Process for obtaining areas of distinctive appearance on synthetic

Abstract

A process and product is presented for obtaining selective areas of distinctive appearance, i.e., matting on synthetic coverings. This process includes, depositing a polymer coating which contains at least one first initiator for polymerization onto at least a first selected area or zone on an expandable or nonexpandable support substrate. Next, at least one second coating comprised of a crosslinkable monomer containing at least one second polymerization initiator is deposited onto a second selected area on the substrate. This second area or zone may encompass at least a portion of the first area. The first and second initiators should be triggered by distinct 'spectral zones', i.e., a range of temperature conditions, frequency conditions, etc. capable of decomposing the initiator to form free radicals or ions needed for chain propagation in a polymerization reaction. Thereafter, pre-gelling is performed on the deposited material followed by a graining operation which is carried out over at least a portion of the substrate surface. The synthetic covering in the first zone or area is then polymerized via the first initiator wherein the particular appearance thereof is fixed to the substrate. Thereafter, gelling is carried out wherein the polymer which has not been fixed by the first initiation polymerization will flow, i.e., fluidize such that the grained appearance in the second area or zone will disappear, i.e., smooth over. This gelling may also cause some expansion of the polymer on the substrate.