laminate

Abstract

A laminate (1), wherein the laminate (1) is made up of at least two sheets which are laminated together with one or more resins, wherein said one or more resins comprise a first resin (5), said first resin (5) comprising polyamides which are obtained by polymerization of amino acids, method for manufacturing said laminate (1) and a resin- treated sheet (1).

Description

[0001] Laminate

[0002] The present invention relates to laminates. Said laminates are made up of at least two sheets which are laminated together with one or more resins. More in particular, said invention relates to High Pressure Laminates (HPL). When said HPL are produced in a continuous manner, these HPL can be indicated as continuously Pressed Laminates (CPL). HPL / CPL are used among other things in the production of furniture, e.g. kitchen furniture and cabinets, and this to form a decorative surface. HPL and CPL can also be used for the production of floor panels or wall panels. Said invention also relates to compact laminate. Compact laminate is preferably entirely assembled from paper / cardboard and one or more resins. Said invention can also relate to Direct Pressure Laminates (DPL), which comprise a substrate, such as a particle board substrate or a wood fiber substrate, and one, two or more sheets laminated to said substrate. Said substrate can or cannot be seen as a sheet. Preferably said substrate is not seen as a sheet. Said laminate can also be an edge tape / edge band for taping / edgebanding the edges of panels, e.g. for edgebanding the edges of panels comprising a substrate upon which preferably a HPL / CPL is glued.

[0003] The laminates can possess additional features such as flame-retardant properties, waterproof properties and anti-static properties.

[0004] High Pressure Laminates (HPL) are built up from several sheets, preferably resin- impregnated sheets, with on top a decor and optionally a protective layer. HPL is produced by pressing the various layers of the HPL together under temperature and pressure, which results in curing of the resin. HPL is glued on substrates by means of a suitable glue. The HPL is for example glued on a chipboard (also indicated as particle board), MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) or HDF (High Density Fiberboard), plywood or on boards that comprise several sheets of paper / cardboard impregnated with for example a phenol -formaldehyde resin and that have been pressed together. A suitable glue must be selected, depending on the type of substrate. In the case of Direct Pressure Laminates (DPL), layers similar to layers used in the production of HPL, for example resin-impregnated papers, are pressed directly under temperature and pressure on a substrate. The mutual bonding of the various layers occurs at the same moment, by means of the resin that the layer or layers of the DPL comprise.

[0005] Compact laminate is preferably constructed with layers of resin-impregnated kraft papers which are sandwiched between resin-impregnated decorative papers, e.g. printed papers and / or dyed papers and / or papers with a uniform color, and which are optionally further sandwiched between protective layers, e.g. wear layers, such as resin-impregnated papers and / or lacquer layers and / or UV-cured layers. Said different layers are pressed together to form said compact laminate.

[0006] For the above-mentioned laminates, resins comprising formaldehyde, such as melamine resins (melamine formaldehyde resins, MF resins) and / or phenol resins (phenol formaldehyde resins, PH resins) are often used. The drawback of said resins is that they can be the cause of high formaldehyde emissions and / or use of said resins during production poses safety risks. Formaldehyde-free resins have been and are being sought for the production of above-mentioned laminates. Melamine-free resins and also phenol- free resins have been and are being sought for the production of above-mentioned laminates. Other resins that can be used are acrylate resins and / or polyester resins.

[0007] One aim of the invention is to have laminates that solve one or more of the abovementioned problems. It is a specific aim to have laminates that do not contribute to formaldehyde emissions and which do not entail safety risks during production of laminates with said resins.

[0008] The invention, according to a first aspect, relates to a laminate, wherein the laminate is made up of at least two sheets which are laminated together with one or more resins, wherein said one or more resins comprise a first resin, said first resin comprising polyamides which are obtained by polymerization of amino acids. Said at least two sheets are preferably chosen from the list of: papers, cardboards, textiles, glass fiber sheets.

[0009] Said laminates can further comprise substrates -such as particle board and wood fiberboard-, which can or cannot be seen as a sheet according to the invention. Preferably a said substrate is not seen as a sheet according to the invention.

[0010] Said at least two sheets can be the same sheets, or can be different sheets. Preferably at least one of said at least two sheets is a paper. More preferably at least one of said two sheets is a kraft paper. Preferably this kraft paper has a weight of between 80 and 300 grams per square meter (gsm), for example 120 gsm or 155 gsm or 200 gsm. Said kraft is preferably impregnated with said first resin and then preferably has an impregnated weight of between 140 and 530 gsm, for example the impregnated weight can be 210 gsm or 275 gsm or 350 gsm for respectively kraft paper with a weight of 120 gsm or 155 gsm or 200 gsm. Kraft paper is often used for the production of HPL, CPL and compact laminate.

[0011] For example HPL and CPL typically comprise two or three kraft papers and at least one decorative paper, wherein the kraft paper provides the HPL / CPL with the desired strength. Kraft paper is often used to form the core of a compact laminate, wherein said core then typically comprises between 5 and 40 kraft papers, for example between 10 and 20 kraft papers, said kraft papers preferably being impregnated with resin and as such forming resin-impregnated kraft papers. Said kraft papers most often form structural sheets of the laminate. Of course other papers and / or cardboards can be used as structural sheets. Kraft papers can also be used to provide a DPL with improved impact resistance, for example such a DPL can comprise one, two or more kraft papers located between the substrate, e.g. a particle board or wood fiber board substrate, and a decorative paper.

[0012] Said kraft papers can have any colour, such as white, brown or black. The colour can be chosen in relation to the desired use / function of the laminate. For example black kraft papers can be used when one does not which to cover a side edge of the laminate with for example an edge tape. By having a black kraft paper, a laminate having an aesthetic side edge can be obtained.

[0013] The sheets of a said laminate can only comprise paper sheets.

[0014] The sheets of a said laminate can only comprise kraft papers. For example said laminate can comprise several kraft papers and said first resin, wherein the visible sides are finished with a protective layer, such as a lacquer layer, for example a polyurethane lacquer layer or an acrylate lacquer layer.

[0015] The laminate can be plate-shaped or sheet-shaped. The laminate can also have other shapes, for example obtained by pressing in specific mold. For example the laminate can be pressed to have the shape of a furniture or a furniture part, such as the seat of a chair or sofa.

[0016] Also more preferably, at least one of said two sheets is a decorative paper, e.g. a paper with a decor printed upon it and / or a paper with a uniform color and / or a dyed paper. The decorative paper is for example a white paper with a decor printed upon it or a yellow paper (or other colored paper) with a decor printed upon it, or a paper with a uniform color upon which no decor is printed. Preferably the decorative paper has a weight between 40 and 120 grams per square meter, for example 120 grams per square meter. Said decorative paper can be impregnated with one of said one or more resins and then preferably has an impregnated weight of between 120 and 300 grams per square meter, more preferably between 150 and 220 grams per square meter, for example 200 grams per square meter. Also in a specific embodiment, at least one of said two sheets is a translucent / transparent paper. Translucent and transparent are used interchangeably throughout this application. Said translucent paper is preferably part of a wear layer that is located on top of the decorative paper to protect said decorative paper. Instead of having a sheet to form an additional wear layer, said wear layer can be formed by applying one or more layers, e.g. coating one or more layers, upon the resin-impregnated decorative paper, for example by applying one or more lacquer layers and / or one or more UV-curable layers. For example such a wear layer can be formed by coating one or more acrylate resins, polyester resins and / or polyurethane resins, upon the resin impregnated decorative paper. A said wear layer can or cannot comprise hard particles, such as corundum. Corundum can for example be present in the resin that impregnates a said translucent sheet or said corundum can be present in a said lacquer layer or other layer. Said decorative paper and / or translucent paper can be impregnated with a translucent resin chosen from the list of: acrylate resins, polyester resins, polyurethane resins, melamine resins. Of course said decorative paper and / or translucent paper can be impregnated with said first resin, the latter can be beneficial if the decor is a dark decor.

[0017] With acrylate resins can be indicated polyacrylate resins. With polyester resins can be indicated unsaturated polyester resins. With melamine resins are preferably indicated melamine formaldehyde resins, but can also be indicated melamine urea formaldehyde resins.

[0018] Cardboards can be part of a compact laminate.

[0019] Textiles can be woven sheets or non-woven sheets, wherein said textiles comprise organic material, such as cotton fibers, silk fibers, flax fibers or wool, and / or comprise synthetic material, such as polyester fibers, polyamides fibers and / or comprise glass wool or rockwool.

[0020] The at least two sheets can comprise one or more glass fiber sheets (such as glass fiber scrims or nets).

[0021] Said laminate can further comprise a substrate, such as a particle board substrate or a wood fiber board substrate (such as an MDF or HDF). If such a substrate is present, said substrate can or cannot be seen as a said sheet of the laminate. Preferably said substrate is not seen as a sheet, since it is considerably thicker than a paper sheet or a textile sheet. Preferably, if such a substrate is present, said laminate only comprises one substrate, wherein said substrate can be one-layered or multi-layered. For example, the laminate can be a DPL, for example a floor panel laminate comprising from top to bottom: -a decorative top layer, preferably comprising a translucent paper which functions as wear layer and a printed and / or coloured paper which functions as a decorative layer, or preferably comprising a protective top layer, e.g. a top layer comprising one or more lacquer layers and / or one or more UV-cured acrylate / polyester layers, and a printed and / or coloured paper which functions as a decorative layer;

[0022] -optionally one, two or three kraft papers which have been impregnated with a said resin, preferably said first resin;

[0023] -a substrate, such as a wood fiber board or a particle board;

[0024] -optionally a balancing layer, said balancing layer preferably comprising a paper impregnated with a said resin, preferably said first resin.

[0025] For example the laminate can be a DPL, for example a furniture panel comprising from top to bottom:

[0026] -a decorative layer, comprising at least one paper;

[0027] -a substrate, such as a wood fiber board or a particle board;

[0028] -a decorative layer, comprising at least one paper.

[0029] Above-mentioned substrates can also comprise thermoplastic material and / or mineral fillers, such as chalk or magnesiumoxide (MgO). For example said substrate can comprise wood fibers, glue and mineral fillers such as MgO. For example said substrate can be a filled synthetic composite comprising thermoplastic material and mineral fillers and optionally plasticizers.

[0030] Said at least two sheets are laminated together by said one or more resins. For example said sheets can be impregnated with a said resin and / or coated with a said resin, and as such form resin-impregnated sheets and / or resin coated sheets, wherein to form said laminate, e.g. to laminate said sheets together, preferably a stack with said sheets is formed and pressed together with heat and pressure. Pressing can occur with press elements, such as press plates and press rolls, wherein at least one of said press elements can have a structure and this to provide laminates with the desired structure. For example, if the laminate imitates wood, it can provide a wood structure, or if the laminate imitates stone, it can provide a stone structure. For said first resin, said polymerisation of said amino acids into polyamides, can be the result of one or more of the following polymerisation reactions:

[0031] -polycondensation;

[0032] -polyaddition;

[0033] -step-growth reactions;

[0034] -cyclo-addition reactions;

[0035] -self-condensing polymerisation;

[0036] -ring-opening multibranching polymerisation;

[0037] Preferably said polymerisation is substantially a polycondensation reaction.

[0038] Said amino acids are preferably bio-based, such that the first resin is a bio-based resin. More preferably at least 90 weight percentage (wt%) of the components of the first resin is bio-based and more preferably the first resin is completely bio-based. For example said amino-acids can be produced with the aid of bacteria. Bacteria, such as Cory neb acterium (gram-positive) or Escherichia coli (gram-negative), can produce amino acids by fermentation, for example can predominantly produce lysine or other amino acids. For said micro-organisms to produce lysine or other amino acids, at least a carbon source and a nitrogen source is provided. Said carbon source can be saccharides, for example glucose, fructose, sucrose, blackstrap molasses, beet molasses, starch hydrolysates, cellulose, hemicellulose and / or lignin. As nitrogen source can be used corn steep liquor, yeast extract, tryptone, peptone, soybean cake hydrolysate, casein hydrolysate and / or urea. As an alternative nitrogen source or in addition, an ammonia source can be used. For example mixtures of ammonium salts, such as ammonium sulphate or diammonium phosphate, can be used or ammonium nitrate, ammonium phosphate, ammonium chloride, ammonium acetate, amino acid mixtures and ammonium carbonate. Ammonium sulphate can be obtained as a byproduct in manure processing or after stripping of ammonia-containing gases. In other words, the production of amino acids such as lysine can completely or substantially take place based on bio-based materials and / or waste materials. Often, some vitamins are also added for having a good L-lysine fermentation with for example C. glutamicum. Biotin, thiamine, HC1 salts, pantothenic acids, Ca-salts and / or nicotinamide can also be added. It has been found that high yields of L-lysine fermentation are obtained when using beet melasse and / or Corn steep liquor, as such resulting a base material that is very useful for producing polylysine, such as hyperbranched polylysine. Preferably the corn is steeped with sulphur dioxide, for example up to two days. This leads to a base material with a high sulphur content, for example of about 4 wt%. Such an amount of sulphur leads to a good production of polylysine, e.g. hyperbranched polylysine.

[0039] An additional advantage of the laminate according to the invention, is that laminates comprising said first resin, can be more easily recycled.

[0040] Preferably said amino acids are chosen from the list of: lysine, arginine, glutamine, asparagine, histidine. The polyamides can comprise polylysine, e.g. being a polyamide obtained by polymerisation of amino acids, wherein said amino acids comprise at least 80 wt% of lysine, preferably at least 90 wt% of lysine, most preferably at least 95 wt% of lysine. The polyamides can be hyperbranched polyamides, e.g. hyperbranched polyamides which can or cannot consist of lysine. For example the hyperbranched polyamides can comprise at least two types of amino acids, for example can comprise lysine and glutamine. The (hyperbranched) polyamides can or cannot consist of amino acids. The (hyperbranched) polyamides can also have other molecules incorporated which are not amino acids, such as crosslinkers and / or carbohydrates. The composition of said (hyperbranched) polyamides will depend upon the manufacturing method.

[0041] Said one or more resins can comprise only said first resin, wherein then preferably said at least two sheets have been impregnated / coated with said first resin.

[0042] Said one or more resins can comprise only resins of the same type, e.g. resins comprising polyamides which are obtained by polymerization of amino acids. Said laminates then at least comprise said first resin. Said laminate can comprise a second resin, a third resin, and so on, which also comprise polyamides which are obtained by polymerization of amino acids, but which have a different composition than the first resin, for example which comprise another wt% of said polyamides and / or another wt% of carbohydrates and / or another wt% of additives or different additives or no additives. Said second resin, third resin, and so on, can also have the preferred / additional features as mentioned below for said first resin. The composition of a said resin comprising polyamides which are obtained by polymerization of amino acids can depend on the type of sheet, its position of said sheet within the laminate and its function (structural sheet, decorative sheet, wear resistant sheet, balancing sheet, fire-resistant sheet, etc.). Here below different embodiment of laminates are described with laminates comprising two or more sheets impregnated with a said first resin. In order not to compromise readability, in every embodiment in which at least two sheets are impregnated with a resin comprising polyamides which are obtained by polymerization of amino acids, the term first resin will be used, even if the composition slightly differs for said sheets.

[0043] Said on or more resins can comprise at least two types of resins, e.g. resins that comprise polyamides which are obtained by polymerization of amino acids (thus at least said first resin) and other resins, such as MF resins, PF resins, ureaformaldehyde (UF) resins, melamine ureaformaldehyde (MUF) resins, melamine urea phenol formaldehyde (MUPF) resins, (poly)acrylate resins, (unsaturated) polyester resins or polyurethane resins. Preferably said one or more resins comprise said first resin and at least an MF resin. Said one or more resins could also comprise said first resin and at least a (poly)acrylate resin.

[0044] The laminate is laminated together with one or more resins, wherein said one or more resins comprise a first resin. To form said laminate, said one or more resins are provided in a state wherein said one or more resins are not cured or are only partially cured. When forming said laminate, said one or more resins are cured or further cured. For example, firstly said two or more sheets are treated with said one or more resins, e.g. impregnated and / or coated with said one or more resins. Said one or more resins which are used to impregnate and / or coat said two or more sheets are then preferably uncured or with a low degree of curing. When impregnating and / or coating said two or more sheets, a drying step can be present such that said one or more resins undergo a first curing and are in a so-called B-stage wherein the one or more resins are semi-cured. Said impregnated and / or coated sheets are then laminated together which results in further curing of the one or more resins. Here, cured resin means that the resin has undergone curing during forming of the laminate, it is sufficiently dry and it bonds the sheets together sufficiently so as to produce the desired laminate. This does not mean per se that the resin is cured completely. Here, a cured resin may or may not be a fully cured resin. If the description mentions a laminate comprising one or more resins, being a laminate which is already manufactured, said one or more resins are one or more cured resins. The laminate therefore comprises a cured first resin.

[0045] Preferably a said sheet is impregnated / coated with at least one of said one or more resins to form said laminate. Coating and impregnation can also take place with mixtures of said one or more resins, e.g. a sheet can be impregnated with a mixture of at least two resins. It is also possible that said one or more resins comprise at least two resins, whether or not of the same type of resin, wherein a said sheet is impregnated with one of said at least two resins and coated with another of said at least two resins. It is also possible that said one or more resins comprise at least three resins, whether or not of the same type of resins, wherein a said sheet is impregnated with one of said at least three resins and coated on one side with another of said at least three resins and coated on the same side or the other side with yet another of said at least three resins. Such sheets form resin-treated sheets. If said resin-treated sheet comprises said first resin, it can be a resin-treated sheet according to the third aspect of the invention which is described further in this description.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the polyamides comprise hyperbranched polyamides. The polyamides can substantially comprise hyperbranched polyamides, e.g. the polyamides can comprise more than 95 wt% or more than 99 wt% of hyperbranched polyamides. The polyamides can also comprise a mixture of non-hyperbranched polyamides and hyperbranched polyamides. The polyamides can comprise polylysine, such that the hyperbranched polyamides can comprise hyperbranched polylysine. With hyperbranched polylysine is preferably indicated a hyperbranched polyamide that comprises at least 90 wt% of lysine and optionally other amino acids and / or optionally other molecules such as crosslinkers and / or carbohydrates. The benefit of hyperbranched polyamides is that these molecules comprise lots of reactive groups, such that the resin, during production of said laminate, can have a high reactivity (e.g. if the laminate is made by pressing under heat and pressure, said pressing time can be reduced and / or kept low). Further said hyperbranched polyamides will ensure a good three dimensional network, thus a good bonding of the different layers of the laminate (e.g. the sheets) together, such that the risk of delamination is reduced. The reactivity of the first resin can be adapted by altering the amount of hyperbranched and non-hyperbranched polyamides, such that for each type of laminate, the first resin can have the desired reactivity and provide the desired strength and the desired amount of post formability to said laminate. The first resin can be a mixture between non-hyperbranched polylysine and hyperbranched polylysine. For example, for HPL and CPL comprising said first resin, it has been found that the post formability is good, and that the post formability increases if the amount of non-hyperbranched polyamides increases.

[0047] If post formability is desired and / or a lower viscosity of the first resin during production is desired, the polyamides preferably comprise at least 20 wt% of non-hyperbranched polyamides, more preferably at least 40 wt% of non-hyperbranched polyamides, most preferably at least 60 wt% of non-hyperbranched polyamides. Embodiments were the polyamides comprise at least 90 wt% of non-hyperbranched polyamides or only non- hyperbranched polyamides are also possible. Embodiments wherein the polyamides comprise between 20 and 80 wt% of hyperbranched polyamides and between 20 and 80 wt% of non-hyperbranched polyamides are also possible.

[0048] Non-hyperbranched polyamides can be linear polyamides or polyamides with at most 2 branches present in the polyamide macromolecule.

[0049] Hyperbranched polyamides (highly branched polyamides) are highly branched three- dimensional macromolecules. High / strong branching means that the polyamides are not linear and it also means that there is a significant number of branchings. This signifies that more than 3, preferably more than 5 and even more preferably more than 10 branchings are present in the polyamide macromolecule. Said hyperbranched polyamides are based on amino acids, for example polycondensed amino acids, wherein these amino acids are for example produced with the aid of bacteria. These are then bio-based hyperbranched polyamides. In order to form these hyperbranched polyamides, it is possible to choose to block no or virtually no groups or positions of the amino acids. It is thus possible to choose to not block the a position and / or the & position of the amino acids. Bacteria, such as Corynebacterium (Gram-positive) or Escherichia coli (Gramnegative), can by fermentation convert amino acids chemically in a directed manner for example mainly to lysine and a proportion of glutamine. When the hyperbranched polyamides are based on polycondensed amino acids, it is not necessary that these are only based on one type of amino acid. When use is made of bacteria that for example form mainly lysine and a small proportion of other amino acids such as glutamine, both the lysine and the glutamine may be used for the production of the hyperbranched polyamides, so that an additional purification step of the amino acids is superfluous and the production of the hyperbranched polyamides can take place in an ecological manner. If the amino acids substantially comprise lysine or for example comprise at least 80 weight percentage, preferably at least 90 weight percentage of lysine, said hyperbranched polyamides can be indicated as hyperbranched polylysine. Said hyperbranched polylysine can have a degree of branching of between 0,1 and 0,6, for example of between 0,25 and 0,4, for example 0,23 or 0,26 or 0,27 or 0,29 or 0,31 or 0,35 or 0,45 or 0,50 or 0,55. The degree of branching can be measured by H-NMR spectroscopy.

[0050] Further preferably the hyperbranched polyamides have an average molecular weight of between 250 and 50.000 g / mol, preferably at least 500 g / mol, more preferably at least 1.000 g / mol and / or preferably at most 25.000 g / mol, more preferably at most 10.000 g / mol, most preferably at most 5.000 g / mol. The average molecular weight of hyperbranched polyamides may be determined, for example, by low-angle laser light scattering (LALLS). As an alternative or in addition, the average molecular weight may be determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Preferably, in this description, the average molecular weight refers to the number average molecular weight. It has been found that such average molecular weights provide the desired reactivity of the resin.

[0051] In a specific embodiment, the polyamides are non-hyperbranched polyamides, or the polyamides comprise at most 20 wt% of hyperbranched polyamides. Preferably said polyamides comprise at least non-hyperbranched polylysine, e.g. being a polyamide made from at least 80 wt% lysine. The viscosity of said first resin during production of said laminate can be sufficiently low, such that this first resin is very suitable to impregnate said sheets in a homogeneous manner.

[0052] In a very preferred embodiment the first resin comprises carbohydrates, preferably reducing carbohydrates. This results in a laminate having said cured first resin, being a cured resin that comprises Maillard reaction products derived from the Maillard reaction between the polyamides and the carbohydrates. Such a first resin results in excellent adhesive properties, such that the risk of delamination is low. Further said carbohydrates are bio-based, such that the resin can have high contents of bio-based material, or can even be completely bio-based. Said carbohydrates can be sucrose and / or glucose and / or fructose. Said carbohydrates can be invert sugar. Preferably said carbohydrates are a mixture of glucose and fructose, wherein this mixtures can or cannot be derived from sucrose.

[0053] Further, in a very preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of polyamides to the total weight of polyamides and carbohydrates is at most 0,50, and preferably at least 0,15. Thus, the weight ratio of polyamides to the sum of polyamides and carbohydrates may be for example: 0,22 or 0,23 or 0,24 or 0,25 or 0,26 or 0,27 or 0,28 or 0,35 or 0,36 or 0,37 or 0,38 or 0,40 or 0,41 or 0,42 or 0,45. When the polyamides are hyperbranched polyamides, then the weight ratio of polyamides to the sum of polyamides and carbohydrates is for example between 0,3 and 0,45. Excellent results have been obtained for a first resin comprising carbohydrates, preferably invert sugar, and polylysine, preferably hyperbranched polylysine, when the weight ratio of polylysine to the sum of polylysine and carbohydrates is between 38 and 43 wt%, for example is 41 wt%. With (hyperbranched) polylysine is indicated a polymer obtained by polymerization of amino acids, wherein said amino acids comprise at least 80 wt% of lysine, preferably at least 90 wt% of lysine, more preferably at least 95 wt% of lysine and most preferably at least 99 wt% of lysine. Of course, crosslinkers and / or possible impurities present during the production of said lysine can be built in in said (hyperbranched) polylysine.

[0054] Also further preferably, the carbohydrates and the polyamides take up at least 70 wt% of the total dry matter weight of the first resin, more preferably at least 80 wt%, more preferably at least 90 wt%, more preferably at least 95 wt%, most preferably at least 99 wt%. Surprisingly it has been found that laminate can be produced in a good manner without the need, or with little need of additives, such as catalysts or crosslinkers. Of course, if superior properties with regard to water repellent properties and / or fire resistant properties and / or anti-static properties are desired, additives can be added to said first resin to obtain said superior properties. Said first resin is preferably substantially made from polyamides and carbohydrates, with the weight ratio of polyamides to the total weight of polyamides and carbohydrates more preferably being at most 0,45, and at least 0,15, such that the first resin comprises more carbohydrates based on weight.

[0055] Possible additives of the first resin are described in further paragraphs of this description. Preferably said first resin comprises at most 10 wt%, more preferably at most 5 wt%, most preferably at most 3 wt% of additives, based on dry matter weight. With additives are preferably indicated molecules which are not carbohydrates and which are not polyamides.

[0056] Further, said first resin can be formed by mixing said carbohydrates and polyamides and possible additives together in a single step. However, it is also possible to work with a so-called prereact. Then firstly a prereact is prepared comprising (a portion of) the carbohydrates and a portion of the polyamides. This prereact is heated (and / or the carbohydrates and / or the polyamides are heated prior to forming said the prereact). In this way, the Maillard reaction takes place during manufacturing of this prereact and this prereact already has a number of Maillard reaction products. Then at least the remainder of the polyamides (and possible carbohydrates) is added to said prereact to form the first resin. This prereact may already comprise a number of additives (see the description below, which indicates which additives the first resin can have) or all additives. These additives (if present) may be added at the beginning of the formation of the prereact, but also may be added during formation of the prereact, as well as after formation of the prereact. When the additives are added, may also depend on the type of additives. For formation of the prereact, for example between 3 and 40 wt% of the polyamides may be provided, for example between 6 and 10 wt%, for example between 20 and 30 wt%, for example between 10 and 20 wt%, in such a way that there are still sufficient polyamides present in the formed first resin that have not yet reacted, and this with still a good activation of the first resin. Preferably, if a prereact is present, all the carbohydrates are added when forming the prereact. The inventors have found that a good balance between the prereact, e.g. the prereacted polyamides and the polyamides not present in the prereact, is needed to have a first resin which is well capable of impregnating sheets and this while still obtaining an impregnated sheet that has sufficient reactivity. If the polyamide is polylysine, preferably comprising hyperbranched polylysine, and if the carbohydrates comprise glucose and / or fructose, preferably is invert sugar, then optimal results are obtained if the prereact comprises between 5 and 10 wt% of the polylysine, preferably 6 wt% or 8 wt%. If the additives comprise an acid or salts of an acid, for example chloric acid (such as HC1) or salts of a hypochlorous acid (such as NaOCl), and the carbohydrates comprise sucrose, then this acid or these salts of an acid are preferably added to the prereact so that sucrose is satisfactorily converted to glucose and fructose. In a specific embodiment the first resin comprises crosslinkers. The crosslinkers can be chosen from the list of: epoxides, dialdehydes -such as glyoxal-, polyketones, polyesters, acrylates and isocyanate dispersions. With the aid of crosslinkers the first resin forms a good three dimensional network, such that a strong laminate can be obtained and the risk of delamination is low. Also said crosslinkers aid in the reactivity, such that the production of said laminates can be improved and this by enhancing the reactivity of the first resin during production. Examples of possible acrylates are diacrylates, triacrylates or multi acrylates, this being molecules with two acrylate side chains, three acrylate side chains or more acrylate side chains. This acrylates can be small molecules, such as for example an aromatic with acrylate side chains, or an oligomer with acrylate side chains or a polymer with acrylate side chains. Such acrylates can take up between 5 and 10 wt% of the total dry matter weight of the first resin.

[0057] Further preferably, said crosslinkers are or comprise epoxides. Excellent results are achieved with the aid of epoxides, such as diepoxides or triepoxides or polyepoxides or a combination of various aforementioned epoxides. These epoxides, for example the diepoxides or the triepoxides, may for example comprise one or more oxirane end groups and preferably comprise two or more oxirane end groups. These epoxides may for example be created via bio-based routes from lignin or aniline, such as glycerol diglycidyl ether, and / or ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether. These epoxides may for example comprise diglycidyl ether of vanillyl alcohol and / or phloroglucinol tris epoxy. It is known that epoxides react with polyamides. However, it is exceptional here that, in the case of polyamides obtained by polymerisation of amino acids, for example polylysine such as hyperbranched polylysine, epoxides can be added without prepolymerization when the sheets are treated with the first resin, e.g. impregnated with the first resin, prior to the pressing of the laminate. It is only when pressure and temperature are added in the press that the epoxide becomes active.

[0058] Further preferably, said crosslinkers are or comprise acrylates. Said acrylates, for example said diacrylates, triacrylates and multi acrylates, enhance the structural properties of the laminate, such as internal bond and strength. Acrylates can also be homogeneously present in said first in an easy manner.

[0059] Also further preferably, for the first resin, the weight ratio of crosslinkers to polyamides is between 0,005 and 0,15. Preferably said weight ratio is at most 0,10, more preferably at most 0,06, most preferably at most 0,03, for example between 0,01 and 0,06. A higher portion of crosslinkers contributes to the water resistance of the first resin and thus of the laminate comprising this first resin. The content of the crosslinkers must also not be too high, as this may lead to pre-polymerization of the first resin, prior to the pressing of the laminate, which could hinder good impregnation of sheets with said first resin. This weight ratio ensures optimal technical characteristics, more particularly a better tensile strength, flexural strength and compressive strength and a better water resistance.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the first resin comprises polyamines, such as diamines, triamines and / or tetraamines. Examples of possible polyamines are hexamethylenetetramine and hexamethylenediamine. Preferably the weight ratio of polyamines to the dry matter weight of the first resin is at most 0,03.

[0061] Preferably, the first resin comprises wetting agents. Preferably the weight ratio of wetting agents to the dry matter weight of the first resin is at most 0,03. Preferably, the first resin comprises anti-static additives. Preferably the weight ratio of anti-static additives to the dry matter weight of the first resin is at most 0,03.

[0062] Preferably, the first resin comprises flame-retardant additives. Preferably the weight ratio of flame-retardant additives to the dry matter weight of the first resin is at most 0,03.

[0063] Preferably, the first resin comprises release agents to avoid sticking to press elements.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment the first resin comprises water-repellent and / or water resistant additives, wherein these water-repellent and / or water resistant additives are preferably chosen from the list of:

[0065] -a silicon containing compound, such as fumed silica or silanes or polysiloxanes;

[0066] -a metallic soap;

[0067] -a thermoplastic material;

[0068] -inorganic fillers such as CaCCh, talc, vermiculite;

[0069] -titanium-containing compounds such as tetra-n -butyltitanate, and / or other titanates and / or titanium-containing silicone oligomers.

[0070] Preferably the weight ratio of water-repellent and / or water resistant additives to the dry matter weight of the first resin is at most 0,03. Because of said water-repellent and / or water resistant additives, the laminate comprising said first resin can have good water resistant properties, for example can be less prone to swelling. Said thermoplastic material can be chosen from the list of: polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyurethane (PU), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). Said metallic soaps preferably comprise an aliphatic chain comprising at least 8 carbons, more preferably at least 12 carbons and most preferably at least 16 carbons. More preferably said metallic soaps also comprise one, two or more shorter aliphatic chains, e.g. aliphatic chains with at most 6 carbons, preferably at most 4 carbons. Said metallic soaps can be obtained from animal fats or plant / vegetable fats. The metallic soaps are preferably zinc metallic soaps or calcium metallic soaps or magnesium metallic soaps. An example of possible metallic soaps is zinc stearate. Metallic soaps can contribute to the water resistance of a board comprising said glue, but can also enhance the soap resistance of a said board.

[0071] In a specific embodiment the first resin comprises one or more of the list of:

[0072] -pH regulators such as bases, e.g. potassium carbonate, or acids;

[0073] -dialdehydes such as glyoxal or Strecker aldehyde;

[0074] -metal ions, e.g. (Cu2+, Mg2+, Al3+, Fe3+, Ca2+);

[0075] -polyimines.

[0076] Preferably the weight ratio of above-mentioned molecules to the dry matter weight of the first resin is at most 0,03.

[0077] Further said first resin, if said first resin comprises said carbohydrates, can comprise additives for controlling the Maillard reaction. For example said additives can comprise one or more of the following:

[0078] -bases, more specifically K2CO3;

[0079] -salts of a chloric acid, for example salts of a hypochlorous acid, such as sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl);

[0080] -crosslinkers selected from the group comprising: a-hydroxyaldehydes, glyceraldehyde and a-dicarbonyls;

[0081] -metal-containing components, for example metal oxides and / or metal hydroxides and / or metal salts;

[0082] -amine crosslinking agents, wherein preferably these amine crosslinking agents are selected from the group comprising polyketones, polyesters, isocyanate dispersions, epoxides, glyoxal and other dialdehydes.

[0083] Preferably the weight ratio of said additives to the dry matter weight of the first resin is at most 0,03.

[0084] The above-mentioned crosslinkers, polyamines, wetting agents, water-repellent or water resistant additives, anti-static additives, flame-retardant additives, pH regulators, dialdehydes, metal ions, polyimines, additives for controlling the Maillard reaction, are all possible additives of the first resin. Of course, combinations of different additives are possible, depending on the requirement needed for said first resin. Further preferably said additives are present in amount of between 1% and 25% by weight based upon the dry matter weight of the first resin, for example 5 wt% or 15 wt%, more preferably of between 2 wt% and 3 wt%.

[0085] In a very preferred embodiment, the amino acids are substantially chosen from the list of: arginine, glutamine, asparagine, histidine and lysine, preferably wherein the amino acids comprise at least 80 wt% of lysine, such that the polyamides can be indicated as polylysine, e.g. hyperbranched polylysine. Said polylysine, more in particular said hyperbranched polylysine, preferably comprises other amino acids such as glutamine. Surprisingly, it has been found that a small presence of other amino acids, does not negatively influence the reactivity of said polylysine. Preferably said polylysine comprises at least 0,1 wt% of amino acids other than lysine, further preferably at most 5 wt% of amino acids other than lysine.

[0086] The first resin, when being used to make said laminate, preferably comprises water as solvent. During the coating and / or impregnation of said sheets with said first resin to form said laminate, the water ensures that said sheets are wetted, and there can be good impregnation of the sheets. With the aid of this first resin, the sheets can be bonded together very well, owing to the good contact between the first resin and the said sheets. In addition to water, the first resin can comprise co-solvents in an amount of between 2 wt% and 15 wt% of the total weight of the first resin, for example 3 wt% or 5 wt% or 10 wt%, when being used to make said laminate. Said co-solvents can be alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol. Said co-solvents can enhance and accelerate impregnation of a said sheet with said first resin. Said first resin preferably has a dry matter content of between 30 and 60 wt%, for example of between 40 and 48 wt%, such that the first resin has the desired viscosity and is able to penetrate said sheet in a good manner. Of course, the laminate comprises the cured first resin, such that the dry matter content will be different for the laminate.

[0087] The viscosity of the first resin used for forming said laminate, e.g. used to impregnate and / or coat a said sheet, is preferably at most 20 mPa.s, more preferably at most 10° mPa.s, even more preferably at least 1 mPa.s, at 20°C and 1.013 bar. In a very preferred embodiment at least one of said sheets is impregnated with one of said one or more resins, wherein optionally said sheet is impregnated with said first resin. By impregnating said sheet, a resin-impregnated sheet is formed, such that the laminate comprises at least one resin-impregnated sheet and more preferably at least two resin- impregnated sheets. Preferably a said resin-impregnated sheet has been impregnated with said first resin. By having one or more resin-impregnated sheets, the adhesion between the different sheets of said laminate can be improved, such that the risk of delamination can be lowered. Most preferably, for a said resin-impregnated sheet, said sheet is impregnated with said resin over its entire thickness and this preferably in such a way that a thin layer of resin is present on at least one, most preferably both, of said outer surfaces of the sheet. This way, between the different sheets of the laminate, a layer of resin is present and there is no direct contact between the sheets, which lowers the risk of delamination. Said at least one resin-impregnated sheet can be a resin-treated sheet as further described in the third aspect of the invention.

[0088] In a specific embodiment, at least one of said sheets is coated with one of said one or more resins, wherein optionally said sheet is coated with said first resin. At least one of said sheets is thus a coated sheet, wherein optionally said coated sheet is coated with said first resin. Such a coated sheet can be a resin-impregnated sheet, for example can be a sheet which is impregnated with said first resin and coated with a resin which is different from said first resin, or is impregnated with a resin different from the first resin and is coated with the first resin. For example, to improve the adhesion between said laminate and a substrate (to which one wants to attach said laminate, for example to improve the adhesion of a HPL to a substrate), a lower surface of said laminate can be formed by coating a said resin to ensure good adhesion with said substrate, for example said resin can be a polyurethane based resin or said resin can be said first resin if said substrate is for example a particle board or a fiberboard which has a glue comprising polyamides obtained by polymerisation of amino acids, e.g. a glue which is similar to the first resin. Said at least one coated sheet can be a resin-treated sheet as further described in the third aspect of the invention. In a specific embodiment, the bottom of the laminate is sanded. This can enhance the adhesion between said laminate and a substrate (to which one wants to attach said laminate, for example to improve the adhesion of a HPL to a substrate). Said bottom can for example be the lower surface as described in the paragraph above, which is formed by coating a said resin and said lower surface can be sanded. The bottom can also be formed by sanding the bottom resin impregnated sheet of the laminate. A laminate can also be manufactured with the aid of a so-called dry paper (German Trockenpapier). To form said laminate a stack comprising resin impregnated / coated sheets is formed, with at the bottom a paper which has not been impregnated and / or coated. The latter paper is sanded away, such that this paper is no longer present in the finished laminate and such that the bottom of the laminate is sanded.

[0089] In a specific embodiment, at least one of said sheets is coated and impregnated with one or more of said one or more resins, wherein optionally said sheet is coated with said first resin and / or is impregnated with said first resin. At least one of said sheets is then a coated resin-impregnated sheet, wherein optionally said coated resin-impregnated sheet is coated with said first resin and / or is impregnated with said first resin. For example one of said sheets can be decorative sheet which is impregnated with a first transparent resin different from said first resin and which is coated with at least a second transparent resin and optionally further coated with a third transparent resin, and optionally further coated with a fourth transparent resin. Coating with transparent resins can be used to enhance the wear resistance of said laminate. Said at least one coated resin-impregnated sheet can be a resin-treated sheet as further described in the third aspect of the invention.

[0090] Preferably, if for example said laminates are HPL / CPL or compact laminate, said sheets are chosen from the list of paper, cardboard, textiles, metal sheets, glass fiber sheets. For example said sheets can only comprise papers, wherein then preferably the type of papers are chosen in function of its position and function in the laminate. For example, laminates can comprise sheets which provide structural integrity and strength, decorative layers with for example at least one decorative sheet and wear-resistant layers with for example at least one translucent sheet. For structural integrity and strength, use can be made of kraft papers or cardboards or glass fiber scrims. Said kraft papers can have a weight - before impregnation- between 80 and 300 gsm, for example 120 gsm or 155 gsm or 200 gsm. Said kraft papers can or cannot comprise a certain amount of recycled material. For example said kraft papers can comprise recycled material, e.g. can comprise at least 10 wt%, 20 wt%, 30 wt%, 50 wt%, 70 wt% or 100 wt% of recycled material. For decorative layers use can be made of white paper (for example for decors with light colors e.g. light wood decors, stone decors, fantasy decors, or light unicolor decors) or of yellowish paper (for example for dark wood decors) or brown or black paper (for example for dark wood decors or for dark unicolor decors). Said decorative papers can be printed papers (analog printed paper or digital printed papers). Said decorative papers can also have a uniform color and can for example be a coloured paper, e.g. red, green, pink, blue, black, brown, etc. paper. Said decorative papers preferably comprise a paper with a weight between 40 and 120 gsm. For wear-resistant layers, use can be made of transparent / translucent papers, such that decorative layers which have a said wear-resistant layer on top, are still visible. For wear-resistant layers, in addition to a transparent / translucent paper, or instead of transparent / translucent paper, use can be made of one or more lacquer layers and / or one or more UV-cured layers, e.g. one can further coat a resin-impregnated decorative paper with an acrylate resin or a polyester resin or a polyurethane resin. Said transparent / translucent paper preferably is a paper with a weight between 20 and 80 gsm. Of course, papers or other sheets with one or more of above-mentioned features or below- mentioned features can also be used for a DPL laminate comprising for example a particle board or wood fiber board substrate. Said sheets -chosen from the list of: paper, cardboard, textiles, metal sheets, glass fiber sheets- can comprise recycled material or can only comprise recycled material. For example the paper / cardboard can be recycled paper / cardboard -the laminate can comprise recycled kraft paper-, or the textiles, metal sheets or glass fibers sheets can be derived at least partially from recycled material.

[0091] For example the laminate can comprise a textile, such as a woven or non-woven sheet to provide the laminate with additional structural integrity. For example the laminate can comprise a glass fiber sheet to enhance the fire resistant properties of the laminate. For example the laminate can comprise a metal sheet, such as an aluminum sheet, to enhance the fire resistant properties of the laminate. The laminate can comprise a cardboard, to enhance the structural integrity and strength of the laminate and to have the desired thickness.

[0092] For example the laminate is fire-retardant laminate. For this one or more of the following features can be present for said laminate:

[0093] -the laminate comprises a glass fiber sheet. Preferably, if the laminate comprises a decorative top layer and a core, this glass fiber sheet is located between the sheets forming the core and the decorative layer;

[0094] -the first resin comprises fire retardant additives;

[0095] -the laminate comprises a second resin, said second resin comprising fire retardant additives. For example the laminate comprises a decorative sheet and / or a wear resistant sheet which is impregnated with said second resin. Said second resin can be chosen from the list of: melamine resin, acrylate resin, polyester resin.

[0096] The fire-retardant additives can be chosen from the list of:

[0097] -phosphates, such as ammonium phosphates -monoammonium phosphate (MAP)- or magnesium phosphates or aluminum phosphates;

[0098] -sulphates;

[0099] -sulfamates;

[0100] -hydrates, such as aluminum trihydrate;

[0101] -huntite;

[0102] -magnesite;

[0103] -magnesium salts;

[0104] -calcium salts;

[0105] -antimony oxide;

[0106] -siloxanes;

[0107] -silicates.

[0108] A specific built-up of a fire-retardant laminate, from bottom to top can be the following: -three kraft papers impregnated with a resin, preferably said first resin, wherein said first resin can or cannot comprise fire-retardant additives;

[0109] -optionally a paper impregnated with a melamine resin to enhance adhesion between the kraft papers and the glass fiber sheet (described below); -a glass fiber sheet

[0110] -a decorative paper comprising a print or having a uniform colour, wherein said decorative paper is impregnated with a translucent resin such as a melamine resin, an acrylate resin or a polyester resin, or wherein the decorative paper has a dark colour and is impregnated with the first resin, wherein a said resin does or does not comprise fire- retardant additives.

[0111] -optionally a wear layer and / or protective layer formed by a resin impregnated paper and / or a lacquer.

[0112] In a preferred embodiment, the laminate is a decorative laminate comprising a decor, wherein at least one of said two sheets is a decorative sheet comprising said decor and wherein at least one of said two sheets is a structural sheet, wherein said structural sheet is coated and / or impregnated with said first resin. A said structural sheets provides the laminate with structural integrity and / or strength. These structural sheets are for example kraft papers or cardboards. These structural sheets can be invisible or hardly visible during use of said laminate. Said first resin can have a brown color. When said structural sheets are not visible, the color of the used resin has no influence upon the aesthetics of the laminate. Said structural sheets can be visible at the side edge of the core, however a dark appearance can be desired for a said side edge. The decorative sheet can be a printed sheet and / or a sheet with a uniform color. Preferably said decorative sheet is located on top of said one or more structural sheets and / or said one or more structural sheets are located between two decorative sheets, and more preferably said decorative sheets are not transparent / translucent such that the one or more structural sheets are not visible through said decorative sheet. Preferably said decorative sheet is not impregnated with the first resin and / or preferably the visible side of the decorative sheet is not coated with the first resin. For example the decorative sheet can be impregnated / coated with a transparent resin, for example an acrylate resin, a polyurethane resin, a polyester resin or a melamine resin such as a MF resin. To further protect said decorative sheet, a translucent / transparent sheet, e.g. a translucent / transparent paper, can be applied upon said decorative sheet and / or a lacquer layer can be applied. Said translucent / transparent sheet is preferably impregnated / coated with a transparent resin, for example an acrylate resin, a polyurethane resin, a polyester resin or a melamine resin such as a MF resin, and is preferably not coated / impregnated with such first resin. The decorative sheet is then clearly visible through the translucent / transparent sheet and / or the lacquer. Said impregnated / coated translucent / transparent sheet and / or the lacquer can be indicated as a wear layer and can optionally comprise hard particles, such as corundum, to provide the laminate with further wear resistance. To protect said decorative sheet, instead of in addition to said translucent / transparent sheet, one or more lacquer layers and / or UV- coated layers can be applied above said decorative sheet, for example an acrylate resin layer and / or a polyester resin layer can be cured on top of said decorative sheet. An outer surface of said laminate can be a structured outer surface.

[0113] Further preferably said decorative sheet is impregnated and / or coated with a transparent / translucent resin. Translucent and transparent are used interchangeably throughout this application. Said transparent resins can be melamine resins, such as MF resins, or can be chosen from the list of: acrylate resins, polyester resins, polyurethane resins. Also combinations of the above-mentioned resins are possible. The benefit of the abovementioned list, is that these transparent resins do not comprise melamine.

[0114] Further preferably, the decorative sheet comprises a first surface on the visible side of the laminate and a second surface opposite said first surface, wherein said first resin is only present at the level of the second surface. With only present at the level of the second surface, can be indicated that the first resin is directly attached to said second surface, but can also be indicated that said first resin is present below said second surface and thus not visible, e.g. at a distance from the second surface.

[0115] In an embodiment, also the decorative sheet is coated and / or impregnated with the first resin, wherein the decorative sheet preferably comprises a black or brown decor. Said first resin, when being cured, can have a brownish color. When the decorative sheet comprise a dark decor, e.g. a black or brown decor, said first resin will not negatively influence said decor and might even enhance the aesthetics. Preferably said decorative sheet is laminated to the other sheets of said laminate in one single step, for example in one pressing step. However said decorative sheet can also form a so-called finish foil which is attached to a substrate or a core comprising several sheets in a separate step. In a specific embodiment the laminate comprises at least three said sheets, with from top to bottom, a first paper impregnated with a first translucent resin, one or more second papers impregnated with said first resin, and a third paper impregnated with a second translucent resin, said first and second translucent resin preferably being the same translucent resins and the one or more second papers preferably being kraft papers. The laminate thus comprises from top to bottom, a first resin-impregnated paper which has been impregnated with said first translucent resin, one or more second resin-impregnated papers which have been impregnated with said first resin, and a third resin-impregnated paper which has been impregnated with said second translucent resin. Preferably said laminate is obtained by pressing a stack of resin-impregnated sheets. However to form said laminate, one or more of said sheets can be coated with said respective resin, after which a said stack of sheets is formed, wherein said respective resin impregnates said respective sheet during pressing of the stack, as such forming a resin-impregnated sheet. Said translucent resins can be melamine resins or can be chosen from the list of acrylate resins, polyester resins, polyurethane resins. Preferably said laminate comprises at least 5, more preferably at least 10 and most preferably at least 20 second resin-impregnated papers, and more preferably forms a compact board.

[0116] In another specific embodiment the laminate comprises from top to bottom, optionally a first translucent paper impregnated with a first translucent resin, a second decorative paper impregnated with a second translucent resin, and one or more third papers impregnated with said first resin, a fourth decorative paper impregnated with a third translucent resin, and optionally a fifth translucent paper impregnated with a fourth translucent resin, wherein said translucent resins are preferably the same translucent resins or at least from the same type, and the one or more third papers preferably being kraft papers. The laminate then comprises from top to bottom, optionally a first resin- impregnated translucent paper which has been impregnated with said first translucent resin, a second resin-impregnated decorative paper which has been impregnated with said second translucent resin, one or more third resin-impregnated papers which have been impregnated with said first resin, a fourth resin-impregnated decorative paper which has been impregnated with said third translucent resin, and optionally a fifth resin- impregnated translucent paper which has been impregnated with said fourth translucent resin. Said translucent resins can be melamine resins or can be chosen from the list of: acrylate resins, polyester resins, polyurethane resins.

[0117] In another specific embodiment the laminate comprises at least three said sheets, from top to bottom, a first translucent paper impregnated with a first translucent resin, a second decorative paper impregnated with a second translucent resin, and one or more third papers impregnated with said first resin, wherein said first translucent resin and said second translucent resin are preferably the same resins or preferably at least resins of the same type. The laminate then comprises a first resin-impregnated translucent paper which has been impregnated with said first translucent resin, a second resin-impregnated decorative paper which has been impregnated with said second translucent resin, two or more third resin-impregnated papers which have been impregnated with said first resin. Such a laminate can be a HPL or a CPL or an edge band. Preferably said laminate comprises three said third resin-impregnated papers. Preferably said first translucent resin and said second translucent are free from melamine and phenol. For example said first and second translucent resin can be (poly)acrylate resins or (unsaturated) polyester resins and / or polyurethane resins. The latter HPL and CPL and edge band are then preferably free of resins comprising melamine and / or phenol and / or formaldehyde. Said translucent resins are thus preferably chosen from the list of: (poly)acrylate resins, (unsaturated) polyester resins, polyurethane resins.

[0118] In an embodiment, the laminate comprises from bottom to top, one or more first papers impregnated with said first resin, a second decorative paper impregnated with a first translucent resin and coated at its surface opposite said first papers with one or more translucent resins, wherein said translucent resins are preferably the same resins or at least resins of the same type. By additional coating said second decorative paper, additional wear resistance and / or scratch resistance can be added to the laminate. Said one or more translucent resins used to coat said second decorative paper can be (poly)acrylate resins, (unsaturated) polyester resins and / or polyurethane resins. One or more of said coating layers can be applied. Said one or more coating layers can comprise a structure. In a specific embodiment, the laminate comprises a core formed by at least three said sheets, said sheets preferably being paper, e.g. kraft paper, and at least one top layer, said top layer comprising a digital print applied upon said core. Each of said sheets is preferably impregnated with the first resin. With a digital print applied upon said core is preferably indicated a direct print applied upon said core. With a direct print is indicated that said print is not applied upon a separate sheet but directly upon the core. This however does not exclude that before applying said print, a primer layer is applied upon the core. A said primer layer ensures good printing quality. Optionally one or more lacquers or one or more other layers are applied above said print to protect said print and / or to provide a structure.

[0119] In a very preferred embodiment, the first resin serves as an alternative for phenol formaldehyde resin. For example said first resin replaces the phenol formaldehyde resin which is often used to impregnate the kraft papers of a HPL or a CPL. Said HPL / CPL can be an edge band. Said HPL / CPL preferably is used to cover up furniture boards or wall boards. For example a HPL or CPL according to the invention can comprise at least three kraft papers impregnated with said first resin, which serve as structural layers, and a decorative paper impregnated with a melamine resin, such as MF, or an (poly)acrylate resin or a (unsaturated) polyester resin, which serves as a decorative layer, and optionally a wear layer, said wear layer for example comprising a translucent paper impregnated with a melamine resin or an acrylate resin or a polyester resin and / or comprising lacquer layers or UV-coated layers comprising for example acrylates, polyesters and / or polyurethanes. It has been found that when said first resin is used instead of a phenol resin, post formability of said HPL / CPL can be better. Also it is easier to produce said HPL / CPL with deep embossments and / or the desired structure, e.g. a wood structure, a stone structure or a phantasy structure.

[0120] In a specific embodiment the laminate comprises a core formed by at least three said sheets, said sheets preferably being paper, e.g. kraft paper, and said sheets preferably being impregnated with said first resin, wherein said laminate further comprises at least one top layer and at least one bottom layer on opposite sides of the core, wherein said top layer comprises a sheet impregnated with a transparent resin such that said sheet is visible, wherein the bottom layer comprises a sheet impregnated with a transparent resin such that said sheet is visible. Such a laminate is for example a compact laminate with a core comprising kraft layers sandwiched between two decorative top layers, said decorative top layers preferably comprising at least one decorative paper, e.g. a printed decorative paper or a uniformly colored paper.

[0121] In a specific embodiment the laminate comprises at least two sheets, wherein one of said sheets is a substrate, for example a particle board substrate or a fiber board substrate, and another of said sheets is a paper, and wherein said laminate comprises at least said first resin. For example said laminate can be floor panel, wall panel or furniture panel, wherein said panel comprises, from top to bottom:

[0122] -a decorative top layer, comprising for example 1) a translucent / transparent paper impregnated with a transparent resin and a decorative paper impregnated with a transparent resin, said translucent / transparent paper forming the outer layer of the laminate (wear layer) which protects the decorative paper or 2) a decorative paper impregnated with a transparent resin and further coated with at one or more layers of a transparent resin, a said latter transparent resin forming the outer surface of the laminate or 3) a decorative paper impregnated with a transparent resin and further coated with the first resin, such that the first resin contacts the substrate, and optionally a translucent / transparent paper impregnated with a transparent resin forming the outer layer of the laminate (wear layer) or said decorative paper being further coated with one or more layers of a transparent resin, a said latter transparent resin forming the outer surface of the laminate;

[0123] -optionally a least one structural sheet, such as a kraft paper, impregnated with said first resin;

[0124] -a substrate, for example a particle board substrate or a wood fiber substrate (MDF or HDF);

[0125] -optionally a least one structural sheet, such as a kraft paper, impregnated with said first resin;

[0126] -a balancing layer or a decorative bottom layer. Said balancing layer preferably comprising a paper impregnated with said first resin. Said decorative bottom layer preferably having the same composition as the decorative top layer. In a specific embodiment, the laminate comprises a top side and bottom side opposite said top side, wherein at least said bottom side or at least said top side is formed by a coating layer, wherein said coating layer is preferably chosen from the list of primers, hotmelt glues, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) glue, lacquers. Said coating layer preferably differs from said one or more resins used to laminate said one or more sheets together. Said coating layer can provide the laminate with desired properties. For example said coating layer can enhance the attachment of said laminate to a substrate and / or an edge of a panel or can even fully realize attachment to a substrate and / or an edge of a panel. Nowadays, laminates are normally glued to a substrate and this by applying a glue to the bottom side of the laminate and / or to the substrate. By having said coating layer, less glue or no glue can be needed to be attach the laminate to a substrate. Said coating layer can seal off layers comprising the first resin and / or possible other resins of said one or more resins. Volatile components, such as odors, of a said resin are retained by said coating layer. With the aid of such a coating layer, desired properties of the laminate, such as flexibility, post formability, can be obtained for a longer time. The shelf life of the laminate can be improved by a said coating layer. Further a removable film can be attached to said coating layer to protect said laminate during storage and transport. Said coating layer can be a lacquer layer, for example an acrylate lacquer, a polyurethane lacquer or a polyester lacquer, wherein said lacquer forms a protective layer and / or enhances the aesthetics of the laminate. Said coating layer can be a structured coating layer.

[0127] The feature that a laminate comprises a top side and bottom side opposite said top side, wherein at least said bottom side or at least said top side is formed by a coating layer, said coating layer being different from said one or more resins used to laminate said two or more sheets together, wherein said coating layer is preferably chosen from the list of primers, hotmelt glues, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) glue, lacquers, is also an independent aspect of the invention, e.g. independent of the laminate comprising said first resin. According to a first variant of the invention, the presence of a said first resin is optional and said first variant relates to a laminate wherein the laminate is made up of at least two sheets which are laminated together with one or more resins, and wherein the laminate comprises a top side and bottom side opposite said top side, wherein at least said bottom side or at least said top side is formed by a coating layer, said coating layer being different from said one or more resins used to laminate said one or more sheets together, wherein said coating layer is preferably chosen from the list of: primers, hotmelt glues, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) glue, lacquers. A said coating layer can provide the laminate with desired properties, e.g. an enhanced and / or easier attachment to substrates and / or improved shelf life.

[0128] Further preferably the laminate is a decorative laminate comprising from top to bottom, at least a decorative sheet comprising a decor and at least one structural sheet, wherein said structural sheet is coated and / or impregnated with said first resin, wherein said coating layer forms said bottom side of the laminate and wherein said coating layer is a primer, preferably a primer for enhanced adhesion with glues.

[0129] In a specific embodiment the laminate comprises a finish foil, said finish foil comprising a paper sheet impregnated with a transparent resin, preferably an acrylate resin, and comprising a lacquer layer, wherein said lacquer layer preferably forms an outer surface of the laminate. Said paper sheet of the finish foil preferably has a weight of between 50 and 110 gsm. This paper sheet can be uniformly colored. Said paper sheet can also comprise a print. This paper sheet is preferably impregnated with a transparent resin such as an acrylate resin or a polyurethane resin, wherein said paper sheet is preferably not saturated by said transparent resin. Further said lacquer layer is preferably an acrylate lacquer or a polyurethane lacquer and can be a structured lacquer layer. The lacquer layer can be present in an amount of between 20 and 40 gsm. The laminate can for example comprise a core comprising three or more kraft papers impregnated with said first resin and said finish foil, wherein the finish foil is preferably attached to said core by a glue, and this for example with the aid of calendar rolls. The glue which is used to attach the finish foil to the core is preferably chosen from the list of:

[0130] -water based dispersions such as poly vinyl acetate (PVAc) dispersions*

[0131] -a hotmelt glue such as a polyurethane hotmelt or an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) hotmelt

[0132] -a polyolefin glue. In another specific embodiment the laminate comprises a finish foil, said finish foil comprising a said sheet being a paper sheet impregnated with the first resin, and comprising a lacquer layer, wherein said lacquer layer preferably forms an outer surface of the laminate. Said paper sheet of the finish foil preferably has a weight of between 50 and 110 gsm. This paper sheet can be uniformly colored. Said paper sheet can also comprise a print. Said uniform color or print preferably has a dark color, such that the color of the first resin does not negatively influence and possible even enhances the aesthetics of said paper sheet. The paper sheet of the finish foil is preferably not saturated by said first resin. Further said lacquer layer is preferably an acrylate lacquer or a polyurethane lacquer and can be a structured lacquer layer. The laminate can for example comprise a core comprising three or more kraft papers impregnated with said first resin and said finish foil, wherein the finish foil is preferably attached to said core by a glue. The laminate can comprise a substrate, such as particle board substrate or a wood fiberboard substrate, and at least one said finish foil attached to a side of the substrate preferably two finish foils attached respectively to opposite sides of the substrate. A said finish foil can be attached to the substrate by glue. The glue used to attach the finish foil can be chosen from the list of

[0133] -water based dispersions such as poly vinyl acetate (PVAc) dispersions;

[0134] -a hotmelt glue such as a polyurethane hotmelt or an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) hotmelt;

[0135] -a polyolefin glue;

[0136] -a resin of the type of the first resin.

[0137] In a specific embodiment the laminate comprises a top side and bottom side opposite said top side, wherein at least said bottom side is a backing layer, said backing layer comprising said first resin, preferably wherein said backing layer comprises a sheet impregnated with said first resin. For example said backing layer is a resin-impregnated paper, said paper being a kraft paper or a cellulose paper with a weight of between 20 and 50 gsm. Said backing layer can also only comprise said first resin. A said backing layer ensures that said laminate comprises less melamine, less phenol and less formaldehyde. Further preferably said laminate is free from (or comprises less) melamine, phenol and added formaldehyde. For example said laminate can comprise from top to bottom a decorative layer, a wood based substrate such as a particle board or a wood fiber board, and a said backing layer, wherein said decorative layer comprises one or more paper sheets and one or more resins, said one or more resin being chosen from the list of: (poly)acrylate resin, unsaturated polyester resins, polyurethane resins. Said substrate can or cannot comprise a formaldehyde glue.

[0138] The invention, according to a second aspect, relates to a method for manufacturing a laminate, said laminate being made up of at least two sheets which are laminated together with one or more resins, wherein at least one of said one or more resins is a first resin, said first resin comprising polyamides which are obtained by polymerization of amino acids, wherein the method comprises a lamination step wherein a stack comprising at least two or more sheets is formed and pressed together to laminate said sheets together, wherein said two or more sheets in said stack are treated, e.g. impregnated and / or coated, with said one or more resins and / or wherein said one or more resins are provided in said stack between two consecutive sheets of said two or more sheets.

[0139] Said pressing together is preferably heat pressing, e.g. pressing wherein heat is supplied. For this use can be made of a discontinue process which makes use of a single daylight press or a multi daylight press. Use can also be made of a continuous process wherein for example a continuous double belt press is used. By supplying heat, curing can take place in a faster manner.

[0140] In a preferred embodiment, said pressing together makes use of

[0141] -a discontinuous press, such as a single daylight press or a multidaylight press, for pressing together to laminate said sheets together, wherein pressing takes for example place at a temperature of between 140 and 160°C, or for example at a maximum temperature of at least 160 °C, preferably at least 180 °C, most preferably at least 200 °C, and a maximum pressure of between 40 and 80 kg / cm2, or for example a pressure of at least 80 kg / cm2, preferably at least 100 kg / cm2, most preferably at least 120 kg / cm2and wherein the pressing has a duration of between 50 seconds and 120 seconds, or for example a duration of at least 3 minutes, or; -a continuous press, such as a double belt press, for pressing together to laminate said sheets together, wherein pressing takes place at a maximum temperature of between 180 and 220 °C, and a maximum pressure of between 10 and 100 kg / cm2, for example 20 or 40 or 75 kg / cm2, and wherein the pressing has a duration of between 5 and 50 seconds, for example at least 30 seconds.

[0142] During said pressing together, the one or more resins liquefy such that the resins of the different sheets can flow into each other and adhere to each other.

[0143] For example, the method comprises the following steps:

[0144] -providing at least two base sheets;

[0145] -providing said one or more resins;

[0146] -treating said base sheets with said one or more resins, e.g. impregnating at least one of said two base sheets with said first resin or coating at least one of said two sheets with said first resin or impregnating and coating at least one of said two base sheets with said first resin; and further comprises one of the following steps:

[0147] -cutting or chopping said base sheets into smaller sheets, and placing said smaller sheets on top of each other and pressing these smaller sheets together to laminate said smaller sheets to each other to form said laminate; or

[0148] -placing said at least two base sheets on top of each other and pressing said at least two base sheets together to laminate said at least two base sheets to each other, optionally cutting or chopping said laminated together base sheets to form said laminate.

[0149] Preferably by said method, a laminate according to the first aspect of the invention as described above is obtained. The preferred and specific embodiments of said laminate therefore also apply mutatis mutandis to this method and vice versa.

[0150] Said method could optionally comprises a further step, preferably after said pressing of said at least two base sheets together to laminate said at least two base sheets to each other, wherein said further step comprises the application of one or more coating layers, for example the application of one or more lacquer layers, upon an outer side of said laminated together at least two base sheets. Said coating layer can be an acrylate layer, a polyurethane layer or a polyester layer. A said coating layer can be a structured layer, wherein said structure is for example provided by a press element and / or by excimer curing of said coating layer.

[0151] Preferably, the amino acids of the polyamides of the first resin are substantially chosen from the list of: arginine, glutamine, asparagine, histidine and lysine, preferably wherein the amino acids comprise at least 80 wt% of lysine, such that the polyamides can be indicated as polylysine.

[0152] The polyamides can comprise hyperbranched polyamides, wherein the hyperbranched polyamides preferably have an average molecular weight of between 250 and 25.000 g / mol, more preferably at least 500 g / mol, most preferably at least 1.000 g / mol and / or more preferably at most 10.000 g / mol, most preferably at most 5.000 g / mol. Said hyperbranched polyamides can be hyperbranched polylysine.

[0153] In a very preferred embodiment, the first resin comprises carbohydrates and more preferably the weight ratio of polyamides to the total weight of polyamides and carbohydrates is at most 0,5, and preferably at least 0,15, for example is between 0,36 and 0,43.

[0154] The first resin can also comprises one or more of the following additives: -crosslinkers, wherein the crosslinkers preferably are or comprise epoxides or wherein the crosslinkers are or comprise acrylates, and wherein preferably the weight ratio of crosslinkers to polyamides is between 0,005 and 0,15, preferably between 0,01 and 0,06; -polyamines, such as diamines, triamines and / or tetraamines;

[0155] -wetting agents;

[0156] -viscosity reducing agents;

[0157] -water-repellent or water resistant additives, for example a silicon containing compound, such as fumed silica or silanes or polysiloxanes, a metallic soap, a thermoplastic material, inorganic fillers such as CaCCh, talc, vermiculite, or titanium containing compounds;

[0158] -pH regulators such as bases, e.g. potassium carbonate, or acids; -dialdehydes such as glyoxal or Strecker aldehydes;

[0159] -metal ions, e.g. (Cu2+, Mg2+, AL3+, Fe3+, Ca2+);

[0160] -polyimines.

[0161] Said additives can aid in the manufacturing process of the laminate and / or can provide the manufactured laminate with the desired properties.

[0162] In a very preferred embodiment, before the step of forming said stack, at least one of said one or more sheets is treated, e.g. impregnated and / or coated, with said first resin, said first resin comprising between 35 and 70 wt% of dry matter, wherein said first resin is preferably a water-based resin. It has been found that with such an amount of dry matter, the first resin is well capable of impregnating a said sheet in a good manner. For example, when the sheet is a paper, such as a kraft paper, it has been found that a said first resin comprising between 50 and 60 wt% of dry matter and being water-based is very suitable to impregnate said paper. For example the paper can be kraft paper having a weight of between 120 and 180 gsm.

[0163] Treating at least one of said two base sheets with said first resin can be done in different ways. Impregnation and / or coating are possible options. Impregnation can for example be done in an impregnation bath, e.g. by displacing a said base sheet in a bath filled with said first resin. If use is made of an impregnation bath, the first resin is preferably water based and comprise co-solvents, as described in the first aspect of the invention and preferably the first resin with said co-solvents having the properties as described in the first aspect, to accelerate and enhance the impregnation. For example said base sheet can be provided on roll, wherein said base sheet is then unrolled and passed trough / along said bath and impregnated and then optionally rolled up again or cut into to smaller sheets. If said resin-impregnated base sheet is rolled up again after impregnation, multiple resin-impregnated base sheet can be again unrolled and pressed on top of each other in a continuous process, wherein after lamination the formed laminate is cut into smaller laminates. If said resin-impregnated base sheets after impregnation are cut into smaller sheets, then several sheets can be placed on top of each other in a discontinuous press, e.g. a single daylight press or a multiday light press, to form laminates. If a said impregnation bath is used, the first resin present in said impregnation bath preferably has a temperature of between 25°C and 45°C, for example 30°C, 35°C or 40°C. Said temperature can be obtained by heating said impregnation bath and / or applying heated first resin to said impregnation bath. Preferably said impregnation bath is continuously filled with the first resin during impregnation of a said sheet, such that the amount of first resin in said impregnation bath stays approximately constant.

[0164] Impregnating a said base sheet with said first resin can also be done by vacuum impregnation, wherein said first resin is sucked into the base.

[0165] Impregnating a said base sheet with said first resin can also be done by pressing the first resin into the base sheet.

[0166] Coating of a said base sheet with said first resin can be done by, for example spray coating.

[0167] Said first resin, when being used to impregnate a said base sheet, is preferably waterbased and has a dry matter content of between 30 and 60 wt%, for example of between 40 and 48 wt%, such that the first resin has the desired viscosity and is able to penetrate said sheet in a good manner.

[0168] Preferably a said base sheet is impregnated / coated with said first resin in such a way, that the amount of first resin is between 60 and 100 gsm sheet, for example 70 gsm or 80 gsm or 90 gsm.

[0169] After said impregnation, said resin-impregnated base sheets are preferably dried such that, before pressing, the desired residual moisture content is present, and pressing can occur in a good manner. The residual moisture content by weight is preferably below 15%, e.g. the resin impregnated base sheets comprise less than 15 wt% water. More preferably the residual moisture content is below 10 wt%, for example between 4 and 10 wt% or between 5 and 9 wt% or between 6 and 8 wt%. Higher moisture contents of between 10 wt% and 13 wt%, for example 11 wt% and 12 wt% are also possible. With higher moisture contents the polymerisation of said first resin when forming said stack can be lower, resulting in a more flexible laminate.

[0170] In a preferred embodiment, said stack of two or more sheets comprises at least one sheet impregnated with said first resin, said at least one sheet comprising between 4 and 15 wt% of residual moisture. For example said sheet impregnated with said first resin can be a paper, for example a kraft paper, of between 150 and 160 gsm, wherein after impregnation said resin-impregnated paper has a weight of between 280 and 290 gsm, said resin-impregnated paper comprising between 90 and 100 gsm of dry matter weight first resin and residual moisture.

[0171] In a very preferred embodiment said stack of two or more sheets comprises at least one sheet impregnated with said first resin, wherein said first resin in said stack is partially polymerized, e.g. wherein the first resin is in a so-called B-stage. Before pressing together said stack said first resin has undergone some polymerisation, such that one or more pressing conditions, e.g. time, temperature, pressure, can be lowered. Said B-stage is for example obtained during the step of forming said sheet impregnated with said first resin. For example drying by heating can take place, which results in some polymerisation. Preferably said B-stage is between 40% and 90%, more preferably between 60% and 70%. With a B-stage of 0% is indicated that the first resin has not undergone any amount of polymerisation. With a B-stage of 100% is indicated that the first resin is fully polymerized. For the second aspect of the invention, some polymerisation of the first resin in said stack before pressing is desired. Of course the first resin cannot be fully polymerized before pressing. Said B-stage can be determined as follows:

[0172] A piece of a resin-impregnated sheet, being impregnated with said first resin, is taken and its weight (Pl) is measured. Before impregnation, said sheet of said piece, e.g. said paper, had a certain weight (P2) and a certain ash content (P4), being the weight after complete burning. Said piece of resin-impregnated sheet has a certain residual moisture (RV%), for example a percentage of residual moisture of between 6 and 15. For example said piece can be 100 cm2. Then this piece is applied for 60 seconds in water of 60°C. After this, the piece is patted dry and applied in an oven having a temperature of 160°C for 5 minutes and its weight (P3) is again measured. The % of the B-stage is calculated as follows:

[0173] In a preferred embodiment said stack of two or more sheets comprises at least one sheet impregnated with said first resin, wherein the dry matter weight ratio first resin to sheet is between 0,30 and 1, preferably between 0,50 and 0,75, wherein preferably said sheet is a paper, such as a kraft paper. It has been found that such ratios are ideal for laminating said sheets together in such a way that the risk of delamination is low and the laminate has good performance.

[0174] In a very preferred embodiment the method comprises at least the following steps: -providing at least two base sheets;

[0175] -providing said one or more resins;

[0176] -treating said base sheets with said one or more resins, e.g. impregnating at least one of said two base sheets with said first resin or coating at least one of said two base sheets with said first resin, or impregnating and coating at least one of said two base sheets with said first resin and wherein the method further comprises one of the following steps:

[0177] -cutting or chopping said base sheets into smaller sheets, and placing said smaller sheets on top of each other to form said stack of two or more sheets; or

[0178] -placing said at least two base sheets on top of each other to form said stack of two or more sheets, preferably in a continuous manner in which said at least two base sheet are continuously unrolled on top of each other and pressed in a continuous pressing device, optionally cutting or chopping said laminated together base sheets.

[0179] Said base sheets are preferably provided on roll, for example said base sheets are rolls of paper, e.g. paper rolls. To impregnate / coat said paper rolls, said paper rolls are preferably unrolled. When coating / impregnating said paper rolls, resin coated / impregnated paper rolls can be obtained, e.g. by rolling up again. Said resin coated / impregnated paper rolls are ideally to be used in a continuous process, e.g. to produce a CPL. For this several resin coated / impregnated paper rolls can be unrolled on top of each other and then pressed together. After this the formed base laminate can be chopped / cut into smaller pieces, e.g. laminates. For a discontinuous process, one does not need to roll up said paper again after coating / impregnating, one can directly cut / chop said impregnated / coated paper in smaller sheets, and then put said sheets on top of each other to form said laminate with the aid of for example a single daylight press or a multi daylight press, of course rolling up is not excluded.

[0180] In a specific embodiment, after the formation of said stack of two or more sheets and said pressing together to laminate said sheets, a coating layer is applied upon at least one side of the laminated together sheets, said coating layer preferably being chosen from the list of primers, hotmelt glues, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) glue, lacquers. For example one or more lacquer layers can be applied upon said side, the lacquer layers can be acrylate lacquers, polyurethane lacquers or polyester lacquers. Said one or more lacquer layers can enhance the wear resistance and / or enhance the aesthetic appearance. Said one or more lacquer layers can have a structure, can for example be embossed. This structure can be in register with the decor of the decorative sheet if a decorative sheet with a print is used to form the laminate.

[0181] In a specific embodiment, after the formation of said stack of two or more sheets and said pressing together to laminate said sheets, a finish foil is applied upon at least one side of the laminated together sheets, said finish foil comprising a paper sheet preferably impregnated with a resin and comprising a lacquer layer, such as an acrylate layer or a polyurethane layer. Said resin can be the first resin or can be an acrylate resin or a polyurethane resin or a polyester resin. Said paper sheet can be a unicolored sheet or can be printed sheet. The finish foil can comprise the features of the finish foil described in the first aspect of the invention.

[0182] The invention, according to a third aspect, relates to a resin-treated sheet comprising a sheet and one or more resins, said one or more resins comprising a first resin, wherein said first resin comprises polyamides which are obtained by polymerization of amino acids. Preferably said resin-treated sheet is free from resins other than the first resin. Also preferably the resin-treated sheet is a resin-impregnated sheet, wherein more preferably at least the core is impregnated with said first resin and optionally a layer of first resin is formed upon one or both sides of the sheet.

[0183] Such a resin-treated sheet can be used to form a laminate according to the second aspect of the invention and / or said resin-treated sheet can be part of a laminate according to the first aspect of the invention. All the preferred and specific embodiments of the first resin and / or of the sheet treated with said first resin, described in said first aspect and / or described in said second aspect, apply mutatis mutandis to this resin-treated sheet and vice versa.

[0184] Preferably the polyamides comprise hyperbranched polyamides, wherein the hyperbranched polyamides preferably have an average molecular weight of between 250 and 25.000 g / mol, preferably at least 500 g / mol, more preferably at least 1.000 g / mol and / or preferably at most 10.000 g / mol, preferably at most 5.000 g / mol.

[0185] Said polyamides can comprise non-hyperbranched polyamides, such as linear polyamides. Said polyamides can be a mixture of non-hyperbranched polyamides and hyperbranched polyamides.

[0186] Said first resin can comprise crosslinkers, wherein the crosslinkers preferably are or comprise epoxides or wherein the crosslinkers preferably are or comprise acrylates, and wherein preferably the weight ratio of crosslinkers to polyamides is between 0,005 and 0,15, preferably between 0,01 and 0,06.

[0187] In a very preferred embodiment the first resin comprises carbohydrates, wherein more preferably for the first resin, the weight ratio of polyamides to the total weight of polyamides and carbohydrates is at most 0,5, and preferably at least 0,15.

[0188] Said resin-treated sheet preferably comprises between 4 and 15 wt% of residual moisture, for example between 5 and 13 wt%, such as 8, 10 or 12 wt%. In a preferred embodiment said first resin is partially polymerized, e.g. wherein the first resin is in a so-called B-stage. Preferably said B-stage is between 40% and 90%, more preferably between 60% and 70%. With a B-stage of 0% is indicated that the first resin has not undergone any amount of polymerisation. With a B-stage of 100% is indicated that the first resin is fully polymerized. For the third aspect of the invention, some polymerisation of the first resin is desired. Of course the first resin cannot be fully polymerized before pressing. Said B-stage can be determined as indicated in the second aspect of the invention. Some polymerisation is desired such that the resin-treated sheet can be easily handled, e.g. will not stick, and / or such that the curing time / temperature / pressure in further processing steps which use this resin-treated sheet can be lowered.

[0189] The dry matter weight ratio first resin to the sheet is preferably between 0,3 and 1, more preferably between 0,50 and 0,75.

[0190] In a very preferred embodiment said sheet is a paper. Said sheet can be a kraft paper, for example a kraft paper with a weight of between 120 and 200 gsm. Said paper can be a paper with a weight between 25 and 100 gsm, for example can be a transparent cellulose paper with a weight of between 25 and 50 gsm.

[0191] Said first resin can comprise one or more of the following: -polyamines, such as diamines, triamines and / or tetraamines; -a wetting agent;

[0192] -water-repellent or water resistant additives which are preferably chosen from the list of: a silicon containing compound, such as fumed silica or silanes or polysiloxanes, a metallic soap, a thermoplastic material, inorganic fillers such as CaCCh, talc, vermiculite, or titanium containing compounds;

[0193] -pH regulators such as bases, e.g. potassium carbonate, or acids;

[0194] -dialdehydes such as glyoxal or Strecker aldehydes;

[0195] -metal ions, e.g. (Cu2+, Mg2+, AL3+, Fe3+, Ca2+);

[0196] -polyimines. Preferably, the amino acids are substantially chosen from the list of: arginine, glutamine, asparagine, histidine and lysine, preferably wherein the amino acids comprise at least 80 wt% of lysine, such that the polyamides can be indicated as polylysine, e.g. hyperbranched polylysine.

[0197] In a specific embodiment, said sheet is at least impregnated with said first resin as such forming a resin-impregnated layer, and wherein said resin-treated sheet further comprises at least one coating layer applied upon said resin-impregnated layer, said coating layer preferably being chosen from the list of, resins, primers, hotmelt glues, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) glue, lacquers. Said coating layer can provide the resin-treated sheet with additional and / or enhanced features, e.g. to improve the adhesion with other layers and / or to improve the printability. Said coating layer can for example be a melamine resin layer or a primer which allows printing upon the resin-treated sheet. Said resin-treated sheet can then be a decorative sheet. The resin-treated paper can for example be a printed resin- treated paper comprising a paper impregnated with said first resin, thus a resin- impregnated paper, a primer applied upon said resin-impregnated paper and a print applied upon said primer.

[0198] In a specific embodiment, said resin-treated sheet comprise a lacquer being an acrylate lacquer or a polyurethane lacquer or a polyester lacquer, wherein said sheet forms a finish foil, preferably wherein said sheet forms a finish foil as indicated in the first and / or second aspect of the invention.

[0199] For better illustration of the features of the invention, some preferred embodiments are described hereunder, as examples without any limiting character, referring to the appended drawings, in which:

[0200] Fig. 1 schematically shows an example of a step to impregnate a paper roll, wherein said step can be a step of the second aspect of the invention

[0201] Fig. 2 shows an example of a step of a method according to the second aspect of the invention, wherein laminate is produced in a continuous pressing operation; Fig. 3 shows an example of a laminate according to the invention, which can be made according to the step shown in figure 2 and using impregnated paper rolls made according to the step shown in figure 1 or using impregnated papers made according to the step shown in figure 4;

[0202] Fig. 4 schematically shows an example of a step to impregnate papers, wherein said step can be a step of the second aspect of the invention;

[0203] Fig. 5 shows an example of a laminate according to the invention, which can be made according to the step shown in figure 2 and using impregnated papers made according to the step shown in figure 4 or using impregnated paper rolls made according to the step shown in figure 1.

[0204] Figure 3 shows an example of a laminate 1 according to the invention. Said laminate 1 is made up of five resin impregnated papers, which are laminated together with at least two types of resins, said two types of resins at least comprising the first resin 5. Said first resin 5 comprises polyamides, which are obtained by polymerization of amino acids, and further carbohydrates. Said first resin 5, as used to form the laminate 1 (as used to impregnate the specific paper), can have the following composition (based on dry matter weight):

[0205] -between 30 and 40 wt% of polylysine, said polylysine preferably comprising at least 80 wt% of hyperbranched polylysine;

[0206] -between 50 and 70 wt% of carbohydrates, preferably chosen from the list of fructose and / or glucose and / or invert sugar;

[0207] -between 0 and 20 wt%, or between 1 and 10 wt%, of additives as indicated in the description above and / or other components, said other components being for example the result of the production of said polylysine.

[0208] Said laminate 1 comprises from top to bottom, a translucent paper 4 impregnated with a first translucent resin, a decorative paper 3 impregnated with a second translucent resin and three kraft papers 2 impregnated with said first resin 5. In other words, from top to bottom, said laminate 1 comprises respectively a wear layer, a decorative layer and three structural layers. Said first translucent resin can or cannot be the same resin as the second translucent resin, however said resins are preferably of the same type and are chosen from the list of: melamine resins, such as MF resins, (poly)acrylate resins, polyurethane resins and unsaturated polyester resins. Said laminate 1 can be a HPL formed by a discontinuous process, e.g. with a single daylight press or with a multi daylight press. Said laminate 1 can be a CPL made by a continuous process. Said decorative paper 3 can be a printed paper or can be a uniformly coloured paper.

[0209] Fig. 1 shows a possible way to impregnate kraft paper with said first resin 5. A roll of kraft paper 6 is unrolled. The kraft paper from this roll is led through an impregnation bath which is filled with said first resin 5. After passing through said first resin 5, said kraft paper is squeezed between press rolls 11 and further dried in an oven 12, after which the impregnated kraft paper is rolled up, as such forming a roll of impregnated kraft paper 20. Said first resin 5 is preferably water-based and has a dry matter content of between 30 and 60 wt%, for example of between 40 and 48 wt%, such that the first resin 5 has the desired viscosity and is able to penetrate said kraft paper in a good manner. Optionally, before rolling up, a side of the kraft paper, for example the side of a said kraft paper which will be in contact with the resin impregnated decorative paper, may be coated with an additional resin, for example a thermosetting resin, preferably with an acrylate, or with polyurethane acrylate or with a polyester resin. Said roll of impregnated kraft paper 20 preferably has a moisture content of between 5 and 22 wt%, more preferably between 5 and 15 wt%, for example 8 wt% or 10 wt% or 12 wt%. Said kraft paper can have a weight of between 100 and 235 gsm. Said roll of impregnated kraft paper 20 preferably comprises between 70 and 110 gsm of dry matter of said first resin 5.

[0210] Fig. 2 shows an example of a step of a method according to the second aspect of the invention, wherein laminate 1 is produced in a continuous pressing operation. This laminate 1 can be the laminate 1 as shown in figure 3. Papers are unrolled from five rolls of resin impregnated paper rolls 20, 30, 40, being respectively three rolls of impregnated kraft papers 20 impregnated with said first resin 5, one roll of impregnated decorative paper 30 impregnated with said second translucent resin and one roll of impregnated translucent paper 40 impregnated with said first translucent resin. As can be seen in figure 2 said papers are unrolled and laid on top of each other. A release film 7 is unrolled from a roll 8 and placed upon said unrolled papers. This release film 7 comprises a texture. The various papers are pressed together in a continuous pressing operation 9 at elevated temperature and pressure, wherein the resins from the different papers flow into each other and are cured, as such laminating the papers together. A laminate is produced thereby. The release film 7 presses a texture into the surface of the laminate. The release film 7 is then rolled up again and forms again a roll 8, which can be reused. After the pressing operation the laminate may be cooled, abraded and the edges trimmed. Preferably a chopping or cutting tool 10 can chop or cut the produced laminate into said laminates 1 according to the invention and for example shown in figure 3.

[0211] Instead of cutting or chopping the laminate after the continuous pressing operation into sheets, it is also possible to roll up the laminate. In this way, a roll of laminate can be obtained.

[0212] Figure 4 shows another possible way to impregnate kraft paper with said first resin 5. A roll of kraft paper 6 is unrolled. The kraft paper from this roll is led through an impregnation bath which is filled with said first resin 5. Firstly the first resin 5 is applied to the kraft paper with the aid of a lick roller 14 which is in contact with the first resin 5 in said impregnation bath after which secondly the applied first resin 5 is able to penetrate the kraft paper completely, and wherein thirdly the impregnated kraft paper is passed through the first resin 5 present in said impregnation bath. Then said impregnated kraft paper is squeezed between press rolls 11 and further dried in one or more ovens 12, after which the impregnated kraft paper is cut with the aid of a cutting device 10 into smaller resin impregnated kraft papers 200. Said first resin 5 is preferably water-based and has a dry matter content of between 30 and 60 wt%, for example of between 40 and 48 wt%, such that the first resin 5 has the desired viscosity and is able to penetrate said kraft paper in a good manner. Said impregnated kraft papers 200 preferably have a moisture content of between 5 and 22 wt%, more preferably between 5 and 15 wt%, for example 8 wt% or 10 wt% or 12 wt%. Said kraft paper can have a weight of between 100 and 235 gsm. Said roll of impregnated kraft paper 20 preferably comprises between 70 and 110 gsm of dry matter of said first resin 5. Figure 5 shows an example of a laminate 1 according to the invention. Said laminate 1 is made up of five resin impregnated papers, which are laminated together with at least two types of resins, said two types of resins at least comprising the first resin 5. After said lamination, a coating layer 13 is applied which forms the bottom of said laminate 1. Said first resin 5 can or cannot be the resin as described for figure 3. The coating layer can be chosen from the list of primers, hotmelt glues, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) glue, lacquers.

[0213] Said laminate 1 comprises from top to bottom, a translucent paper 4 impregnated with a first translucent resin, a decorative paper 3 impregnated with a second translucent resin, three kraft papers 2 impregnated with said first resin 5 and said coating layer 13. In other words, from top to bottom, said laminate 1 comprises respectively a wear layer, a decorative layer, three structural layers and an additional layer which provides said laminate with additional features such as for example enhanced adhesion. Said first translucent resin can or cannot be the same resin as the second translucent resin, however said resins are preferably of the same type and are chosen from the list of: melamine resins, such as MF resins, (poly)acrylate resins, polyurethane resins and unsaturated polyester resins. Said laminate 1 can be a HPL formed by a discontinuous process, e.g. with a single daylight press or with a multi daylight press. Said laminate 1 can be a CPL made by a continuous process. Said decorative paper 3 can be a printed paper or can be a uniformly coloured paper.

[0214] Here below some specific examples of a laminate 1 according to the invention are described:

[0215] Example 1

[0216] Said laminate 1 is made up of five resin impregnated papers, which are laminated together with two types of resins, said two types of resins comprising the first resin 5 and a translucent melamine resin, for example a MF resin. Said first resin 5 comprises hyperbranched polyamides, which are obtained by polymerization of amino acids, and further comprises carbohydrates. Said amino acids comprise at least 98 wt% lysine, such that the hyperbranched polyamide is indicated as a hyperbranched polylysine. Said first resin 5 is made with 41 wt% of hyperbranched polylysine based on dry matter weight and 59 wt% of invert sugar. Said first resin 5 further comprises water and has 48 wt% of dry matter. Said first resin 5 is a mixture of

[0217] -a first component being a prereact, made with all the invert sugar and some hyperbranched polylysine;

[0218] -a second component having the rest of the hyperbranched polylysine; -additional water.

[0219] The prereact is made with all the invert sugar and 6 wt% of the hyperbranched polylysine, and further said formed prereact comprises water and has 60 wt% of dry matter.

[0220] The used hyperbranched polylysine is dissolved in water with 60 wt% of dry matter. A part of this hyperbranched polylysine dissolved in water is used to form the prereact, the rest forms the second component. The second component is thus hyperbranched polylysine dissolved in water with 60 wt% of dry matter.

[0221] Said first resin 5 (if 1500 g of first resin 5 is made, the weight being the total weight including water) thus has the following composition

[0222] Said laminate 1 comprises from top to bottom, a translucent paper 4 impregnated with melamine resin, a decorative paper 3 impregnated with the melamine resin and three kraft papers 2 impregnated with said first resin 5. In other words, from top to bottom, said laminate 1 comprises respectively a wear layer, a decorative layer and three structural layers. Said laminate l is a HPL. Said decorative paper 3 can be a printed paper or can be a uniformly coloured paper. Each kraft paper 2 has a weight of 155 gsm. Each kraft paper 2 is impregnated with 95 gsm of dry matter weight of the first resin 5 and is dried to a residual moisture content of 8 wt%. The result is thus an impregnated kraft paper with a weight of 270 gsm (namely (155 gsm + 95 gsm)* 1,08), which is then used to form the laminate 1. To form said laminate 1, all the impregnated papers were stacked on top of each other and pressed at 150°C for 60 seconds at 60 kg.

[0223] The result was a HPL with a density of more than 1,35 g / cm3(EN ISO 1183-1) and according to norm EN 438-3:2016, HGS laminate grade was obtained.

[0224] Said laminate 1 is made up of five resin impregnated papers, which are laminated together with two types of resins, said two types of resins comprising the first resin and a translucent melamine resin, for example a MF resin.

[0225] Said first resin 5 is made with the following components:

[0226] -hyperbranched polyamides, which are obtained by polymerization of amino acids, wherein the amino acids comprise at least 98 wt% lysine, such that the hyperbranched polyamide is indicated as a hyperbranched polylysine;

[0227] -invert sugar;

[0228] -water.

[0229] Said first resin 5 is made with 40 wt% of hyperbranched polylysine based on dry matter weight and 60 wt% of invert sugar. Said first resin 5 further comprises water and has 45 wt% of dry matter. Said first resin 5 is a mixture of

[0230] -a first component being a prereact, made with all the invert sugar and some hyperbranched polylysine;

[0231] -a second component having the rest of the hyperbranched polylysine; -additional water.

[0232] The prereact is made with all the invert sugar and 6 wt% of said hyperbranched polylysine, and further said formed prereact comprises water and has 60 wt% of dry matter.

[0233] The used hyperbranched polylysine is dissolved in water, until a solution of 60 wt% of dry matter is obtained. A part of this hyperbranched polylysine dissolved in water is used to form the prereact, the rest forms the second component. The second component is thus hyperbranched polylysine dissolved in water with 60 wt% of dry matter.

[0234] Said first resin 5 has the following composition

[0235] Said first resin has a density of 1,17 kg / liter, pH 10 and a viscosity of 29 mPa s (measured with a Viscometer spindle type 1 and 30 spindle speed at 23°C).

[0236] Said laminate 1 comprises from top to bottom, a translucent paper 4 impregnated with melamine resin, a decorative paper 3 impregnated with the melamine resin and three kraft papers 2 impregnated with said first resin 5. In other words, from top to bottom, said laminate 1 comprises respectively a wear layer, a decorative layer and three structural layers. Said laminate 1 is a HPL. Said decorative paper 3 can be a printed paper or can be a uniformly coloured paper. Each kraft paper 2 has a weight of 155 gsm.

[0237] Each kraft paper 2 is impregnated with 95 gsm of dry matter weight of the first resin 5 and is dried to a residual moisture content of 8,1 wt%. The result is thus an impregnated kraft paper with a weight of 275 gsm (namely (155 gsm + 95 gsm)*l,081), which is then used to form the laminate 1. To form said laminate 1, all the impregnated papers were stacked on top of each other and pressed at 150°C for 90 seconds at 80 kg.

[0238] The result was a HPL with a density of 1,35 g / cm3(EN ISO 1183-1) and a thickness of 0,73 mm, and according to norm EN 438-3:2016, HGS laminate grade was obtained.

[0239] Example 3

[0240] Said laminate 1 is made up of five resin impregnated papers, which are laminated together with two types of resins, said two types of resins comprising the first resin and a translucent melamine resin, for example a MF resin.

[0241] Said first resin 5 is made with the following components: -hyperbranched polyamides, which are obtained by polymerization of amino acids, wherein the amino acids comprise at least 98 wt% lysine, such that the hyperbranched polyamide is indicated as a hyperbranched polylysine;

[0242] -invert sugar;

[0243] -water.

[0244] Said first resin 5 is made with 39 wt% of hyperbranched polylysine based on dry matter weight and 41 wt% of invert sugar. Said first resin 5 further comprises water and has 41 wt% of dry matter. Said first resin 5 is a mixture of

[0245] -a first component being a prereact, made with all the invert sugar and some hyperbranched polylysine;

[0246] -a second component having the rest of the hyperbranched polylysine; -additional water.

[0247] The prereact is made with all the invert sugar and 6 wt% of said hyperbranched polylysine, and further said formed prereact comprises water and has 60 wt% of dry matter.

[0248] The used hyperbranched polylysine is dissolved in water, until a solution of 60 wt% of dry matter is obtained. A part of this hyperbranched polylysine dissolved in water is used to form the prereact, the rest forms the second component. The second component is thus hyperbranched polylysine dissolved in water with 60 wt% of dry matter.

[0249] Said first resin 5 has the following composition

[0250] Said first resin has a density of 1,13 kg / liter, pH 10 and a viscosity of 21,75 mPa s (measured with a Viscometer spindle type 1 and 30 spindle speed at 23°C). Said laminate 1 comprises from top to bottom, a translucent paper 4 impregnated with melamine resin, a decorative paper 3 impregnated with the melamine resin and three kraft papers 2 impregnated with said first resin 5. In other words, from top to bottom, said laminate 1 comprises respectively a wear layer, a decorative layer and three structural layers. Said laminate 1 is a HPL. Said decorative paper 3 can be a printed paper or can be a uniformly coloured paper. Each kraft paper 2 has a weight of 155 gsm.

[0251] Each kraft paper 2 is impregnated with 95 gsm of dry matter weight of the first resin 5 and is dried to a residual moisture content of 11,9 wt%. The result is thus an impregnated kraft paper with a weight of 285 gsm (namely (155 gsm + 95 gsm)*l,l 19), which is then used to form the laminate 1. To form said laminate 1, all the impregnated papers were stacked on top of each other and pressed at 155°C for 90 seconds at 80 kg.

[0252] The result was a HPL with a density of 1,35 g / cm3(EN ISO 1183-1) and a thickness of 0,74 mm, and according to norm EN 438-3:2016, HGS laminate grade was obtained.

[0253] Example 4

[0254] Said laminate 1 is made up of four resin impregnated papers, namely three resin impregnated kraft papers which are laminated together with said first resin in a single step and a finish foil comprising a paper impregnated with a translucent resin and a protective lacquer layer. Said translucent resin being an acrylate resin or a polyurethane resin or a polyester resin.

[0255] Said first resin 5 is made with the following components:

[0256] -hyperbranched polyamides, which are obtained by polymerization of amino acids, wherein the amino acids comprise at least 90 wt% lysine, such that the hyperbranched polyamide is indicated as a hyperbranched polylysine;

[0257] -invert sugar;

[0258] -water

[0259] -possible additives and / or co-solvents. Said laminate 1 comprises from top to bottom,

[0260] -said finish foil comprising a lacquer layer, such as an acrylate lacquer or a polyurethane lacquer and a decorative paper impregnated with said translucent resin; -three kraft papers impregnated with said first resin.

[0261] The present invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described above, but such products may be produced according to several variants while remaining within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claims1.- A laminate, wherein the laminate (1) is made up of at least two sheets (2, 3, 4) which are laminated together with one or more resins, characterized in that said one or more resins comprise a first resin (5), said first resin (5) comprising polyamides which are obtained by polymerization of amino acids.2.- The laminate of claim 1, wherein the polyamides comprise hyperbranched polyamides, wherein the hyperbranched polyamides preferably have an average molecular weight of between 250 and 25.000 g / mol, more preferably at least 500 g / mol, most preferably at least 1.000 g / mol and / or more preferably at most 10.000 g / mol, most preferably at most 5.000 g / mol.3.- The laminate of claim 1 or 2, wherein the polyamides comprise at least 20 wt% of non-hyperbranched polyamides.4.- The laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first resin (5) comprises crosslinkers, wherein the crosslinkers preferably are or comprise: epoxides and / or acrylates.5.- The laminate according to claim 4, wherein for the first resin (5), the weight ratio of crosslinkers to polyamides is between 0,005 and 0,15, preferably between 0,01 and 0,06.6.- The laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first resin (5) comprises carbohydrates.7.- The laminate according to claim 6, wherein for the first resin (5), the weight ratio of polyamides to the total weight of polyamides and carbohydrates is at most 0,5, and preferably at least 0,15.8.- The laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first resin (5) comprises polyamines, such as diamines, triamines and / or tetraamines.9.- The laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first resin (5) comprises a wetting agent and / or a viscosity reducing agent.10.- The laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first resin (5) comprises water-repellent and / or water resistant additives, wherein these water-repellent and / or water resistant additives are preferably chosen from the list of:-a silicon containing compound, such as fumed silica or silanes or polysiloxanes;-a metallic soap;-a thermoplastic material;-inorganic fillers such as CaCCh, talc, vermiculite;-titanium-containing compounds.11.- The laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the amino acids are substantially chosen from the list of: arginine, glutamine, asparagine, histidine and lysine, preferably wherein the amino acids comprise at least 80 wt% of lysine, such that the polyamides can be indicated as polylysine, e.g. hyperbranched polylysine.12.- The laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first resin (5) comprises one or more of the list of:-pH regulators such as bases, e.g. potassium carbonate, or acids;-dialdehydes such as glyoxal or Strecker aldehydes;-metal ions, e.g. (Cu2+, Mg2+, Al3+, Fe3+, Ca2+);-polyimines.13.- The laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said sheets (2, 3, 4) is impregnated with one of said one or more resins, wherein optionally said sheet is impregnated with said first resin (5).14.- The laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said sheets (2, 3, 4) is coated with one of said one or more resins, wherein optionally said sheet is coated with said first resin (5).15.- The laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said sheets (2, 3, 4) is coated and impregnated with one or more of said one or more resins, wherein optionally said sheet is coated with said first resin (5) and / or is impregnated with said first resin (5).16.- The laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said sheets (2, 3,4) are chosen from the list of: paper, cardboard, textile, glass fiber, metal sheet.17.- The laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said laminate (1) is a decorative laminate comprising a decor, wherein at least one of said two sheets is a decorative sheet (3) comprising said decor and wherein at least one of said two sheets is a structural sheet (2), wherein said structural sheet is coated and / or impregnated with said first resin (5).18.- The laminate according to claim 17, wherein said decorative sheet (3) is impregnated and / or coated with a transparent resin.19.- The laminate according to claim 18, wherein the transparent resin is a melamine resin or is chosen from the list of: acrylate resin, polyester resin, polyurethane resin.20.- The laminate according to any of the preceding claims 17 to 19, wherein the decorative sheet (3) comprises a first surface on the visible side of the laminate (1) and a second surface opposite said first surface, wherein said first resin (5) is only present at the level of the second surface.21.- The laminate according to claim 17, wherein also the decorative sheet (3) is coated and / or impregnated with the first resin, and wherein the decorative sheet (3) preferably comprises a black or brown decor.22.- The laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the laminate (1) comprises at least three said sheets (2, 3, 4), with from top to bottom, a first paper impregnated with a first transparent resin, one or more second papers impregnated with said first resin (5), and a third paper impregnated with a second transparent resin, said first and second transparent resin preferably being the same transparent resin and the one or more second papers preferably being kraft papers.23.- The laminate according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 20, wherein the laminate (1) comprises from top to bottom, optionally a first transparent paper impregnated with a first transparent resin, a second decorative paper impregnated with a second transparent resin, and one or more third papers impregnated with said first resin (5), a fourth decorative paper impregnated with a third transparent resin, and optionally a fifth transparent paper impregnated with a fourth transparent resin, wherein said transparent resins are preferably the same transparent resins or preferably at least from the same type, and the one or more third papers preferably being kraft papers.24.- The laminate according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 20, wherein the laminate (1) comprises at least three said sheets (2, 3, 4), from top to bottom, optionally a first transparent paper impregnated with a first transparent resin, a second decorative paper impregnated with a second transparent resin, and one or more third papers impregnated with said first resin (5), wherein said first transparent resin and said second transparent resin are preferably the same resins or preferably at least resins of the same type.25.- The laminate according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 20, wherein the laminate (1) comprises from bottom to top, one or more first papers impregnated with said first resin (5), a second decorative paper impregnated with a first transparent resin and coated at its surface opposite said first papers with one or more transparent resins, wherein said transparent resins are preferably the same resins or at least resins of the same type.26.- The laminate according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 20, wherein the laminate (1) comprises a core formed by at least three said sheets, said sheets preferably being paper, e.g. kraft paper, and said sheets preferably being impregnated with said first resin (5), and at least one top layer, said top layer comprising a digital print applied upon said core.27.- The laminate according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 20, wherein the laminate (1) comprises a core formed by at least three said sheets, said sheets preferably being paper, e.g. kraft paper, and said sheets preferably being impregnated with said first resin (5), wherein said laminate further comprises at least one top layer and at least one bottom layer on opposite sides of the core, wherein said top layer comprises a sheet impregnated with a transparent resin such that said sheet is visible, wherein the bottom layer comprises a sheet impregnated with a transparent resin such that said sheet is visible.28.- The laminate according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 20, wherein the laminate (1) comprises at least two sheets, wherein one of said sheets is a substrate, for example a particle board substrate or a fiber board substrate, and wherein another of said sheets is a paper, wherein said paper is impregnated with said first resin (5).29.- The laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the laminate (1) comprises a top side and bottom side opposite said top side, wherein at least said bottom side or at least said top side is formed by a coating layer, wherein said coating layer is preferably chosen from the list of: primers, hotmelt glues, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) glue, lacquers.30.- The laminate according to claim 29, wherein the laminate (1) is a decorative laminate comprising from top to bottom, at least a decorative sheet (3) comprising a decor and at least one structural sheet (2), wherein said structural sheet is coated and / or impregnated with said first resin (5), wherein said coating layer forms said bottom side of the laminate (1) and wherein said coating layer is preferably a primer, more preferably a primer for enhanced adhesion with glues.31.- The laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the laminate (1) comprises a finish foil, said finish foil comprising a further sheet, said sheet being a paper sheet optionally impregnated with a transparent resin, for example an acrylate resin or a polyurethane resin, and comprising a lacquer layer, wherein said lacquer layer preferably forms an outer surface of the laminate (1).32.- The laminate according to claim 31, wherein said lacquer layer forms the outer surface of the laminate (1), wherein said outer surface is a structured outer surface.33.- The laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the laminate (1) comprises a top side and bottom side opposite said top side, wherein at least said bottom side is a backing layer, said backing layer comprising said first resin (5), preferably wherein said backing layer comprises a sheet impregnated with said first resin (5).34.- A method for manufacturing a laminate, said laminate (1) being made up of at least two sheets (2, 3, 4) which are laminated together with one or more resins, wherein at least one of said one or more resins is a first resin (5), said first resin (5) comprising polyamides which are obtained by polymerization of amino acids, wherein the method comprises a lamination step wherein a stack comprising at least two or more sheets is formed and pressed together to laminate said sheets together, wherein said two or more sheets in said stack are treated, for example impregnated and / or coated, with said one or more resins and / or wherein said one or more resins are provided in said stack between two consecutive sheets of said two or more sheets.35.- The method according to claim 34, wherein the amino acids of the polyamides of the first resin are substantially chosen from the list of: arginine, glutamine, asparagine, histidine and lysine, preferably wherein the amino acids comprise at least 80 wt% of lysine, such that the polyamides can be indicated as polylysine.36.- The method according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the polyamides comprise hyperbranched polyamides, wherein the hyperbranched polyamides preferably have an average molecular weight of between 250 and 25.000 g / mol, more preferably at least 500g / mol, most preferably at least 1.000 g / mol and / or more preferably at most 10.000 g / mol, most preferably at most 5.000 g / mol.37.- The method according to any of the preceding claims 34 to 36, wherein the first resin (5) comprises carbohydrates and wherein preferably the weight ratio of polyamides to the total weight of polyamides and carbohydrates is at most 0,5, and preferably at least 0,15, for example is between 0,36 and 0,43.38.- The method according to any of the preceding claims 34 to 37, wherein the first resin (5) comprises one or more of the following:-crosslinkers, wherein the crosslinkers preferably are or comprise epoxides or wherein the crosslinkers are or comprise acrylates, and wherein preferably the weight ratio of crosslinkers to polyamides is between 0,005 and 0,15, preferably between 0,01 and 0,06; -polyamines, such as diamines, triamines and / or tetraamines;-wetting agents;-viscosity reducing agents;-water-repellent or water resistant additives, for example a silicon containing compound, such as fumed silica or silanes or polysiloxanes, a metallic soap, a thermoplastic material, inorganic fillers such as CaCCh, talc, vermiculite, or titanium containing compounds;-pH regulators such as bases, e.g. potassium carbonate, or acids;-dialdehydes such as glyoxal or Strecker aldehydes;-metal ions, e.g. (Cu2+, Mg2+, AL3+, Fe3+, Ca2+);-polyimines.39.- The method according to any of the preceding claims 34 to 38, wherein before the step of forming said stack, at least one of said one or more sheets is treated, e.g. impregnated and / or coated, with said first resin (5), said first resin (5) comprising between 35 and 70 wt% of dry matter, wherein said first resin (5) is preferably a waterbased resin.40.- The method according to any of the preceding claims 34 to 39, wherein said stack of two or more sheets comprises at least one sheet impregnated with said first resin (5), said at least one sheet comprising between 4 and 15 wt% of residual moisture.41.- The method according to any of the preceding claims 34 to 40, wherein said stack of two or more sheets comprises at least one sheet impregnated with said first resin (5), wherein said first resin (5) in said stack is partially polymerized, e.g. wherein the first resin is in a so-called B-stage, preferably a B-stage of between 40% and 90%.42.- The method according to any of the preceding claims 34 to 41, wherein said stack of two or more sheets comprises at least one sheet impregnated with said first resin (5), wherein the dry matter weight ratio first resin to sheet is between 0,30 and 1, preferably between 0,50 and 0,75, wherein preferably said sheet is a paper, such as a kraft paper.43.- The method according to any of the preceding claims 34 to 42, wherein the method comprises at least the following steps:-providing at least two base sheets (6);-providing said one or more resins;-treating said base sheets (6) with said one or more resins, e.g. impregnating at least one of said two base sheets (6) with said first resin (5) or coating at least one of said two base sheets (6) with said first resin (5), or impregnating and coating at least one of said two base sheets (6) with said first resin (5) and wherein the method further comprises one of the following steps:-cutting or chopping said base sheets into smaller sheets, and placing said smaller sheets on top of each other to form said stack of two or more sheets; or-placing said at least two base sheets on top of each other to form said stack of two or more sheets, preferably in a continuous manner in which said at least two base sheets are continuously unrolled on top of each other and pressed in a continuous pressing device, optionally cutting or chopping said laminated together base sheets.44.- The method according to any of the preceding claims 34 to 43, wherein after the formation of said stack of two or more sheets and said pressing together to laminate saidsheets, a coating layer is applied upon at least one side of the laminated together sheets, said coating layer preferably being chosen from the list of primers, hotmelt glues, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) glue, lacquers.45.- The method according to any of the preceding claims 34 to 44, wherein after the formation of said stack of two or more sheets and said pressing together to laminate said sheets, a finish foil is applied upon at least one side of the laminated together sheets, said finish foil comprising a paper sheet optionally impregnated with a resin, and comprising a lacquer layer, such as an acrylate layer or a polyurethane layer.46.- The method according to any of the preceding claims 34 to 45, wherein a laminate(1) according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 33 is manufactured.47.- A resin-treated sheet comprising a sheet and one or more resins, said one or more resins comprising a first resin (5), characterized in that said first resin (5) comprises polyamides which are obtained by polymerization of amino acids.48.- The resin-treated sheet according to claim 47, wherein the polyamides comprise hyperbranched polyamides, wherein the hyperbranched polyamides preferably have an average molecular weight of between 250 and 25.000 g / mol, preferably at least 500 g / mol, more preferably at least 1.000 g / mol and / or preferably at most 10.000 g / mol, preferably at most 5.000 g / mol.49.- The resin-treated sheet according to claim 47 or 48, wherein the first resin (5) comprises crosslinkers, wherein the crosslinkers preferably are or comprise epoxides or wherein the crosslinkers preferably are or comprise acrylates, and wherein preferably for the first resin (5), the weight ratio of crosslinkers to polyamides is between 0,005 and 0,15, preferably between 0,01 and 0,06.50.- The resin-treated sheet according to any of the preceding claims 47 to 49, wherein the first resin (5) comprises carbohydrates, wherein preferably for the first resin (5), theweight ratio of polyamides to the total weight of polyamides and carbohydrates is at most 0,5, and preferably at least 0,15.51.- The resin-treated sheet according to any of the preceding claims 47 to 50, wherein said sheet is at least impregnated with said first resin (5) and preferably is only impregnated with said first resin (5).52.- The resin-treated sheet according to any of the preceding claims 47 to 51, wherein said resin-treated sheet (20, 200) is free from resin other than said first resin (5).53.- The resin-treated sheet according to any of the preceding claims 47 to 52, wherein said resin-treated sheet (20, 200) comprises between 4 and 15 wt% of residual moisture.54.- The resin-treated sheet according to any of the preceding claims 47 to 53, wherein said first resin (5) is partially polymerized, e.g. wherein the first resin (5) is in a so-called B-stage, preferably a B-stage of between 40% and 90%.55.- The resin-treated sheet according to any of the preceding claims 47 to 54, wherein the dry matter weight ratio first resin (5) to the sheet is between 0,30 and 1, preferably 0,50 and 0,75.56.- The resin-treated sheet according to any of the preceding claims 47 to 55, wherein said sheet is a paper, preferably a kraft paper and / or a paper with a weight between 25 and 100 gsm, for example between 25 and 50 gsm.57.- The resin-treated sheet according to any of the preceding claims 47 to 56, wherein said sheet is a paper, wherein said paper is uniformly colored and / or comprises a print.58.- The resin-treated sheet according to any of the preceding claims 47 to 57, wherein the first resin (5) comprises one or more of the following:-polyamines, such as diamines, triamines and / or tetraamines;-a wetting agent;-water-repellent or water resistant additives which are preferably chosen from the list of: a silicon containing compound, such as fumed silica or silanes or polysiloxanes, a metallic soap, a thermoplastic material, inorganic fillers such as CaCCh, talc, vermiculite, or titanium containing compounds;-pH regulators such as bases, e.g. potassium carbonate, or acids;-dialdehydes such as glyoxal or Strecker aldehydes;-metal ions, e.g. (Cu2+, Mg2+, Al3+, Fe3+, Ca2+);-polyimines.59.- The resin-treated sheet according to any of the preceding claims 47 to 58, wherein the amino acids are substantially chosen from the list of: arginine, glutamine, asparagine, histidine and lysine, preferably wherein the amino acids comprise at least 80 wt% of lysine, such that the polyamides can be indicated as polylysine, e.g. hyperbranched polylysine.60.- The resin-treated sheet according to any of the preceding claims 47 to 59, wherein said sheet is at least impregnated with said first resin as such forming a resin- impregnated layer, and wherein said resin-treated sheet (20, 200) further comprises at least one coating layer applied upon said rein-impregnated layer, said coating layer preferably being chosen from the list of, resins, primers, hotmelt glues, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) glue, lacquers.61.- The resin-treated sheet according to any of the preceding claims 47 to 60, wherein said sheet comprise a lacquer layer, for example being an acrylate lacquer layer or a polyurethane lacquer layer or a polyester lacquer layer, wherein said sheet forms a finish foil.

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