Process for structuring a surface through indirect subjection to a treatment medium and edge strip produced thereby

Abstract

The invention relates to a process for treatment of a surface (56, 58, 84, 104) in which a substrate (50, 80) having a surface (56, 58, 84, 104) is provided, wherein the surface (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 is at least partially in a molten state at the surface (56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (50, 80), and in which a liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) is applied to a carrier medium (4, 20, 62, 66), characterized in that the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) is transferred from the carrier medium (4, 20, 62, 66) onto the surface (56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (50, 80) before completed solidification of the polymer material, preferably before commencement of a solidification process of the polymer material, and in that the transferred treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) interacts with the surface (56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (50, 80) in such a way that a surface structuring (72, 74, 86, 88, 106, 108) is produced at the surface (56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (50, 80). An edge strip (100) comprising a surface structuring (72, 74, 86, 88, 106, 108) produced by the process is also described.

Description

[0001] Process for structuring a surface by indirect application of a treatment medium and subsequently produced edge strip

[0002] The present invention relates to 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, wherein the polymer material is at least partially in a melt state on the surface of the substrate, and in which a liquid treatment medium is applied to a carrier medium. The present invention further relates to 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 at least partially formed 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] From the state of the art, and particularly in the field of furniture and laminate flooring production, it is known to provide surfaces with a texture using an embossing process. Traditionally, a texture generator, such as an embossing roller with a three-dimensional surface structure that corresponds to a negative image of the texture pattern to be applied, is used. In addition, the use of texture generators in the form of texture generator sheets, strips, or foils, which also bear a three-dimensional surface structure, is also known. This allows a desired texture pattern to be pressed into the surface during surface preparation, just as with the use of 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.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.

[0007] 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.

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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 applied to a carrier medium, characterized in that the liquid treatment medium is transferred from the carrier medium to the surface of the substrate before the polymer material has completely solidified, preferably before the start of a solidification process of the polymer material, and in that the transferred treatment medium interacts with the surface of the substrate in such a way that a surface structuring is produced.The above-mentioned object is further achieved according to the invention by 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 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 disclosure.

[0010] The liquid treatment medium allows for a high degree of flexibility in application, while simultaneously achieving high-quality structuring on a surface. In particular, this eliminates the need for the time-consuming and complex provision of an embossing roller with a three-dimensional surface relief. Furthermore, the process can be carried out following a substrate manufacturing process, making it simple, cost-effective, and space-saving compared to an embossing process using an embossing roller. Furthermore, a wide variety of surface structuring types can be achieved by selecting the composition, temperature, and other properties of the treatment medium.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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 the material does not undergo thermal decomposition due to overheating. This is what distinguishes thermoplastics from thermosets and elastomers. Another unique feature of thermoplastics is their weldability.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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. The substrate is provided with a surface, wherein the polymer material is at least partially in a melt state on the surface of the substrate. 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 from 20 to 30 °C.

[0017] 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.

[0018] The liquid treatment medium is applied to a carrier medium. A carrier medium within the meaning of the invention can be a roller, in particular the surface of a roller, a sheet, a strip, a film, or another object suitable for transferring the liquid treatment medium applied to the carrier medium to the substrate by contacting it, either individually or in conjunction with a roller.

[0019] The application of the treatment medium to the carrier medium can be carried out, for example, by applying it as drops, by immersion in a bath, whereby the liquid treatment medium floats on the surface of another liquid, by thermal transfer, by spreading, by application by means of a nozzle, whereby the treatment medium is directed under pressure towards the carrier medium.

[0020] The liquid treatment medium is transferred from the carrier medium to the surface of the substrate. The transfer preferably occurs by bringing the carrier medium and the surface of the substrate together. The carrier medium and the surface of the substrate can be brought into contact, in particular, pressed together. Preferably, the transfer occurs in such a way that a pattern with which the treatment medium was applied to the carrier medium is replicated on the surface of the substrate.

[0021] The liquid treatment medium is transferred to the surface of the substrate 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 the present case, the term "solidification" is intended to encompass 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 solidified over its entire mass. The transferred treatment medium interacts with the surface of the substrate in such a way that a surface structuring is created. Examples of interaction within the meaning of the present disclosure are: a chemical reaction, influencing material properties, and locally accelerating or decelerating a change in state, although this list is not exhaustive.

[0023] This means that a preparation step involving material displacement or the use of a structuring agent with a three-dimensional embossed surface can be dispensed with in order to obtain a surface structuring of the substrate.

[0024] "Surface structuring" is primarily understood as the result of a targeted adaptation of material properties and / or the material composition of a surface. This includes, for example, surfaces that each have areas with different compositions, crystal structures, roughness, refractive indices, surface tension coefficients, and light reflection coefficients. The surface structuring can be three-dimensional, particularly at the microscopic level. Such three-dimensional

[0025] Surface structuring, for example, is achieved when the surface has areas of varying surface roughness. This creates a microscopic surface topology.

[0026] Surface structuring can impart a specific aesthetic and / or functionality to the surface, particularly one that the surface would not possess without treatment. Examples of such aesthetics include imitating a stone or metal surface, a matte or glossy effect, a special color, smoothing, etc. Examples of surface functionalization include changing scratch resistance, increasing or decreasing permeability to gases or liquids, changing resistance to environmental influences, changing surface tension or surface hardness, an antimicrobial effect, a self-cleaning effect, changing sliding properties, or changing wetting behavior.

[0027] The surface of the substrate may already have a surface structure when it is provided, i.e. before treatment with the liquid treatment medium, for example a roughness or pattern caused by a previous manufacturing step.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] Preferably, the near-surface layer has a thickness that is equal to or greater than the depth of the surface structuring. This allows the properties of the near-surface layer to be utilized for the surface structuring, and the base body can be used, for example, as a more cost-effective carrier. Alternatively, or at least in some regions, 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 base body arranged underneath can contribute to the aesthetic and / or functional effect of the surface structuring. The surface structuring of the edge strip has been produced by a method according to the present invention. Such a surface structuring has, for example, a repeat length that is greater than a repeat length of a surface treated by means of an embossing roller.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the process, the substrate is formed in one or more layers, in particular as a sandwich structure. This allows for the production of end products with a structure that is tailored to cost savings and / or specific applications, while also offering a relatively high degree of design freedom with regard to the aesthetics and / or functionality of the surface.

[0036] 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 that the first melt viscosity is lower than the second melt viscosity.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] This allows changes in the properties of the base body, which could cause a transition to a melt state, to be avoided, while simultaneously creating optimal conditions for creating surface structuring on the near-surface layer. In another embodiment of the process, the substrate is provided as an extrudate, and the substrate is exposed to the liquid treatment medium before the start of a cooling step.

[0040] This allows substrates such as extruded strand profiles to be treated industrially. Furthermore, existing production lines can be supplemented or retrofitted with the process.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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 has been converted back into a melt state after the injection molding process.

[0044] Injection molding is a widely used process that enables high-volume production within a short period of time. Typically, a material is injected into a mold in a liquid or viscous state. The material then cools in the mold and assumes the shape of the mold. Using the process in the present embodiment, the surface of a molded part produced in this way can be treated and its surface can be given a surface structuring. 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 molten state allows for increased flexibility in logistics, as the molded part can be stored, transported, or similarly processed prior to surface treatment with the liquid treatment medium, without these intermediate steps having an impact on the quality of the surface structuring.

[0045] 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.

[0046] In a further embodiment of the method, the liquid treatment medium is applied to the carrier medium according to a predetermined pattern and the pattern is reproduced when the liquid treatment medium is transferred from the carrier medium to the surface of the substrate such that the surface structuring corresponds to the pattern.

[0047] By determining a desired pattern in advance, a surface texture can be reproduced from one substrate to another, increasing process repeatability and the reliability of the process result. Furthermore, a pattern can be planned and designed as desired to impart the appropriate aesthetic and / or functionality to the substrate surface.

[0048] The pattern can be two-dimensional. In this case, the pattern extends essentially in a single plane. The result of the process is a substrate with a substantially flat surface on which the pattern is depicted.

[0049] The pattern can be three-dimensional. Such a pattern is called three-dimensional

[0050] Topology is understood as a variation in surface roughness and / or atomic arrangement across the surface of the substrate, particularly visible at the microscopic level. For example, a substrate with matte and glossy areas on the surface can be a result of the process.

[0051] The pattern may have been selected depending on a desired aesthetic and / or a specific functionality, in particular one that the surface would not have without treatment.

[0052] The liquid treatment medium can be pressurized and applied to the surface of the carrier medium using a nozzle, a print head and / or through a mask to image the predetermined pattern on the surface of the carrier medium.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] Examples of properties of the liquid treatment medium include: quantity, temperature when the liquid treatment medium is applied to the surface, boiling point, thermal conductivity, heat capacity, flowability, microstructure, nanostructure, polymer chain arrangement, crystalline 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.

[0057] 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 being transferred to the surface.

[0058] 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.

[0059] In a further embodiment of the process, the liquid treatment medium contains at least one nucleating agent.

[0060] 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, for example, result in structuring of 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 allows for an increase in processing cycle times.

[0061] Examples of nucleating agents are: 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.

[0062] 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;

[0063] Matting agent.

[0064] This allows several effects to be achieved simultaneously, for example improved mechanical and optical properties of the polymer material on the treated surface.

[0065] In a further embodiment of the method, the polymer material of the substrate has been selected with respect to its melt viscosity.

[0066] In particular, optimal surface structuring can be achieved by selecting both the polymer material based on its melt viscosity and the liquid treatment medium based on this melt viscosity.

[0067] In a further embodiment of the method, two or more portions of the treatment medium are transferred to the surface of the substrate, wherein the portions of the treatment medium have different temperatures. Alternatively, at least a first and a second treatment medium are transferred to the surface of the substrate.

[0068] Due to the different temperatures, heterogeneous surface structuring can be achieved. One example is a surface structuring with matte and glossy areas.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] In a further embodiment of the method, the liquid treatment medium is applied to the carrier medium by means of an ink-jet process.

[0073] Using the inkjet process, localized areas of the carrier medium can be precisely treated, thus indirectly achieving high-quality surface structuring of the substrate surface. In another embodiment of the process, the liquid treatment medium is applied to the carrier medium using an airbrush process.

[0074] In a further embodiment of the method, the liquid treatment medium is applied to the carrier medium by means of high-speed rotary atomization.

[0075] This allows comparatively larger surface areas of the carrier medium to be exposed in one go.

[0076] In general, these embodiments offer the advantage that already available means can be used or adapted to carry out the method.

[0077] In a further embodiment of the method, after transferring the liquid treatment medium to the surface of the substrate, the surface of the substrate is post-treated, in particular in a cooling step and / or in a fixing step.

[0078] 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.

[0079] In a further embodiment of the method, the temperature of the carrier medium is selected depending on the properties of the liquid treatment medium and / or depending on the properties of the polymer material of the surface of the substrate. The temperature of the carrier medium can be selected, for example, such that the properties, in particular the temperature, of the treatment medium applied to the carrier medium can be controlled.

[0080] In a further embodiment of the method, the material composition of the carrier medium, in particular the material composition of the surface of the carrier medium, is selected depending on properties of the liquid treatment medium and / or depending on properties of the polymer material of the surface of the substrate.

[0081] In this way, interactions between the treatment medium and the carrier medium can be used in a targeted manner, for example, to influence the transfer of the treatment medium from the carrier medium to the surface of the substrate. The material composition of the carrier medium can include steel or plastic, for example.

[0082] In a further embodiment of the method, for transferring the liquid treatment medium from the carrier medium to the surface of the substrate, the substrate wraps at least partially around the carrier medium at a wrap angle, and the wrap angle is selected depending on the properties of the liquid treatment medium and / or depending on the properties of the polymer material of the surface of the substrate. Alternatively, the wrap angle is selected depending on the properties of a desired surface structuring.

[0083] In particular, if the carrier medium is a roller or has a rolling element, the time during which the substrate is brought together with the carrier medium, in particular the time during which the substrate comes into contact with the carrier medium, can be controlled. By increasing the wrap angle, the contact time of the carrier medium with the surface of the substrate can be extended, and by reducing the wrap angle, the contact time of the carrier medium with the surface of the substrate can be shortened.

[0084] In addition, force transmission between the carrier medium and the surface of the substrate can be adjusted by varying the wrap angle.

[0085] 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 according to the present disclosure.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] Further features and advantages of the method and the edge strip will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the attached drawing. The drawing shows:

[0090] Fig. 1 is a flow chart for an embodiment of a method for treating a surface;

[0091] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment for applying a treatment medium to a carrier medium;

[0092] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a further embodiment for applying a treatment medium to a carrier medium;

[0093] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a method for treating a surface;

[0094] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a substrate with a pattern; and

[0095] Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of an edge strip in a sectional view.

[0096] Fig. 1 shows a flow diagram for an embodiment of a method for treating a surface. In a first step A, a liquid treatment medium is applied to a carrier medium. Subsequently, and in a step B, the liquid treatment medium is transferred from the carrier medium to the surface of a substrate. The substrate has a surface containing a thermoplastic. In step B, the thermoplastic has a temperature that is above its melting temperature and is in a molten state. The transfer of the treatment medium from the carrier medium to the surface of the substrate in step B takes place before the polymer material has completely solidified, preferably before the solidification process of the polymer material begins. In a step C, the transferred treatment medium interacts with the surface of the substrate in such a way that a surface structuring is created on the surface of the substrate.

[0097] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment for applying a treatment medium to a carrier medium. It depicts a carrier medium 4 in the form of a plastic film with a surface 2. The carrier medium 4 moves from left to right and is exposed to an application module 6. The application module 6 has an inkjet head 8 and is arranged above the surface 2 of the carrier medium 4. The application module 6 applies a treatment medium 10 as droplets 12 to the surface 2 of the carrier medium 4 moving underneath. After application, i.e. to the right of the application module 6 in Fig. 2, the treatment medium 10 is applied to the carrier medium 4 with a pattern 14.

[0098] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment for applying a treatment medium to a carrier medium. Thus, Fig. 3 shows a carrier medium 20 in the form of a steel sheet 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 of Fig. 2, a second application module 30 with a second inkjet head 32 is provided, which is arranged above the carrier medium 20, downstream of the first application module 24 in the direction of movement of the belt 20. The second application module 30 applies a second treatment medium 34 to the surface 22 of the carrier medium 20.The first treatment medium 28 contains a first gloss control medium and the second treatment medium 34 contains a second gloss control agent, wherein the first gloss control medium and the second gloss control medium are different. After successive application, i.e. on the right in Fig. 3, the surface 22 of the carrier medium 20 has a pattern 36 formed by the treatment media 28 and 34 and transferred to the surface of a substrate in a further step. Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a method for treating a surface. A substrate 50 in the form of an extruded strand profile 52 is provided as it emerges from 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 melt state from the manufacturing process using the extruder 54.

[0099] A first application module 60, a second application module 64, a first carrier medium 62, and a second carrier medium 66 are provided in the direction of movement of the extruded profile 52. The first application module 60 is directed toward the first carrier medium 62, and the first carrier medium 62 is brought into contact with the first surface 56 of the substrate 50. The second application module 64 is directed toward the second carrier medium 66, and the second carrier medium 66 is in contact with the second surface 58 of the substrate 50.

[0100] Using the first application module 60, a first liquid treatment medium 68 is applied to the first carrier medium 62. By rotating the first carrier medium 62, which is designed as a roller, and by contact with the first surface 56 of the substrate 50, the first treatment medium 68 is transferred from the first carrier medium 62 to the first surface 56. In a similar manner, a second treatment medium 70 is applied to the second carrier medium 66 and transferred from the second carrier medium 66 to the second surface 58 of the substrate 50.

[0101] As a result, as in the right part of Fig. 4, the substrate 50 or the extruded profile 52 has a first surface structuring 72 with an anti-microbial effect on the first surface 56 and a second surface structuring 74 with an increased Vickers hardness on the second surface 58.

[0102] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a substrate 80 in the form of a film 82, whose surface 84 has been treated by exposure to a liquid treatment medium. The surface 84 has matte areas 86 and glossy areas 88 that form a spot pattern. In the matte areas 86, the surface 84 has increased surface roughness compared to the glossy areas 88, thus creating a three-dimensional topography at the microscopic level.

[0103] Fig. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of an edge strip 100 in a sectional view. The edge strip 100 comprises 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.

[0104] Regions of the near-surface layer 104 that are arranged on a first side of the base body 102 have a first surface structuring 106, which has been created by the interaction of the near-surface layer 104 with a treatment medium in the form of a nucleating agent. The near-surface layer 104 has further regions that are arranged on a second side of the base body 102, 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 one another, they do not interlock with one another.

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. A method for treating a surface (56, 58, 84, 104), in which a substrate (50, 80) with a surface (56, 58, 84, 104) is provided, wherein the surface (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 (56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (50, 80) is at least partially in a melt state, in which a liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) is applied to a carrier medium (4, 20, 62, 66), characterized in that the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) is dispersed by the carrier medium (4, 20, 62, 66) is transferred to the surface (56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (50, 80) before the polymer material has completely solidified, preferably before the start of a solidification process of the polymer material, and that the transferred treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68,70) interacts with the surface (56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (50, 80) in such a way that a surface structuring (72, 74, 86, 88, 106, 108) is produced on the surface (56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (50, 80).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the polymer material on the surface (56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (50, 80) has already been cooled and solidified at least once, and that for providing the substrate (50, 80) with a surface (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 (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 (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 (50, 80) is provided as an extrudate (52), and that the substrate (50, 80) is exposed to the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) before the start of a cooling step.

6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the substrate (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 liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) is applied to the carrier medium (4, 20, 62, 66) according to a predetermined pattern, and in that the pattern is reproduced when the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) is transferred from the carrier medium (4, 20, 62, 66) to the surface (56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (50, 80) in such a way that the surface structuring (72, 74, 86, 88, 106, 108) corresponds to the pattern.

8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) is provided with properties which have been selected depending on at least one property of the polymer material.

9. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) contains at least one nucleating agent.

10. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) contains at least one additive, in particular an additive from the list: dye; UV pigment; microbicide; gloss control agent; matting agent.

11. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the polymer material of the substrate (50, 80) has been selected with respect to its melt viscosity.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that two or more portions of the treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) are transferred to the surface (56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (50, 80), wherein the portions of the treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) have different temperatures, or that at least a first and a second treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) are transferred to the surface (56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (50, 80).

13. Method according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) is applied to the carrier medium (4, 20, 62, 66) by means of an ink-jet process.

14. Method according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) is applied to the carrier medium (4, 20, 62, 66) by means of an airbrush method or by means of an air brush method.

15. Method according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) is applied to the carrier medium (4, 20, 62, 66) by means of high-speed rotary atomization.

16. Method according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that after transferring the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) to the surface (56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (50, 80), the surface (56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (50, 80) is post-treated, in particular in a cooling step and / or in a fixing step.

17. Method according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the temperature of the carrier medium (4, 20, 62, 66) is selected depending on properties of the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) and / or depending on properties of the polymer material of the surface of the substrate (50, 80).

18. Method according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the material composition of the carrier medium (4, 20, 62, 66), in particular the material composition of the surface (2, 22) of the carrier medium (4, 20, 62, 66) is selected depending on properties of the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) and / or depending on properties of the polymer material of the surface of the substrate (50, 80).

19. Method according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that for the transfer of the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) from the carrier medium (4, 20, 62, 66) to the surface (56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (50, 80), the substrate (50, 80) at least partially wraps around the carrier medium (4, 20, 62, 66) with a wrap angle, and that the wrap angle depends on properties of the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) and / or depending on Properties of the polymer material of the surface of the substrate (50, 80) are selected, or that the wrap angle is selected depending on properties of a desired surface structuring (72, 74, 86, 88, 106, 108).

20. 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 (72, 74, 86, 88, 106, 108), characterized in that the surface structuring (72, 74, 86, 88, 106, 108) has been produced by a method according to one of claims 1 to 19.

21. Edge strip (100) according to claim 20, 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.

22. Edge strip (100) according to claim 20 or 21, 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 to the first side of the base body (102), and in that the first near-surface layer (104) has a first surface structuring (72, 74, 86, 88, 106, 108) and the second near-surface layer (104) has a second surface structuring (72, 74, 86, 88, 106, 108), wherein the first surface structuring (72, 74, 86, 88, 106, 108) and the second surface structuring (72, 74, 86, 88, 106, 108) both produced by a method according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

23. Edge strip (100) according to claim 22, characterized in that the first surface structuring (72, 74, 86, 88, 106, 108) and the second surface structuring (72, 74, 86, 88, 106, 108) have different optical patterns and / or different surface properties.

24. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, 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.

25. Method according to one of claims 1 to 19 and 24, 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.

26. Method according to one of claims 1 to 19, 24 and 25, characterized in that the carrier medium (4, 20, 62, 66) is a roller, in particular the surface of a roller, a sheet, a strip, a film or another object which is suitable for transferring the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) applied to the carrier medium (4, 20, 62, 66) to the substrate (50, 80) by coming into contact with the substrate (50, 80). TI . Method according to one of claims 1 to 19 and 24 to 26, characterized in that the application of the treatment medium to the carrier medium (4, 20, 62, 66) is carried out by applying it as drops, by immersion in a bath, wherein the liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) floats on the surface of another liquid, by thermal transfer, by spreading, by application by means of a nozzle, wherein the treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) is directed under pressure in the direction of the carrier medium (4, 20, 62, 66).

28. Method according to one of claims 1 to 19 and 24 to 27, characterized in that the transfer takes place by bringing together the carrier medium (4, 20, 62, 66) and the surface (56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (50, 80), wherein the carrier medium (4, 20, 62, 66) and the surface (56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (50, 80) are brought into contact, in particular pressed together.

29. Method according to one of claims 1 to 19 and 24 to 28, characterized in that the substrate (50, 80) is a solid component.

30. Method according to one of claims 1 to 19 and 24 to 29, characterized in that the substrate (50, 80) is a film, an intermediate product or component for the manufacture of furniture, floors, cars or windows.

31. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, 7 to 19 and 24 to 30, 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.

32. Method according to one of claims 1 to 19 and 24 to 31, characterized in that the surface structuring (72, 74, 86, 88, 106, 108) corresponds to an imitation of a wood grain, stone or metal surfaces.

33. Method according to one of claims 1 to 19 and 24 to 32, characterized in that the surface (56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (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 (10, 28, 34, 68, 70), in particular a roughness or pattern caused by a preceding manufacturing step.

34. Method according to one of claims 1 to 19 and 24 to 33, characterized in that the surface structuring (72, 74, 86, 88, 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.

35. Method according to one of claims 1 to 19 and 24 to 34, 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.

36. Method according to one of claims 1 to 19 and 24 to 35, characterized in that the treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) and the surface (56, 58, 84, 104) have temperatures selected such that the treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) evaporates after being transferred to the surface (56, 58, 84, 104).

37. Method according to one of claims 1 to 19 and 24 to 36, characterized in that two or more portions of the treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) are transferred to the surface (56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (50, 80), wherein the portions of the treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) have different temperatures, and in that the portions of liquid treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) have the same composition, but are each placed in separate containers at a predetermined temperature before they are applied to the surface (56, 58, 84, 104) simultaneously or with a time delay relative to one another.

38. Method according to one of claims 1 to 19 and 24 to 37, characterized in that at least a first and a second treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) are transferred to the surface (56, 58, 84, 104) of the substrate (50, 80), wherein the at least two liquid treatment media (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) differ in their composition or physical state and are applied to the surface (56, 58, 84, 104) simultaneously or with a time delay relative to one another.

39. Method according to one of claims 1 to 19 and 24 to 38, characterized in that at least a first and a second treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) are provided and applied to the surface (56, 58, 84, 104), - wherein the first treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) and the second Treatment medium (10, 28, 34, 68, 70) have different polarities, solubilities and / or surface tensions.

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