are bonded with said bonding agent unidirectionally and side by side together to form a fibre sheet, and several said fibre sheets are stacked and bonded with said bonding agent one upon the other in layers to form an elongated wood .product in which said sheets replicate the pattern of annular growth rings of a natural wood.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a one-component (1K) coating system comprising an aqueous polyacrylate polymer dispersion and one or more compounds of elements of sub-groups 5 and/or 6 of the periodic table in which the particular element has an oxidation state of at least +4.