BIO-based carpet precoating composition

Abstract

A carpet or carpet tile comprising a bio-based precoat is provided. The resultant carpet or carpet tile has advantages in terms of environmental issues and reduces the need for fossil fuels. The precoat is made by means of a precoating composition which comprises a rosin or rosin derivative and a filler.

Description

[0001] BIO-BASED CARPET PRECOATING COMPOSITION

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention is in the field of textile floor covering materials, in particular carpet and carpet tiles.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Carpet and carpet tiles typically are made up of a textile top cloth, a precoat layer and a backing layer on the back. The textile top cloth is most commonly produced with a tufting, weaving or needlefelt process. In the tufting process, the carpet yarn is needled into a primary backing. In the weaving process, two sets of carpet yarns are interlaced at right angles. In the needlefelt process carpet fibres are needled into each other, possibly using a scrim for processing and / or re-enforcement. The yarns and fibres may be composed of natural and / or synthetic materials.

[0006] The textile top cloth may be precoated at the back thereof with a water based filled or unfilled latex called the precoating composition. The yarns or fibres are firmly connected to the precoating composition, providing a good bonding force. For tufted and needled carpets, the bonding force can be expressed in terms of so called tuft lock, which is the force that is required to pull a tuft from a cut pile carpet or to pull free one leg of a loop from a looped pile carpet. An alternative for a water based precoating composition can, for example, be a filled or unfilled hot melt composition. Another alternative could be melting the yarn or fibres together at the back of the top cloth.

[0007] Herein, the precoated top cloth is the intermediate product that is produced by precoating the top cloth or melting the yarn or fibres together at the back of the top cloth. Herein, the precoating layer is the layer that contains the precoating composition or the molten yarns or molten fibres.

[0008] The backing of a broadloom carpet normally consists of a second latex coating and a secondary backing which is often a woven substrate. The backing of a carpet tile is usually heavier, because it is essential to the performance and durability of the product. It enables heavy wear without deterioration. The backing provides flatness, dimensional stability, stiffness, and weight thereby minimizing or eliminating the need for adhesives. The backing of a carpet tile normally consists of a filled backing composition with, optionally, a glass veil or glass scrim for dimensional stability and / or, optionally, a nonwoven as covering fleece.

[0009] Commonly used precoating compositions for carpet tiles are fossil fuel based. Although fossil fuels are continually being formed via natural processes, they are generally considered to be non-renewable resources because they take millions of years to form and the known viable reserves are being depleted much faster than new ones are being made. Additionally, the use of fossil fuels raises potential environmental concerns, as the burning thereof results in the formation of carbon dioxide, which is a notorious greenhouse gas. Moreover, emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from carpets have been widely recognized as an indoor air quality problem that may affect human health. VOCs not only derive from carpets and carpet tiles themselves, but also from adhesives used to secure the carpet or carpet tile to a floor surface. Also the materials used in the carpet should not contain toxic components that could be harmful during production, installation, use, maintenance and end-of-life applications. Specific toxicity issues of the currently used fossil fuel based precoating materials are the presence of toxic PAH’s (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), the presence of plasticizers, the formation of toxic components in flue gases after incineration and the presence of monomers.

[0010] US4640953 discloses a precoat resin dispersion having a solids content from about 63% to about 69% comprising (1) at least one resin having a Ring and Ball softening point from about 60 °C to about 100 °C in an aqueous dispersion having a solids content from about 53% to about 58%; (2) at least one water-soluble polymer; (3) at least one cationic resin; and (4) water. The precoat resin dispersion is useful in the manufacture of tufted carpets, especially carpets manufactured with carboxylated latices as a backcoat. The resin of component (1) is selected from the group consisting of C5-C9 hydrocarbon resins, C5 hydrocarbon resins, polyterpene resins and esters of rosin.

[0011] US2006134374A1 discloses vinyl polymer adhesives with post-consumer recycled glass powder filler. US2020181440A1 discloses a carpet backing layer composition.

[0012] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a carpet or carpet tile that reduces the need for fossil fuels and / or reduces the emission of greenhouse gases. Additionally or alternatively, there is a need for carpets or carpet tiles that are low on VOCs and / or do not contain toxic components. Additionally or alternatively, there is a need for carpets or carpet tiles that are more bio-based and / or more environmentally sustainable, i.e. , have a lower environmental impact. Additionally or alternatively, there is a need for carpets or carpet tiles, preferably fully bio-based carpets or carpet tiles, that can be more economically produced.

[0013] LIS20110008567 discloses a carpet or a carpet tile wherein the adhesive backing layer comprises at least one non-chlorinated, non-polyvinyl butyral thermoplastic polymer which may be an ethylene / vinyl acetate polymer, at least one filler which may be CaCCh in an amount up to 90 % by weight, and 0 to 15 % by weight of a tackifier. The tackifier may be a rosin or rosin derivative. LIS20110008567 does not disclose a precoating composition.

[0014] WO2018 / 009060 A1 discloses a carpet or carpet tile comprising a textile top cloth, a precoating layer and a backing layer. The backing layer comprises a backing composition, which backing composition comprises: a natural resin, preferably a rosin or rosin derivative; a natural oil which is optionally refined or modified, preferably a vegetable oil which is optionally refined or modified; optionally, a thermoplastic elastomer; and a filler. WO2018 / 009060 A1 does not disclose a precoating composition.

[0015] It is therefore especially an object of the present invention to provide a carpet or carpet tile with a precoating layer that reduces the need for fossil fuels and / or reduces the emission of greenhouse gases, that does not contain toxic components, that is more environmentally sustainable, that can be more economically produced, while having good mechanical properties such as tuftlock.

[0016] Summary of the invention

[0017] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a carpet or carpet tile comprising a textile top cloth, a precoating layer and a backing layer, wherein said precoating layer comprises a precoating composition, wherein said precoating composition comprises:

[0018] - a resin, preferably a rosin or rosin derivative;

[0019] - optionally, a thermoplastic elastomer; and

[0020] - a filler.

[0021] Preferably, the precoating composition as taught herein comprises, based on the total weight of the composition:

[0022] - 1-98 wt.% resin, preferably 2-95 wt.% resin, wherein the resin preferably is a rosin or rosin derivative;

[0023] - optionally, 0-20 wt.% thermoplastic elastomer; and

[0024] - 2-99 wt.% filler, preferably 5-98 wt.% filler, more preferably 5-90 wt.% filler or 10-85 wt.% filler. Preferably, the precoating composition comprises 5-50 wt.%, preferably 15-35 wt.% or 20-30 wt.% rosin or rosin derivative. In addition or alternatively, the precoating composition may comprise 50-95 wt.% or 50-85 wt.%, preferably 65-85 wt.% or 70-80 wt.% filler.

[0025] Preferably, the resin is a natural resin, which is preferably selected from rosin or derivatives thereof, such as esterified rosin, hydrogenated rosin, phenolic rosin, terpenic rosin, and the like. Most preferably, the resin is esterified rosin.

[0026] Preferably, the precoating composition comprises up to 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 wt.% thermoplastic elastomer. Most preferably, the precoating composition does not comprise thermoplastic elastomer.

[0027] Preferably, the thermoplastic elastomer is a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate (EVA or VAE), more preferably a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate wherein the content in mol% of vinyl acetate monomer is higher than the content in mol% of ethylene monomer (VAE) . Preferably, the thermoplastic elastomer is a styrenic block copolymer, more preferably a block copolymer of polystyrene and polybutadiene (SBS).

[0028] Preferably, the thermoplastic elastomer is a polyolefin.

[0029] Preferably, the thermoplastic elastomer is a polyhydroxyalkanoate.

[0030] Preferably, the thermoplastic elastomer is a water soluble polymer.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the precoating layer and / or the precoating composition does not comprise polyolefin, or at most 10, 5, 2, 1 wt.% polyolefin relative to total weight of the precoating layer and / or the precoating composition. In the present disclosure, the term “polyolefin” refers to a polymer with the general formula (CH2CHR)n where R is an alkyl group.

[0032] Preferably, the filler is selected from inorganic fillers such as calcium carbonate (limestone), silicates, silicas, oxides of silica, carbonates, sulfates, oxides of antimony, aluminum trihydrate, carbon black, talcum, clays, kaolin, organic fillers such as wood chips, wood flour, shell flour, plant material, plant fibers, plant shells and plant residues, and recycled materials, such as recycled rubber, recycled plastic, and recycled fibers.

[0033] More preferably, the filler is limestone, even more preferably recycled limestone. The filler may at least in part be in the form of particles, wherein preferably, based on the total volume of the filler, at least 50 vol.% of the filler is in the form of particles having a (mean) particle size of 10-200 pm, more preferably 10-150 pm, more preferably 10-105, more preferably 20 - 100 pm, more preferably 30-80 pm, most preferably 30 - 60 pm. This may be determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS).

[0034] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preparing the carpet or carpet tile as taught herein, said method comprising the steps of:

[0035] - preparing a precoating composition as taught herein;

[0036] - applying the precoating composition on a top cloth to prepare a precoated top cloth comprising a top side comprising yarn or fibers and a back side comprising a precoating layer; and

[0037] - applying a backing composition onto the precoating layer.

[0038] Throughout this application, when a composition is disclosed to comprise “(from) x to y” or “x - y” of an ingredient, the values of x and y are specifically included in the range unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0039] Detailed description of the invention

[0040] The present invention relates to a carpet or carpet tile comprising a textile top cloth, a precoating layer and a backing layer, wherein said precoating layer comprises a precoating composition, wherein said precoating composition comprises: a resin, preferably a rosin or rosin derivative; optionally, a thermoplastic elastomer; and a filler.

[0041] More specifically, the invention relates to a carpet or carpet tile comprising a textile top cloth, a precoating layer and a backing layer, wherein said precoating layer comprises a precoating composition, wherein said precoating composition comprises, based on the total weight of the composition: 2-95 wt.% rosin or rosin derivative; 0-20 wt.% thermoplastic elastomer; and from 5-98 wt.% filler.

[0042] Surprisingly, carpets and carpet tiles with good properties (i.e. at least comparable to state of the art carpets and carpet tiles), including a good tuftlock, are obtained according to the invention, without requiring large amounts of thermoplastic elastomers, such as water soluble polymers, styrenic block copolymers, polyolefins, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers. The present invention provides carpets and carpet tiles that can be largely bio-based, and even up to 100% bio-based. In a carpet or carpet tile, the textile top cloth is most commonly produced by a tufting-, weaving- or needlefelt process. A precoating layer, which is often adhesive, may then be applied onto the back side (non-decorative side) of the textile top cloth, to securely fasten the yarn or fibres together in the textile top cloth. This precoating layer makes sure that the yarn filaments or fibres are bound together in the top cloth. The resulting precoated top cloth comprises the yarn or fibres at its top side, and the precoating layer at its back. A backing layer may subsequently be applied onto the precoating layer to increase flatness, to provide dimensional stability, stiffness, and weight, and to minimize the need for adhesives for installation. Other layers such as a glass veil or glass scrim for dimensional stability and / or nonwoven covering fleece may be incorporated to make up the carpet or carpet tile, but in the context of the present invention, these layers are not essential.

[0043] The components of the precoating composition excluding the filler material constitute the “binder”. The binder in the carpet or carpet tile precoating composition preferably comprises at least 75%, preferably at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, yet more preferably at least 95% by weight bio-based materials, and is preferably fully biobased. The term “bio-based” as used herein refers to a rapidly renewable material (i.e. having a harvest cycle of ten years or less) and / or a material not made from (non-renewable) fossil fuels and / or a material not made from prehistoric organism(s) (or derived therefrom). Biobased materials are created using renewable biomass sources.

[0044] Suitable resins are normally in solid form at room temperature. The resins ideally have a melting point between about 20°C and about 100°C, preferably between about 30°C and 90°C to allow the resin to be handled at room temperature and allowing the mixing and application process to be at reasonable processing temperatures.

[0045] The resin as used in the context of the present invention may be a natural or a synthetic resin. The resin is preferably a natural (non-fossil) resin (and therefore bio-based), and is more preferably a rosin, i.e., unmodified rosin or a resin derived from rosin (i.e., a rosin derivative) by modification thereof. Rosin is a resin obtained from pines and some other plants, mostly conifers. It is semi-transparent and varies in colour from yellow to black. At room temperature rosin can be brittle, but it melts at stove-top temperatures. It chiefly consists of various resin acids. The rosin used in the present invention may be modified, e.g., may be esterified rosin, hydrogenated rosin, dimerized rosin, phenolic rosin, terpenic rosin, and the like. Suitable esterified rosins may be reaction products of rosin with mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, polyfunctional alcohols or combinations thereof, including methyl alcohol, dipropylene glycol, glycerol, pentaerythritol, and combinations thereof. The rosin or rosin derivatives used in the present invention may be derived from any of the commercially available types of rosin such as wood rosin, gum rosin, tall oil rosin and mixtures thereof in their crude or refined state. Preferred is esterified rosin. It was found that esterified rosin not only impacts carbon footprint but also recyclability (this may (in part) be owed to different layers in the carpet or carpet tile comprise more similar components and can be processed in the same recycling process).

[0046] The filler may be any well-known filler, such as a mineral filler or an organic filler. Suitable types of fillers include calcium carbonate (limestone), silicates, silicas, oxides of silica, carbonates, sulfates, oxides of antimony, aluminium trihydrate, carbon black, talcum, clays, kaolin, wood flour and shell flour.

[0047] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the filler is selected from calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, aluminium hydroxide, silicium hydroxide; and / or the filler (or the precoating layer / com position) comprises at least 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 wt.% calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, aluminium hydroxide, silicium hydroxide, relative to the total weight of the filler or the precoating layer / composition.

[0048] It is preferred that the filler does not comprise glass, or comprises at most 10, 5, 1 wt.% glass relative to the total weight of the filler. Glass generally has a higher value (in comparison to other fillers) on the Mohs hardness scale. Mohs hardness is based on the ability to scratch softer materials. Glass has a value of ~5,5 while for example limestone has a hardness of around 3. It is found that this may cause a higher wear of the equipment during production and at installation Accordingly, it is preferred that the precoating layer / precoating composition does not comprise glass, or at most 5 wt.%, or 1 wt.% glass relative to the total weight of the precoating layer or precoating composition.

[0049] Preferably, the precoating composition comprises from 50-95 wt.%, or 50-85 wt.%, preferably from 65-85 wt.% or 70-80 wt.% filler. Higher amounts of filler provide for a more economically viable composition, while surprisingly the tuftlock of the produced carpet or carpet tiles remains higher than 1.4 or even 1.8 kg.

[0050] The (mean) particle size of the fillers may range between about 0.01 pm and about 1 mm in size, preferably between about 1 pm and about 1 mm, and may be segregated or classified to produce a desired mean size. In addition to these fillers also differently shaped fillers, biobased fillers and / or recycled fillers like wood chips, natural fibres, plant shells, plant residues, synthetic fibres, glass fibres, recycled fibres, recycled rubber, recycled plastic and other recycled materials can be incorporated into the composition taught herein.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the filler is limestone, preferably recycled limestone.

[0052] Preferably, the filler is in the form of particles, wherein preferably, based on the total volume of the filler, at least 50 vol.% of the filler is in the form of particles having a (mean) particle size of 10-200 pm, more preferably 10-150 pm, more preferably 10-105, more preferably 20 - 100 pm, more preferably 30-80 pm, most preferably 30 - 60 pm. This may be determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Alternatively, based on the total volume of the filler, at least 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 vol.% of the filler is in the form of particles having a (mean) particle size of 10-200 pm, more preferably 10-150 pm, more preferably 10-105, more preferably 20 - 100 pm, more preferably 30-80 pm, most preferably 30 - 60 pm. Particularly, based on the total volume of the filler, at least 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 vol.% (and / or at most 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 vol.%), preferably at least 50 vol%, of the filler is in the form of particles having a (mean) particle size of at least 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 , 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 pm and / or at most

[0053] 40, 41 , 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64,

[0054] 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71 , 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81 , 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89,

[0055] 90, 91 , 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100 pm. This may be determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Surprisingly, the tuftlock value is higher for particle sizes in these ranges, especially as compared to particles with larger particle sizes. Vol.% may refer to volume density percentage.

[0056] DLS is a technique used to determine the size distribution of particles in a colloidal solution or suspension by analyzing the fluctuations in the intensity of scattered light. Preferably, DLS is performed with a Malvern Mastersizer 3000 ™ (according to manufacturer’s manual).

[0057] Preferably, the carpet or carpet tile comprises a precoating layer composed of a precoating composition. Said precoating composition preferably comprises:

[0058] (1) 2- 87 wt.%, preferably from 3- 80 wt.%, more preferably from about 4- 60 wt.%, even more preferably from 5- 50wt.%, yet more preferably from 6-40 wt.%, such as from 15-35 wt.% or from about 20-30 wt.%, of a resin, such as rosin or a rosin derivative;

[0059] (2) 0- 20 wt.%, such as 0- 10 wt.%, from 0.2- 10 wt.%, 0.3- 8 wt.%, 0.4- 6 wt.%, 0.5- 4 wt.%, or 0.75- 2.5 wt.% of a thermoplastic elastomer; and (3) 13-98 wt.%, such as 20- 95 wt.%, 40- 94 wt.%, 50-93 wt.%, 60-92 wt.%, from about 65-85 wt.%, of a filler. The precoating composition is typically applied onto the precoating layer of the precoated top cloth.

[0060] The produced carpet may be classified conform EN1307- 2014: Textile floor coverings - Classification. This European Standard specifies the requirements for classification of all textile floor coverings and carpet tiles, excluding rugs and runners (see ISO 2424) into use classes with regard to one or more of the following properties: wear, appearance retention, additional performance properties and classes for luxury rating.

[0061] The invention also relates to a method for preparing a carpet or carpet tile as taught herein, said method comprising the steps of:

[0062] - preparing a precoating composition as taught herein;

[0063] - applying the precoating composition on a top cloth to prepare a precoated top cloth comprising a top side comprising yarn or fibers and a back side comprising a precoating layer; and

[0064] - applying a backing composition onto the precoating layer.

[0065] Optionally, other layers are added before, during or after the application of the backing composition, including, without limitation, a glass veil, glass scrim, foam layer, nonwoven covering fleece, etc.

[0066] The present invention also relates to the precoating composition as taught herein. Preferably, the precoating composition has a solids content of at least 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 95 wt.%. Solids content refers to the proportion of non-volatile material in the precoating composition, which can be determined e.g. once any volatile solvent has vaporized. The precoating composition taught herein may be prepared by mixing the individual components of said precoating composition into a composition in a molten state. This will usually occur at an elevated temperature, such as between 120 and 200 °C. This precoating composition may then be formed into a sheet-like structure using any method known in the art, and may then be applied onto the back side of the top cloth to thereby form a precoating layer. A backing layer may then be applied onto the precoating layer. A glass veil or scrim may be incorporated into the backing layer for dimensional stability using any method known in the art. Two or more backing layers may be applied, for example, to allow for another layer, like e.g. a foam layer, glass veil or glass scrim to be added in between said two or more backing layers. At the external surface side of the backing layer a covering fleece, like a polypropylene nonwoven, may be added to prevent sticking on or fouling of the floor. Weight percentages as disclosed herein are preferably determined based on dry weight (i.e. having water content of at most 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 wt.%) and / or based on weight of the respective product, component, and / or (precoating) layer after being kept at 70 degrees Celsius for 2 hours.

[0067] Brief description of the figures

[0068] Fig. 1 provides a graph of particle size distribution for each of the compositions listed in Table 2.

[0069] Fig. 2 provides the tuftlock values for given ratios of rosin ester / filler.

[0070] Examples

[0071] The invention is further illustrated below by means of the following examples.

[0072] Measurement methods

[0073] Particle size

[0074] The particle size of the limestone filler was measured with dynamic light scattering (DLS) using a Malvern Mastersizer 3000.

[0075] Tuftlock

[0076] Tuftlock was measured according to NEN-EN-ISO 4919 by attaching a hook to a single loop of the carpet. Then the strength (in kg) was measured to pull the loop out of the carpet.

[0077] Compositions

[0078] The following precoating compositions were prepared:

[0079] Table 1. Precoating compositions The compositions were mixed in a propeller-blade mixer at room temperature.

[0080] This precoating composition was then formed and applied on a top cloth at a temperature of about 160°C. A backing layer was applied as well. In this case a tufted loop-pile carpet was used. A glass veil or scrim was incorporated into the backing layer for dimensional stability. At the external surface of the backing layer a covering fleece was added to prevent sticking on or fouling of the floor. Finally the carpet was cut into carpet tiles.

[0081] The tuftlock of carpet tiles similarly produced with each composition was measured and it was found that the tuftlock value of a carpet tile produced with precoating composition B was notably improved as compared to the tuftlock value of a carpet tile produced with precoating composition A.

[0082] Filler particle size

[0083] The used filler was fractionated into different size fractions.

[0084] The filler size fractions were determined by DLS as shown in figure 1 and used to compound precoating compositions according to composition B.

[0085] The filler particle sizes and the measured tuftlock for each composition B applied in carpet tiles such as described above is given in Table 2 below.

[0086] Table 2. Filler size fractions

[0087] It was surprisingly found that the particle size of the filler has an effect on the measured tuftlock, wherein fraction no. 3 and 5 give the best results, i.e. when about half of the volume density of the filler has a particle size of about 10-200 pm, or more particularly 20 - 100 pm. Best results are obtained when half of the volume density of the filler has a particle size of 30- 60 pm (fraction 3). Ratio of rosin ester to filler

[0088] Precoating compositions according to composition B were prepared but using different rosin ester to filler ratios. The ratio of rosin ester to filler was investigated in the range of approx. 10 wt.% polymer 186 wt.% filler to 43 wt.% polymer 154 wt.% filler. The compounded precoats were applied in carpet tiles as described above and tuftlock was measured. The results are found in figure 2. All ratios provide for adequate tuftlock values, i.e. wherein higher rosin ester proportions result in better tuftlock values.

[0089] The use of bio-based materials reduced the impact that the carpet precoating has on global warming. The carbon present in the natural resin is sequestered from CO2 present in the air. When the product is incinerated, possibly with a waste to energy application, then the sequestered CO2 is released back into the air and no extra CO2 is produced.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A carpet or carpet tile comprising a textile top cloth, a precoating layer and a backing layer, wherein said precoating layer comprises a precoating composition, wherein said precoating composition comprises, based on the total weight of the composition:- 2-95 wt.% esterified rosin;- 0-20 wt.% thermoplastic elastomer; and- 5-98 wt.% filler, wherein, based on the total volume of the filler, at least 50 vol.% of the filler is in the form of particles having a particle size of 30 - 60 pm, as determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS).

2. Carpet or carpet tile according to claim 1, wherein the precoating composition comprises 5-50 wt.%, preferably 15-35 wt.% esterified rosin.

3. Carpet or carpet tile according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the precoating composition comprises up to 10 wt.%, preferably 0 wt.% thermoplastic elastomer.

4. Carpet or carpet tile according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer is selected from a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate, a styrenic block copolymer, a polyolefin, and a polyhydroxyalkanoate.

5. Carpet or carpet tile according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer is a water soluble polymer.

6. Carpet or carpet tile according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the precoating layer and / or the precoating composition does not comprise polyolefin, or at most 10, 5, 2, 1 wt.% polyolefin relative to total weight of the precoating layer and / or the precoating composition.

7. Carpet or carpet tile according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the precoating composition comprises 50-95 wt.%, preferably 65-85 wt.% filler.

8. Carpet or carpet tile according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filler is selected frominorganic fillers such as calcium carbonate (limestone), silicates, silicas, oxides of silica, carbonates, sulfates, oxides of antimony, aluminum trihydrate, carbon black, talcum, clays, kaolin, organic fillers such as wood chips, wood flour, shell flour, plant material, plant fibers, plant shells and plant residues, and recycled materials, such as recycled rubber, recycled plastic, and recycled fibers.

9. Carpet or carpet tile according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filler is selected from calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, aluminium hydroxide, silicium hydroxide.

10. Carpet or carpet tile according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filler does not comprise glass, or at most 10, 5, 1 wt.% glass relative to the total weight of the filler.

11. Method for preparing a carpet or carpet tile according to any of claims 1 - 10, said method comprising the steps of:- preparing a precoating composition as defined in any of claims 1 - 10;- applying the precoating composition on a top cloth to prepare a precoated top cloth comprising a top side comprising yarn or fibers and a back side comprising a precoating layer; and- applying a backing composition onto the precoating layer.

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