Data sheet for incorporating into a security document and / or document of value, preparation processes, and associated security document and / or document of value

Abstract

The present invention relates to a data sheet (10) for incorporation into a security document and / or document of value, for example a booklet, comprising a flexible spine layer (1) and at least one first flexible layer (2) and / or a second flexible layer (2a); wherein a portion of said layers (2, 2a) is connected to a portion of the first surface of the flexible spine layer (1), which comprises at least one copolymer selected from the group consisting of a styrene copolymer or an acrylic copolymer. The flexible spine layer (1) exhibits suitable dimensional stability, tensile strength and yield strength for complying with the specifications of security document manufacturing processes based on lamination at high temperatures and pressures. In addition, the flexible spine layer (1) includes level 2 security particles (5), which make the material much safer against counterfeiting and replication.

Description

DATA SHEET FOR INCORPORATION INTO A SECURITY AND / OR VALUE DOCUMENT, PREPARATION PROCESSES AND ASSOCIATED SECURITY AND / OR VALUE DOCUMENT

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of security and / or valuable documents which include a flexible articulating layer, which is configured to provide durability and flexibility to the security document, and additionally includes security elements to prevent or mitigate tampering and counterfeiting. Prior Art and Prior Art Problems

[0002] Passports are examples of security documents and have a series of security paper pages commonly referred to as visa pages, a cover, a back cover, and their respective endpapers, and a biographical data page. The connection between the biographical page and the other elements is made by the same structure as the biographical page in the case of a paper or hybrid biographical page and by an additional flexible material, particularly in the case of a 100% polycarbonate page.

[0003] A booklet-style security document, such as a passport, includes a plurality of regular pages, each intended for travel-related information and official approvals. These regular pages are constructed from a secure and durable material, such as paper, and are arranged sequentially within the passport booklet.

[0004] The biodata page is a specific page within the passport booklet that contains the passport holder's personal information, including, but not limited to, name, photograph, date of birth, and other relevant identifying details. This page is usually positioned at the beginning or in a designated section of the passport.

[0005] The state of the art presents solutions related to the integration of flexible articulation layers to connect the biographical data page to the other pages of the passport, in order to provide greater flexibility and resistance, while maintaining the structural integrity of the passport booklet.

[0006] International patent application WO2020169615A1, by Christina Strebet et al., published on August 27, 2020, discloses a flexible articulating layer that can be made of polyvinyl chloride, thermoplastic polyurethane or a non-woven fabric, preferably coated with polyvinyl chloride, wherein such flexible layer is preferably bonded to a polycarbonate datasheet.

[0007] European patent application EP296583A2, by Albert Wohrleet al., published on December 28, 1988, discloses a flexible polyurethane articulating layer with cross-links between the polymer chains, making it difficult to tamper with, as this material cannot be reprocessed by melting. The flexible articulating layer is preferably bonded to a polycarbonate datasheet. The cross-linked polyurethane has selected chemical and mechanical properties, such as adhesion to polycarbonate, offering tear resistance and the flexibility appropriate for an articulating material.

[0008] European patent EP1502765B1, by Stefan Egliet al., published on December 28, 2005, discloses a flexible layer, which can be a textile or a plastic film, to be coupled by lamination to polycarbonate layers, being fixed by welding points.

[0009] European patent EP2399740B1, by Toshinori Sakagamiet al., published on April 8, 2020, discloses a biodata sheet for passports comprising a transparent polycarbonate resin layer, a polycarbonate multilayer and a polyurethane base layer, which acts as a flexible hinge layer.

[0010] European patent EP2487029B1 by Toshinori Sakagamiet al., published on July 31, 2019, discloses a biodata sheet for passports comprising a flexible hinge layer made of thermoplastic polyurethane or other materials such as hydrogenated styrene elastomers and polyethylene terephthalate.

[0011] Thus, the state of the art presents some materials that can be used as manufacturing materials for flexible articulating layers, and such materials must meet a broad set of technical requirements to be used in security documents, for example, they must withstand temperatures in the range of 170 to 190ºC, so that they can withstand the folding process for the production of passports, resist the high temperatures and pressures commonly used in lamination processes, maintain their flexible and folding properties after the production of passport booklets, in addition to being resistant to delamination, which is essential for the security of the security document against tampering or forgery.

[0012] Some of the materials used to manufacture flexible hinge layers, such as fabrics, tend to have their threads fragmented or loose when bonded to polycarbonate layers. Flexible hinge layers made of polyurethane have good adhesion properties and compatibility with polycarbonate, making them a typical material used for this purpose in the market. Polycarbonate is commonly preferred for datasheet manufacturing due to its durability and ability to incorporate advanced security features.

[0013] Thus, in order to overcome a first limitation of the state of the art, there is a need to develop alternatives to the known materials for manufacturing flexible articulating layers, and it is particularly desirable that the manufacturing material has a high adhesion capacity to polycarbonate, which is a material typically used in the manufacture of biodata sheets.

[0014] European patent EP3473451B1, by Frank Nolan and Mike Mckeon, published on September 30, 2020, discloses a first flexible hinge layer consisting of polycarbonate bonded to a second flexible hinge layer consisting of a material other than polycarbonate, for example polyethylene terephthalate or a fabric. In other embodiments, a third flexible hinge layer consisting of polycarbonate is bonded simultaneously to the first and second layers.

[0015] International patent application WO2020144014A1, by Brie Chaveroux, published on July 16, 2020, discloses a hinge element including a first flexible hinge layer consisting of fabric, which is bonded to a second flexible hinge layer consisting of polycarbonate, which in turn is bonded to a third flexible hinge layer consisting of fabric. This hinge element has the limitation of being composed of three layers in the flexible layer and of being the product of a pre-lamination before the final lamination of the biographical page, which may be related to possible issues of misalignment and fragmentation of its threads.

[0016] German patent application DE102015014251A1 by Andreas Zinke, published on May 11, 2017, discloses a hinge element including a first flexible hinge layer consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, which is bonded to a second flexible hinge layer consisting of polycarbonate.

[0017] International patent application WO2012098216A1, by Mikko Lankinen, published on July 26, 2012, discloses a hinge element including a first flexible hinge layer consisting of a polyester, which is bonded to a second flexible hinge layer consisting of a polyurethane or polyester-based adhesive which in turn is bonded to a third flexible hinge layer consisting of a polycarbonate, wherein this last layer is bonded to a datasheet.

[0018] Thus, to overcome a second limitation of the prior art, there is a need to develop materials for the fabrication of a flexible hinge layer that are made from a single material in a single step. In other words, it is highly desirable to develop flexible monolayer solutions that are compatible with the materials typically used to manufacture security document data sheets, such as polycarbonate. This technical need is related to the fact that many known solutions involve multiple lamination steps for the fabrication of the flexible hinge layers and their subsequent bonding to the data layers, considering that multiple laminations are typically technically challenging due to the need to align the multiple layers.Additionally, solutions based on flexible articulation multilayers have the disadvantage of having high thicknesses, which can result in the formation of creases in the areas close to the contact between the flexible articulation layer and the datasheet layer.

[0019] European patent EP3007902B1, by Edward Springmann, published on June 17, 2020, describes a flexible articulating layer of a textile, preferably a woven fabric, mesh, felt, or fiber mesh. A polycarbonate-based adhesive can coat the fabric, allowing the fabric to be heat-welded or adhesively bonded to the polycarbonate layers of a biodata sheet.

[0020] European patent EP2084654B1, by Roman Buerki and Josef Boeck, published on October 17, 2012, describes a flexible hinge element comprising multiple flexible hinge layers made of a non-woven material, for example a polyester or a polyacrylate, in which the holes present in this plastic material are filled with a thermoplastic adhesive, which acts as a connecting element between the multiple flexible layers and the layers of the data sheets.

[0021] Therefore, a third limitation of the prior art relates to the use of adhesives to promote the bond between a flexible hinge layer and data sheets in some prior art solutions. Thus, there is a need to develop materials for the fabrication of a flexible hinge layer that are made of a single material and that can be produced by lamination without relying on adhesives for adequate interlayer bonding.

[0022] European patent EP1574359B1, by Ilie Iliescu et al., published on May 6, 2009, refers to a bibliographic page for passports comprising a plurality of layers, which may be made of polycarbonate, and a flexible articulating layer, which is partially incorporated between the polycarbonate layers and has a set of openings that contribute to the connection with the polycarbonate layers, since when the layers are laminated, the molten polycarbonate flows into the openings, enabling the connection between the layers of the final laminated product.

[0023] In the context of the patent cited in the previous paragraph, a fourth limitation of the prior art is related to the undesirable effect of the holes in the flexible articulating layer hindering the lamination process and not having an adequate level of safety with regard to preserving the connection between the layers, which may be separated in the areas outside the holes, since the polycarbonate will not flow throughout the entire area of ​​the flexible articulating layer, flowing only in the area of ​​the holes. Problem Solution

[0024] The present invention solves the problems of the prior art by developing a data sheet including a flexible articulating layer, in which this comprises at least one copolymer selected from the group consisting of a styrene copolymer or an acrylic copolymer; and

[0025] wherein said styrene copolymer is selected from the group consisting of styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-isoprene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene, styrene-ethylene-propylene, styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene, styrene-ethylene-ethylene-propylene-styrene, styrene-isoprene-styrene, mixtures and composites thereof, and wherein said styrene copolymer is optionally functionalized; and

[0026] wherein said acrylic copolymer is selected from the group consisting of butyl acrylate-methyl methacrylate and ethylene butyl acrylate, their mixtures and composites and wherein said acrylic copolymer is optionally functionalized. Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0027] The data sheet including a flexible articulating layer, in which this comprises at least one copolymer selected from the group consisting of a styrene copolymer or an acrylic copolymer, presents itself as a viable alternative to the common option in the prior art based on the use of thermoplastic polyurethane for the production of flexible layers to be used in the production of data sheets for security documents.

[0028] The flexible articulating layer of the present invention exhibits dimensional stability and tensile strength and deformation at breakage adequate to meet the stringent specifications of security document manufacturing processes based on lamination at high temperatures and pressures. Additionally, the copolymers used exhibit good adhesion to polycarbonate, the material typically used to support or contain passport data, for example.

[0029] The flexible hinge layer of the present invention is a solution based on a single flexible hinge layer and has security levels suitable for the production of security and / or valuable documents, meeting the Type 2 security level and being configured to prevent replication of the security elements incorporated in the flexible hinge layer. Additionally, the present invention allows the development of a datasheet for incorporation into a security document that includes only a flexible hinge layer, which has the advantage of eliminating the processing associated with multiple laminations.

[0030] The flexible hinge layer of the present invention can be suitably bonded to data sheet layers without the need for adhesives.

[0031] Therefore, a first notable advantage of the present invention, compared to known prior art solutions, is that the flexible articulating layer is a single-layer film, making it less susceptible to delamination failure and providing excellent thermal adhesion to a flexible data-bearing layer of a biodata sheet, particularly when the flexible data-bearing layer is made of polycarbonate. Another technical advantage is that there is no need to use adhesives to connect the layers of the security document's biodata sheet.

[0032] Another particularly relevant technical advantage is that the flexible articulating layer has high dimensional stability and resistance to deformation and can contain level 2 safety additives during the formulation of the material, as well as level 1 and / or 2 elements printed on its surface.

[0033] The copolymers used in the manufacture of the flexible articulating layer have even lower manufacturing costs through extrusion processes compared to solutions using thermoplastic polyurethane. Additionally, these materials offer greater resistance to weathering (humidity and temperature), in contrast to thermoplastic polyurethane, which is a polymer highly susceptible to degradation by hydrolysis.

[0034] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles underlying the embodiments of the present invention, reference will be made to the embodiments illustrated in the figures and the language used to describe them. In any event, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the scope of the present invention to the content of the figures. Any subsequent changes or modifications to the inventive features illustrated herein, as well as any additional applications of the principles and embodiments of the invention illustrated, which would normally occur to a person skilled in the art in possession of this description, are considered within the scope of the claimed invention. Fig. 1

[0035] illustrates variants of a first embodiment of a side view of a cross-section of a data sheet; Fig.2

[0036] illustrates variants of a second embodiment of a side view of a cross-section of a data sheet; Fig. 3

[0037] illustrates a third embodiment of a side view of a cross-section of a data sheet; Fig.4

[0038] illustrates a fourth embodiment of a side view of a section of a data sheet; Fig. 5

[0039] illustrates a perspective view of a security document in booklet form; Fig.6

[0040] illustrates a cross-sectional view of a security document in the form of a booklet; Fig. 7

[0041] illustrates failure modes of an adhesive joint defined by ISO 12316-2; Fig.8

[0042] illustrates a third embodiment of a side view of a cross-section of a data sheet; Fig.9

[0043] illustrates a fourth embodiment of a side view of a cross-section of a data sheet. Fig.10

[0044] illustrates a fifth embodiment of a side view of a cross-section of a data sheet; Fig.11

[0045] illustrates a sixth embodiment of a side view of a cross-section of a data sheet; Fig. 12

[0046] illustrates a cross-section of a data sheet linked to a sheet of a security document.

[0047] The present invention relates, in a first aspect, to a data sheet (10) for incorporation into a security and / or valuable document, for example a booklet, wherein said data sheet (10) comprises a flexible hinge layer (1) and at least one first flexible layer (2); wherein a portion of a first surface of the flexible hinge layer (1) is connected to a portion of said first flexible layer (2); wherein the flexible hinge layer (1) is projected relative to the first flexible layer (2); and wherein

[0048] the flexible articulating layer (1) comprises at least one copolymer selected from the group consisting of a styrene copolymer or an acrylic copolymer; and wherein

[0049] said styrene copolymer is selected from the group consisting of styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-isoprene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene, styrene-ethylene-propylene, styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene, styrene-ethylene-ethylene-propylene-styrene, styrene-isoprene-styrene, mixtures and composites thereof and wherein said styrene copolymer is optionally functionalized; and wherein

[0050] said acrylic copolymer is selected from the group consisting of butyl acrylate-methyl methacrylate and ethylene butyl acrylate, their mixtures and their composites and wherein said acrylic copolymer is optionally functionalized.

[0051]

[0052] Figure 1 in its part (a) illustrates a data sheet (10) comprising a flexible articulating layer (1) and a first flexible layer (2); wherein a portion of said first flexible layer (2) is connected to a portion of a first surface of the flexible articulating layer (1). Alternatively, as illustrated in figure 1 in its part (b), the flexible articulating layer (1) may be arranged along the first flexible layer (2), covering its surface totally or partially.

[0053] Preferably, at least one first flexible layer (2) and / or a second flexible layer (2a) comprises one or more personalized biographical data, for example a photograph of a user's face, a user's name, among other personal data of the user.

[0054] Figure 2 in its part (a) illustrates an embodiment in which a notch is arranged longitudinally in the first flexible layer (2), in which the flexible articulating layer (1) is fitted into the notch, said layers being connected by a lamination process.

[0055] In other preferred embodiments, the data sheet (10) further comprises at least a second flexible layer (2a); wherein the hinge flexible layer (1) is embedded between the first flexible layer (2) and the second flexible layer (2a); wherein a portion of a first surface of the hinge flexible layer (1) is connected to a portion of a surface of said first flexible layer (2) and a portion of a second surface of the hinge flexible layer (1) is connected to a portion of a surface of said second flexible layer (2a); wherein the hinge flexible layer (1) projects relative to the first flexible layer (2) and the second flexible layer (2a). As illustrated in part (b) of Figure 2, the second flexible layer (2a) may be arranged so as to simultaneously connect by an edge to the hinge flexible layer (1) and by a first surface to a surface of the first flexible layer (2).

[0056] As illustrated in part (c) of Figure 2, in other preferred embodiments, the data sheet (10) further comprises at least a second flexible layer (2a), wherein a surface of the second flexible layer (2a) is connected with a first surface of the hinge flexible layer (1) when a second surface of said hinge flexible layer (1) is connected with a surface of the first flexible layer (2).

[0057] Preferably, the data sheet (10) comprises a plurality of first flexible layers (2) superimposed and connected to each other and further connected to the first surface of the flexible articulating layer (1); and wherein a portion of a first surface of the flexible articulating layer (1) is connected to a portion of a surface of the first flexible layer (2) adjacent to said first surface of the flexible articulating layer (1). Even more preferably, the data sheet (10) comprises a plurality of second flexible layers (2a) superimposed and connected to each other and further connected to the first surface of the flexible articulating layer (1); and wherein a portion of a second surface of the flexible articulating layer (1) is connected to a portion of a surface of the second flexible layer (2a) adjacent to said first surface of the flexible articulating layer (1), as illustrated in figure 8.

[0058] As illustrated in figure 3, the data sheet (10) may further comprise at least a third flexible layer (3); wherein a portion of said third flexible layer (3) is connected to an element selected from the group consisting of a portion of the first surface of the flexible hinge layer (1), a portion of the second surface of the flexible hinge layer (1), a portion of the surface of the first flexible layer (2) and a portion of the surface of the second flexible layer (2a). Alternatively to that illustrated in figure 3, the flexible hinge layer (1) may be disposed along the first flexible layer (2) and the third flexible layer (3), fully or partially covering a surface of the first flexible layer (2) and a surface of the third flexible layer (3).Similarly to the embodiment of figure 2, a first notch can be arranged longitudinally in the first flexible layer (2) and a second notch can be arranged in the third flexible layer (3), wherein the flexible articulating layer (1) is simultaneously connected to the flexible layer (2) and the third flexible layer (3) by lamination and by insertion into the first and second grooves.

[0059] As illustrated in Figure 4, the data sheet (10) may further comprise at least a fourth flexible layer (4), which is disposed between the first flexible layer (2) and the second flexible layer (2a) or is disposed between the first flexible layer (2) and the third flexible layer (3). In this embodiment, a surface of the first flexible layer (2) simultaneously bonds to a first surface of the fourth flexible layer (4) and to a first surface of the hinge flexible layer (1), and a surface of the second flexible layer (3) simultaneously bonds to a second surface of the fourth flexible layer (4) and to a second surface of the hinge flexible layer (1).

[0060] In other embodiments, it is not necessary to incorporate an additional layer in the same plane as the flexible hinge layer (1), as illustrated in Figure 10, particularly when the thickness of the flexible hinge layer (1) is relatively thin relative to the thickness of the first flexible layer (2) and the second flexible layer (2a). In these cases, depending on the lamination conditions, the void in the plane of the flexible hinge layer (1) is filled by the bond between the adjacent surfaces of the first flexible layer (2) and the second flexible layer (2a).

[0061] In particularly preferred embodiments, at least one layer of the group consisting of the first flexible layer (2), the second flexible layer (2a), the third flexible layer (3) and the fourth flexible layer (4) is made of a material selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, polyethylene, thermoplastic polyurethane, polypropylene, thermoplastic, polyethylene glycol terephthalate, polymethylmethacrylate, polyimide, polytrans-isoprene, polystyrene, polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, cellulose acetate, polylactic acid, mixtures thereof and copolymers thereof. Even more preferably, at least one layer of the group consisting of the first flexible layer (2), the third flexible layer (3) and the fourth flexible layer (4) is made of a material selected from polycarbonate and its copolymers.In particularly preferred embodiments, the first flexible layer (2) is made of a material selected from polycarbonate and its copolymers.

[0062] In preferred embodiments, at least one of the first flexible layer (2) and the second flexible layer (2a) includes information about the holder, including photograph and other biometric data. Printing technologies, such as offset printing, screen printing or laser marking, are used to ensure quality and clarity of the information and data printed on the first flexible layer (2). In other embodiments, at least one of the third flexible layer (3) and the fourth flexible layer (4) may also include at least one information about the holder, similar to the first flexible layer (2).

[0063] The first flexible layer (2) may comprise the incorporation of at least one first security element, for example an RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) chip, a dual contact and contactless chip or an NFC (Near Field Communication) chip. The first flexible layer (2) may comprise the incorporation of at least one second security element, for example a microprint, a one-dimensional matrix, a two-dimensional matrix, a variable diffractive optical element or particles of a security additive (5). Preferably, said security additive is at least one of the group consisting of a marker visible after the incidence of a beam of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength outside the visible spectrum, a photochromic pigment, a thermochromic pigment, a pigment visible after a chemical reaction and mixtures thereof.In other embodiments, at least one of the third flexible layer (3) and the fourth flexible layer (4) may also include at least one first security element or at least one second security element, similar to the first flexible layer (2).

[0064] The flexible articulating layer (1) can be produced from the extrusion of a composition comprising at least one copolymer selected from the group consisting of a styrene copolymer or an acrylic copolymer, wherein said composition is preferably in the form of granules.

[0065] As illustrated in Figures 8 and 10, the flexible articulating layer (1) may include particles of a safety additive (5), which preferably have an average particle size in the range of 0.5 micrometers to 10 micrometers, are aggregated with the copolymer granules and subjected to a mixing step carried out during the extrusion to form the composition from which the flexible articulating layer (1) is made. The extruder may include a die into which the composition is inserted in order to form the flexible articulating layer (1), wherein the thickness of the layer can be adjusted depending on the opening of the die. Alternatively, the flexible articulating layer (1) may also be obtained by means of a process of calendering the mass of the composition for preparing said layer.

[0066] In other embodiments, as illustrated in Figure 9, the flexible articulating layer (1) may include a security element (8) printed on its surface, which may have a level 1 or 2 certification, for example a microprint, a one-dimensional matrix, a two-dimensional matrix, a variable diffractive optical element.

[0067] Preferably, the data sheet (10) has a thickness in the range of 0.1 to 0.9 mm, even more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 0.8 mm. In preferred embodiments, the flexible articulating layer (1) has a thickness in the range of 100 micrometers to 200 micrometers.

[0068] Preferably, at least one copolymer selected from the group consisting of a styrene copolymer or an acrylic copolymer is functionalized with at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of a carbonyl, a hydroxyl, an isocyanate, an amine, a halogen or a silane.

[0069] The mass proportion of the at least one copolymer selected from the group consisting of a styrene copolymer or an acrylic copolymer in the data sheet (10) has a value in the range of 30 to 99% by mass relative to the mass of the flexible articulating layer (1).

[0070] Preferably, the flexible articulating layer (1) additionally comprises particles of a safety additive (5), preferably in the range of 0.05 to 2.0% by mass relative to the mass of the flexible articulating layer (1), wherein said safety additive is at least one of the group consisting of a marker visible after the incidence of a beam of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength outside the visible spectrum, a photochromic pigment, a thermochromic pigment, a pigment visible after a chemical reaction and mixtures thereof.

[0071] Alternatively, as illustrated in Figure 11, at least a portion of a surface of the flexible hinge layer (1) is coated with a coating composition (6) comprising particles of a security additive (5), wherein said security additive is at least one of the group consisting of a marker visible after the incidence of a beam of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength outside the visible spectrum, a photochromic pigment, a thermochromic pigment, a pigment visible after a chemical reaction, and mixtures thereof. Even more preferably, the portion of the surface of the flexible hinge layer (1) coated with a coating composition (6) comprising particles of a security additive (5) is a portion not covered by the first flexible layer (2) or by the third flexible layer (3).

[0072] Preferably, the flexible articulating layer (1) additionally comprises a plasticizing additive, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 2.0% by mass relative to the mass of the flexible articulating layer (1).

[0073] The plasticizing additive may be an ester plasticizing additive, a phthalic plasticizing additive, a chlorinated paraffin, or mixtures thereof.

[0074] An ester plasticizer additive is preferably selected from the group consisting of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, Dimethyl adipate, Dioctyl adipate, Diisononyl adipate, Diisodecyl adipate, Bis(2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethyl) adipate, Diisopropyl adipate, Triethylene glycol di-2-ethylhexanoate, Diisodecyl glutarate, Di-2-ethylhexyl azelate, Di-2-ethylhexyl sebacate, Di-n-butyl sebacate, Triethylene glycol caprate caprylate, Dibutoxyethyl adipate, Dibutoxyethoxyethyl sebacate, Benzyl 2-ethylhexyl adipate, Triethylene glycol dibenzoate, Isodecyl benzoate, Isononyl benzoate, Dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, Diethylene glycol dibenzoate, Neopentyl glycol dibenzoate and their mixtures.

[0075] A phthalic plasticizer additive is preferably selected from the group consisting of Dimethyl phthalate, Diethyl phthalate, Diallyl phthalate, Di-n-propyl phthalate, Di-n-butyl phthalate, Diisobutyl phthalate, Bis(2-methoxyethyl) phthalate, 1-butyl 2-cyclohexyl phthalate, di-n-pentyl phthalate, Dicyclohexyl phthalate, Butyl benzyl phthalate, di-n-hexyl phthalate, Bis-(4-methyl-2-pentyl) phthalate, Diethylhexyl phthalate, Butyl decyl phthalate, Bis(2-butoxyethyl) phthalate, Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, Di(n-octyl) phthalate, Diisooctyl phthalate, n-Octyl n-decyl phthalate, Diisononyl phthalate, Di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate, Diisodecyl phthalate, Diundecyl phthalate, Diisoundecyl phthalate, Ditridecyl phthalate, Diisotridecyl phthalate and their mixtures.

[0076] A chlorinated paraffin plasticizer additive is preferably selected from the group consisting of Long Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (C 18+ ), Medium Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (C 14-17), Short Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (C 10-13 ) and their mixtures.

[0077] The plasticizer additive, liquid at room temperature, helps disperse the powdered additives in the polymer matrix during the physical mixing stage prior to extrusion. Furthermore, low percentages of plasticizer act as a flow aid for the process, aiding the mixing of the polymer components during the extrusion stage.

[0078] Preferably, the flexible joint layer (1) additionally comprises a tackifying resin, preferably in the range of 5 to 40% by weight relative to the weight of the flexible joint layer (1). Preferably, a tackifying resin is selected from the group consisting of a rosin-derived resin and a hydrocarbon resin. Examples of rosin-derived resins include rosin resins, modified rosin resins, and rosin ester resins. Examples of hydrocarbon resins include asphalt resins, aromatic resins, polyterpene resins, and hydrogenated resins. The tackifying resin has the function of improving the adhesion capacity of the surface of one layer to other layers, thereby influencing the adhesive capacity of the composition.

[0079] Preferably, the flexible articulating layer (1) additionally comprises an anti-blocking additive, the main purpose of which is to minimize the blocking of the granules after the manufacture of a granular composition. The anti-blocking additive is preferably selected from at least one of the group consisting of a polypropylene wax, a polyethylene wax, a montane wax, a euryxamide, an oleamide or mixtures thereof.

[0080] In another embodiment of the present invention, the flexible articulating layer (1) may comprise at least one additional copolymer selected from the group consisting of a copolymer of ethylene-vinyl acetate and polyvinyl butyral. Ethylene-vinyl acetate and polyvinyl butyral may be used in combination with other polymers to provide adhesiveness to the flexible articulating layer (1). In addition to adhesion characteristics to different substrates, these materials have good flexibility, a characteristic that is also important for the application. Preferably, the flexible articulating layer (1) further comprises at least one of said additional copolymer in the range of 5 to 40% by weight relative to the weight of the flexible articulating layer (1). These materials may be incorporated into the manufacturing composition of the flexible articulating layer (1) during the extrusion process.The extrusion process can separately meter raw materials, including ethylene vinyl acetate and / or polyvinyl butyral. Alternatively, the raw materials can be physically premixed before feeding into a single extrusion process metering system.

[0081]

[0082] In other particularly preferred embodiments, the flexible articulating layer (1) is prepared from a composition comprising the following components in terms of the mass proportions relative to the total mass of said composition:

[0083] i) 96.00 to 99.85% of at least one copolymer selected from the group consisting of a styrene copolymer or an acrylic copolymer; and

[0084] ii) 0.10 to 2.00% of at least one plasticizing additive; and

[0085] iii) 0.050 to 2.00% of at least one safety additive.

[0086]

[0087] In other particularly preferred embodiments, the flexible articulating layer (1) is prepared from a composition comprising the following components in terms of the mass proportions relative to the total mass of said composition:

[0088] i) 38.85 to 88.85% of at least one styrene copolymer; and

[0089] ii) 11.00 to 61.00% of at least one acrylic copolymer; and

[0090] iii) 0.10 to 2.00% of at least one plasticizing additive; and

[0091] iv) 0.050 to 2.00% of at least one safety additive.

[0092]

[0093] In other particularly preferred embodiments, the flexible articulating layer (1) is prepared from a composition comprising the following components in terms of the mass proportions relative to the total mass of said composition:

[0094] i) 70.00 to 93.85% of at least one copolymer selected from the group consisting of a styrene copolymer or an acrylic copolymer; and

[0095] ii) 6.00 to 26.00% of at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a tackifying resin, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinyl butyral and an anti-blocking additive; and

[0096] iii) 0.10 to 2.00% of at least one plasticizing additive; and

[0097] iv) 0.050 to 2.00% of at least one safety additive.

[0098]

[0099] In other particularly preferred embodiments, the flexible articulating layer (1) is prepared from a composition comprising the following components in terms of the mass proportions relative to the total mass of said composition:

[0100] i) 30.00 to 83.85% of at least one styrene copolymer; and

[0101] ii) 8.00 to 33.00% of at least one acrylic copolymer; and

[0102] iii) 8.00 to 33.00% of at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a tackifying resin, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinyl butyral and an anti-blocking additive; and

[0103] iv) 0.10 to 2.00% of at least one plasticizing additive; and

[0104] v) 0.050 to 2.00% of at least one safety additive.

[0105]

[0106] The present invention relates, in a second aspect, to a process for preparing a data sheet (10) comprising the following steps:

[0107] a) Contacting a portion of the first surface of the flexible articulating layer (1) to a portion of a surface of the first flexible layer (2); and

[0108] b) optionally contacting a portion of the second surface of the flexible articulating layer (1) to a portion of a surface of the second flexible layer (2a); and

[0109] c) optionally contacting at least one additional first flexible layer (2) on the first flexible layer (2) of step a); and

[0110] d) optionally contacting at least one additional second flexible layer (2a) on the second flexible layer (2a) of step b); and

[0111] e) Laminating the flexible articulating layer (1) to at least one first flexible layer (2) and, optionally, to at least one second flexible layer (2a).

[0112]

[0113] Alternatively, the present invention relates, in a third aspect, to a process for preparing a data sheet (10) comprising the following steps:

[0114] a) Contacting a portion of the first surface of the flexible articulating layer (1) to a portion of a surface of the first flexible layer (2); and

[0115] b) Contacting a portion of the second surface of the flexible articulating layer (1) to a portion of a surface of the third flexible layer (3); and

[0116] c) optionally contacting at least one additional first flexible layer (2) on the first flexible layer (2) of step a); and

[0117] d) optionally contacting at least one additional third flexible layer (3) on the third flexible layer (3) of step b); and

[0118] e) Laminating the flexible articulating layer (1) to at least one first flexible layer (2) and, optionally, to at least one third flexible layer (3).

[0119]

[0120] Preferably, the process of preparing a data sheet (10) comprises a step of applying a coating composition (6) comprising particles of a security additive (5) onto a portion of a surface of the flexible hinge layer (1), particularly a portion of said surface of the flexible hinge layer (1) that is not covered by the first flexible layer (2) or by the third flexible layer (3).

[0121] Preferably, the rolling steps are carried out at a temperature in the range of 180 to 190 °C and at a pressure in the range of 10,000 to 15,000 KPa (100 to 150 bar).

[0122] The lamination connection between the flexible articulation layer (1) and the first flexible layer (2) and optionally between the fourth flexible layer (4), which can be made of polycarbonate, allows a greater connection capacity of the flexible articulation layer (1) with the adjacent materials, without the need to incorporate openings in the flexible articulation layer (1) to establish connection points by means of welding, adhesives, bonding agents, multilayer configurations or auxiliary parts.

[0123] The present invention relates, in a third aspect, to a security and / or value document, for example a booklet comprising at least one data sheet (10), as defined in the first aspect of the invention. In addition to the example of the passport as a booklet, various other security and / or value documents may incorporate a flexible hinge layer (1), considering when it is desirable to use such a layer in the security and / or value document to provide it with flexibility and durability.

[0124] Preferably, a security document is selected from the group consisting of a passport, an identity card including a data sheet (10) linked to at least one additional page, a check mark including a data sheet (10) linked to at least one additional page or a sticker or stamp, a government certificate including a data sheet (10) linked to at least one additional page, or a financial security including a data sheet (10) linked to at least one additional page. Figure 12 shows an example of a flexible hinge layer (1) linked to a paper sheet (11) of a security document, such as a diploma or a title.

[0125] In particularly preferred embodiments, the security and / or value document is a booklet (100), particularly a booklet for personal identification, comprising the binding of at least one data sheet (10). Even more preferably, the booklet (100) for personal identification is a passport.

[0126] As illustrated in Figure 5, the booklet (100), particularly a passport, further comprises at least one sheet of paper (11) and a cover (12); and wherein the flexible hinge layer (1) of the data sheet (10) includes a first longitudinally arranged fold, the sheet of paper (11) includes a second longitudinally arranged fold and the cover (12) includes a third longitudinally arranged fold; and wherein the first fold of the flexible hinge layer (1) of the data sheet (10) and the second fold of the sheet of paper (11) are superimposed on the third fold of the cover (12); and wherein said first fold, second fold and third fold are connected by a connecting element, for example a sewing thread (7).In the enlarged areas of Figure 5, it is possible to see the data sheet (10) including the flexible articulation layer (1) connected to a plurality of first flexible layers (2) and second flexible layers (2a), in which at least one of the first flexible layers (2) and second flexible layers (2a) comprises biographical data.

[0127] As illustrated in figure 6, the third fold (12a) of the cover, the second fold (11a) of the paper sheet and the first fold (1a) of the flexible articulating layer (1) are aligned so as to define a fold connection plane (13), and the joining of said folds by the sewing thread (7) leads to the binding of the booklet (100). Examples

[0128] Compositions for the manufacture of a flexible articulating layer

[0129] First, the compositions for manufacturing a flexible articulating layer (1) were prepared using an Xplore MC15 microextruder, with temperature and mixing time adjusted according to the characteristics of each composition. The films were then produced using a heated pressing machine, with temperatures also adjusted according to each composition. Finally, adhesion tests to a polycarbonate layer were performed using a pressing machine heated to 185°C for 15 seconds.

[0130] Table 1 shows compositions according to the invention compared with a composition according to the prior art. The compositions are in percentage mass ratios.

[0131] Table 1CompositionSBS-g-MASIBSBAMMEVAcPVBPlast. APlast. BExample 1100------Example 290---82-Example 390---8-2Example 48020-----Example 5502525----Comparative Example 1---100---

[0132] Table 1 Captions:

[0133] SBS-g-MA: Styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer functionalized with maleic anhydride;

[0134] SIBS: Styrene-isoprene-butadiene-styrene copolymer;

[0135] BAMM: Butyl-acrylate-methyl-methacrylate copolymer;

[0136] EVAc: Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer;

[0137] PVB: Polyvinyl butyral

[0138] Plast. A: Triethylene glycol di-2-ethylhexanoate;

[0139] Plast. B: Bis(2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethyl) adipate.

[0140] It is important to highlight that, in all cases, the final compositions demonstrated a good level of flexibility. However, not all compositions presented good dimensional stability at the pressing temperature (185°C). Table 2 presents a comparison between the adhesion results obtained from the T-Peel test based on EN 12316-2 and the dimensional stability assessment. For this second criterion, empirical evaluation was used and subsequently classified as "Stable" (S) or "Not stable" (NS).

[0141] Regarding the adhesion test and as illustrated in Figure 7, the failure mode can be classified in three different ways: A - Debonding of the adhesive joint; B - Rupture outside the adhesive joint; C - Delamination of the substrate.

[0142]

[0143] Table 2CompositionAverage peel strength (N / 50 mm)Failure modeDebondingDimensional stabilityExample 128.36AEExample 245.35AEExample 356.11AEExample 4135.31AEExample 584.66AEEComparative example 170.64ANEReference comparative example 2(TPU)-BE

[0144]

[0145] Based on the results presented, it can be concluded that comparative example 1, which does not contain a styrene copolymer or an acrylic copolymer in its composition, does not have adequate dimensional stability at 185°C.

[0146] Furthermore, it is important to consider the failure mode of the peel test, since all tests showed differences compared to the reference sample made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0147] Table 3 shows tensile strength and deformation at break results for the compositions in examples 4 and 5.

[0148]

[0149]

[0150] Table 3CompositionTensile strength(MPa)Strain at break(%)Example 455.78634Example 520.30769Reference comparative example 2(TPU)14.20788

[0151]

[0152] Production of a flexible articulating layer

[0153] Flexible articulating layers (1) were prepared using a Coperion co-rotating twin screw extruder, model ZSK 26, from compositions based on examples 4 and 5 in which additives identified in Table 4 were included.

[0154] Table 4ComponentExample6(% by mass)Example7(% by mass)SBS-g-MA78.848.8SIBS19.0-SIBS-24.5BAMM-24.5Safety additive1.21.2Antiblock additive0.50.5bis(2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethyl) adipate0.50.5

[0155]

[0156] The safety additive used is G0 MicroTagg Green Taggant Powder, a Level 2 safety additive that includes an upconversion phosphorescent material that can be easily incorporated into polymer matrices. When irradiated with energy of a specific frequency, the particles absorb that energy and re-emit it in a different part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

[0157] The anti-blocking additive used was Ceridust 6050 M, which is a polypropylene wax used as an anti-blocking agent, whose main objective is to minimize the blocking of granules during the manufacture of the composition to be subjected to the extrusion process.

[0158] Bis(2-(2-butoxy ethoxy) ethyl) adipate is a plasticizer additive that acts as a dispersion vehicle for the safety additive and the anti-block additive.

[0159] After producing the compositions of examples 6 and 7, they were fed to a Periplast single screw extruder, with an adapted die, measuring 60.00 x 2.00 mm. As a result, two rolls of flexible articulating layer films (1) were produced for each composition, each approximately 20 meters long, with a film thickness of 800 µm for the composition of example 6 and 900 µm for the composition of example 7.

[0160] The effectiveness of the level 2 safety additive was also verified using a detection device provided by the supplier of the G0 MicroTagg Green Taggant Powder (Eluceda). This device is a pen called the "Laser Pointer," model LP3300 Laser Pen – Black. After irradiating the flexible articulating layer (1) containing the safety additive, the detection of a green luminous dot indicates the presence of the safety additive. If the safety additive is absent, the pen makes no detection within the visible spectrum, or a white dot is visible through a mobile phone's digital camera.

[0161] As used throughout this patent application, the term “or” is used in an inclusive rather than an exclusive sense, unless the exclusive sense is clearly defined in a specific situation. In this context, a sentence such as “X uses A or B” should be interpreted as including all relevant inclusive combinations, e.g., “X uses A,” “X uses B,” and “X uses both A and B.”

[0162] As used throughout this patent application, the indefinite articles “a” or “an” should be interpreted generally as “one or more” and “an or more” unless the meaning of a singular embodiment is clearly defined in a specific situation.

[0163] As presented in this description, the terms related to examples should be interpreted for the purpose of illustrating an example of something and not indicating a preference.

[0164] The subject matter described above is provided as an illustration of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting it. Terminology employed to describe specific embodiments of the present invention should not be construed as limiting the invention. As used in the description, the definite and indefinite articles, in their singular form, are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context of the description explicitly indicates otherwise. It will be understood that the terms "comprise" and "include," when used in this description, specify the presence of the related features, elements, components, steps, and operations, but do not exclude the possibility of other features, elements, components, steps, and operations also being contemplated.

[0165] All changes, provided they do not modify the essential characteristics of the claims that follow, must be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0166] 1. A flexible articulation layer

[0167] 1a. A fold of the flexible articulating layer

[0168] 2. A flexible first layer

[0169] 2a. A second flexible layer

[0170] 3. A third flexible layer

[0171] 4. A fourth flexible layer

[0172] 5. A particle of a security element

[0173] 6. A coating composition

[0174] 7. A sewing thread

[0175] 8. A printed security element

[0176] 10. A data sheet

[0177] 11. A sheet of paper

[0178] 11a. A fold of the sheet of paper

[0179] 12. A cover

[0180] 12th. A fold of the cover

[0181] 13. A plane of connection of folds

[0182] 100. A booklet

Claims

A data sheet (10) for incorporation into a security and / or valuable document, for example a booklet, wherein said data sheet (10) comprises a flexible hinge layer (1) and at least one first flexible layer (2); wherein a portion of a first surface of the flexible hinge layer (1) is connected to a portion of a surface of said first flexible layer (2); wherein the flexible hinge layer (1) projects relative to the first flexible layer (2); characterized in that the flexible hinge layer (1) comprises at least one copolymer selected from the group consisting of a styrene copolymer or an acrylic copolymer;and wherein said styrene copolymer is selected from the group consisting of styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-isoprene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene, styrene-ethylene-propylene, styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene, styrene-isoprene-styrene, mixtures and composites thereof, and wherein said styrene copolymer is optionally functionalized; and wherein said acrylic copolymer is selected from the group consisting of butyl acrylate-methyl methacrylate and ethylene-butyl acrylate, mixtures and composites thereof, and wherein said acrylic copolymer is optionally functionalized.; The data sheet (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it further comprises at least a second flexible layer (2a); wherein the articulating flexible layer (1) is embedded between the first flexible layer (2) and the second flexible layer (2a); wherein a portion of a first surface of the articulating flexible layer (1) is connected to a portion of a surface of said first flexible layer (2) and a portion of a second surface of the articulating flexible layer (1) is connected to a portion of a surface of said second flexible layer (2a); wherein the articulating flexible layer (1) is projected relative to the first flexible layer (2) and the second flexible layer (2a). The data sheet (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of first flexible layers (2) superimposed and connected to each other and additionally connected to the first surface of the flexible articulating layer (1); and in which a portion of a first surface of the flexible articulating layer (1) is connected to a portion of a surface of the first flexible layer (2) adjacent to said first surface of the flexible articulating layer (1). The data sheet (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of second flexible layers (2a) superimposed and connected to each other and additionally connected to the first surface of the flexible articulating layer (1); and in which a portion of a second surface of the flexible articulating layer (1) is connected to a portion of a surface of the second flexible layer (2a) adjacent to said first surface of the flexible articulating layer (1). The data sheet (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises at least a third flexible layer (3); wherein a portion of said third flexible layer (3) is connected to an element selected from the group consisting of a portion of the first surface of the flexible hinge layer (1), a portion of the second surface of the flexible hinge layer (1), a portion of the surface of the first flexible layer (2) and a portion of the surface of the second flexible layer (2a). The data sheet (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it additionally comprises at least a fourth flexible layer (4), which is arranged between the first flexible layer (2) and the second flexible layer (2a) or is arranged between the first flexible layer (2) and the third flexible layer (3). The data sheet (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one layer from the group consisting of the first flexible layer (2), the second flexible layer (2a), the third flexible layer (3) and the fourth flexible layer (4) is made of a material selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, polyethylene, thermoplastic polyurethane, polypropylene, thermoplastic, polyethylene glycol terephthalate, polymethylmethacrylate, polyimide, polytrans-isoprene, polystyrene, polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, cellulose acetate, polylactic acid, mixtures thereof and copolymers thereof. The data sheet (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one copolymer selected from the group consisting of a styrene copolymer or an acrylic copolymer is functionalized with at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of a carbonyl, a hydroxyl, an isocyanate, an amine, a halogen or a silane. The data sheet (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mass proportion of the at least one copolymer selected from the group consisting of a styrene copolymer or an acrylic copolymer is in the range of 30 to 99% by mass relative to the mass of the flexible articulating layer (1). The data sheet (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible articulating layer (1) additionally comprises particles of a security additive (5), preferably in the range of 0.05 to 2.0% by mass relative to the mass of the flexible articulating layer (1), wherein said security additive is at least one of the group consisting of a marker visible after the incidence of a beam of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength outside the visible spectrum, a photochromic pigment, a thermochromic pigment, a pigment visible after a chemical reaction and mixtures thereof. The data sheet (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least a portion of a surface of the flexible articulating layer (1) is coated with a coating composition (6) comprising particles of a security additive (5), wherein said security additive is at least one of the group consisting of a marker visible after the incidence of a beam of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength outside the visible spectrum, a photochromic pigment, a thermochromic pigment, a pigment visible after a chemical reaction and mixtures thereof. The data sheet (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible articulating layer (1) additionally comprises a plasticizing additive, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 2.0% by mass relative to the mass of the flexible articulating layer (1). The data sheet (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible articulating layer (1) additionally comprises a tackifying resin, preferably in the range of 5 to 40% by mass relative to the mass of the flexible articulating layer (1). A process for preparing a data sheet (10) as defined in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) Contacting a portion of the first surface of the flexible hinge layer (1) to a portion of a surface of the first flexible layer (2); and b) optionally contacting a portion of the second surface of the flexible hinge layer (1) to a portion of a surface of the second flexible layer (2a); and c) optionally contacting at least one additional first flexible layer (2) over the first flexible layer (2) of step a); and d) optionally contacting at least one additional second flexible layer (2a) over the second flexible layer (2a) of step b); and e) Laminatingly bonding the flexible hinge layer (1) to at least one first flexible layer (2) and, optionally, to at least one second flexible layer (2a). A process for preparing a data sheet (10) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) Contacting a portion of the first surface of the flexible hinge layer (1) to a portion of a surface of the first flexible layer (2); and b) Contacting a portion of the second surface of the flexible hinge layer (1) to a portion of a surface of the third flexible layer (3); and c) optionally contacting at least one additional first flexible layer (2) over the first flexible layer (2) of step a); and d) optionally contacting at least one additional third flexible layer (3) over the third flexible layer (3) of step b); and e) Laminatingly bonding the flexible hinge layer (1) to at least one first flexible layer (2) and, optionally, to at least one third flexible layer (3). The process of preparing a data sheet (10) according to any one of claims 14 and 15, characterized in that it comprises a step of applying a coating composition (6) comprising particles of a safety additive (5) onto a portion of a surface of the flexible articulating layer (1). The process for preparing a data sheet (10) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the lamination is carried out at a temperature in the range of 180 to 190 °C and a pressure in the range of 10,000 to 15,000 KPa. A security and / or value document, for example a booklet, characterized in that it comprises at least one data sheet (10) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 13. The security and / or value document according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the security and / or value document is a booklet (100), in particular a personal identification booklet, comprising the binding of at least one data sheet (10). The security and / or valuable document according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it additionally comprises at least one paper sheet (11) and a cover (12); and wherein the flexible hinge layer (1) of the data sheet (10) includes a first longitudinally arranged fold, the paper sheet (11) includes a second longitudinally arranged fold and the cover (12) includes a third longitudinally arranged fold; and wherein the first fold of the flexible hinge layer (1) of the data sheet (10) and the second fold of the paper sheet (11) are superimposed on the third fold of the cover (12); and wherein said first fold, second fold and third fold are connected by a connecting element, for example a sewing thread (7).

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