Nevamar Corporation, LLP

Nelson L O'Neill

Israel S Ungar

Herbert I Scher

Robin D O'Dell

An improved process of making abrasion-resistant decorative laminate without overlay comprises simultaneously impregnating and coating a laminate decor sheet with a mixture of the liquid impregnating resin and an abrasion-resistant composition of microcrystalline cellulose and abrasion-resistant mineral particles such as alumina. The microcrystalline cellulose functions not only as a binder material in the product, but also serves to maintain the mineral particles in suspension in the liquid resin. The mixture is deposited onto the top surface of the decor sheet which absorbs the liquid resin leaving on the upper surface thereof an ultra-thin layer of the abrasion-resistant composition plus a small amount of resin. After drying, the decor sheet is ready for use in the manufacture of high and low pressure decorative laminates.

Method of producing abrasion-resistant decorative laminate

Highly abrasion-resistant transfer coatings are provided on a wide variety of substrates, thermoplastic or thermosetting, by transfer coating from a mold surface or a flexible web, such as by use of a heat transfer tape, an ultra-thin coating consisting essentially of a non-resinous binder material such as microcrystalline cellulose together with mineral abrasive particles, preferably alumina or a mixture of silica and alumina which have been heated together at a temperature of at least 140.degree. F., the ultra-thin coating also preferably containing a silane and a small quantity of a sticking agent such as a thermoplastic or thermosetting resin.

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Crofton, MD, United States of America

Nelson L O'Neill