Method for structuring a surface by directly applying a treatment medium, and edge strip having surface structuring

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for treating a surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104), in which: a substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) is provided with a surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104), the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) at least partly comprising a polymer material, the polymer material containing a thermoplastic and / or a thermoplastic elastomer, and the polymer material on the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) being at least partly in a molten state; a liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) is provided in the form of droplets (12); and the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) is accelerated towards the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 10 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80). The method is characterised in that the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) is applied with the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) before the polymer material has completely solidified, preferably before the solidification process of the polymer material has started, so that surface structuring (14, 36, 68, 70, 106, 108) is produced on the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 15 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80). The invention also relates to an edge strip (100) having surface structuring (14, 36, 68, 70, 106, 108) which is produced by the method.

Description

[0001] Process for structuring a surface by direct application of a treatment medium and edge strip with surface structuring

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for treating a surface, in which a substrate is provided with a surface, wherein the surface at least partially comprises a polymer material, wherein the polymer material contains a thermoplastic and / or a thermoplastic elastomer, wherein the polymer material is at least partially in a melt state on the surface of the substrate, in which a liquid treatment medium is provided in the form of drops, and in which the liquid treatment medium is accelerated towards the surface of the substrate.The present invention further relates to an edge strip having a base body and having at least one layer close to the surface, wherein the at least one layer close to the surface is formed at least partially from a polymer material, wherein the polymer material contains a thermoplastic and / or a thermoplastic elastomer, and wherein the surface has a surface structuring.

[0003] It is known from the state of the art, and particularly in the field of furniture and laminate flooring production, to provide surfaces with a structure using an embossing process. Traditionally, a structure-imparting device such as an embossing roller with a three-dimensional surface structure is used, corresponding to a negative image of the structural pattern to be applied. The embossing roller can be temperature-controlled to assist the embossing into the surface to be prepared. Alternatively or additionally, the surface to be prepared can be hardened before or after the embossing process. The use of structure-imparting devices in the form of structure-imparting sheets, strips, or foils is also known. This allows a desired structural pattern to be pressed into the surface during surface preparation, just as when using an embossing roller with a three-dimensional surface structure.

[0004] For both known structuring processes, an element is used that carries the pattern or is provided with the pattern or a three-dimensional surface structure corresponding to the pattern. The production of such a structured structuring element is complex and costly. Furthermore, a production time of four to six months is typically expected for a structured embossing roller, which then results in long delivery times for the final products such as laminate flooring or furniture.

[0005] In addition, a structuring process using a structured element presents complex challenges, such as the precise adjustment of the embossing roller or the press for pressing the structure generator into the surface to be prepared for a specific structure depth. Removing the structure generator can also be problematic, as this can lead to stretching or warping of the pattern on the surface to be prepared. Furthermore, less prominent structures or patterns are often preferred in order to make repetitions of the so-called repeat or maximum length of the pattern, which is limited by the circumference of the embossing roller, appear less noticeable. For example, a repeat or repetition of the pattern on the surface to be prepared on the order of approximately 50 cm is conceivable.

[0006] Digital printing has improved the preparation of surface patterns, for example, by no longer limiting patterns by the circumference of an embossing roller and by allowing a pattern or decoration to be applied over an endless length. Nevertheless, providing a surface to be prepared with a structure, i.e. a three-dimensional pattern, remains problematic. To achieve surface structuring, the substrate can be prepared in separate process steps: first by embossing to create a specific embossed pattern on the surface, then by digital printing to apply an image to the embossed surface. However, coordinating such process steps is challenging, and often the result is a surface with an embossing and an image that do not optimally match each other.

[0007] DE 10 2015 110 236 B4 discloses a method and a device for producing a structure on the surface of a flat workpiece. In a first step, a workpiece is coated with a liquid base layer in the form of an acrylate coating, and in a second step, liquid droplets are sprayed onto the workpiece. In a third step, the liquid base layer and the sprayed liquid droplets are dried together. DE 10 2015 110 236 B4 thus discloses a modified dispersion, not a polymer melt.

[0008] In particular, there are also hurdles in the provision of a new embossing roller, both from the aspect of structuring the embossing roller surface itself, as well as from the aspect of installing the new embossing roller in the production line with a crane and the precise adjustment of the embossing parameters such as penetration depth, etc.

[0009] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to improve known methods for treating a surface and, in particular, to provide a method which simultaneously offers increased flexibility in the production of edge strips and optimal surface structuring quality.

[0010] The above-mentioned object is achieved according to the invention by a method for treating a surface, in which a substrate with a surface is provided, wherein the surface at least partially comprises a polymer material, wherein the polymer material contains a thermoplastic and / or a thermoplastic elastomer, and wherein the polymer material on the surface of the substrate is at least partially in a melt state, in which a liquid treatment medium is provided in the form of drops, in which the liquid treatment medium is accelerated towards the surface of the substrate, characterized in that the surface of the substrate is exposed to the liquid treatment medium before the polymer material has completely solidified, preferably before the start of a solidification process of the polymer material, in such a way that a surface structuring is produced on the surface of the substrate.

[0011] The above-mentioned object is further achieved according to the invention by an edge strip with a base body and with at least one layer close to the surface, wherein the at least one layer close to the surface is formed at least partially from a polymer material, wherein the polymer material contains a thermoplastic and / or a thermoplastic elastomer, and wherein the layer close to the surface has a surface structuring, characterized in that the surface structuring has been produced by a method according to the present invention.

[0012] The liquid treatment medium allows for a high degree of flexibility in use, while simultaneously achieving high-quality structuring on a surface. By directly applying the coating to the substrate surface without the use of an intermediate medium, e.g., a carrier medium, the time-consuming and complex provision or assembly of an embossing roller is eliminated, as is the problem of repeating the pattern or structuring. Furthermore, the process can be carried out following a substrate manufacturing process in a simple, cost-effective, and space-saving manner compared to an embossing process using an embossing roller. Furthermore, by selecting the composition, temperature, and other properties of the treatment medium, a wide variety of surface structuring types can be achieved.Furthermore, by applying droplets to the substrate surface, a spatial pattern can be easily created using readily available means, allowing particularly fine structures to be created. In particular, this allows the liquid treatment medium to be applied to the surface with high precision, thus increasing the overall quality and reliability of the process result.

[0013] In the context of the present invention, the term "substrate" is understood to mean a carrier or body having at least one surface. The substrate may be a single-piece or multi-piece, comprise a layered structure with layers having different material compositions, comprise a sandwich structure, or be a solid component. In particular, the substrate may be a film, an intermediate product, or component for the manufacture of furniture, flooring, cars, windows, or the like. The substrate may be provided by injection molding, extrusion, rolling, pressing, or calendering, whereby these processes may be carried out individually or in combination with one another. For example, a polymer material may be provided by means of an extruder before being fed into a mold by injection. Furthermore, the substrate may be provided by means of several manufacturing steps that take place one after the other.An example of this is a substrate that is first provided by extrusion and then by rolling or calendering.

[0014] The substrate can be provided as an extrudate by extrusion, in particular by co-extrusion or by post-co-extrusion. Co-extrusion can be understood as the simultaneous extrusion of at least two polymer materials through a single nozzle. This results in a single extruded product with multiple layers that have different compositions and are bonded to one another. In post-co-extrusion, the at least two polymer materials can be brought together with a time delay to form the substrate. For example, a base body can first be produced by a first extruder, and then a surface layer can be applied to the base body by means of a further extruder downstream of the first extruder. The base body can thus be at least partially solidified if the surface layer is applied as a melt stream.

[0015] The surface of the substrate comprises at least one polymer material. A polymer material, within the meaning of the present invention, is a chemical substance consisting of macromolecules. The macromolecules comprise one or more structural units or repeating units that are identical or different. A polymer material can be naturally produced, i.e., by living organisms, or synthetically produced. The term "polymer material" includes, among others, thermoplastics, elastomers, thermosets, and thermoplastic elastomers.

[0016] In this case, the polymer material contains a thermoplastic and / or a thermoplastic elastomer. Thermoplastics, also called plastomers, can be plastics that can be deformed within a specific temperature range. This process is reversible, meaning it can be repeated as often as required by cooling and reheating to the molten state, as long as overheating does not cause thermal decomposition of the material. This is what distinguishes thermoplastics from thermosets and elastomers. Another unique feature of thermoplastics is their weldability.

[0017] A thermoplastic elastomer is a material that becomes thermoplastic and thus flowable when heated. The material can be elastic at normal ambient temperature, particularly at room temperature. In particular, the elastic properties of the polymer material arise from the simultaneous presence of physical crystalline or semi-crystalline and elastic regions in the material mass at operating temperature. Thermoplastic elastomers include, for example, block copolymers, which include thermoplastic styrene elastomers (TPS), thermoplastic urethane elastomers (TPU), thermoplastic polyamide elastomers (TPA), and thermoplastic copolyester elastomers (TPC). Elastomer alloys (so-called "blends") such as thermoplastic olefin elastomers (TPO) and thermoplastic rubber vulcanizates (TPV) also belong to the category of thermoplastic elastomers.

[0018] Various thermoplastics and / or thermoplastic elastomers are suitable for the polymer material. The polymer material is expediently selected according to the desired properties of the surface of the substrate, in particular the film or edge strip. The polymer material is preferably selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, polyvinyl chloride, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, thermoplastic styrene elastomers (TPS), thermoplastic urethane elastomers (TPU), thermoplastic polyamide elastomers (TPA), thermoplastic copolyester elastomers (TPC), thermoplastic olefin elastomers (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 is provided with a surface, wherein the polymer material on the surface of the substrate is at least partially in a melt state. The melt state is preferably caused by a melting process and corresponds to a liquid or viscous aggregate state of the polymer material on the surface of the substrate. Within the scope of the invention, the term "melt state" encompasses aggregate states of the polymer material in which the polymer material is not completely solidified or crystallized.The polymer material on the surface of the substrate, which is in a melt state, preferably has a temperature which exceeds the melting temperature of the polymer material, in particular a temperature which exceeds the melting temperature of the polymer material by at least 15 °C, preferably by at least 20 °C, more preferably by at least 25 °C, even more preferably by at least 30 °C, in particular by an amount in the range of 20 to 30 °C.

[0020] During a melting process, the polymer material on the surface of the substrate is exposed to temperature and pressure conditions that lead to a phase transition of the polymer material from a solid state to a liquid or viscous state. In particular, during a melting process, the melting temperature or glass transition temperature is exceeded at the prevailing pressure.

[0021] The surface of the substrate is exposed to the liquid treatment medium before the polymer material has completely solidified, preferably before the start of a solidification process of the polymer material. Alternatively or additionally, the polymer material can be exposed to the liquid treatment medium in a liquid state, in a partially liquid state, and / or in a partially solidified state. In particular, exposing the surface to the liquid treatment medium can at least partially initiate solidification of the polymer material at the surface, advantageously where the liquid treatment medium comes into contact with the surface of the substrate. The solidification can be brought about, for example, by the treatment medium leading to increased cooling, particularly where it is in contact with the surface, or initiating crystallization, for example by nucleation.

[0022] In this context, the term "solidification" refers to the transition process in the aggregate state in which the polymer material changes from an at least partially liquid or viscous state to a solid state, in particular from a melt state to a solid state. The polymer material is completely solidified when it has become solid over its entire mass.

[0023] A "surface structuring" is preferably a three-dimensional surface structure or a surface topology created by the use of treatment agents, such as the liquid treatment medium. This includes, for example, surface designs such as imitations of wood grain and stone or metal surfaces with a pattern that extends in the main plane of the surface and has different depth ranges. The surface of the substrate may already have a surface structure upon preparation, i.e., before treatment with the liquid treatment medium, such as roughness or patterning resulting from a previous manufacturing step.

[0024] An edge strip can, for example, be an extruded profile designed to improve the aesthetics of a piece of furniture or intended as a transition between a floor covering and a wall.

[0025] The edge strip comprises a base body and a near-surface layer. The near-surface layer can be a region of the base body, so that the edge strip is solid and the surface treated by the process is a surface of the base body. The near-surface layer can also be a layer that differs from the base body in its material composition. Alternatively, the near-surface layer can have the same material composition as the base body, but be manufactured separately from the base body and later arranged on a surface of the base body or bonded to the base body.

[0026] Preferably, the near-surface layer has a thickness equal to or greater than the depth of the surface structuring. This allows the properties of the near-surface layer to be utilized for surface structuring, and the base body can be used, for example, as a more cost-effective carrier.

[0027] Alternatively, or at least in some areas, the near-surface layer can have a thickness that is less than the depth of the surface structuring. Thus, the properties of both the near-surface layer and the underlying base body can contribute to the aesthetic and / or functional effect of the surface structuring.

[0028] The surface structuring of the edge strip was created by a method according to the present invention. Such a surface structuring has, for example, a repeat length that is greater than the repeat length of a surface treated with an embossing roller.

[0029] The individual embodiments of the method and the edge strip described below can be combined with each other as desired. Furthermore, the method steps can be performed in any order, preferably in the specified order.

[0030] In a first embodiment of the method, the polymer material on the surface of the substrate has already been cooled and solidified at least once, and the polymer material is converted into a melt state again to provide the substrate with a surface.

[0031] This allows substrates to be stored and / or transported as intermediate products after their production, as needed, before their surface is treated. This also allows the substrate to be provided as an injection-molded part, where the substrate has been injected into a mold and cooled at least once, for example, by the mold itself.

[0032] The re-conversion into the melt state is preferably carried out by means of a process step prior to the application of the liquid treatment medium to the surface, in which the polymer material is heated on the surface of the substrate.

[0033] In a further embodiment of the method, the substrate is formed in one or more layers, in particular as a sandwich structure.

[0034] Thus, end products can be achieved with a texture that is adapted to cost savings and / or specific uses, on the one hand, and with a relatively high degree of design freedom with regard to the aesthetics and / or functionality of the surface, on the other hand.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the method, the substrate is provided in the form of a co-extruded edge strip with a near-surface layer and a base body, wherein the near-surface layer comprises a first polymer material with a first melt viscosity and the base body comprises a second polymer material with a second melt viscosity, and wherein the first melt viscosity is lower than the second melt viscosity.

[0036] In a corresponding embodiment of the edge strip, the base body comprises a first polymer material, wherein the first polymer material contains a first thermoplastic and / or a first thermoplastic elastomer. Furthermore, the at least one near-surface layer comprises a second polymer material and is arranged on an outer side of the base body, wherein the second polymer material contains a second thermoplastic and / or a second thermoplastic elastomer, and the first polymer material and the second polymer material are different.

[0037] Thus, a substrate is provided with a base body and a near-surface layer that have different solidification temperatures. In other words, the substrate can be provided such that the base body is in a solid state and the near-surface layer is in a molten state. Accordingly, by applying the liquid treatment medium, the polymer material at the near-surface layer can be more easily displaced to create the surface structuring. Furthermore, changes in the properties of the base body that could cause a transition to a molten state can be avoided, while simultaneously creating optimal conditions for creating surface structuring at the near-surface layer.

[0038] In a further embodiment of the method, the substrate is provided as an extrudate and the substrate is exposed to the liquid treatment medium before starting a cooling step.

[0039] This allows substrates such as extruded strand profiles to be treated industrially. Furthermore, existing production lines can be supplemented or retrofitted with the process.

[0040] Preferably, the surface is exposed to the liquid treatment medium immediately upon exiting an extruder. Thus, the present method can be carried out after a manufacturing step of an extrusion process. This allows the overall production time of, for example, an edge strip with surface texture to be optimized.

[0041] The cooling step can be actively supported, for example, by using a cooling or cooled roller, by applying a cooling mist, by quenching, or similar. Alternatively or additionally, the cooling step can be carried out by storage in air.

[0042] In a further embodiment of the method, the substrate is provided as a molded part produced by means of an injection molding process, wherein the polymer material is converted back into a molten state after the injection molding process. Injection molding processes are frequently used processes that enable production of high quantities within a short time. In this case, a material in a liquid or viscous state is usually injected into a mold, wherein the material then cools in the mold and takes on the shape of the mold. With the method in the present embodiment, the surface of a molded part produced in this way can be treated and its surface can be given a

[0043] Surface structuring can be imparted. Overall, this allows products to be manufactured on an industrial scale. At the same time, subsequent heating or subsequent re-conversion of the surface to the melt state allows for increased flexibility in logistics, as the molded part can be stored, transported, or similarly processed before surface treatment with the liquid treatment medium, without these intermediate steps having an impact on the quality of the surface structuring.

[0044] Preferably, the surface of the substrate or the polymer material is converted into a melt state by heating. Heating can be carried out, in particular, by heat lamps, heat radiators, and / or lasers.

[0045] In a further embodiment of the method, the surface of the substrate is exposed to the liquid treatment medium according to a predetermined spatial pattern such that the surface structuring corresponds to the spatial pattern.

[0046] By determining a desired pattern in advance, a

[0047] Surface structuring can be reproduced from one substrate to another, which increases the repeatability of the process and the reliability of the process result. It also allows a pattern to be planned and designed as desired to give the surface of the substrate a corresponding aesthetic and / or functionality. A spatial pattern is understood to be a three-dimensional surface topology that gives the surface a certain aesthetic and / or functionality, particularly one that the surface would not have without treatment. Examples of such aesthetics include an imitation of a wood grain, a stone or metal surface, a matte or glossy effect, a coloring, a smoothing, etc.Examples of surface functionalization include a change in scratch resistance, an increase or decrease in permeability to gases or liquids, a change in resistance to environmental influences, a change in surface tension or surface hardness, an antimicrobial effect, a self-cleaning effect, a change in sliding properties or wetting behavior.

[0048] The liquid treatment medium can be pressurized and applied to the surface using a nozzle, a print head and / or through a mask to create the predetermined spatial pattern on the surface.

[0049] In a further embodiment of the method, the liquid treatment medium is accelerated towards the surface of the substrate depending on a desired penetration depth into the polymer material of the surface of the substrate.

[0050] This allows for the desired depth of the surface texture to be adjusted. This depth is particularly relevant, for example, when simulating a wood look or when the goal is to give the surface a special feel. Surface functionalization can also be highly dependent on the surface's relief.

[0051] In particular, the acceleration of the liquid treatment medium can be adjusted by adjusting the pressure to which the liquid treatment medium is subjected to impact on the surfaces. The acceleration of the liquid treatment medium toward the surface preferably causes material displacement, in particular displacement of the polymer material in the melt state, creating a relief and thus a surface structuring across the impacted surface. The target penetration depth then corresponds to a desired intensity of the material displacement thus achieved.

[0052] In a further embodiment of the method, the liquid treatment medium is provided with properties that have been selected depending on at least one property of the polymer material.

[0053] In this way, the liquid treatment medium can be tailored to the surface to be treated. This opens up expanded fields of application for the process, allowing the treatment of substrates of different compositions, especially with different types of polymer materials. The process can then be used to achieve various types of surface structuring, whether with a specific appearance, feel, or functionality.

[0054] Examples of polymer material properties include: substrate preparation temperature, melt viscosity, thermal conductivity, heat capacity, scratch resistance, elastic modulus, plastic modulus, hardness, flowability, microstructure, nanostructure, polymer chain arrangement, crystalline arrangement, color, light transmittance, light reflectance, surface tension, electrical charge, polarity, permittivity, electrical conductivity, surface roughness, chemical resistance, pH, and others. For a polymer material containing at least two different polymer materials, the liquid treatment medium can be selected taking into account at least one property of each of the polymer materials.

[0055] Examples of properties of the liquid treatment medium include: quantity, temperature when the surface is exposed to the liquid treatment medium, boiling point, thermal conductivity, heat capacity, flowability, microstructure, nanostructure, polymer chain arrangement, color, light transmittance, light reflectance, surface tension, electrical charge, polarity, permittivity, electrical conductivity, density, viscosity, thixotropy, and others. The viscosity or thixotropy of the treatment medium, for example, can influence its flow behavior on the surface to be treated.

[0056] For example, it can be provided that the treatment medium and the surface have temperatures selected in such a way that the treatment medium evaporates after exposure to the surface.

[0057] Various treatment media are suitable for the process. The treatment medium is preferably selected according to the desired properties of the edgeband or the surface structure to be created. The treatment medium is preferably selected from the group consisting of water, nucleating agent, dye, UV pigment, microbicide, gloss control agent, matting agent, and mixtures thereof.

[0058] In a further embodiment of the process, the liquid treatment medium contains at least one nucleating agent.

[0059] By applying a nucleating agent to the surface, the number of nuclei that form at the beginning of a crystallization process in polymer materials is increased, at least locally. This can result in structuring, for example, in polymers that have a different volume in the crystalline state than in the amorphous state. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the polymer material can be improved and crystallization accelerated, which in turn enables an increase in processing cycle times. Examples of nucleating agents are: dibenzylidenesorbitol (DBS), bis(p-methyldibenzylidenesorbitol) (MDBS), bis(p-ethyldibenzylidenesorbitol) (DMDBS), sodium 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate, aluminum hydroxybis(4-tert-butylbenzoate), N,N'-dicyclohexyl-2-6-naphthalenedicarboxamide, 4-biphenylcarboxylic acid, thymine, talc, and sodium benzoate.

[0060] In a further embodiment of the method, the liquid treatment medium contains at least one additive, in particular an additive from the list: dye; UV pigment; microbicide; gloss control agent;

[0061] Matting agent.

[0062] This allows several effects to be achieved simultaneously, for example improved mechanical and optical properties of the polymer material on the treated surface.

[0063] In a further embodiment of the method, the polymer material of the substrate has been selected with respect to its melt viscosity.

[0064] By selecting a suitable melt viscosity of the polymer material, optimal material displacement effects can be achieved by applying the liquid treatment medium. In particular, by selecting both the polymer material based on its melt viscosity and the liquid treatment medium based on this melt viscosity, optimal surface structuring can be achieved.

[0065] In a further embodiment of the method, the surface of the substrate is exposed to two or more portions of the treatment medium, wherein the portions of the treatment medium have different temperatures. Alternatively, the surface of the substrate is exposed to at least a first and a second treatment medium. Due to the different temperatures, a heterogeneous surface structuring can be achieved. One example of this is a surface structuring with matte areas and with glossy areas. Another example is a surface structuring with different depths, because the degree of material displacement depends, among other things, on the temperature difference between the temperature of the exposed surface and the temperature of the liquid treatment medium.

[0066] The portions of liquid treatment medium may have the same composition, but may each be placed in separate containers at a predetermined temperature before being applied to the surface simultaneously or with a time delay relative to each other.

[0067] The at least two liquid treatment media can differ, for example, in their composition or physical state and can be applied to the surface simultaneously or with a time delay relative to each other.

[0068] Alternatively or additionally, at least a first and a second treatment medium may be provided and applied to the surface, wherein the first treatment medium and the second treatment medium have different polarities, solubilities and / or surface tensions.

[0069] In a further embodiment of the method, the surface of the substrate is exposed to the liquid treatment medium by means of an ink-jet process.

[0070] Using inkjets, localized areas of the surface to be treated can be exposed to, and thus structured. This allows not only the local positioning of the applied droplets of the treatment medium, but also their volume and acceleration to be very precisely controlled. Droplets can also be applied to the same spot multiple times to achieve desired effects or to take into account the properties of the respective substrate.

[0071] In a further embodiment of the method, the surface of the substrate is exposed to the liquid treatment medium by means of an airbrush method or by means of an air brush method.

[0072] In a further embodiment of the method, the surface of the substrate is exposed to the liquid treatment medium by means of high-speed rotary atomization.

[0073] This means that comparatively larger areas can be treated in one go.

[0074] In general, these embodiments offer the advantage that already available means can be used or adapted to carry out the method.

[0075] In a further embodiment of the method, after the surface of the substrate has been exposed to the liquid treatment medium, the exposed surface of the substrate is post-treated, in particular in a cooling step and / or in a fixing step.

[0076] This allows the surface structuring to be permanently fixed or made more resistant. Furthermore, the surface with the surface structuring can be coated with another agent, such as a varnish, resin, or primer, to create an additional layer on top of the surface structuring, and / or subjected to a plasma treatment.

[0077] In a further embodiment of the edge strip, a first near-surface layer is provided on a first side of the base body, and a second near-surface layer is provided on a second side of the base body, opposite the first side of the base body. Furthermore, the first near-surface layer has a first surface structuring, and the second near-surface layer has a second surface structuring, wherein the first surface structuring and the second surface structuring are both produced by a method as described above.

[0078] This makes it possible to provide an edge strip with a surface texture on each of its two sides. The first surface texture and the second surface texture can be different.

[0079] In a further embodiment of the edge strip, the first surface structuring and the second surface structuring have different optical patterns and / or different surface properties.

[0080] Such an edge band can be adapted to its intended future use, for example, in furniture manufacturing. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for additional surface treatment steps.

[0081] Further features and advantages of the method and the edge strip will become apparent from the following description of embodiments, with reference to the attached drawing.

[0082] In the drawing show

[0083] Fig. 1 shows a flowchart for a first embodiment of a method for treating a surface; Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of a method for treating a surface;

[0084] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a method for treating a surface;

[0085] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a method for treating a surface;

[0086] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a substrate whose surface has been treated; and

[0087] Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of an edge strip in a sectional view.

[0088] Fig. 1 shows a flowchart for a first embodiment of a method for treating a surface. In a first step A, a substrate with a surface is provided, wherein the surface contains a thermoplastic. In step A, the thermoplastic has a temperature above its melting temperature and is in a molten state.

[0089] Step B takes place parallel to step A, in which a liquid treatment medium in the form of water droplets is provided.

[0090] The parallel steps A and B are followed by step C, in which the surface of the substrate is exposed to droplets of the liquid treatment medium according to a predetermined pattern. Due to the presence of the droplets on the surface and the molten state in which the thermoplastic is exposed during the subsequent cooling, a material change occurs on the surface. This material change results in a surface structuring corresponding to the pattern according to which the droplets were directed towards the surface. Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a method for treating a surface 2. Shown is a film 4 with a surface 2 which has a thermoplastic elastomer. The film 4 moves from left to right and is exposed to an exposure module 6.The application module 6 has an inkjet head 8 and is arranged above the surface 2 of the film 4. The application module 6 applies a treatment agent 10 as droplets 12 to the surface 2 moving underneath. After application, the surface 2 of the film 4 has a surface structuring 14 with regions 16 that are the result of material displacement, i.e., to the right of the application module 6 in Fig. 2.

[0091] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a method for treating a surface 22. This method is based on the method described with reference to Fig. 2 with an additional application step. Fig. 3 also shows a film 20 with a surface 22 that moves from left to right, as well as a first application module 24 with a first inkjet head 26 and a first treatment medium 28. In addition, and in contrast to the embodiment from Fig. 2, a second application module 30 with a second inkjet head 32 is provided, which is arranged above the film 20 after the first application module 24 in the direction of movement of the film 20. The second application module 30 applies a second treatment medium 34, which contains a gloss control agent, to the surface 22 of the film 20. After the successive application, i.e. on the right in Fig.3, the surface 22 of the film 20 has a surface structuring 36. This has areas 38 that are the result of material displacement and matte areas 40.

[0092] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of a method for treating a surface. A substrate 50 in the form of an extruded strand profile 52 is provided upon exiting an extruder 54. The substrate 50 has a first surface 56 and a second surface 58, each comprising a thermoplastic that is still in a molten state from 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 strand profile 52. The first application module 60 is directed towards the first surface 56 and the second application module 62 is directed towards the second surface 58.

[0093] With the first application module 60, a first liquid treatment medium 64 is applied to the first surface 56 and with the second application module 62, a second liquid treatment medium 66 is applied to the second surface 58.

[0094] After the double-sided application, the substrate 50 or the extruded profile 52 has a first surface structuring 68 with an anti-microbial effect on the first surface 56 and a second surface structuring 70 with an increased Vickers hardness on the second surface 58.

[0095] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a substrate 80 in the form of a film 82, whose surface 84 has been treated by applying a liquid treatment medium. The surface 84 has matte areas 86 and glossy areas 88 that form a spot pattern.

[0096] Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of an edge strip 100 in a sectional view. The edge strip 100 has a base body 102 made of a first polymer material and a near-surface layer 104, which partially surrounds the base body 102 and is made of a second polymer material. The first polymer material has greater strength than the second polymer material and serves as a carrier material for the decorative or functional near-surface layer 104. Regions of the near-surface layer 104 that are arranged on the outer sides of the base body 102 have a first surface structuring 106 that imitates a wood grain. Furthermore, regions of the near-surface layer 104 that are arranged on the inner sides of the base body 102 have a second surface structuring 108 with a comparatively increased surface roughness.The second surface structuring 108 ensures that when several edge strips 100 are stacked on top of each other, they do not block each other.

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. A method for treating a surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104), in which a substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) with a surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) is provided, wherein the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) at least partially comprises a polymer material, wherein the polymer material contains a thermoplastic and / or a thermoplastic elastomer, and wherein the polymer material on the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) is at least partially in a melt state, in which a liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) is provided in the form of drops (12), and in which the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) in the direction of the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80), characterized in that the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) is contacted with the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64,66) before the polymer material has completely solidified, preferably before the start of a solidification process of the polymer material, in such a way that a surface structuring (14, 36, 68, 70, 106, 108) is produced on the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the polymer material on the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) has already been cooled and solidified at least once, and that for providing the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) with a surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) the polymer material is again converted into a melt state.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) is formed in one or more layers, in particular as a sandwich structure.

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) is provided in the form of a co-extruded edge strip (100) with a near-surface layer (104) and a base body (102), wherein the near-surface layer (104) comprises a first polymer material with a first melt viscosity and the base body (102) comprises a second polymer material with a second melt viscosity, and that the first melt viscosity is lower than the second melt viscosity.

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) is provided as an extrudate (52), and in that the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) is exposed to the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) before the start of a cooling step.

6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) is provided as a molded part produced by means of an injection molding process, wherein the polymer material has been converted back into a melt state after the injection molding process.

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) is exposed to the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) according to a predetermined spatial pattern such that the surface structuring (14, 36, 68, 70, 106, 108) corresponds to the spatial pattern.

8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that for the application, the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) is accelerated in the direction of the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) as a function of a desired penetration depth into the polymer material of the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80).

9. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) is provided with properties which have been selected as a function of at least one property of the polymer material.

10. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) contains at least one nucleating agent.

11. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) contains at least one additive, in particular an additive from the list: dye; UV pigment; microbicide; gloss control agent; matting agent.

12. Method according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the polymer material of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) has been selected with respect to its melt viscosity.

13. Method according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) is exposed to two or more portions of the treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66), wherein the portions of the treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) have different temperatures, or that the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) is exposed to at least a first and a second treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66).

14. Method according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) is exposed to the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) by means of an ink-jet process.

15. Method according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) is exposed to the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) by means of an airbrush method or by means of an air brush method.

16. Method according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) is exposed to the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) by means of high-speed rotation atomization.

17. Method according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that after the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) has been exposed to the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66), the exposed surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) is post-treated, in particular in a cooling step and / or in a fixing step.

18. Edge strip (100) with a base body (102) and with at least one near-surface layer (104), wherein the at least one near-surface layer (104) is formed at least partially from a polymer material, wherein the polymer material contains a thermoplastic and / or a thermoplastic elastomer, and wherein the near-surface layer (104) has a surface structuring (14, 36, 68, 70, 106, 108), characterized in that the surface structuring (14, 36, 68, 70, 106, 108) has been produced by a method according to one of claims 1 to 17.

19. Edge strip (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that the base body (102) comprises a first polymer material, wherein the first polymer material contains a first thermoplastic and / or a first thermoplastic elastomer, that the at least one near-surface layer (104) comprises a second polymer material and is arranged on an outer side of the base body (102), wherein the second polymer material contains a second thermoplastic and / or a second thermoplastic elastomer, and that the first polymer material and the second polymer material are different.

20. Edge strip (100) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that a first near-surface layer (104) is provided on a first side of the base body (102) and a second near-surface layer (104) is provided on a second side of the base body (102) opposite the first side of the base body (102), and in that the first near-surface layer (104) has a first surface structuring (14, 36, 68, 70, 106, 108) and the second near-surface layer (104) has a second surface structuring (14, 36, 68, 70, 106, 108), wherein the first surface structuring (14, 36, 68, 70, 106, 108) and the second surface structuring (14, 36, 68, 70, 106, 108) both produced by a method according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

21. Edge strip (100) according to claim 20, characterized in that the first surface structuring (14, 36, 68, 70, 106, 108) and the second surface structuring (14, 36, 68, 70, 106, 108) have different have optical patterns and / or different surface properties.

22. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that 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 elastomers (TPS), thermoplastic urethane elastomers (TPU), thermoplastic polyamide elastomers (TPA), thermoplastic copolyester elastomers (TPC), thermoplastic olefin elastomers (TPO), thermoplastic polyurethane vulcanizates (TPV), and mixtures thereof.

23. Method according to one of claims 1 to 17 and 22, characterized in that the polymer material on the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80), which is in a melt state, has a temperature which exceeds the melting temperature of the polymer material, in particular a temperature which exceeds the melting temperature of the polymer material by at least 15 °C, preferably by at least 20 °C, more preferably by at least 25 °C, even more preferably by at least 30 °C, in particular by an amount in the range from 20 to 30 °C.

24. Method according to one of claims 1 to 17, 22 and 23, characterized in that the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) is a solid component.

25. Method according to one of claims 1 to 17 and 22 to 24, characterized in that the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) is a film, an intermediate product or component for the manufacture of furniture, floors, cars or windows.

26. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 7 to 17 and 22 to 25, characterized in that the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) is provided as an extrudate (52) by being produced by post-co-extrusion, wherein a base body is produced by a first extruder, and then a surface layer is applied to the base body by means of a further extruder connected downstream of the first extruder, and wherein the base body is at least partially solidified when the surface layer is applied as a melt stream, and in that the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) is exposed to the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) before the start of a cooling step. TI . Method according to one of claims 1 to 17 and 22 to 26, characterized in that the surface structuring (14, 36, 68, 70, 106, 108) corresponds to an imitation of a wood grain, of stone or metal surfaces with 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.

28. Method according to one of claims 1 to 17 and 22 to TI, characterized in that the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) already has a surface structure when it is provided, that is to say before the treatment by means of the liquid treatment medium, in particular a roughness or pattern caused by a preceding production step.

29. Method according to one of claims 1 to 17 and 22 to 28, characterized in that the surface structuring (14, 36, 68, 70, 106, 108) corresponds to a surface functionalization, wherein the surface functionalization has an effect from the list: a change in scratch resistance, an increase or decrease in permeability to gases or liquids, a change in resistance to environmental influences, a change in surface tension or surface hardness, an antimicrobial effect, a self-cleaning effect, a change in sliding properties or wetting behavior.

30. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17 and 22 to 29, characterized in that the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) contains at least one nucleating agent, wherein the at least one nucleating agent is one from the list: dibenzylidene sorbitol (DBS), bis(p-methyldibenzylidene sorbitol) (MDBS), bis(p-ethyldibenzylidene sorbitol) (DMDBS), sodium 2,2'-methylene bis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate, aluminum hydroxybis(4-tert-butylbenzoate), N,N'-dicyclohexyl-2-6-naphthalenedicarboxamide, 4-biphenylcarboxylic acid, thymine, talc, sodium benzoate.

31. Method according to one of claims 1 to 17 and 22 to 30, characterized in that the treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) and the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) have temperatures selected such that the treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) evaporates after being applied to the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104).

32. Method according to one of claims 1 to 17 and 22 to 31, characterized in that the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (4, 20, 50, 80) is exposed to at least a first and a second treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66), wherein the at least two liquid treatment media (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) differ in their composition or physical state and are applied to the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104) simultaneously or with a time delay relative to one another.

33. Method according to one of claims 1 to 17 and 22 to 32, characterized in that at least a first and a second treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) are provided and applied to the surface (2, 22, 56, 58, 84, 104), wherein the first treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) and the second Treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 64, 66) have different polarities, solubilities and / or surface tensions.

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