Polymer substrates used for preparing polymer-based value paper or polymer-based anti-counterfeiting paper

Abstract

This invention relates to a polymer substrate (1) for preparing polymer-modified paper (2) or polymer-modified anti-counterfeiting paper (3), polymer-modified paper (2) or polymer-modified anti-counterfeiting paper (3), and a method for preparing the polymer substrate (1). The polymer substrate (1) includes a polymer carrier layer (4) and at least one anti-counterfeiting element (5), wherein the anti-counterfeiting element (5) is applied to and / or therein the polymer carrier layer (4), and wherein a primer (6) is at least partially applied to a first substrate side (7) and / or a second substrate side (8) of the polymer substrate (1). The primer (6) is at least partially disposed between the polymer carrier layer (4) and the anti-counterfeiting element (5) and / or at least partially covers the anti-counterfeiting element (5) and / or the polymer carrier layer (4), wherein the area of ​​the anti-counterfeiting element (5) covered by the primer (6) has lower visibility compared to the area of ​​the anti-counterfeiting element (5) not covered by the primer (6) and / or the area of ​​the polymer carrier layer (4) not covered by the primer (6).

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a polymer substrate for preparing polymer-valued paper or polymer-anti-counterfeiting paper, polymer-valued paper or polymer-anti-counterfeiting paper, and a method for preparing the polymer substrate.

[0002] The polymer-modified paper or polymer-modified security paper of the type described at the beginning is typically used to enhance the security of paper such as banknotes, certificates, credit cards, ATM cards, tickets, etc.

[0003] According to existing technology, it is technically impossible to apply anti-counterfeiting elements with anti-counterfeiting features in the form of security threads to polymer banknotes or polymer security paper. In particular, it is impossible to directly introduce commonly used or conventional security threads into the polymer, as is currently common in banknotes or security paper made of paper or fiber. Currently, polymer banknotes or polymer security paper based on polymer substrates are typically used, especially for lower denominations. Expensive anti-counterfeiting features are generally not applied to these polymer banknotes—among other things, for cost reasons.

[0004] To compensate for this shortcoming, in the case of polymer-based security paper or polymer-based security paper, security lines are imitated solely through printing. However, compared to the security lines known in security paper or security paper made of paper or fiber, such printed security lines cannot be produced economically with satisfactory quality and therefore cannot guarantee a sufficiently high level of security for users.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a method for preparing a polymer substrate, by means of which polymer valuable paper or polymer anti-counterfeiting paper with one or more anti-counterfeiting elements having anti-counterfeiting features and high anti-counterfeiting security can be manufactured.

[0006] This objective is achieved by the polymer substrate, polymer valuable paper or polymer anti-counterfeiting paper, and preparation method as claimed in the claims.

[0007] The polymer substrate of the present invention for preparing polymer-based valuable paper or polymer-based anti-counterfeiting paper includes a polymer carrier layer and at least one anti-counterfeiting element. It is proposed that the anti-counterfeiting element is applied to and / or therein the polymer carrier layer, and a primer is at least partially applied to a first substrate side and / or a second substrate side of the polymer substrate. The primer is at least partially disposed between the polymer carrier layer and the anti-counterfeiting element and / or at least partially covers the anti-counterfeiting element and / or the polymer carrier layer, wherein the area of ​​the anti-counterfeiting element covered by the primer has lower visibility compared to the area of ​​the anti-counterfeiting element not covered by the primer and / or the area of ​​the polymer carrier layer not covered by the primer.

[0008] The polymer substrate of this invention creates the possibility or basis for manufacturing polymer-modified banknotes or polymer security paper with one or more high-security anti-counterfeiting elements and features. The polymer substrate of this invention provides banknote producers with initial materials that can be further processed in substantially the same or nearly the same way as paper used for paper banknotes. Thus, banknote producers can manufacture both paper and polymer banknotes, for example, using the same machinery or processing steps, or with minimal modifications. This brings economic advantages across the entire product chain, while also enabling higher product quality.

[0009] It should be noted that, in the context of this invention, the term "anti-counterfeiting element" can refer to different types of anti-counterfeiting elements familiar to those skilled in the art. Anti-counterfeiting elements can be formed, for example, as anti-counterfeiting lines, anti-counterfeiting strips, etc., and naturally, other advantageous types of anti-counterfeiting elements known to those skilled in the art are also conceivable. Here, an anti-counterfeiting element may have one or more similar or different anti-counterfeiting features or characteristics. Thus, anti-counterfeiting features can be optically variable features, features optically identifiable in terms of transmission or reflection, machine-readable features, materials or features that absorb and / or re-emit electromagnetic waves. Anti-counterfeiting features can be formed, for example, as holograms, embossed layers, partially metallized layers, fluorescent layers, printed layers, and / or magnetically encoded and / or optically variable features, especially holograms and / or color-changing coatings, such as coatings with color-changing thin-layer elements. Anti-counterfeiting features can be arranged in or on the anti-counterfeiting element or integrated therein, thereby essentially functioning as a carrier of the anti-counterfeiting features(one or more). Therefore, when referring to an anti-counterfeiting element in the following description, an anti-counterfeiting element is an anti-counterfeiting element having separately formed anti-counterfeiting features. Essentially, it is conceivable that the anti-counterfeiting element forms only one anti-counterfeiting feature. The primer can describe a single layer or a composite or stack of multiple layers. For example, it can refer to multiple similar layers or sublayers, but it can also refer to multiple different layers or sublayers.

[0010] Additional anti-counterfeiting security measures are ensured by the anti-counterfeiting elements formed on or therein in the polymer substrate, because the applied primer reduces the visibility of the anti-counterfeiting elements (one or more). Compared to areas of the polymer carrier layer with and / or without primer, those areas formed on or therein in the primer-covered anti-counterfeiting elements on the first and / or second substrate sides are not as well or as obviously perceived according to the invention. According to the invention, the primer used to cover the anti-counterfeiting elements (one or more), but also to allow for later personalized printing of the polymer substrate by the banknote producer, is applied at least partially to the anti-counterfeiting elements (one or more) and / or the polymer carrier layer, such that at least selected areas are covered and cannot be seen, or at least not as well or as obviously or with as strong contrast. This effect of the primer-covered areas being less visible than uncovered areas is particularly discernible or perceptible to the observer when observing the substrate side of the polymer substrate to which the primer has been applied. Naturally, the polymer substrate can also have primer on both sides. In these forms, the less-than-ideal visibility of the obscured areas on both substrate sides is perceptible. It is also possible that the security element (one or more) is disposed on or within both outer surfaces of the polymer carrier layer. The at least one security element has the advantage that a portfolio of all security elements known in the art and also usable in conventional paper used for producing banknotes can be applied. It may be advantageous that the security element obscured by the primer is only discernible to an observer when the polymer substrate is viewed in transmitted light.

[0011] When the anti-counterfeiting element(s) are applied to the polymer carrier layer, it may be advantageous for the polymer carrier layer to be formed thinner at the location where the anti-counterfeiting element(s) should be applied. This may further reduce the security of the anti-counterfeiting element or hide or "overlay" the location where the anti-counterfeiting element is placed, because there is no or almost no perceptible lift. In some cases, the primer may also facilitate "overlaying" the location where the anti-counterfeiting element is located.

[0012] Another advantageous improvement is that, according to this improvement, the area of ​​the security element (one or more) covered by the primer is invisible when viewed from above but visible when viewed through light, or the area of ​​the security element covered by the primer is more visible when viewed through light than when viewed from above. This advantageous formation makes it easier for users to verify the real-time nature of polymer banknotes by holding the polymer banknote up to a light source or observing it through light. This further enhances security in the case of polymer banknotes. It is also possible that, when viewed through light, not the entire area of ​​the security element covered by the primer is visible, but only a portion of it. This is, for example, when the security element is formed with a wire or a foil with a partially metallized layer. Thus, only the partially metallized layer of the foil is identifiable in transmitted light. In the case of a partially metallized layer, the metallized layer—to name just a few examples—may include embossed characters, letters, patterns, thematic motifs, geometric shapes, guilloche patterns, and recessed lines.

[0013] According to an advantageous improvement, the security element and / or the polymer carrier layer and / or the primer can be at least partially covered with a cover layer, wherein the area of ​​the security element covered by the cover layer has lower visibility compared to the area of ​​the security element not covered by the cover layer and / or the area of ​​the polymer carrier layer not covered by the cover layer and / or the area of ​​the primer not covered by the cover layer. This improvement is particularly advantageous when the primer is at least partially disposed between the polymer carrier layer and the security element. Optical effects can then be achieved by means of overprinting the selected area—for example, during the banknote printing process—and particularly by creating a visibility contrast between the area with the cover layer and the area without the cover layer.

[0014] Alternatively, it can be proposed to apply the primer using printing techniques. This allows for the economical achievement of a uniform and flat primer or primer layer. This is advantageous and contributes to higher product quality when further processing of the polymer substrate is required during subsequent banknote printing. Besides printing methods, it is naturally conceivable, and in some cases advantageous, to apply the primer by coating, dip coating, spraying, or roll coating. Applying the primer using vacuum-based coating methods such as plasma coating or PVD and CVD coating is conceivable.

[0015] Furthermore, it can be proposed to form the primer in a printable manner. Good printability is significant when the polymer substrate is further processed during subsequent banknote printing and can sometimes achieve satisfactory or high final quality for polymer banknotes or polymer security papers. Additionally, good printability of the substrate or polymer substrate positively affects the durability or resilience of polymer banknotes. For example, good printability can be achieved through a flat substrate or a structure or primer material that better absorbs printing inks.

[0016] Another advantageous form is one in which the primer completely covers the polymer carrier layer and / or the security element. Sometimes, for security reasons related to polymer banknotes, it may be beneficial for the security element (one or more) to be completely covered and thus invisible or only poorly or unclearly visible when viewed from above.

[0017] According to one possible improvement, the primer partially covers the polymer carrier layer and / or the security features. The area of ​​the security feature (one or more) that is not covered by the primer and is thus visible when viewed from above is commonly referred to in the art as a window. A linear security feature thus formed is commonly referred to as a window line. Such a window can be formed as either a so-called half-window or a full window. A half-window here refers to a cutout in the primer only on one substrate side of the polymer substrate or on one side of the primer. If the primer is applied to both substrate sides of the polymer substrate and cutouts are provided opposite or partially opposite or overlapping each other in the substrates on both sides, it is called a full window in technical terms. These windows allow users to more easily and quickly verify the authenticity of polymer banknotes. Furthermore, security can be improved by partially covering one or more security features because the precise positioning of the window makes it significantly more difficult to counterfeit or forge polymer banknotes.

[0018] It can also be suggested that the primer is formed to diffuse, particularly producing a white color impression under sunlight. This formation method can particularly positively affect polymer banknotes that can be made from the polymer substrate, because a white primer layer or surface can achieve particularly high-quality subsequent printing or other application of thematic motifs, numerals, etc. Such a layer or primer is also referred to as an opaque coating or, in English, "opacifying layers." The ink used herein is also referred to herein as an opaque ink.

[0019] It may also be suggested that the polymer carrier layer is made of plastic, particularly of a light-transmitting plastic, wherein the polymer carrier layer preferably comprises or is made of at least one of the following materials: polyimide (PI), polypropylene (PP), uniaxially oriented polypropylene (MOPP), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polyethylene (PE), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketone (PEK), polyvinylimide (PEI), polysulfone (PSU), polyaryletherketone (PAEK), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), liquid crystal. Polymers (LCP), polyesters, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), cyclic olefin copolymers (COC), polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene-fluorinated terpolymers (EFEP) and / or mixtures and / or copolymers and / or composites of these materials.

[0020] In one particular form, the primer may have a thickness between 1 μm and 50 μm, preferably between 5 μm and 30 μm, particularly preferably between 7 μm and 25 μm, and especially between 10 μm and 20 μm. A smaller primer thickness can be advantageous because it facilitates a thinner polymer substrate. The final product, such as polymer banknotes, should also have a smaller thickness, allowing for easy printing and simple, space-saving stacking. This can be achieved by forming a thinner, yet still opaque, primer. Furthermore, the polymer substrate may have a thickness between 30 μm and 150 μm, preferably between 35 μm and 110 μm, particularly preferably between 50 μm and 100 μm, and especially between 65 μm and 90 μm. When the anti-counterfeiting element (one or more) is formed to include a transfer film, which, in addition to the anti-counterfeiting feature (one or more), also includes a separable carrier film, the carrier film can have a thickness between 6 μm and 100 μm, preferably between 8 μm and 50 μm, particularly preferably between 10 μm and 36 μm, and especially between 12 μm and 23 μm. The transferred anti-counterfeiting element, i.e., the portion of the anti-counterfeiting element to which the separable carrier film has been removed after application to the polymer substrate, can have a thickness of 1 μm to 50 μm, preferably 1 μm to 40 μm, particularly preferably 2 μm to 30 μm, and especially 5 μm to 20 μm.

[0021] A favorable improvement can be proposed whereby the anti-counterfeiting element is formed with at least one anti-counterfeiting feature, which comprises an optically variable feature, an optically identifiable feature in terms of transmission or reflection, a machine-readable feature, and / or a material or feature that absorbs and / or re-emits electromagnetic waves. This may include, for example, embossed layers, partially metallized layers, fluorescent layers, printed layers, magnetic codes, and / or optically variable features, particularly holograms and / or color-changing underlayers, such as an underlayer having at least one color-changing thin-layer element. This form offers the advantage that users can choose from a wider range of product combinations and a large number of possible combinations of anti-counterfeiting features. This allows for a high level of anti-counterfeiting security.

[0022] The present invention also relates to a method for preparing a polymer substrate having at least one anti-counterfeiting element, the polymer substrate being used to prepare polymer valuable paper or polymer anti-counterfeiting paper, and particularly for preparing a polymer substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

[0023] The following steps are provided here:

[0024] -Provide a polymer carrier layer,

[0025] - Provide at least one anti-counterfeiting element,

[0026] - Apply the anti-counterfeiting element to and / or therein the polymer carrier layer.

[0027] - Optionally, the anti-counterfeiting element can be combined with the polymer carrier layer.

[0028] - At least partially, a primer is applied to the first substrate side and / or the second substrate side of the polymer substrate, the primer being at least partially applied between the polymer carrier layer and the anti-counterfeiting element, and / or at least partially covering the anti-counterfeiting element and / or the polymer carrier layer by the primer, wherein the area of ​​the anti-counterfeiting element covered by the primer has lower visibility compared to the area of ​​the anti-counterfeiting element not covered by the primer and / or the area of ​​the polymer carrier layer not covered by the primer.

[0029] The method for preparing the polymer substrate according to the present invention creates the possibility or basis for manufacturing polymer-modified paper or polymer security paper with one or more high-security anti-counterfeiting elements. The polymer substrate prepared according to the present invention provides banknote producers with a product that can be further processed in a manner substantially the same as or similar to that used in the preparation of paper banknotes. Thus, banknote producers can, for example, produce both paper banknotes and polymer banknotes using the same machinery or processing steps, or with minimal modifications. The polymer substrate prepared according to the present invention offers economic advantages across the entire product chain, while also enabling high product quality.

[0030] In the process of the method, one or more anti-counterfeiting elements are applied to the polymer carrier material, wherein the anti-counterfeiting elements include at least one anti-counterfeiting feature. Optionally, method steps can be performed to facilitate a preferred permanent bond between the anti-counterfeiting element and the polymer carrier material. For example, such bonding can be achieved at the anti-counterfeiting element and / or the polymer carrier material by means of a suitable adhesive. It is also conceivable and possible, naturally, to perform, assist, or accelerate bonding under heat-affected or pressure conditions. In addition, the bonding can also simplify or assist any desired embedding of the anti-counterfeiting element(s) into the polymer carrier layer. Embedding here specifically refers to introducing the anti-counterfeiting element(s) into the polymer carrier layer. Here, a cutout can be substantially provided in the polymer carrier layer, into which the anti-counterfeiting element(s) is embedded. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to embed the anti-counterfeiting element(s) into the polymer carrier layer by pushing or compressing the material of the polymer carrier layer. The anti-counterfeiting element can preferably be introduced into the polymer carrier layer to such a depth that a continuous, i.e., smooth or nearly smooth surface is created on the substrate side, or that the anti-counterfeiting element does not lift off the polymer carrier layer and thus does not increase the thickness of the polymer carrier layer.

[0031] Additional anti-counterfeiting security measures are ensured by the anti-counterfeiting elements formed on or therein in the polymer substrate, because the applied primer reduces the visibility of the anti-counterfeiting elements (one or more). Compared to areas of the polymer carrier layer with and / or without primer, those areas on or therein of the anti-counterfeiting elements formed on or therein in the first and / or second substrate sides are not as well or as obviously perceived according to the invention. According to the invention, the primer used to cover the anti-counterfeiting elements (one or more), but also to allow for later personalized printing of the polymer substrate by the banknote manufacturer, is applied at least partially to the anti-counterfeiting elements (one or more) and / or the polymer carrier layer, such that selected areas are covered and cannot, or at least not as well or as obviously or with as strong contrast, be seen. It is also possible that the anti-counterfeiting elements (one or more) are arranged on or therein on both outer surfaces of the polymer carrier layer. The at least one anti-counterfeiting element has the advantage that a portfolio of all anti-counterfeiting elements known in the art and also usable in conventional paper used for producing paper banknotes can be applied.

[0032] Alternatively, the anti-counterfeiting element may be composed of a transfer film comprising at least one anti-counterfeiting feature and a separable carrier film, wherein the separable carrier film is removed after application or optionally after bonding. This advantageous formation method creates the possibility of applying the at least one anti-counterfeiting element to the polymer substrate in a simple and precise manner. Furthermore, this formation method enables a variety of combinations and design possibilities.

[0033] This advantageous forming method creates the possibility of applying at least one anti-counterfeiting element to the polymer substrate in a simple and precise manner. Furthermore, this forming method enables a variety of combinations and design possibilities. Additionally, this improved approach offers the advantage that the portion of the anti-counterfeiting element retained on the polymer substrate without a carrier film can be formed to be particularly thin. This is because an anti-counterfeiting element with a peelable transfer film containing a very thin anti-counterfeiting feature can be achieved.

[0034] Alternatively, it can be proposed to apply the primer using printing techniques. This allows for the economical preparation of a uniform and flat primer or primer layer. This is advantageous and contributes to higher product quality when further processing of the polymer substrate is required during subsequent banknote printing. Besides printing methods, it is naturally conceivable, and in some cases advantageous, to apply the primer by coating, dip coating, spraying, or roll coating. Applying the primer using vacuum-based coating methods such as plasma coating or PVD and CVD coating is conceivable.

[0035] Advantageously, the polymer substrate can also be cut, particularly into an arc shape, before applying the anti-counterfeiting element and / or before applying the primer. This method step can offer process-related advantages. The anti-counterfeiting element can, for example, be applied more simply or more precisely to the cut arc shape in some cases. It may also be more economical in terms of process-related aspects to cut the polymer substrate with a smaller number of parts before applying the anti-counterfeiting element (one or more) and / or before applying the primer. Additionally, in some cases, applying the anti-counterfeiting element and / or the primer to a small arc shape can be simpler, as it can sometimes be handled more easily. This can also be particularly convenient when the anti-counterfeiting element and / or the primer should be applied to both sides of the substrate.

[0036] According to one possible improvement, the anti-counterfeiting element may be applied directly to and / or therein the polymer carrier layer, or applied to the polymer carrier layer in a registration machine. Direct application of one or more anti-counterfeiting elements is particularly convenient when a full-surface primer should be applied subsequently. When it is proposed that the anti-counterfeiting element(s) should not be completely covered by the primer, i.e., when a so-called window is achieved, application by means of a registration machine, i.e., in achieving registration alignment, can be advantageous or can improve quality. Here, it may be advantageous for high product quality when the planned or pre-defined window is not covered by the primer or is only covered by the primer within a narrow tolerance limit.

[0037] The present invention also proposes polymeric value paper or polymeric security paper having a polymeric substrate comprising at least one anti-counterfeiting element. Here, the polymeric substrate is formed according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and / or the polymeric substrate is prepared by the method according to any one of claims 12 to 16.

[0038] Another advantageous improvement is that, according to the improvement, a primer is at least partially applied to a first substrate side and / or a second substrate side of the polymer substrate, the primer being disposed between the polymer carrier layer and the anti-counterfeiting element, wherein the anti-counterfeiting element and / or the polymer carrier layer are at least partially covered by a cover layer, wherein the area of ​​the anti-counterfeiting element covered by the cover layer has lower visibility compared to the area of ​​the anti-counterfeiting element not covered by the cover layer and / or the area of ​​the polymer carrier layer not covered by the cover layer and / or the area of ​​the primer not covered by the cover layer.

[0039] To better understand the invention, it will be explained in more detail with the aid of the following drawings.

[0040] The accompanying diagrams are greatly simplified and schematic:

[0041] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a polymer substrate with three fully covered anti-counterfeiting marks is shown in cross-section;

[0042] Figure 2 A second embodiment of a polymer substrate with two partially covered anti-counterfeiting marks is shown in cross-section;

[0043] Figure 3 A third embodiment of a polymer substrate with three fully covered anti-counterfeiting marks is shown in cross-section;

[0044] Figure 4 A fourth embodiment of a polymer substrate with two partially covered and one fully covered anti-counterfeiting marks is shown in cross-section;

[0045] Figure 5 A fifth embodiment of a polymer substrate with anti-counterfeiting marks applied on both sides is shown in cross-section;

[0046] Figure 6 A sixth embodiment of the polymer substrate is shown in cross-section;

[0047] Figure 7 In the top view and the four sections of the cross-section Figure 7 The seventh embodiment of the polymer substrate is shown in sections a through 7d.

[0048] It should be noted that in the embodiments described in different places, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same part numbers, and the disclosure contained throughout the specification can similarly be transferred to the same parts having the same reference numerals or the same part numbers. The positional information selected in the specification, such as above, below, side, etc., is referred to in the directly described and shown drawings, and this positional information is transferred to the new position accordingly when the position changes.

[0049] Figure 1 A first embodiment of the polymer substrate 1 is shown in cross-section, having three fully covered security elements 5 or security features 11 formed in the security elements 5. This first embodiment also shows a polymer banknote 2 or polymer security paper 3 prepared from the polymer substrate 1. As shown, for example, a banknote printing layer 13 is applied to the substrate sides 7, 8 or the primer 6. This further processing step can be carried out, in particular, in a banknote printing plant or a banknote printing plant. The banknote printing layer 13 can be formed to reproduce graphics, numbers, etc., in an image-like manner, but sometimes also has or includes other security features 11 or other security elements 5. (As shown in...) Figure 6As briefly shown, the banknote printing plant 13 can also be formed as a covering layer 9. This can be particularly advantageous when the primer 6 is disposed between the polymer carrier layer 4 and the anti-counterfeiting features 11 and / or anti-counterfeiting elements 5.

[0050] exist Figures 1 to 7 The illustration shows an embodiment of the polymer substrate 1 that is independent in certain situations, or a polymer substrate 1 made according to the preparation method described in the claim, wherein the same part is used as previously described. Figure 1 The same reference numerals or part names are used in the accompanying drawings. The following description will be based on... Figures 1 to 7 The implementation method is designed to avoid unnecessary repetition.

[0051] exist Figures 1 to 7 Seven conceivable embodiments of the polymer substrate 1 are illustrated exemplarily. Furthermore... Figure 1 and Figure 6 Exemplary embodiments of polymer-modified paper 2 or polymer-modified anti-counterfeiting paper 3 are also shown. It should be clearly noted that many other implementation variations are conceivable and the shown forms should be interpreted as exemplary only. When anti-counterfeiting element 5 is mentioned below, it refers to anti-counterfeiting element 5 having one or more of the same or different types of anti-counterfeiting features 11. However, for readability purposes, only anti-counterfeiting element 5 is mentioned in most cases.

[0052] Figures 1 to 7 The diagram shows a polymer substrate 1 with different configurations, including a polymer carrier layer 4 and at least one anti-counterfeiting element 5. Specifically, in Figure 1 The image shows three anti-counterfeiting elements 5 with the same width 12 but different heights 14. Figure 2 A polymer substrate 1 is shown with two anti-counterfeiting elements 5 having different widths of 12. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The image shows three anti-counterfeiting elements 5 with different widths 12 and heights 14. The anti-counterfeiting element 5 also has an anti-counterfeiting feature 11, which is shown here in all figures as having a rectangular cross-section. However, it goes without saying that the anti-counterfeiting element 5 and the anti-counterfeiting feature 11 could have other geometric shapes. Figures 1 to 5 The diagram also shows that the anti-counterfeiting element 5 is applied to the polymer carrier layer 4. Figure 1 , 2 3, 4 and 6) or one of them Figure 5Applying the anti-counterfeiting feature 11 to the polymer carrier layer 4 can be done in a cutout provided for this purpose in the polymer carrier layer 4 and / or under applied pressure and / or temperature. It is also conceivable that the polymer carrier layer 4 has a smaller thickness at the location where the anti-counterfeiting element 5 should be applied, such that the anti-counterfeiting element 5 can be fully or nearly fully received therein. This allows for a final polymer substrate 1 that is as flat as possible. Alternative embodiments are also conceivable, but are not illustrated in the images, in which the anti-counterfeiting element 5 is formed both in and on the polymer carrier layer 4. Furthermore, it is possible, and conveniently in some cases, that the anti-counterfeiting element 5 is not only... Figures 1 to 4 The shown material is applied to one side of the polymer carrier layer 4, and also as shown by... Figure 5 As shown, it is applied to both sides of the polymer carrier layer 4. Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the primer 6 is applied at least partially to the first substrate side 7 of the polymer substrate 1. When the anti-counterfeiting element 5 is applied to both sides of the polymer carrier layer 4, it may also be convenient to apply the primer 6 to the first substrate side 7 and additionally to the second substrate side 8. This can be done, for example, according to... Figure 5 To proceed. Figure 6 As shown, it is also conceivable that the substrate 6 is applied between the polymer carrier layer 4 and the anti-counterfeiting elements 5. The three anti-counterfeiting elements 5 shown in this embodiment are arranged on the primer 6. However, it is also possible that the anti-counterfeiting elements 5 are at least partially embedded in the primer 6.

[0053] exist Figures 1 to 5 In this process, the primer 6 at least partially covers at least the anti-counterfeiting element 5, wherein the area of ​​the anti-counterfeiting element 5 covered by the primer 6 has lower visibility compared to the area of ​​the anti-counterfeiting element 5 not covered by the primer 6 and / or the area of ​​the polymer carrier layer 4 not covered by the primer 6. Preferably, the area of ​​the anti-counterfeiting element 5 covered by the primer 6 has lower visibility when viewed from above compared to the area of ​​the polymer carrier layer not covered by the primer 6. Figure 1 and Figure 3 In the process, the anti-counterfeiting element 5 is completely covered by the primer 6 and is therefore invisible or imperceptible to a user viewing the polymer substrate 1 from above, or poorly visible or perceptible compared to the uncovered area. Now in Figure 2 In this process, the anti-counterfeiting element 5 is partially or completely covered by the primer 6. These uncovered areas or sections are perceived by a user viewing these areas from above as so-called windows 15. Because these windows 15 are located only on one side of the polymer substrate 1, they are also referred to as half windows. Figure 4The diagram shows the anti-counterfeiting element 5 without the primer 6, as well as the anti-counterfeiting element 5 partially obscured and completely obscured. The uncovered and partially obscured anti-counterfeiting elements 5 can be identified or observed through a half-window, respectively. Figure 5 As shown, the primer 6 can also be applied at least partially, i.e., partially, to the second substrate side 8. If the areas not covered by the primer 6 are opposite each other, the resulting window 15 is called a full window. Therefore, in Figure 5 The image—described from left to right—shows the anti-counterfeiting element 5 in its full-window, half-window, and fully obscured states. Figure 6 A primer 6 is applied evenly to the first substrate side 7, with the three anti-counterfeiting elements 5 arranged on the primer 6. A cover layer 9, which can be the banknote printing layer 13, is partially applied to the first substrate side 7. Here, the cover layer 9 can completely or partially cover the anti-counterfeiting elements 5, thereby forming a window. As shown, but it is also conceivable that the cover layer 9 does not cover the anti-counterfeiting elements 5.

[0054] Alternatively, one or more anti-counterfeiting elements 5, including a transfer film, may be formed. The transfer film may have one or more anti-counterfeiting features 11 and a separable carrier film, wherein the transfer film is defined on its outer side by the separable carrier film. It is possible that the separable carrier film is removed during the preparation of the polymer substrate 1 after the application of the anti-counterfeiting features 11 or the anti-counterfeiting element 5, or optionally after bonding it to the polymer carrier layer 4.

[0055] The area of ​​the anti-counterfeiting element 5 covered by the primer 6 is invisible or has low visibility when viewed from above, but is visible when viewed through a light source. Alternatively, the area of ​​the anti-counterfeiting element 5 covered by the primer 6 is more visible when viewed through a light source than when viewed from above. For example, a user can hold the polymer substrate 1 against a light source and thus optically perceive or see the section of the anti-counterfeiting element 5 covered by the primer 6.

[0056] Another potentially convenient method is to apply the primer 6 using printing techniques. The primer 6 can be formed in a printable manner. The primer 6 can also be formed to be diffuse-scattering. In particular, the primer 6 can give the user a white impression under natural or artificial light. The primer 6 can have a thickness 10 between 1 μm and 50 μm, preferably between 5 μm and 30 μm, particularly preferably between 7 μm and 25 μm, and especially between 10 μm and 20 μm.

[0057] The polymer carrier layer 4 can be made of plastic, particularly a light-transmitting plastic. The polymer carrier layer 4 preferably includes or is made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of: polyimide (PI), polypropylene (PP), uniaxially oriented polypropylene (MOPP), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polyethylene (PE), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketone (PEK), polyvinylimide (PEI), polysulfone (PSU), polyaryl etherketone (PAEK), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyester, and polyterephthalate. Butylene formate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene-fluorinated terpolymer (EFEP) and / or mixtures and / or copolymers and / or composites of these materials.

[0058] The anti-counterfeiting element 5 (one or more) may be formed with at least one anti-counterfeiting feature 11, which may be composed of, for example, an optically variable feature, an optically identifiable feature in terms of transmission or reflection, a machine-readable feature, and / or a material or feature that absorbs and / or re-emits electromagnetic waves.

[0059] According to Figures 1 to 5 In the preparation of the polymer substrate 1, it may be convenient to cut, especially to an arc shape, the polymer substrate 1 before applying the anti-counterfeiting element 5 and / or before applying the primer 6. Alternatively, the anti-counterfeiting element 5 can be applied directly to and / or therein the polymer carrier layer 4, or applied to the polymer carrier layer 4 using an alignment machine. When the primer 6 is partially applied and thus forms the window 15, application by an alignment machine or in the case of performing alignment matching may be particularly convenient. It is important here that the primer 6 obscures the provided window 15 due to incorrect alignment matching.

[0060] exist Figure 7 The diagram shows a top view of the polymer substrate 1 or an arc-shaped embodiment of the polymer substrate 1. The polymer substrate 1 is divided into several areas by fine dashed lines, indicating regions that can be packaged from the polymer substrate 1 or from a further processed polymer substrate 1 into polymer value paper 2 or polymer security paper 3. Figure 7The leftmost column shown contains—for example only—six such areas. These left columns are formed with anti-counterfeiting elements 5 embossed as security threads, wherein the anti-counterfeiting elements 5 are partially covered by a primer 6. When viewed from above the polymer substrate 1, the area covered by the primer 6 is more easily identified by the observer than the area of ​​the anti-counterfeiting element 5 that is not covered by the primer.

[0061] exist Figure 7 The second column from the left, shown in the image, also includes six such areas. These second columns on the left contain tamper-evident elements 5, which are completely covered by a primer 6. Here, the area of ​​the tamper-evident element 5 covered by the primer 6 is invisible when viewed from above but visible when viewed from a distance, or the area of ​​the tamper-evident element 5 covered by the primer 6 is more visible when viewed from a distance than when viewed from above. This approximate obscuring effect is illustrated in the second column on the left by thick dashed lines, which represent the tamper-evident element 5 formed as lines arranged below it.

[0062] Figure 7 a to Figure 7 d are shown in cross-section according to Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the implementation method. According to... Figure 7 a to Figure 7 The corresponding cross-section of d is cut off here. Figure 7 It is simply shown and indicated by corresponding letters and position arrows. Figure 7 a and Figure 7 c shows the cross-sections of the length passing through the anti-counterfeiting element 5 or the anti-counterfeiting line. Figure 7 b and Figure 7 d shows the cross section that passes laterally through the anti-counterfeiting element 5 or the line.

[0063] These embodiments illustrate possible implementation variations, and it should be noted that the invention is not limited to the specific implementation variations shown, but different combinations of the various implementation variations are also possible, and based on the teachings on the technical processing methods, those skilled in the art will be able to implement these variations through the invention.

[0064] The scope of protection is defined by the claims. However, the description and drawings are used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the different embodiments described can demonstrate independent inventive solutions. The basic purpose of independent inventive solutions can be understood from the description.

[0065] All information regarding numerical ranges in this specification should be understood as including all of their arbitrary and subranges. For example, values ​​from 1 to 10 should be understood as including all subranges that start from the lower limit of 1 and the upper limit of 10. That is, all subranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, such as 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0066] For clarity, and finally, it should be noted that, for better understanding of the construction, the components are shown not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced.

[0067] 1 Polymer substrate

[0068] 2. Polymer Valuable Paper

[0069] 3. Polymer anti-counterfeiting paper

[0070] 4 Polymer carrier layer

[0071] 5 anti-counterfeiting components

[0072] 6 Primer

[0073] 7 Substrate side

[0074] 8 Substrate side

[0075] 9 covering layers

[0076] 10mm thickness

[0077] 11 anti-counterfeiting features

[0078] 12 width

[0079] 13 banknote printing layers

[0080] 14 height

[0081] 15 windows

Claims

1. A polymer substrate (1) for preparing polymer-modified paper (2) or polymer-modified anti-counterfeiting paper (3), characterized in that, The polymer substrate (1) includes a polymer carrier layer (4) and at least one anti-counterfeiting element (5), wherein the anti-counterfeiting element (5) is applied to and / or therein the polymer carrier layer (4), and wherein a primer (6) is at least partially applied to a first substrate side (7) and / or a second substrate side (8) of the polymer substrate (1). The primer (6) is at least partially disposed between the polymer carrier layer (4) and the anti-counterfeiting element (5). The primer (6) at least partially covers the anti-counterfeiting element (5) and / or the polymer carrier layer (4), wherein the area of ​​the anti-counterfeiting element (5) covered by the primer (6) has lower visibility compared to the area of ​​the anti-counterfeiting element (5) not covered by the primer (6) and / or the area of ​​the polymer carrier layer (4) not covered by the primer (6), wherein the primer (6) is formed to diffuse and the primer (6) produces a white color impression under sunlight.

2. The polymer substrate (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The area of ​​the anti-counterfeiting element (5) covered by the primer (6) is invisible when viewed from above and visible when viewed from a distance, or the area of ​​the anti-counterfeiting element (5) covered by the primer (6) is more visible when viewed from a distance than when viewed from above.

3. The polymer substrate (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The anti-counterfeiting element (5) and / or the polymer carrier layer (4) and / or the primer (6) are at least partially covered by the cover layer (9), wherein the area of ​​the anti-counterfeiting element (5) covered by the cover layer (9) has lower visibility compared to the area of ​​the anti-counterfeiting element (5) not covered by the cover layer (9) and / or the area of ​​the polymer carrier layer (4) not covered by the cover layer (9) and / or the area of ​​the primer (6) not covered by the cover layer (9).

4. The polymer substrate (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The primer (6) is applied by means of a printing method.

5. The polymer substrate (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The primer (6) is formed in a printable manner.

6. The polymer substrate (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The primer (6) completely covers the polymer carrier layer (4) and / or the anti-counterfeiting element (5).

7. The polymer substrate (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The primer (6) partially covers the polymer carrier layer (4) and / or the anti-counterfeiting element (5).

8. The polymer substrate (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The polymer carrier layer (4) is made of plastic.

9. The polymer substrate (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The plastic is a light-transmitting plastic.

10. The polymer substrate (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The polymer carrier layer (4) comprises or is made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of: polyimide (PI), polypropylene (PP), uniaxially oriented polypropylene (MOPP), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polyethylene (PE), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketone (PEK), polyvinylimide (PEI), polysulfone (PSU), polyaryl etherketone (PAEK), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyester, polyterephthalate. Butyl formate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene-fluorinated terpolymer (EFEP) and / or mixtures and / or copolymers and / or composites of these materials.

11. The polymer substrate (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The primer (6) has a thickness (10) between 1 µm and 50 µm.

12. The polymer substrate (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The primer (6) has a thickness (10) between 5 µm and 30 µm.

13. The polymer substrate (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The primer (6) has a thickness (10) between 7 µm and 25 µm.

14. The polymer substrate (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The primer (6) has a thickness (10) between 10 µm and 20 µm.

15. The polymer substrate (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The anti-counterfeiting element (5) is formed with at least one anti-counterfeiting feature (11), which is composed of an optically variable feature, an optically identifiable feature in terms of transmission or reflection, a machine-readable feature, and / or a material or feature that absorbs and / or re-emits electromagnetic waves.

16. A method for preparing a polymer substrate (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the polymer substrate has at least one anti-counterfeiting element (5), the polymer substrate being used to prepare polymer valuable paper (2) or polymer anti-counterfeiting paper (3), the method comprising the following steps - Provide a polymer carrier layer (4). - Provide at least one anti-counterfeiting element (5). - Apply the anti-counterfeiting element (5) to and / or therein the polymer carrier layer (4), - Optionally, the anti-counterfeiting element (5) can be combined with the polymer carrier layer (4). - The primer (6) is applied at least partially to the first substrate side (7) and / or the second substrate side (8) of the polymer substrate (1), wherein the primer (6) is applied at least partially between the polymer carrier layer (4) and the anti-counterfeiting element (5). And / or at least partially cover the anti-counterfeiting element (5) and / or the polymer carrier layer (4) by the primer (6), wherein the area of ​​the anti-counterfeiting element (5) covered by the primer (6) has lower visibility compared to the area of ​​the anti-counterfeiting element (5) not covered by the primer (6) and / or the area of ​​the polymer carrier layer (4) not covered by the primer (6).

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The anti-counterfeiting element (5) consists of a transfer film comprising at least one anti-counterfeiting feature (11) and a separable carrier film, wherein the separable carrier film is removed after application or optionally after bonding.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The primer (6) is applied by means of a printing method.

19. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The polymer substrate (1) is cut before the application of the anti-counterfeiting element (5) and / or before the application of the primer (6).

20. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The anti-counterfeiting element (5) is applied directly to and / or therein the polymer carrier layer (4), or the anti-counterfeiting element (5) is applied to the polymer carrier layer (4) in an alignment machine.

21. A polymer-bonded paper (2) or polymer-bonded anti-counterfeiting paper (3) having at least one anti-counterfeiting element (5), said polymer-bonded paper or polymer-bonded anti-counterfeiting paper comprising a polymer substrate (1), characterized in that, The polymer substrate (1) is formed according to any one of claims 1 to 15 and / or the polymer substrate (1) is prepared by any one of claims 16 to 20.

22. The polymer valuable paper (2) or polymer anti-counterfeiting paper (3) according to claim 21, characterized in that, A primer (6) is applied at least partially to a first substrate side (7) and / or a second substrate side (8) of the polymer substrate (1), the primer (6) being disposed between a polymer carrier layer (4) and the anti-counterfeiting element (5), wherein the anti-counterfeiting element (5) and / or the polymer carrier layer (4) are at least partially covered by a cover layer (9), wherein the area of ​​the anti-counterfeiting element (5) covered by the cover layer (9) has lower visibility compared to the area of ​​the anti-counterfeiting element (5) not covered by the cover layer (9) and / or the area of ​​the polymer carrier layer (4) not covered by the cover layer (9) and / or the area of ​​the primer (6) not covered by the cover layer (9).

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