Decorative Panel Composite Core for Thermo-Bonded Resin Top Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods struggle to bond thermoplastic core materials with thermosetting resin impregnated cellulose top layers without delamination or requiring complex processes, as thermoplastics soften and melt at curing temperatures, leading to uneven thicknesses and fractures.

Innovation Solution

A decorative panel with a core layer comprising a composite material of mineral material and polymer, having a Vicat softening temperature of at least 80°C and Shore D hardness of at least 85, directly bonded to a resin-impregnated paper top layer using thermosetting resin and polymeric adhesive, eliminating the need for intermediate adhesives.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a thermoplastic core material is used to provide water resistance, then waterproof benefits are achieved, but the core softens and melts at curing temperatures required for thermosetting resin top layers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof benefitsVSAvoidcore deformation at curing temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the core material parameters by blending thermoplastic polymer with inorganic filler to achieve a Vicat softening temperature of at least 80°C, transforming the core from temperature-sensitive to temperature-stable while maintaining waterproof properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite core material combining thermoplastic polymer and inorganic filler, merging the waterproof benefits of thermoplastics with the thermal stability of inorganic materials to prevent deformation during curing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If thermosetting resin impregnated cellulose top layer is used to provide scratch resistance, then scratch resistance is improved, but delamination occurs due to bonding difficulties with thermoplastic core

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescratch resistanceVSAvoidbonding stability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the core surface parameters by increasing hardness to Shore D 85 or more, creating a surface that can withstand the high pressure and temperature of thermosetting resin curing without deforming, thereby enabling reliable bonding

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite core material with enhanced thermal and mechanical properties that serves as a stable substrate for thermosetting resin bonding, eliminating delamination issues

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If high pressure and heat are applied to cure thermosetting resin top layer, then curing is achieved, but the thermoplastic core deforms and melts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecuring of thermosetting resinVSAvoidcore layer deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent fundamentally changes the core material's thermal parameters by incorporating inorganic filler to raise Vicat softening temperature to at least 80°C, allowing the core to withstand curing temperatures without deformation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent develops a composite core material that combines the processability of thermoplastics with the thermal resistance of inorganic materials, enabling the core to maintain shape stability during high-temperature curing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Reliability

If intermediate adhesive layer is used to bond core and top layer, then bonding is achieved, but production process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding capabilityVSAvoidproduction process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the intermediate adhesive layer from the structure by directly bonding the thermosetting resin impregnated top layer to the modified core, simplifying the production process while maintaining bonding reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the bonding function with the top layer structure itself by using thermosetting resin impregnated paper that directly adheres to the core, eliminating the need for separate adhesive layers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution prevents core deformation during production and use, ensures strong bonding, maintains dimensional stability, and allows for efficient thermo-bonding without intermediate adhesives, providing waterproof and scratch-resistant properties.

Implementation Method 1

the core layer has a Vicat softening temperature of at least 80 degrees Celsius

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVicat softening temperature:

Implementation Method 2

the upper core surface of the core layer has a Shore D hardness of at least 85

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShore D hardness: Shore Durometer

Implementation Method 3

at least one ply of paper is impregnated with a resin composition comprising at least one thermosetting resin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermosetting resin curing:

Data Source

PatentUS20250341094A1Decorative panel and method for producing a panel
Publication Date: 2025.11.06 CHAMPION LINK INT

AI summary

The invention relates to a decorative panel, in particular a floor panel, wall panel or ceiling panel, the panel comprising at least one core layer, wherein the core layer comprises a composite material comprising at least one mineral material and at least one polymer, and at least one top layer comprising at least one cellulose or lignocellulose-based ply, wherein at least one cellulose or lignocellulose-based ply is impregnated with a cured resin composition comprising at least one thermosetting resin, wherein the core layer has a Vicat softening temperature of at least 80 degrees Celsius and wherein the core layer has a Shore D hardness of at least 85.