Method for structuring a surface by direct application of a treatment medium and edge strip with surface structuring

Abstract

This invention relates to a method for treating a surface (2,22,56,58,84,104), in which a substrate (4,20,50,80) having a surface (2,22,56,58,84,104) is provided, wherein the surface (2,22,56,58,84,104) has at least partially a polymer material comprising a thermoplastic and / or a thermoplastic elastomer, and wherein the polymer material is at least partially molten on the surface (2,22,56,58,84,104) of the substrate (4,20,50,80), and a liquid treatment medium (10,28,34,64,66) in the form of droplets (12) is provided in the method. The invention relates to an edge strip (10,28,34,64,66) that accelerates toward the surface (2,22,56,58,84,104) of a substrate (4,20,50,80), characterized in that the liquid treatment medium (10,28,34,64,66) is applied to the surface (2,22,56,58,84,104) of the substrate (4,20,50,80) before the polymer material has completely solidified, preferably before the solidification process of the polymer material begins, such that a surface structure (14,36,68,70,106,108) is produced on the surface (2,22,56,58,84,104) of the substrate (4,20,50,80). The invention also relates to an edge strip (100) having the surface structure (14,36,68,70,106,108) produced by this method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for treating a surface, in which a substrate having a surface is provided, wherein the surface is at least partially comprised of a polymer material comprising a thermoplastic and / or thermoplastic elastomer, and wherein the polymer material is at least partially molten on the surface of the substrate, and a liquid treatment medium in the form of droplets is provided in the method, and the liquid treatment medium is accelerated toward the surface of the substrate in the method. This disclosure further relates to an edge strip having a matrix and at least one near-surface layer, wherein the at least one near-surface layer is at least partially composed of a polymer material comprising a thermoplastic and / or thermoplastic elastomer, and wherein the surface is surface-structured. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, particularly in the furniture and laminate flooring manufacturing sectors, it is known to provide structure to surfaces through embossing methods. This process conventionally utilizes a structure-imparting element, such as an embossing roller with a three-dimensional surface structure, corresponding to a negative image of the structural pattern to be applied. This embossing roller can be temperature-controlled to support the embossing of the surface to be treated. Alternatively or additionally, the surface to be treated can be hardened before or after the embossing process. Furthermore, the use of structure-imparting elements in the form of structure-imparting sheets, strips, or films is also known. In this way, the desired structural pattern is embossed into the surface during surface treatment, just as with embossing rollers with a three-dimensional surface structure.

[0003] Therefore, both of these known structuring methods utilize elements that bear patterns or have three-dimensional surface structures corresponding to patterns. Manufacturing such structuring elements is complex and expensive. Furthermore, it typically takes four to six months to manufacture a single embossed roller, which results in long lead times when producing end products such as laminate flooring or furniture.

[0004] Furthermore, structuring methods utilizing structured elements present complex challenges, such as the need for precise adjustments to the embossing rollers or presses to press the structure-imparting elements into the surface to be treated with a specific pattern depth. Similarly, detachment from the structure-imparting elements can also be problematic, as it can cause stretching or deformation of the pattern on the surface. Moreover, there is often a preference for choosing less prominent structures or patterns so that the maximum length of repetition of the so-called ripport, or pattern, limited by the circumference of the embossing roller, is less noticeable. In this case, for example, the repetition of the pattern on the surface to be treated might be envisioned to be on the order of approximately 50 cm.

[0005] Digital printing improves surface treatment with patterns by removing the limitations of embossing roller circumference and allowing the application of patterns or decorations of unlimited length. However, structuring the surface to be treated—that is, creating a three-dimensional pattern—remains challenging. To achieve surface structuring, the substrate can be treated in a separate process step, first by creating a specific embossed pattern on the surface through imprinting, and then by applying an image to the embossed surface through digital printing. However, coordinating such process steps is highly demanding and often results in a surface where the embossing and image do not achieve optimal matching.

[0006] DE 10 2015 110 236 B4 discloses a method and apparatus for fabricating a structure on the surface of a flat workpiece. In this method, the workpiece is coated with a liquid base layer in the form of an acrylic varnish in a first step, and droplets are sprayed onto it in a second step. In a third step, the liquid base layer and the sprayed droplets are dried together. Therefore, DE 10 2015110 236B4 discloses a modified dispersion, rather than a polymer melt.

[0007] There are obstacles, especially when it comes to providing new embossing rollers, whether in terms of the structuring of the roller surface itself, the installation of the new embossing rollers onto the production line by crane, or the precise setting of embossing parameters such as the pressing force. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In this context, the object of the present invention is to improve known methods for surface treatment, and in particular to provide a method that can both increase flexibility in the manufacture of edge strips and provide optimal surface structuring quality.

[0009] The above objective is achieved according to the invention by a method for treating a surface, in which a substrate having a surface is provided, wherein the surface has at least partially a polymer material comprising thermoplastics and / or thermoplastic elastomers, and wherein the polymer material is at least partially molten on the surface of the substrate, and wherein a liquid treatment medium in the form of droplets is provided in the method, and wherein the liquid treatment medium is accelerated toward the surface of the substrate, characterized in that the liquid treatment medium is applied to the surface of the substrate before the polymer material has completely solidified, preferably before the solidification process of the polymer material begins, such that a surface structuring is created on the surface of the substrate.

[0010] The present invention also relates to an edge strip implementation having a substrate and at least one near-surface layer, the at least one near-surface layer being at least partially composed of a polymer material, wherein the polymer material comprises thermoplastics and / or thermoplastic elastomers, and wherein the near-surface layer has a surface structure, characterized in that the surface structure is produced by a method according to the present invention.

[0011] High application flexibility and high-quality surface structuring are achieved through liquid treatment media. By applying the treatment directly to the substrate surface without the use of intermediate media, such as carrier media, the expensive and complex preparation or installation of embossing rollers can be eliminated, and the problem of pattern or structuring repetition can be avoided. Furthermore, compared to embossing methods using embossing rollers, this method can be performed more simply, at a lower cost, and in a more space-saving manner after the substrate production process. In addition, a wide variety of surface structuring types can be achieved by selecting the composition, temperature, or other properties of the treatment medium.

[0012] Furthermore, by applying droplets to the substrate surface, spatial patterns can be easily reproduced using existing equipment, resulting in particularly fine structures. In particular, this allows for the application of liquid processing media to the surface with high precision, thereby improving the overall quality and reliability of the method's results.

[0013] In the context of this invention, the concept of "substrate" should be understood as a carrier or body having at least one surface. The substrate can be integral or multi-piece, can have a layered structure composed of layers of different material compositions, can have a sandwich structure, or can be a solid component. In particular, the substrate can be a film, intermediate product, or component used in the manufacture of furniture, flooring, automobiles, windows, or similar objects. Here, the substrate can be provided by methods such as injection molding, extrusion, rolling, pressing, calendering, etc., wherein these processes can be performed individually or in combination. For example, polymeric materials can be first provided by an extruder and then injected into a mold. Furthermore, the substrate can also be provided through several manufacturing steps performed sequentially. An example of this is a substrate provided first by extrusion and then by rolling or calendering.

[0014] The substrate can be provided as an extrudate, particularly by co-extrusion or post-co-extrusion. Co-extrusion can be understood as a process in which at least two polymer materials are simultaneously extruded through a single die. This results in a single extruded product having multiple layers with different compositions that are interconnected. In post-co-extrusion, the at least two polymer materials can merge in a time-delayed manner to form the substrate. For example, a substrate can be first manufactured by a first extruder, and then a surface layer can be applied to the substrate by another extruder connected after the first extruder. Thus, when the surface layer is applied as a melt flow (Schmelzestrom), the substrate may have at least partially solidified.

[0015] The surface of the substrate has at least one polymer material. Within the scope of this invention, polymer material refers to a chemical substance composed of macromolecules. Here, the macromolecules have one or more identical or different structural units or repeating units. Polymer materials can be produced naturally, i.e., by living organisms, or synthetically. The term polymer material includes thermoplastics, elastomers, thermosetting plastics, and thermoplastic elastomers, etc.

[0016] In this invention, the polymer material comprises thermoplastics and / or a thermoplastic elastomer. Thermoplastics, also known as plastomes, specifically refer to plastic materials that are deformable within a specific temperature range. This process is reversible, meaning it can be repeated at any frequency by cooling and reheating to a molten state, as long as there is no thermal decomposition of the material due to overheating. Thermoplastics are therefore distinct from thermosetting plastics and elastomers. Another significant characteristic of thermoplastics is their weldability.

[0017] Thermoplastic elastomers should be understood as materials that exhibit thermoplasticity and thus flowability upon the input of heat. These materials exhibit elasticity at room temperature, particularly at room temperature. Specifically, the elastic properties of polymeric materials are due to the simultaneous presence of physically crystalline or partially crystalline regions and elastic regions within the material at the operating temperature. Examples of thermoplastic elastomers include block copolymers such as thermoplastic styrene elastomers (TPS), thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPU), thermoplastic polyamide elastomers (TPA), and thermoplastic copolyester elastomers (TPC). Additionally, elastomer alloys (so-called blends) such as thermoplastic olefin elastomers (TPO) and thermoplastic rubber vulcanizates (TPV) also fall under the category of thermoplastic elastomers.

[0018] Various thermoplastics and / or thermoplastic elastomers can be used as the polymer material. Advantageously, the polymer material is selected based on the desired substrate surface characteristics, particularly the surface characteristics of films or edge strips. Preferably, the polymer material is selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, polyvinyl chloride, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, thermoplastic styrene elastomer (TPS), thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU), thermoplastic polyamide elastomer (TPA), thermoplastic copolyester elastomer (TPC), thermoplastic olefin elastomer (TPO), thermoplastic rubber vulcanizates (TPV), and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the polymer material is selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, polyvinyl chloride, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, and mixtures thereof.

[0019] The substrate has a surface in which the polymer material is at least partially molten. This molten state is preferably caused by a melting process and corresponds to the liquid or viscous fluid phase of the polymer material on the substrate surface. Within the scope of this invention, the concept of "molten state" includes those phases in which the polymer material has not completely solidified or crystallized. The polymer material on the substrate surface in the molten state preferably has a temperature higher than the melting temperature of the polymer material, particularly at least 15°C higher, preferably at least 20°C higher, more preferably at least 25°C higher, and even more preferably at least 30°C higher, especially a temperature within the range of 20 to 30°C.

[0020] During the melting process, the polymer material on the substrate surface is subjected to temperature and pressure conditions, which cause the polymer material to undergo a phase transition from a solid to a liquid or viscous state. In particular, during the melting process, the melting temperature or glass transition temperature is exceeded under the pressure conditions.

[0021] The substrate surface is coated with a liquid treatment medium before the polymer material has completely solidified, preferably before the solidification process begins. Alternatively or additionally, the polymer material may be coated with the liquid treatment medium in a liquid, partially liquid, and / or partially solidified phase. In particular, applying the liquid treatment medium to the surface at least partially induces solidification of the polymer material on the substrate surface, preferably at the site where the liquid treatment medium contacts the substrate surface. This solidification may occur, for example, due to stronger cooling caused by the treatment medium, particularly at the site of contact with the surface, or by initiating crystallization, for example, through nucleation.

[0022] Here, the concept of "solidification" should include phase transition processes, in which a polymer material changes from at least a partially liquid or viscous state to a solid state, especially from a molten state to a solid state. Complete solidification occurs when the polymer material becomes solid in all its components.

[0023] "Surface structuring" preferably refers to the three-dimensional structure of a surface, or the surface morphology created by using a treatment substance such as a liquid treatment medium. This includes, for example, surface designs that mimic wood grain and stone or metal surfaces, with patterns extending along the main plane of the surface and having regions of different depths. When the substrate is provided, i.e., before treatment with the liquid treatment medium, the surface of the substrate may already have a surface structure, such as roughness or texture created by previous manufacturing steps.

[0024] Edge strips can be, for example, an extruded profile designed to enhance the aesthetics of furniture or as a transition between floor coverings and walls.

[0025] The edge strip has a substrate and a near-surface layer. Here, the near-surface layer can be a region of the substrate, so the edge strip is solid, and the surface treated by this method is the surface of the substrate. The near-surface layer can also be a layer with a different material composition than the substrate. Alternatively, the near-surface layer can have the same material composition as the substrate, but be manufactured separately from the substrate and subsequently disposed on the substrate surface or attached to the substrate.

[0026] Preferably, the thickness of the near-surface layer is equal to or greater than the depth of surface structuring. This allows the properties of the near-surface layer to be used for surface structuring, while the substrate can, for example, serve as a lower-cost support. Alternatively, or at least regionally, the thickness of the near-surface layer can also be less than the depth of surface structuring. Thus, the properties of both the near-surface layer and the substrate disposed beneath it can contribute to the aesthetic and / or functional effects of the surface structuring.

[0027] The surface structuring of the edge strips is produced by the method according to the invention. For example, the repeating pattern length of such surface structuring... The repeating pattern length is longer compared to the surface treated by the embossing roller.

[0028] The methods described below and the various embodiments of the edge strip can be combined with each other arbitrarily. Furthermore, the method steps can be performed in any order, but are preferably performed in the given order.

[0029] In a first embodiment of the method, the polymer material on the substrate surface has been cooled and solidified at least once, and in order to provide a substrate with the surface, the polymer material is returned to a molten state.

[0030] Therefore, the substrate can be stored and / or transported as an intermediate product after its manufacture, and then its surface can be treated. This also allows the substrate to be supplied as an injection molded part, wherein the substrate is injected into a mold and has been cooled at least once, for example, by the mold itself.

[0031] The re-entry into a molten state is preferably achieved through a method step prior to applying a liquid treatment medium to the surface, in which the polymer material on the substrate surface is heated.

[0032] In another embodiment of the method, the substrate is formed as a single layer or multiple layers, particularly a sandwich structure.

[0033] This allows for the creation of final products that possess specific properties in terms of cost savings and / or specific applications, while also offering relatively high design freedom in terms of surface aesthetics and / or functionality.

[0034] In another embodiment of the method, the substrate is provided in the form of a co-extruded edge strip having a near-surface layer and a matrix, wherein the near-surface layer has a first polymer material having a first melt viscosity and the matrix has a second polymer material having a second melt viscosity, and the first melt viscosity is less than the second melt viscosity.

[0035] In a corresponding embodiment of the edge strip, the substrate has a first polymer material, wherein the first polymer material comprises a first thermoplastic and / or a first thermoplastic elastomer. Furthermore, at least one near-surface layer comprises a second polymer material and is disposed on the outside of the substrate, wherein the second polymer material comprises a second thermoplastic and / or a second thermoplastic elastomer, and the first polymer material differs from the second polymer material.

[0036] Therefore, a substrate with a matrix and a near-surface layer, both having different solidification temperatures, is provided. In other words, the substrate can be provided such that the matrix is ​​in a solid state while the near-surface layer is in a molten state. Accordingly, by applying a liquid processing medium, the polymer material of the near-surface layer can be more easily extruded to generate surface structure. Furthermore, changes in matrix properties that might lead to a transition to a molten state can be avoided, while creating optimal conditions for generating surface structure in the near-surface layer.

[0037] In another embodiment of the method, the substrate is provided as an extruder, and a liquid treatment medium is applied to the substrate before the cooling step begins.

[0038] Therefore, substrates such as extruded profiles can be processed industrially. Furthermore, existing production lines can be retrofitted or equipped with this method.

[0039] Preferably, the liquid treatment medium is applied to the surface immediately upon discharge from the extruder. Therefore, this method can be performed after the manufacturing step of the extrusion process. This allows, for example, optimization of the overall production time for edge strips with surface structure.

[0040] The cooling step can be actively assisted, for example by using cooling or cooled rollers, by applying cold mist, by quenching, or similar methods. Alternatively or additionally, the cooling step can also be accomplished by placing the object in air.

[0041] In another embodiment of the method, the substrate is provided as an injection molded part manufactured by an injection molding method, wherein the polymer material is returned to a molten state after the injection molding process.

[0042] Injection molding is a commonly used method that enables high-volume production in a short time. Typically, material is injected into a mold in a liquid or viscous state, then cooled within the mold to achieve the desired shape. The method described in this embodiment allows for surface treatment of the resulting injection-molded parts, imparting surface structure. This enables industrial-scale product manufacturing. Furthermore, subsequent heating or remelting of the surface provides greater logistical flexibility, as the injection-molded parts can be stored, transported, or subjected to similar operations before surface treatment with a liquid treatment medium, without compromising the quality of the surface structure.

[0043] Preferably, the surface of the substrate or the polymer material is brought to a molten state by heating. Heating can be performed, in particular, by heat lamps, heat radiators, and / or lasers.

[0044] In another embodiment of the method, a liquid treatment medium is applied to the surface of the substrate according to a predetermined spatial pattern, thereby causing the surface structure to correspond to the spatial pattern.

[0045] By pre-determining the desired pattern, the same surface structure can be reproduced from one substrate to another, improving the repeatability of the method and the reliability of the results. Furthermore, patterns can be planned and designed on demand to give the substrate surface the appropriate appearance and / or functionality.

[0046] "Spatial pattern" refers to a three-dimensional surface morphology that endows a surface with a specific appearance and / or specific functionality, especially those functionalities that the surface would not possess in its untreated state. Examples of such appearances include: mimicking wood grain, stone, or metal surfaces; matte or glossy effects; coloring; and polishing. Examples of surface functionalization include altering scratch resistance; increasing or decreasing permeability to gases or liquids; changing tolerance to environmental impacts; altering surface tension or surface hardness; antimicrobial properties; self-cleaning properties; and altering sliding properties or wetting behavior.

[0047] Liquid treatment media can be used under pressure and applied to a surface by means of a nozzle, pressure head and / or through a mask to reproduce a predetermined spatial pattern on the surface.

[0048] In another embodiment of the method, in order to apply the liquid treatment medium, it is accelerated toward the substrate surface according to the target penetration depth into the polymer material on the substrate surface.

[0049] This allows setting the depth to which surface structuring should be done. This depth is especially important when, for example, mimicking the appearance of wood or when a specific tactile feel is desired on the surface. Surface functionalization can also heavily rely on the surface's relief texture.

[0050] In particular, the acceleration of the liquid treatment medium can be matched by setting the pressure when the liquid treatment medium is applied to the surface.

[0051] The acceleration of the liquid treatment medium toward the surface preferably induces material extrusion, especially the extrusion of molten polymer materials, thereby forming an uneven texture and creating surface structuring on the surface to which the action is applied. The target penetration depth corresponds to the desired intensity of the induced material extrusion.

[0052] In another embodiment of the method, the properties of the liquid treatment medium are selected based on the properties of at least one polymer material.

[0053] This allows for the tailoring of the liquid treatment medium to the surface to be treated. This expands the application range of the method because it can handle substrates with different compositions, especially those with different types of polymer materials. This method thus enables the structuring of various types of surfaces, whether in terms of special optical appearance, tactile feel, or functionality.

[0054] Properties of polymer materials include, for example, the temperature at which the substrate is supplied, melt viscosity, thermal conductivity, heat capacity, scratch resistance, elastic modulus, plastic modulus, hardness, flowability, microstructure, nanostructure, polymer chain arrangement, crystal arrangement, color, light transmittance, reflectivity, surface tension, charge, polarity, dielectric constant, electrical conductivity, surface roughness, chemical resistance, and pH value. In the case of polymer materials containing at least two different polymer materials, the liquid processing medium can be selected based on consideration of at least one property of each polymer material.

[0055] Properties of the liquid treatment medium include, for example, the dosage, temperature of the liquid treatment medium when applied to the surface, boiling point, thermal conductivity, heat capacity, flowability, microstructure, nanostructure, polymer chain arrangement, color, light transmittance, reflectivity, surface tension, charge, polarity, dielectric constant, electrical conductivity, density, viscosity, and thixotropy. Here, for example, the viscosity or thixotropy of the treatment medium may affect its flow behavior on the surface to be treated.

[0056] For example, the temperature of the treatment medium and the surface can be set so that the treatment medium evaporates on the surface after application.

[0057] A variety of treatment media may be suitable for this method. The treatment media should be selected according to the desired properties of the edge strips or the surface structure to be produced. Preferred treatment media are selected from the group consisting of: water, nucleating agents; dyes; ultraviolet pigments; antimicrobial agents; gloss control agents; matting agents and mixtures thereof.

[0058] In another embodiment of the method, the liquid treatment medium contains at least one nucleating agent.

[0059] By applying a nucleating agent to the surface, the number of nucleation sites generated at the beginning of the crystallization process of the polymer material is increased, at least locally. This allows for structuring, for example, polymers with different volumes in the crystalline and amorphous states. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the polymer material can be improved and crystallization accelerated, which in turn increases the processing speed.

[0060] Nucleating agents include, for example: dibenzyl sorbitol (DBS), p-methyl dibenzyl sorbitol (MDBS), p-ethyl dibenzyl sorbitol (DMDBS), sodium 2,2'-methylene bis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate, aluminum bis(4-tert-butylbenzoic acid) hydroxide (Aluminium hydroxy-bis(4-tert-butylbenzoic acid)), N,N'-dicyclohexyl-2,6-naphthalenedicarboxamide, 4-biphenylcarboxylic acid, thymine, talc, and sodium benzoate.

[0061] In another embodiment of the method, the liquid treatment medium contains at least one additive, particularly additives from the following list: dyes; ultraviolet pigments; antimicrobial agents; gloss control agents; matting agents.

[0062] This allows for multiple effects to be achieved simultaneously, such as improving the mechanical and optical properties of polymer materials on the treated surface.

[0063] In another embodiment of the method, the polymer material of the substrate is selected based on its melt viscosity.

[0064] By selecting an appropriate polymer material melt viscosity, an optimal material extrusion effect can be achieved by applying a liquid treatment medium. In particular, optimal surface structuring can be achieved by selecting a polymer material and a liquid treatment medium based on the melt viscosity.

[0065] In another embodiment of the method, two or more portions of a treatment medium are applied to the surface of a substrate, wherein each portion of the treatment medium has a different temperature. Alternatively, at least one first and one second treatment medium may be applied to the substrate surface.

[0066] Heterogeneous surface structuring can be achieved due to varying temperatures. An example is surface structuring with both matte and glossy regions. Another example is surface structuring with varying depths, as the degree of material extrusion depends on the temperature difference between the surface temperature of the applied area and the temperature of the liquid processing medium, as well as other factors.

[0067] These liquid treatment media may have the same composition, but are placed in separate containers at a predetermined temperature and then applied to the surface simultaneously or with a time delay between them.

[0068] The at least two liquid treatment media may differ from each other in composition or physical state, and may be applied to the surface simultaneously or with time delay between each other.

[0069] Alternatively or additionally, at least one first and second treatment media may be provided and applied to the surface, wherein the first treatment media has different polarity, solubility and / or surface tension than the second treatment media.

[0070] In another embodiment of the method, a liquid treatment medium is applied to the substrate surface by an inkjet method.

[0071] Inkjet printing allows for the treatment and structuring of locally defined areas of a surface. In addition to the spatial positioning of the applied processing medium droplets, their volume and acceleration can be controlled with great precision. Droplets can also be applied multiple times to the same area to achieve the desired effect or to take into account the characteristics of the corresponding substrate.

[0072] In another embodiment of the method, a liquid treatment medium is applied to the substrate surface by an air-brush method or a luftpinsel method.

[0073] In another embodiment of the method, high-speed atomization is employed. A liquid treatment medium is applied to the surface of the substrate.

[0074] This allows for the processing of relatively large surface areas in one go.

[0075] Overall, the advantage of these implementations is that they can be implemented using or matched with existing equipment.

[0076] In another embodiment of the method, after applying a liquid treatment medium to the substrate surface, the treated substrate surface is post-treated, particularly in the cooling and / or fixing steps.

[0077] This can permanently fix the surface structure or make it more durable. In addition, further agents, such as varnishes, resins or primers, can be applied to the surface structure to form an additional layer on the surface structure, and / or it can be plasma treated.

[0078] In another embodiment of the edge strip, a first near-surface layer is provided on a first side of the substrate, and a second near-surface layer is provided on a second side of the substrate opposite to the first side. Furthermore, the first near-surface layer has a first surface structure, and the second near-surface layer has a second surface structure, wherein both the first and second surface structures are generated by the method described above.

[0079] Therefore, edge strips with surface structured features on both sides can be provided. Here, the first and second surface structured features can be different from each other.

[0080] In another embodiment of the edge strip, the first surface structuring and the second surface structuring have different optical patterns and / or different surface properties.

[0081] Such edge strips can be adapted for their intended subsequent use, such as in the furniture manufacturing industry. Furthermore, this eliminates the need for additional surface treatment steps. Attached Figure Description

[0082] Other features and advantages of the method and edge strips can be derived from the following description of the embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0083] In the attached diagram:

[0084] Figure 1 A flowchart of a first embodiment of a method for treating a surface is shown;

[0085] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of a method for treating a surface is shown;

[0086] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of a method for treating a surface is shown;

[0087] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of a method for treating a surface is shown;

[0088] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a surface-treated substrate is shown;

[0089] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the edge strip is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0090] Figure 1 A flowchart of a first embodiment of a method for treating a surface is shown. In a first step A, a substrate having a surface is provided, wherein the surface contains a thermoplastic. In step A, the thermoplastic is at a temperature above its melting temperature and is in a molten state.

[0091] Step B is performed in parallel with step A, wherein the liquid treatment medium is provided in the form of water droplets.

[0092] Following the parallel steps A and B, step C occurs, in which droplets of a liquid treatment medium are applied to the substrate surface according to a predetermined pattern. Because the droplets are present on the surface and the thermoplastic is in a molten state when the droplets are applied, a material change occurs on the surface during subsequent cooling. This material change forms the surface structure corresponding to the pattern followed when the droplets are directed onto the surface.

[0093] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of a method for treating surface 2 is shown. A film 4 is shown having a surface 2 containing a thermoplastic elastomer. The film 4 moves from left to right and passes through an application module 6. The application module 6 is equipped with an inkjet head 8 and is located above the surface 2 of the film 4. The application module 6 applies a treatment medium 10 in the form of droplets 12 onto the surface 2 moving below it. After the treatment, the surface 2 of the film 4 is... Figure 2 On the right side of the application module 6, a surface structure 14 is formed, which has a region 16, which is the result of material extrusion.

[0094] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of a method for treating surface 22 is shown. This method is based on... Figure 2 The method described herein, but with an additional application step. Figure 3 The image also shows a thin film 20 with surface 22, moving from left to right, and illustrates a first application module 24 with a first inkjet head 26 and a first processing medium 28. Additionally, with... Figure 2Unlike other embodiments, this one includes a second application module 30 with a second inkjet head 32, positioned above the film 20 after the first application module 24 in the film 20's moving direction. The second application module 30 applies a second processing medium 34 containing a gloss modifier to the surface 22 of the film 20. After sequential application processing, i.e. Figure 3 On the right side, the surface 22 of the film 20 has a surface structure 36. It has a region 38 as a result of material extrusion and a matte region 40.

[0095] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of a method for treating a surface is shown. A substrate 50, in the form of an extruded profile 52, is provided as it exits an extruder 54. The substrate 50 has a first surface 56 and a second surface 58, each having a thermoplastic material that remains molten during the manufacturing process using the extruder 54. A first application module 60 and a second application module 62 are provided in the direction of movement of the profile 52. The first application module 60 is aligned with the first surface 56, and the second application module 62 is aligned with the second surface 58.

[0096] The first liquid treatment medium 64 is applied to the first surface 56 using the first application module 60, and the second liquid treatment medium 66 is applied to the second surface 58 using the second application module 62.

[0097] After double-sided treatment, the substrate 50 or extruded profile 52 has a first surface structure 68 with antibacterial effect on the first surface 56, and a second surface structure 70 with improved Vickers hardness on the second surface 58.

[0098] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a substrate 80 in the form of a thin film 82 is shown, the surface 84 of which is treated by applying a liquid treatment medium. The surface 84 has matte regions 86 and glossy regions 88, which form a speckled pattern.

[0099] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the edge strip 100 is shown. The edge strip 100 has a substrate 102 with a first polymer material and a near-surface layer 104 that partially covers the substrate 102 with a second polymer material. The first polymer material has higher strength than the second polymer material and serves as a load-bearing material for the decorative or functional near-surface layer 104.

[0100] The near-surface layer 104, located on the outer side of the substrate 102, has a first surface structure 106 that mimics wood grain. Furthermore, the near-surface layer 104, located on the inner side of the substrate 102, has a second surface structure 108 with a relatively high surface roughness. The second surface structure 108 causes the multiple edge strips 100 to not adhere to each other when stacked.

Claims

1. A method for treating surfaces (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104). - In this method, a substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) having surfaces (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) is provided. - The surfaces (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) are at least partially composed of a polymer material. - The polymer material comprises thermoplastics and / or thermoplastic elastomers, and - The polymer material is at least partially molten on the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80). - In the method, a liquid processing medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) in the form of droplets (12) is provided, and - In the method, the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) is accelerated toward the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80). Its features are, - Before the polymer material has completely solidified, the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) is applied to the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) to produce a surface structuring (14, 36, 68, 70, 106, 108) on the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before the solidification process of the polymer material begins, the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) is applied to the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) to create a surface structure (14, 36, 68, 70, 106, 108) on the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80).

3. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, - The polymer material on the surfaces (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrates (4, 20, 50, 80) has been cooled and solidified at least once, and - In order to provide a substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) with surfaces (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104), the polymer material is transformed back into a molten state.

4. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, The substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) is formed as a single layer or multiple layers.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The substrates (4, 20, 50, 80) are formed into a sandwich structure.

6. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, - The substrates (4, 20, 50, 80) are provided in the form of a co-extruded edge strip (100) having a near-surface layer (104) and a matrix (102), wherein the near-surface layer (104) has a first polymer material having a first melt viscosity and the matrix (102) has a second polymer material having a second melt viscosity, and - The first melt viscosity is less than the second melt viscosity.

7. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, - The substrates (4, 20, 50, 80) are provided in the form of extrudate (52), and - Before the cooling step begins, apply liquid treatment media (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) to the substrates (4, 20, 50, 80).

8. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, The substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) is provided as an injection molded part manufactured by an injection molding method, wherein the polymer material is transferred back to a molten state after the injection molding process.

9. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, Liquid treatment media (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) are applied to the surfaces (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) according to a predetermined spatial pattern, thereby making the surface structure (14, 36, 68, 70, 106, 108) conform to the spatial pattern.

10. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, In order to apply the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) is accelerated toward the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) according to the desired penetration depth in the polymer material on the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80).

11. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, The properties of the liquid treatment media (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) are selected based on the properties of at least one polymer material.

12. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, The liquid treatment media (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) contain at least one nucleating agent.

13. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, The liquid treatment media (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) contain at least one additive.

14. The method according to claim 13, Its features are, The liquid treatment media (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) contain at least one additive selected from the following list: dye; ultraviolet pigment; antimicrobial agent; gloss control agent; matting agent.

15. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, The polymer materials of the substrates (4, 20, 50, 80) are selected based on their melt viscosity.

16. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, - Apply two or more portions of a liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) to the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of a substrate (4, 20, 50, 80), wherein these portions of the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) have different temperatures. or - Apply at least one first liquid treatment medium and a second liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) to the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80).

17. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, Liquid processing media (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) are applied to the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of a substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) using an inkjet method.

18. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, Liquid treatment media (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) are applied to the surfaces (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) by air brushing or air pen method.

19. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, Liquid treatment media (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) are applied to the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) by rotary atomization.

20. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, After applying liquid treatment medium (10,28,34,64,66) to the surface (2,22,56,58,84,104) of the substrate (4,20,50,80), the surface (2,22,56,58,84,104) of the substrate (4,20,50,80) is post-treated.

21. The method according to claim 20, Its features are, In the cooling and / or fixing steps, the surfaces (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the applied substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) are post-treated.

22. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, - The manufactured surface structures (14, 36, 68, 70, 106, 108) are surface structures (14, 36, 68, 70, 106, 108) of an edge strip (100), the edge strip having - matrix (102) and - At least one near-surface layer (104). - The near-surface layer (104) of at least one of them is at least partially composed of a polymer material, - The polymer material comprises thermoplastics and / or thermoplastic elastomers, and - The near-surface layer (104) therein has surface structure (14, 36, 68, 70, 106, 108).

23. The method according to claim 22, Its features are, - The matrix (102) has a first polymer material, wherein the first polymer material comprises a first thermoplastic and / or a first thermoplastic elastomer. - The near-surface layer (104) of at least one of the substrates has a second polymer material and is disposed on the outside of the substrate (102), wherein the second polymer material comprises a second thermoplastic and / or a second thermoplastic elastomer, and - The first polymer material is different from the second polymer material.

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, Its features are, - A first near-surface layer (104) is provided on a first side of the substrate (102), and a second near-surface layer (104) is provided on a second side of the substrate (102) opposite to the first side of the substrate (102), and - The first near-surface layer (104) has a first surface structure (14, 36, 68, 70, 106, 108), and the second near-surface layer (104) has a second surface structure (14, 36, 68, 70, 106, 108). - Both the first surface structuring (14, 36, 68, 70, 106, 108) and the second surface structuring (14, 36, 68, 70, 106, 108) are made by the method of any one of claims 1 to 18.

25. The method according to claim 24, Its features are, The first surface structure (14, 36, 68, 70, 106, 108) and the second surface structure (14, 36, 68, 70, 106, 108) have different optical patterns and / or different surface properties.

26. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, Its features are, The polymer material is selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, polyvinyl chloride, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, thermoplastic styrene elastomer, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, thermoplastic polyamide elastomer, thermoplastic copolyester elastomer, thermoplastic olefin elastomer, thermoplastic rubber vulcanizates and mixtures thereof.

27. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, Its features are, The temperature of the polymer material on the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the molten substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) exceeds the melting temperature of the polymer material.

28. The method according to claim 27, Its features are, The temperature of the polymer material on the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) in the molten state exceeds the melting temperature of the polymer material by at least 15°C.

29. The method according to claim 27, Its features are, The temperature of the polymer material on the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) in the molten state exceeds the melting temperature of the polymer material by at least 20°C.

30. The method according to claim 27, Its features are, The temperature of the polymer material on the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) in the molten state exceeds the melting temperature of the polymer material by at least 25°C.

31. The method according to claim 27, Its features are, The temperature of the polymer material on the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) in the molten state exceeds the melting temperature of the polymer material by at least 30°C.

32. The method according to claim 27, Its features are, The temperature of the polymer material on the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) in the molten state exceeds the melting temperature of the polymer material by 20 to 30°C.

33. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, Its features are, The base materials (4, 20, 50, 80) are solid components.

34. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, Its features are, The substrates (4, 20, 50, 80) are films, intermediate products or components used in the production of furniture, flooring, automobiles or windows.

35. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 9 to 21, Its features are, - The substrates (4, 20, 50, 80) are prepared in the form of an extrudate (52) by post-co-extrusion, wherein the matrix is ​​generated by a first extruder, and a surface layer is then applied to the matrix by a further extruder connected after the first extruder, wherein the matrix is ​​at least partially solidified when the surface layer is applied as a melt flow, and - Apply the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) to the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) before the cooling step begins.

36. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, Its features are, The surface structuring (14, 36, 68, 70, 106, 108) corresponds to the imitation of wood grain, stone or metal surfaces, and has a pattern that extends in the main extension plane of the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) and has different depth ranges.

37. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, Its features are, The surfaces (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) already have a surface structure before being supplied, i.e. before being treated with the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66).

38. The method according to claim 37, Its features are, The surface structure is the roughness or patterning resulting from previous manufacturing steps.

39. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, Its features are, - Surface structuring (14, 36, 68, 70, 106, 108) is surface functionalization. - The surface functionalization described therein has effects from the following list: altering scratch resistance, increasing or decreasing permeability to gases or liquids, altering tolerance to environmental effects, altering surface tension or surface hardness, antimicrobial effects, self-cleaning effects, altering sliding properties or wetting behavior.

40. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, Its features are, The liquid treatment media (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) contain at least one nucleating agent selected from the following list: dibenzyl sorbitol, p-methyl dibenzyl sorbitol, p-ethyl dibenzyl sorbitol, sodium 2,2'-methylene bis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate, aluminum di(4-tert-butylbenzoic acid) hydroxide, N,N'-dicyclohexyl-2,6-naphthalenediamide, 4-biphenylcarboxylic acid, thymine, talc, and sodium benzoate.

41. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, Its features are, The temperatures of the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) and the surfaces (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) are chosen such that the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) evaporates on the surfaces (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) after application.

42. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, Its features are, - Apply at least one first liquid treatment medium and a second liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) to the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80). - wherein the first liquid treatment medium and the second liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) are different in their composition or physical state and can be applied to the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) simultaneously or with time delay between each other.

43. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, Its features are, At least one first liquid treatment medium and a second liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) are provided and applied to a surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104), wherein the first liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) and the second liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) have different polarities, solubilities and / or surface tensions.

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