Embossing composition for preparing textured polymeric materials

A water-based embossing composition for use in chemically embossing a foamable polymeric material having a blowing agent incorporated therein comprising: (A) a film-forming resin dissolved or dispersed in said aqueous composition; (B) a modifier which is effective in modifying the activity of the blowing agent comprising particulate solids which are substantially insoluble and uniformly dispersible in the liquid medium of the embossing composition and which have an average particle size of no greater than about 100 microns, said modifier being present in the composition in an amount of at least about 3 wt. %; and (C) optionally, a colorant or a softening agent for the modifier solids or a mixture thereof.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates to an embossing composition for use in preparing 
chemically textured polymeric substrates, including use of the embossing 
composition for treating foamable polymeric compositions in the production 
of embossed, foamed polymeric substrates, especially textured floor 
coverings. In particular, the invention relates to an environmentally 
acceptable, aqueous-based embossing composition which has uniform 
embossing characteristics, good storage stability, and good rheological 
properties. The embossing composition is especially suitable for use in 
conjunction with standard apparatus for printing a foamable polymeric 
composition. 
The use of the embossing composition of the present invention is 
exemplified herein in connection with the production of foamed, textured 
floor coverings, especially vinyl sheet goods. The compositions are also 
broadly useful in a variety of other applications, as described 
hereinbelow. 
Embossing compositions for chemically embossing foamable polymeric 
compositions are well-known in the art. Such compositions were developed 
primarily for use in the production of textured floor coverings and 
similar sheet materials, as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 
3,293,094, issued to Nairn et al on Dec. 20, 1966, and incorporated herein 
by reference. As disclosed in this patent, a foamed, textured polymeric 
material is produced from a foamable polymeric composition having a 
blowing agent incorporated therein by selective application to the surface 
of the composition of a modifier which affects the activity of the blowing 
agent in either a direct or an indirect fashion. For example, in a typical 
process for producing a textured floor covering, a plastisol containing a 
blowing agent is applied to a backing and heat-treated to convert the 
plastisol to a foamable composition usually referred to as a "gel" under 
conditions which do not activate the blowing agent. An embossing 
composition containing a modifier for the blowing agent is applied to the 
gel, usually to selected portions thereof in a predetermined pattern. This 
is accomplished typically by applying the embossing composition to the gel 
by use of a rotogravure printing cylinder. 
Thereafter, the printed or coated gel is treated to activate the blowing 
agent which expands to effect differential foaming or expansion of the gel 
due to the presence of the modifier on selected portions of the gel. This 
results in the production of an embossed or textured pattern in the gel 
which is thereafter fused. 
Modifiers having various functions are known, including modifiers which 
promote or inhibit activity of the blowing agent per se or which promote 
or inhibit activity of a catalyst or accelerator which is admixed with the 
blowing agent in the gel. Typically, the modifiers are patterned on the 
gel as liquid formulations having the rheological characteristics required 
for the particular application. The essential ingredients of such liquid 
formulations are the modifier and a film-forming resin which is dissolved 
or dispersed in the liquid phase of the formulation and which functions as 
a binder as the formulation dries. In addition, the formulation usually 
contains a colorant, for example, an ink, pigment or dye, which imparts 
color to the design of the textured pattern. Such a liquid formulation 
which comprises a modifier and a film-forming resin and optionally a 
colorant is known in the art as an "embossing composition" and is so 
referred to herein. 
From the time that textured floor coverings of the aforementioned type were 
first introduced to the marketplace (over 20 years ago) until the present, 
the only type of embossing compositions used commercially in the U.S. to 
prepare such products have been and remain those based on the use of a 
hydrocarbon liquid as a solvent and/or carrier for the other ingredients 
comprising the embossing composition. Such a composition is referred to 
typically in the industry as an "organic-based embossing composition" and 
can comprise about 55 to about 85 wt. % or more of the hydrocarbon liquid. 
Although such compositions function well in the process for manufacturing 
textured floor coverings, there are concerns respecting the effects such 
organic materials have on workers and on the environment into which they 
are discharged. Indeed, the concerns have led to governmental regulations 
which control strictly the amount of such materials that can be discharged 
into the environment. Although many millions of dollars have been invested 
by the industry in equipment for reducing the amount of such organic 
materials discharged into the atmosphere, present day technology is such 
that it is not possible in a practical sense to avoid completely such 
discharge. It is believed that continued discharge of organics is 
tolerated by environmentalists only because a satisfactory alternative is 
and has not been available. 
One alternative that has been explored involves substituting water for the 
hydrocarbon liquid used in the embossing composition and it is to such 
water-based embossing compositions that the present invention is related. 
REPORTED DEVELOPMENTS 
The following patents disclose aqueous-based embossing compositions. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,083,907 and related U.S. Pat. No. 4,191,581, each to 
Hamilton and assigned to the same assignee as the present invention, 
discloses an aqueous-based embossing composition having a pH of about 8 to 
about 12 and containing: about 1 to about 15 wt. % of a modifier (referred 
to in the patent as a "foam-growth-controlling chemical agent"); about 1 
to about 9 wt. % of a water-soluble or water-dispersible alcohol, for 
example, isopropanol; about 1 to about 11 wt. % of a buffering agent, for 
example, ammonia; about 30 to about 75 wt. % of an aqueous printing ink 
formulation; and about 10 to about 40 wt. % of added water. Modifiers 
disclosed in this patent include triazoles, for example, benzotriazole and 
various aminotriazoles. Such compounds are normally solid materials that 
are solubilized in the alkaline composition by the alcoholic constituent. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,369,065 and related U.S. Pat. No. 4,421,561 to Brixius 
discloses an aqueous embossing composition having a pH of about 8 to about 
12 and containing: 1 to about 25 wt. % of a modifier, namely an organic 
carboxylic acid containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms, an anhydride of such 
acid, or an acid halide of such acid; about 3 to about 45 wt. % of an 
aqueous printing ink formulation; about 1 to about 25 wt. % of a basic 
neutralizing agent, for example, ammonia; and about 1 to about 10 wt. % of 
a pH controlling agent, for example, boric acid-sodium tetraborate. The 
patent discloses that a particularly preferred modifier is trimellitic 
acid anhydride. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,407,882 to Hauser and Eckert discloses an aqueous embossing 
composition comprising: as a modifier, about 2 to about 20 wt. % of a 
particular type of azole (referred to in the patent as a "foam 
inhibitor"); 1 to 10 wt. % pigment; 15 to 40 wt. % of a thermoplastic 
resin, for example, poly(vinyl chloride); and 5 to 25 wt. % of an organic 
solvent, for example, isopropanol. 
Notwithstanding the developments described in the aforementioned patents, 
the commercial use of aqueous-based embossing compositions has been 
frustrated for a variety of reasons. Difficulty has been encountered in 
solubilizing in the aqueous compositions modifiers in amounts sufficient 
to achieve concentrations of modifiers in the embossing compositions to 
adequately and effectively treat the areas to be embossed. For example, 
some triazoles commonly employed as modifiers are substantially insoluble 
in acidic medium. Consequently, such modifiers are commonly used only in 
alkaline solution. Inasmuch as highly alkaline solutions promote 
electrochemical attack on metals frequently used in embossing rolls, such 
solutions are not useful as a practical matter in these applications using 
this machinery. 
Additionally, many known modifiers have limited solubility even in alkaline 
solutions. Accordingly, substantially uniform application of these 
modifiers from the embossing composition to the underlying blowing 
agent-containing gel in sufficiently high concentrations to provide a 
well-defined embossing effect cannot be achieved readily. Attempts have 
been made to promote solubility of these modifiers in both acidic and 
alkaline aqueous solutions by addition of organic solvents, especially 
water-miscible organic solvents such as lower (for example, C.sub.1 
-C.sub.6) alkanols. Often, however, adequate solubilization of the 
modifier is only achieved at the expense of optimum rheological 
characteristics. Typically, viscosity of the embossing composition is 
reduced below that required for printing, necessitating the addition of 
thickeners. Thickeners, in turn, tend to interfere with printing 
characteristics to an extent determined by the particular components and 
substrate. 
The aforementioned Hamilton, Brixius, and Hauser et al patents describe 
aqueous embossing compositions which comprise the modifier in solution 
form. The Hamilton patent contains an additional disclosure that the 
modifier is also "dispersible" in the aqueous-alcoholic embossing 
composition, alcohol being an essential constituent of the Hamilton 
composition. An analysis of all of the examples in the Hamilton patent 
shows that the modifier is present in each of the exemplified embossing 
compositions in dissolved form. For this purpose, the weight proportion of 
solvent (alcohol) to modifier is relatively high, for example, falling 
within the range of 0.58 to 1.5 times as much solvent as modifier or 37 to 
60 wt. % of solvent based on the weight of the solvent and modifier. The 
use of such compositions results in problems and is accompanied by 
disadvantages of the type discussed above. 
The present invention relates to improved environmentally acceptable, 
water-based embossing compositions which are capable of being used 
industrially with but relatively limited changes to presently used 
manufacturing lines, particularly rotogravure printing lines. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
In accordance with the present invention, it has been found that an 
improved water-based embossing composition can be formulated by use of a 
water-insoluble modifier which is present in the composition in the form 
of fine solid particles of sufficiently small size to permit the modifier 
to be uniformly dispersed in the composition in an effective amount and in 
the absence of a material which is effective in solubilizing the modifier, 
for example, a solvent such as the alcoholic solubilizing agent of the 
type referred to in the aforementioned Hamilton and Hauser et al patents. 
In addition to modifier and water, another essential constituent of the 
composition of the present invention is a film-forming resin dissolved or 
dispersed in the aqueous medium of the composition. 
In preferred form, the water-based embossing composition of the present 
invention includes also a material which is effective in softening the 
solid particles of modifier. Such a material, referred to herein as a 
"softening agent", improves various properties of the embossing 
composition, as is described hereinbelow, by rendering the particles 
malleable or pliable. The amount of softening agent in the composition is 
small relative to the amount of particles of modifier, for example, about 
25% or less of softening agent based on the total weight of the softening 
agent and modifier. Preferred softening agents include amines and 
alcohols, the last mentioned being particularly preferred. 
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is 
provided a water-based embossing composition for use in chemically 
embossing a foamable polymeric material having a blowing agent 
incorporated therein comprising: 
(A) a film-forming resin dissolved or dispersed in the aqueous medium of 
said composition; 
(B) a modifier which is effective in modifying the activity of the blowing 
agent and which comprises particulate solids substantially insoluble and 
uniformly dispersible in the liquid medium of the embossing composition 
and having an average particle size of no greater than about 100 microns, 
said modifier being present in the composition in an amount of at least 
about 3 wt. %; and 
(C) optionally, a colorant and/or softening agent. 
The preferred modifier for use in the practice of the present invention is 
a triazole, most preferably benzotriazole or tolyltriazole. 
In particularly preferred form, the average particle size of the modifier 
is no greater than about 75 microns and is most preferably in the range of 
about 40 to about 75 microns. 
It is believed that the invention will be used most widely in connection 
with a composition that includes a colorant, and particularly one added to 
the composition in the form of an aqueous printing ink. 
In accordance with another aspect of this invention, there is provided a 
method for preparing a foamable polymeric material capable of being 
chemically embossed comprising: 
(A) providing a foamable polymeric material comprising a resin and a 
blowing agent capable of effecting expansion of said material at elevated 
temperature; 
(B) applying to predetermined portions of the surface thereof a water-based 
liquid embossing composition comprising a modifier which is effective, as 
the treated material is heated, for modifying the activity of the blowing 
agent in those portions of the material to which the embossing composition 
is applied, said modifier being in the form of fine solid particles of 
sufficiently small size to render the modifier uniformly dispersed in the 
liquid medium of said composition; and 
(C) drying the embossing composition after it has been applied to said 
surface. 
In preferred form, the method of the present invention involves the 
presence in the foamable polymeric material of a blowing agent and an 
accelerator for the blowing agent, and the use of a modifier which renders 
the accelerator at least partially ineffective. 
The present invention provides numerous advantages relative to prior art 
means involving the use of water-based embossing compositions in the 
manufacture of textured articles. Such advantages flow from the use of a 
blowing agent modifier in finely divided solid form. The use of such 
finely divided particles permits the manufacturer to incorporate 
relatively large amounts of the modifier in the embossing composition 
without adversely affecting other desired properties of the composition 
such as, for example, viscosity properties. This is important because 
there are applications where relatively high amounts of modifier are 
needed (for example, in excess of 30% by weight of the composition). 
Another advantage of the present invention is that desired amounts of the 
modifier can be incorporated into the composition without having to take 
into account the pH of the composition. This gives the user much greater 
flexibility in selecting other constituents for use in the composition and 
greater flexibility in selecting manufacturing parameters. 
Another important aspect of the present invention is that the embossing 
compositions retain desired modifying properties for long periods of time, 
typically at least about 2 months, as compared to prior art aqueous 
embossing compositions which may have storage stability of no more than 
about 1 week. Developmental work has shown that such properties are 
retained for periods of many weeks and even as long as six months or more. 
In this connection, and by way of background, it is noted that there are 
applications where there may be long periods of time that pass between the 
making of the embossed foamable polymeric material and the time when the 
material is treated further to activate the blowing agent and expand the 
material and convert it into a finished product. 
Experience has shown that various types of prior art embossing compositions 
lose their modifying properties as they age, that is, the modifier tends 
to lose its ability to change the activity of the blowing agent. This 
limits the use of printed foamable polymeric material of the type 
heretofore known. Such problems can be avoided by practice of the present 
invention. 
The excellent stability properties of the embossing composition render it 
highly suitable for use in a transfer printing process, a particular type 
of heretofore known printing method, as described below. Accordingly, 
another aspect of the present invention encompasses a transfer printing 
sheet for use in a transfer printing process, said sheet comprising a 
support sheet having adhered thereto in a predetermined pattern an 
embossing composition of the present invention, the support sheet being 
strippable from said composition. The long-term stability properties of 
the present embossing composition are particularly advantageous and 
critically important to its use in a transfer printing sheet. 
Other advantages which flow from the use of the present invention will be 
appreciated from the following detailed description of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
The essential ingredients of the liquid embossing composition of the 
present invention are: (A) water; (B) a film-forming resin dispersed or 
dissolved therein; and (C) a blowing agent modifier in finely divided 
solid form. Optionally, the embossing composition includes a colorant and 
conventional additives, and also a softening agent, which although 
optional is a highly preferred constituent. 
Many species of the film-forming resin and modifier for use in embossing 
compositions of the present invention are known and have been proposed for 
use in embossing compositions, for example, as described in each of the 
patents mentioned above. Building on such prior art disclosures, the 
unique aspects of the present invention can be used to advantage in a 
variety of embossing compositions of the type which can be used to print 
patterns on the surface of foamable polymeric materials. 
As known, the film-forming resinous constituent of the embossing 
composition functions as a binder for other ingredients comprising the 
composition. Typically, the film-forming resin will be present in the 
composition in dissolved form or, as is more typically the case, in the 
form of solid particles of resin which are dispersed in the composition. 
Latexes, that is, aqueous compositions containing solid particles of resin 
dispersed in water are used widely in formulating embossing compositions. 
Examples of film-forming resins which can be used in the practice of the 
present invention include vinyl and acrylic resins such as, for example, 
poly(vinyl chloride), poly(vinylidene chloride), copolymers of vinyl 
chloride and vinyl acetate, poly(vinyl alcohol), ethylene acid copolymers, 
polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, and polymers of acrylic acid and 
methacrylic acid, and also polyurethanes and melamine resins. A mixture of 
film-forming resins can be used in the embossing composition. 
As mentioned above, it is believed that the present invention will be used 
most widely in that form of composition which includes a colorant. 
However, there are applications where the embossing composition contains 
no colorant, in which case a clear film can be formed from the 
composition. As described below, a clear film can be formed from a 
commercial printing ink which is referred to in the industry as a "clear" 
or "reducing clear" which contains no colorant. 
The modifier for use in the present invention is a material which directly 
or indirectly affects the activity of the blowing or foaming agent in the 
foamable polymeric material which is contacted with the embossing 
composition. The modification of the activity of the blowing agent can be 
effected by having the modifier act directly on the blowing agent or on a 
material which itself has an influence on the blowing agent, for example, 
a catalyst, accelerator or inhibitor that is present in the foamable 
polymeric material. It should be appreciated that the particular modifier 
selected for use in an application will depend on the particular blowing 
agent used in the foamable polymeric material or particular catalyst, 
accelerator or inhibitor that may be used with the blowing agent. Such 
selection can be made in accordance with information known to those in the 
art. An extensive discussion of factors influencing such selection appears 
in the aforementioned Nairn et al patent. 
The present invention encompasses the use of any modifier that is 
substantially insoluble in the liquid medium of the embossing composition 
and that is capable of being reduced to a particle size sufficiently small 
to enable the modifier to be uniformly dispersed in the composition. The 
term "substantially insoluble" means that no more than about 3 wt. % of 
the modifier is soluble in the water-based liquid medium of the 
composition at room temperature (72.degree. F.). Typically, the water 
solubility of the modifier at room temperature is even lower, for example, 
no greater than about 1 wt. %. 
It should be appreciated that the solubility of materials in aqueous medium 
can vary depending on the pH of the medium. One of the disadvantages 
attendant with the use of prior art embossing compositions is that 
compounds particularly suitable for use as modifiers do not have good 
solubility characteristics at pH values that are advantageous to use. For 
example, it is more desirable to use a neutral or acidic embossing 
composition than an alkaline embossing composition in an application which 
involves the use of rotogravure printing cylinders because of the tendency 
of an alkaline composition to degrade the metal comprising such cylinders. 
However, particularly effective modifiers such as triazoles have poor 
solubility properties in an acid to neutral embossing composition, and 
accordingly, the proposed use of such modifiers in soluble form in 
accordance with prior art teachings is restricted to alkaline embossing 
compositions. To obtain the desired solubility properties, while making 
efforts to avoid degradation of the cylinders, requires the exercise of 
careful control and implementation of special techniques. Such 
requirements dictate against industrial use. 
Pursuant to the present invention, it is not necessary to take into account 
the pH of the embossing composition in connection with the effective 
incorporation of the modifier into the embossing composition. Accordingly, 
the pH value of embossing compositions of the present invention can vary 
over a broad range and from acidic to basic. 
Reference is made to the aforementioned Nairn et al patent (U.S. Pat. No. 
3,293,094) which contains an extensive description of compounds of the 
type that can be used to modify the "blowing" properties of a blowing 
agent which is present in a foamable resinous composition from which an 
embossed, foamed, polymeric article can be made. Such compound is referred 
to in this patent as a "regulator" or an "inhibitor". The term "modifier", 
as used herein, encompasses compounds of the type which function in the 
manner described in the Nairn et al patent. 
The Nairn et al patent discloses also that the particular modifier selected 
for use in an application depends on the nature of the blowing agent or of 
the blowing agent system that is used and sets forth guidelines for 
selection. Among the classes of compounds disclosed by Nairn et al for use 
as modifiers in embossing compositions are the following: organic acids, 
for example, those containing at least two carboxyl groups or those having 
at least one carboxyl group and one hydroxy group and which contain 2-12 
carbon atoms; organic acid halides and anhydrides, for example, those 
which contain 2-20 carbon atoms; polyhydroxy alcohols, for example, 
polyhydroxy aromatic compounds which contain 2 hydroxy groups and up to 20 
carbon atoms; nitrogen-containing compounds, for example, amines, amides, 
and oximes; sulphur-containing compounds, for example, thiols, mercaptans, 
sulfides, sulfones, sulfoxides, sulfonic acids, sulfonyl chloride; 
suolfonamides, and sulfimides; isocyanates, for example, mono- and 
di-isocyanates; ketones and aldehydes; for example, those containing two 
functional groups; and phosphate and phosphite compounds. The Nairn et al 
patent discloses still additional examples of modifiers of a miscellaneous 
type, for example, at Column 17, lines 11-55. Modifiers which are 
described as being particularly useful in water-based embossing 
compositions are the subject of the aforementioned Hauser et al patent. 
The modifiers disclosed in this patent are azoles of a particular type. 
Preferred modifiers for use in accordance with the present invention 
include: triazoles, including aminotriazoles, azoles, hydroquinone and 
thiourea. 
In preferred form, the present invention comprises the use of a modifier 
which is effective in indirectly modifying the activity of the blowing 
agent by reducing at least partially the effectiveness of an accelerator 
which is present as a constituent of the blowing agent system present in 
the composition comprising the foamable polymeric material. An accelerator 
can function in various ways to modify the activity of the blowing agent. 
For example, it can accelerate decomposition of the blowing agent, or it 
can reduce the temperature at which the blowing agent decomposes, or it 
can narrow the temperature range over which the blowing agent decomposes 
to reduce the temperature at which the blowing agent is activated. 
A highly preferred modifier/blowing agent system recommended for use in the 
practice of the present invention comprises benzotriazole or tolyltriazole 
as the modifier and a blowing agent system which includes azodicarbonamide 
as the blowing agent and zinc oxide as the accelerator. 
With respect to particle size of the modifier, the minimum size of the 
particles is determined basically by considerations associated with having 
the modifier present in the composition in solid form and with the 
practicalities and economics of making the modifier in a fine size form 
which is dispersible, but not soluble. With respect to maximum size, the 
finely-divided modifier should be capable of forming a relatively stable 
and uniform suspension or dispersion in the composition to permit 
substantially uniform application of modifier to the surface of the 
foamable polymeric material as the embossing composition is applied 
thereto via the desired printing means. For a particular modifier and/or 
particular application, maximum and minimum particle size can best be 
determined by empirical means. It is believed that many applications will 
benefit by the use of a modifier having an average particle size of no 
greater than about 100 microns. Based on present work, it is preferred 
that the average particle size of the modifier be not greater than about 
75 microns, for example, about 10 to about 75 microns, and most 
preferably, the average size is within the range of about 40 to about 75 
microns. 
The modifier can be incorporated into the composition in various ways. For 
example, coarse particles of the modifier can be milled into a reducing 
clear to form a viscous liquid or thick paste, depending on the amount of 
modifier used. This concentrate of resin and modifier can then be used to 
prepare the desired embossing composition by admixing therewith pigments 
and other desired ingredients. A clear embossing composition can be 
prepared by adding to the modifier/clear concentrate additional resin in 
an amount sufficient to produce the desired final composition. 
Alternatively, coarse particles of modifier can be subjected to a 
micronizing process to reduce the size of the particles to the desired 
fineness. The modifier in fine powder form can then be added directly to 
and mixed with the other ingredients comprising the embossing composition. 
As mentioned above, an optional but highly preferred constituent of the 
present invention is a softening agent which functions to render the solid 
particles of modifier pliable or malleable. The use of the softening agent 
improves the printing qualities of the embossing composition. It is 
believed that such improvements are achieved at least in part because the 
pliable particles can be squeezed more effectively into the cells of 
printing cylinders. This improves the uniformity of the application of the 
embossing composition to the foamable gel. It has been observed also that 
the use of the softening agent avoids streaking of the embossing 
composition after it has been contacted with a doctor blade of the type 
used in conventional printing apparatus. 
In addition, the flow properties of the embossing composition are generally 
improved as a result of the use therein of the softening agent. 
Typically, the softening agent is a liquid material which is soluble or 
miscible in the liquid phase of the embossing composition, and is 
absorbable by the solid particles of modifier. The absorbed softening 
agent tends to swell the solid modifier particles. Examples of softening 
agents that can be used are amines and alcohols, the last mentioned class 
of compounds being preferred. Preferred alcohols for the use of the 
practice of the present invention contain 1 to about 6 carbon atoms, for 
example, methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, pentanol, and hexanol, 
including various of the isomers thereof. Examples of amines that can be 
used include alkylamino-alcohols, exemplary of which are 
2-dimethylaminoethanol, 2-methylaminoethanol and 2-ethylaminoethanol. 
Other hydrocarbon miscible or soluble liquids which do not adversly affect 
the composition or the printing/embossing process and which function to 
soften the modifier particles can be used also. 
The use of such softening agents should be distinguished from the use of 
alcohols and other "modifier" solvents as disclosed in the prior art, for 
example, the aforementioned Hamilton and Hauser et al patents. In the 
techniques of the prior art, alcohols and other materials which are 
effective modifier solvents are used in amounts sufficient to dissolve the 
normally solid compounds which function as modifiers. To effect 
dissolution of the modifiers, the weight proportion of solvent to modifier 
is relatively high. For example, in the specific compositions disclosed in 
the Hamilton patent, alcohol comprises 37-60 wt. % of the total amount of 
alcohol and modifier. Furthermore, the compositions shown in the example 
section of the Hamilton patent include aminohydroxy compounds which aid in 
effecting dissolution of the modifier. Accordingly, such compositions 
comprise a high proportion of organic solvating materials relative to the 
amount of modifier. Conversely, the compositions described in the Hamilton 
patent have a relatively small ratio of modifier to alcohol, for example, 
such compositions containing about 0.7 to 1.7 times as much modifier as 
alcohol. 
In contrast to the teachings of the prior art, the use of softening agents 
in accordance with the present invention, including those compounds which 
function in sufficiently high amounts as a solvent for the modifier, 
comprises an amount which is not effective in dissolving the modifier. For 
this purpose, the maximum amount of softening agent relative to the amount 
of modifier is relatively small. Inasmuch as the solvent effect of 
softening agent on modifier will vary from one softening agent to the 
next, amounts for use in the practice of the present invention can best be 
determined for any particular combination of softening agent/modifier by 
evaluating the effect that the liquid softening agent has on the solid 
modifier, taking into account the following guidelines. Speaking 
generally, any perceptible softening of the solid particle of modifier 
tends to result in improvements so that the minimum amount of softening 
agent can be that which is effective in softening the solid particles. 
When using a softening agent which is also a solvent for the modifier, the 
maximum amount of softening agent is an amount less than that which causes 
dissolution of the solid particles in the water-based composition. 
Otherwise, the maximum amount can be dictated by a levelling off of 
improvements or adverse effects which may be encountered. As a further 
guideline, it is recommended that the amount of softening agent comprise 
at least about 1 wt. % of the composition based on the total weight of the 
composition, and that the composition contain at least about 3.5 times as 
much modifier as softening agent. For most applications, it is believed 
that it will not be necessary to use more than about 5 wt. % of the 
softening agent based on the total weight of the composition. In preferred 
form, the softening agent comprises about 2 to about 4 wt. % of the total 
weight of the composition, and the composition includes at least about 5 
times as much modifier as softening agent. It should be understood that 
variations in the foregoing amounts may need to be made for a particular 
softening agent/modifier combination for reasons mentioned above. 
It should be appreciated that by using the softening agent in the 
relatively small amounts described herein, there are achieved not only 
functional improvements in the printing process, but there are avoided 
various problems associated with the use of the high proportions of 
solvent according to prior art teachings. For example, in connection with 
the use of an alcohol solvent as described by Hamilton, alcohol can 
function to significantly depress the viscosity of the embossing 
composition causing it to become thin, this in turn causing it to produce 
a wormy, printed image of poor resolution. Various of the alkanolamines 
that are disclosed in the aforementioned Hamilton patent can function to 
slow the drying of the embossing composition. To compensate for this, it 
is necessary to decrease the line speed of the printing operation. Such 
undesirable characteristics and adjustments can be avoided by practice of 
the present invention. 
As mentioned above, it is believed that the present invention will be used 
most widely in connection with embossing compositions which contain a 
colorant, for example, in the form of a pigment (inorganic or organic) or 
dye. Inasmuch as the composition of the present invention can be used 
effectively as either an acidic or an alkaline composition, as described 
more fully below, a wide variety of colorants can be used. Thus, the acid 
or alkaline sensitivity of the colorant for use in embossing applications 
becomes much less, if any, a factor, in the practice of the present 
invention than is the case with prior art water-based embossing 
compositions. 
Examples of pigments that can be used as the colorant are phthalo blue, 
phthalo green, scarlet red, carbon black, titanium dioxide, zinc sulfide, 
cadmium sulfide, iron oxide, perionone, and disazo yellow. Examples of 
dyes that can be used as the colorant are basonyl red-NB 540, neozapon 
yellow 108, neozapon black X51, and neozapan blue 807. 
Colorant-containing embossing compositions and also embossing compositions 
for use in forming a clear film are typically formulated from a "printing 
ink" which is usually a proprietary composition sold to the floor covering 
industry by an ink manufacturer, for example: American Ink Co., Carolina 
Inks Co., Custom Chemicals, Inc., Gotham Co., GPI-Sun Corp., Inmont Co., 
Lenape Co., Polytex Corp., RBH Dispersions, Sinclair & Valentine Corp., 
Strahan Co., and Visol Corp. Printing inks for use in forming a colored 
film generally comprise an admixture of pigment, film-forming resin solids 
and water. Clear embossing compositions are conveniently formulated from a 
commercial printing ink, which as mentioned above, is referred to in the 
industry as "clear" or "reducing clear" containing no colorant. Colored 
embossing compositions are conveniently based on clear embossing 
compositions by incorporation of a colorant. Additives are usually present 
also in the printing ink, for example, surfactants and emulsifying agents. 
For use in the present invention, the printing ink is a water-based 
composition, and when used, it is a source of at least a portion of the 
film-forming resin and water constituent of the composition, as well as a 
source of colorant. Such aqueous printing inks may contain a relatively 
small amount of hydrocarbon liquid, for example, alcohols or more highly 
potent organic solvents such as ethers or esters. As mentioned above, such 
hydrocarbon liquids comprise a relatively small proportion of the 
composition of the present invention, for example, no greater than about 5 
wt. % based on the total weight of the composition, but in no event is 
such liquid present in an amount which would solubilize the modifier. 
The amounts of the aforementioned essential and optional constituents 
comprising the composition can vary over a wide range. The amount of 
film-forming resin should be at least sufficient to provide the binding 
effect that is desired. The amount of modifier should be at least 
sufficient to provide the desired change in activity of the blowing agent. 
And the amount of colorant should be that needed to provide the desired 
color or shading to the pattern printed in the textured surface. The 
amount of softening agent has been discussed hereinabove. 
For achieving the aforementioned, it is recommended that the composition 
comprise at least about 10 wt. % of the film-forming resin and at least 
about 3 wt. % of the modifier, and that the colorant and softening agent, 
when used, comprise respectively at least about 3 wt. % and 1 wt. % of the 
composition. It is believed that the following formulation will be 
effective for use in most applications: (A) about 10 to about 40 wt. % of 
the film-forming resin; (B) about 3 to about 40 wt. % of the modifier; (C) 
0 to about 45 wt. % colorant; (D) 0 to about 5 wt. % of softening agent; 
and (E) about 10 to about 40 wt. % water, and when a softening agent is 
used, the amount of modifier should be at least about 3.5 times the amount 
of softening agent. 
The composition of the present invention can include one or more additives 
that can be added directly to the composition or as an associated 
constituent of the film-forming resinous constituent or of the colorant 
constituent. Some examples of such additives include plasticizers, 
stabilizers, dispersion aids, drying aids, viscosity-control additives, 
buffering agents, pH adjusters, coalescing agents and emulsifying agents. 
The amount of any one of such additives will typically not exceed about 
2.5 wt. %, the total amount of the additives generally being no greater 
than about 5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the embossing 
composition. 
As mentioned above, one of the advantages of the present invention is that 
it is capable of being formulated in a stable state over a broad pH range. 
For most applications, it is believed that a pH within the range of about 
6.5 to about 12 will be satisfactory. It is preferred that the pH of the 
composition be about 6.5 to about 9. The pH of the composition can be 
adjusted, if necessary, by use of mineral acids or alkali metal 
hydroxides. 
According to the invention, embossing compositions described herein can be 
formulated at a viscosity level which permits the composition to be used 
in a variety of applications. As previously noted, the compositions are 
particularly suitable for use in rotogravure applications in which the 
embossing composition is patterned onto a foamable gel by rotogravure 
printing cylinders. These cylinders have been long used for printing 
organic-based embossing compositions and represent a major capital 
investment to the industry. In these applications, cylinders studded with 
printing cells of a typical depth of from about 50 to about 60 microns are 
used to apply organic-based embossing compositions to the substrates 
comprising foamable gels. Such cylinders cannot be used effectively with 
aqueous-based embossing compositions as a practical matter because the 
amount of time required to evaporate water from the film applied to the 
substrate is much longer than the time required to evaporate typically 
used organic solvents. In order to afford sufficient time for evaporation 
from the film of the water constituent, it is possible, but not desirable, 
to decrease the speed of the printing line. In an effort to avoid or 
offset this problem, the depths, and therefore the volumes, of the 
printing cells can be decreased so that a lesser amount of embossing 
composition, and thus less water, is printed onto the substrate. The 
smaller the amount of water, the shorter the drying time. However, this 
approach to the problem requires the use of higher concentrations of 
modifiers in the aqueous-based embossing composition so that application 
of the composition from the modified (smaller volume) cylinders applies 
the same amount of modifier onto the foamable gel for acceptable embossing 
effects. At alkaline pH, however, the requisite amount (typically 15-30 
wt. %) of popularly used modifiers, such as benzotriazole, cannot be 
dissolved in the aqueous-based composition, except by use of solubilizing 
agents, usually organic solvents such as lower alcohols, as described in 
the aforementioned Hamilton patents. Unfortunately, the use of such 
solubilizing agents results in embossing compositions having viscosities 
unacceptably low for rotogravure printing, typically below about 100 cp 
(Brookfield @74.degree. F.). Experience has shown that in order to avoid 
problems that are encountered when using such low-viscosity compositions 
in rotogravure printing, the viscosity thereof should be at least about 
600 cp, and preferably are at least about 700 cp (each Brookfield at 
74.degree. F.). Attempts to increase the viscosities of aqueous-based 
compositions containing organic liquid solubilizing agents to acceptable 
levels for this and comparable applications have been largely 
unsuccessful. For example, the use of thickeners has typically resulted in 
poor-quality embossing compositions. 
The present invention overcomes these difficulties by an entirely new 
approach. Compositions according to the invention containing relatively 
high concentrations of modifier (for example, about 15 to about 30 wt. %) 
in finely-divided particle form can be formulated readily with viscosity 
values in the range of about 600 to about 1000 cp. And this can be 
accomplished without having to add viscosity modifiers to the composition 
to increase the viscosity to acceptable levels. Accordingly, compositions 
within the scope of the present invention are entirely suitable for 
rotgravure applications in which cylinders of relatively shallow cell 
depth are employed. For example, such compositions are useful in embossing 
processes employing electromechanically engraved cylinders having cell 
depths of about 18 to about 42 .mu. because they can be formulated to 
contain a relatively high concentration of modifier, for example, at least 
about 17 wt. % and ranging up to about 30-40 wt. %. Normal printing speeds 
(for example, about 150 to 300 feet per minute) are thereby attainable. In 
general, the shallower the depth of the cell, the higher should be the 
concentration of the modifier. 
If there are applications for which higher viscosity compositions are 
needed, conventional thickeners, for example, amorphous silica gel, can be 
usefully added in an amount sufficient to obtain the desired viscosity. 
The foamable polymeric material to which the water-based embossing 
composition of the present invention is applied comprises a resin and a 
blowing agent, with or without accelerator or inhibitor. Poly(vinyl 
chloride) is the most popularly used resin in the industry, although there 
can be used other resins such as, for example, other vinyl chloride 
polymers, including copolymers thereof, and resins such as polyurethanes, 
polystyrenes and polyamides. The foamable polymeric material is preferably 
made from a plastisol which comprises resin solids dispersed in liquid 
plasticizer. Examples of plasticizers include dioctyl phthalate, butyl 
benzyl phthalate, di-(2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate and tricresyl phosphate. 
The blowing agent, which is a compound that liberates an inert gas upon 
being heated, is typically azodicarbonamide, this being a widely used 
blowing agent in industry. However, in accordance with knowledge in the 
art, there can be used other blowing agents, for example, 
bis-(p-hydroxybenzenesulfonyl) hydrazide, azobisisobutyral-nitrile and 
diazoaminobenzene. As previously noted, the blowing agent can be combined 
with an accelerator or inhibitor which modifies the properties of the 
blowing agent. Examples of such materials include zinc oxide, dibasic lead 
phosphate, and zinc octoate. 
In its most widely used form, the foamable polymeric material is prepared 
from a composition comprising a blowing agent system and one or more 
resins dispersed in a liquid medium, for example, a plastisol. The 
aforementioned Nairn et al patent contains an extensive discussion of the 
preparation of such foamable materials and cites numerous examples of 
resins, plasticizers, and blowing agents and materials which have an 
effect on the blowing agent. 
For use as a flooring material, the liquid resin composition comprising the 
blowing agent and plastisol and optional ingredients, for example, 
fillers, pigments, and stabilizers, is then usually applied to a substrate 
which functions as a carrier or backing for the composition. Such a 
substrate can comprise a felt material, a polymeric material or a 
fiber-reinforced material, including, for example, fibers of asbestos, 
glass, and natural and synthetic fibers. After the liquid resin 
composition is applied to the substrate, the resulting composite is heated 
to a temperature sufficiently high to gel the liquid, but at a temperature 
below that at which the blowing agent is activated. 
The embossing composition of the invention can be applied in an appropriate 
design to the gelled foamable polymeric material to achieve the desired 
visual effect. Several applications are customary for multicolored 
effects. The composition may be applied in separate runs without modifier 
or with a clear embossing composition to respectively color areas without 
embossing or to emboss areas without coloring. 
As disclosed in the aforementioned Nairn et al patent, it is also possible 
to prepare the embossed article by applying the embossing composition to a 
supporting base or on the underside of a layer of the foamable 
composition. 
Although the composition of the invention is particularly adapted to 
application by rotogravure techniques, other printing methods, including, 
for example, off-set gravure, flexographic processes, screen printing or 
relief printing, can be used also. The present invention can be used also 
to excellent advantage in the fabrication of a "transfer sheet" for use in 
a transfer printing process of the type described immediately below. 
The aforementioned description of the use of the present invention entails 
the initial application of the involved compositions directly to the 
surface of the foamable polymeric material. For use in a transfer printing 
process, the compositions are not applied initially to the foamable 
polymeric material, but instead to the surface of a support sheet. The 
support sheet, having printed thereon the embossing composition in 
predetermined fashion, is known as a "transfer sheet" which can be used by 
superposing it on the foamable polymeric material in a manner such that 
the embossing composition is contacted with the surface of the polymeric 
material. Thereafter, the support sheet is peeled away or stripped from 
the surface of the foamable composition leaving thereon the embossing 
composition in the desired pattern. Typically, heat and pressure are 
applied to the multi-ply structure comprising the support sheet having 
thereon the embossing composition and the foamable composition to ensure 
transfer of the embossing composition from its support sheet to the 
surface of the foamable composition. An example of a transfer printing 
process of this type is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,482,598, the 
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
There are various factors which provide incentives for use in industry of 
the transfer printing process in the manufacture of textured floor 
coverings and the like. By way of background, it is noted that rotogravure 
printing cylinders which are used in the rotogravure process for applying 
embossing compositions of the type described herein are relatively 
expensive. Accordingly, there is an economic advantage to being able to 
utilize such printing cylinders to apply embossing compositions to 
transfer sheets which can be shipped more economically than final product 
to distant sites where the transfer sheet can be used to make final 
product. Stated simply, use of a transfer sheet of the type described 
herein permits a manufacturer to make the ultimate product without having 
to invest in printing facilities and printing cylinders which can comprise 
a high proportion of the overall investment needed to make final product. 
Although the transfer printing process of the type described above has been 
known for several years, it has not been capable of being used effectively 
with heretofore known water-based embossing compositions because such 
compositions, otherwise effective for practical use, have been unstable. 
The modifier in the embossing composition loses its effectiveness. 
As mentioned above, embossing compositions within the scope of the present 
invention can be formulated in a form which is highly stable over extended 
periods of time, including many months. This enables a party to fabricate 
a transfer sheet and ship it, for example, by low cost ocean freight to 
countries where moneys for capital investment are at a premium. There it 
can be used in the manufacture of floor coverings or similar products 
which otherwise might not be made because of the high capital investment 
needed for the manufacture and purchase of rotogravure facilities printing 
cylinders. 
Turning now to a more detailed description of the transfer printing sheet 
of the type to which the present invention relates, it comprises two 
essential components, namely, a support sheet and adhered to the surface 
thereof an embossing composition of the present invention in a desired 
pattern. It is believed that the transfer sheet will be used most widely 
in a form which includes also a release layer sandwiched between the 
support sheet and the embossing composition. Such release layer permits 
the support sheet to be more readily peeled or stripped from the transfer 
sheet leaving behind the embossing composition on the surface of the 
foamable polymeric composition. 
Any suitable material can be used for the support sheet, including, for 
example, plastic film, metal foil or a paper or paper-like material. 
Examples of such materials include polyethylene, polypropylene, 
polystyrene, poly(vinyl chloride), and kraft paper. 
The release layer, if used, can be formulated in accordance with techniques 
available in the art. For example, the release layer can be formed from a 
composition comprising a release agent, for example, a wax or silicon, and 
a liquid carrier for the release agent, for example, an aqueous dispersion 
of resin solids (latex) or a cellulose derivative. Examples of such 
materials include latices of styrene or acrylic resins, or cellulose 
acetate or ethyl cellulose. The composition used to form the release layer 
can include also additives, for example, plasticizer, filler, or 
surfactant. 
The release composition can be applied to the support sheet by any suitable 
means, for example, spray, brush, or roll coating, or extrusion. The 
amount of release composition applied to the support layer is that 
sufficient to form a release layer of desired thickness, for example, 
about 1 to about 50 microns. 
The embossing composition can be applied to the surface of the support 
sheet or to the surface of the release layer when it is used by the use of 
a rotogravure printing cylinder or by other suitable means. 
After the transfer sheet has been superposed in contact with the surface of 
the foamable polymeric composition, transfer of the embossing composition 
from the transfer sheet to said surface is generally effected by 
application of heat and pressure to the composite structure. In general, 
there are used relatively low temperatures and pressures, for example, 
pressures of about 8 to about 70 kg/cm.sup.2 and temperatures of about 
150.degree.to about 220.degree. C. depending on the apparatus used. Such 
apparatus can comprise a pair of opposing rolls, one of which is a heated 
roll or a heated press. 
After transfer of the embossing composition to the surface of the foamable 
polymeric composition and removal of the support sheet, the polymeric 
composition can be heated to effect foaming and embossing thereof 
according to available techniques. 
Various modifications to the aforementioned transfer printing process can 
be made to achieve desired results. For example, as described in 
aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,482,598, a purely decorative pattern may 
also be applied to the transfer sheet in addition to the embossing 
composition. 
Examples which follow are illustrative of the practice of the present 
invention. 
EXAMPLES 
Example No. 1 
An embossing composition according to the invention was formulated from a 
commercially available, film forming resin (W-B Clear 59-995, available 
from RBH Dispersions) and tolyl triazole micro-Jet powder, as modifier, by 
first admixing the resin clear and amorphous silica gel 
(dispersing/anti-blocking agent, sold under the trademark SYLOID 308 by 
Davison Chemical) and adding to the resulting mixture the tolyl triazole 
micro-jet powder (average particle size 75 .mu.) with agitation for 12 to 
15 minutes. A fluorescing agent (optical brightener), sold under the 
trademark LEUCOPHOR BMB by Sandoz, was added for the purpose of 
highlighting defects that might be present in the product. The composition 
included also a viscosity modifier (chemical identity unknown) supplied by 
RBH Dispersions. 
The resulting embossing composition comprised the following: 
______________________________________ 
Component % by Weight 
______________________________________ 
film-forming resin 
33.1 
tolyl triazole 25.0 
silica gel 2.5 
fluorescing agent 
0.2 
isopropyl alcohol 
4.0 
diethylaminoethanol 
1.0 
viscosity modifier 
0.2 
surfactants 1.0 
water 33.0 
100.0 
______________________________________ 
The viscosity of the composition was 860 cp (Brookfield @ 74.degree. F.). 
Unless stated otherwise, viscosity values herein are Brookfield @ 
74.degree. F. 
The next two examples also show embossing compositions within the scope of 
the present invention. They are similar to the composition of Example No. 
1. 
Example No. 2 
______________________________________ 
Component % by Weight 
______________________________________ 
film-forming resin 
39.00 
tolyl triazole 12.50 
silica gel 2.50 
fluorescing agent 
0.25 
isopropyl alcohol 
4.66 
diethylaminoethanol 
1.27 
surfactants 1.27 
water 38.55 
100.00 
______________________________________ 
The viscosity of the composition was 800 cp. 
Example No. 3 
______________________________________ 
Component % by Weight 
______________________________________ 
film-forming resin 
31.05 
tolyl triazole 30.00 
silica gel 2.50 
isopropyl alcohol 
3.72 
diethylaminoethanol 
1.00 
surfactants 1.00 
water 30.73 
100.00 
______________________________________ 
The viscosity of the composition was 850 cp. 
Example No. 4 
The next example shows an embossing composition of the present invention 
which is similar to the compositions of Example Nos. 1 to 3, but it 
includes a different modifier. The average particle size of the modifier 
is the same as that of the modifier of Example Nos. 1 to 3. 
______________________________________ 
Component % by weight 
______________________________________ 
film-forming resin 
35.65 
benzotriazole 20.00 
silica gel 1.95 
isopropyl alcohol 
4.25 
diethylaminoethanol 
1.15 
surfactants 1.15 
water 35.85 
100.00 
______________________________________ 
The viscosity of the composition was 800 cp. 
The next three examples are illustrative of colorant-containing embossing 
compositions of the present invention. They were prepared by adding 
pigments to the composition of Example No. 2. The sources of the pigments 
were pigment pastes which are proprietary to the seller thereof, namely 
RBH Dispersions. 
______________________________________ 
EXAMPLE NO. 
5 6 7 
______________________________________ 
Constituents, wt. % 
composition of Ex. No. 2 
97.84 98.37 99.00 
red pigment paste 
0.90 0.30 0.40 
yellow pigment paste 
0.68 0.47 0.43 
black pigment paste 
0.58 0.86 0.17 
Properties 
pH 7.51 8.17 7.9 
viscosity, cp @ 80.degree. F. 
790 820* 800 
______________________________________ 
*measured @ 82.degree. F. 
The composition of Example No. 2 from which the embossing inks of Example 
Nos. 5 to 7 were prepared was stored for two months prior to its being 
used as the base material for the preparation of the inks. The composition 
remained stable during this storage period. The embossing inks prepared 
from the stable composition are capable of being used effectively in 
embossing applications as manifested by the effectiveness of the modifier 
in deactivating a zinc oxide accelerator associated with azodicarbonamide 
blowing agent in a gelled poly(vinyl chloride) composition plasticized 
with dioctylphthalate. 
The next example shows an additional colorant-containing composition within 
the scope of the present invention. The film-forming resin of the 
composition and the sources of the pigment and other constituents are the 
same as those of the compositions of the previous examples. 
Example No. 8 
______________________________________ 
Component % by Weight 
______________________________________ 
film-foaming resin 
35.50 
tolyl triazole 17.53 
silica gel 2.44 
fluorescing agent 
isopropyl alcohol 4.24 
diethylaminoethanol 
1.16 
white pigment paste 
1.50 
red pigment paste 0.40 
yellow pigment paste 
0.45 
black pigment paste 
0.25 
surfactant 1.17 
water 35.06 
100.00 
______________________________________ 
The viscosity of the composition was 850 cp (80.degree. F.) and the pH 
thereof was 8.1 
The compositions of Example Nos. 1 and 8 above were used to emboss a 
foamable polymeric material having the formulation set forth below and 
being of a high gauge laboratory construction. 
Foamable Polymeric Material 
______________________________________ 
Foamable Polymeric Material 
Parts by Wt. 
______________________________________ 
poly(vinyl chloride) - dispersion grade, 
31.0 
inherent viscosity 0.89 
poly(vinyl chloride) - dispersion grade, 
17.0 
inherent viscosity 0.88 
butylbenzyl phthalate plasticizer 
19.0 
di-(2-ethyl hexyl)phthalate plasticizer 
8.5 
calcium carbonate filler 
19.0 
aromatic petroleum solvent 
1.5 
(boiling range 183-210.degree. C.) 
azodicarbonamide blowing agent/zinc oxide 
4.0 
100.0 
______________________________________ 
The foamable polymeric material was gelled by heating at a temperature of 
about 300.degree. F. for about 3 minutes. A portion of the surface of each 
of two gel samples was then printed with the composition of Example No. 1 
and with the composition of Example No. 8 using an electronically engraved 
proof plate with 150 lines per inch (lpi) and a cell depth of 28 microns. 
A poly(vinyl chloride) wear layer was then applied to each of the printed 
gel samples. Each was then heated to a temperature of about 390.degree. F. 
for about 2 minutes to decompose the blowing agent and fuse the composite 
material. 
Measurements of each of the samples showed the following. 
______________________________________ 
Samples Treated With 
Composition of 
Example No. 1 
Example No. 8 
______________________________________ 
foam (gauge in mils) 
53.8 53.9 
wearlayer 14.8 15.0 
embossed foam -15.5 -23.7 
embossed depth 38.3 30.2 
______________________________________ 
The above results show that satisfactory embossing of a premium 
construction can be achieved with shallow engraved printing plates at the 
modifier concentrations used. 
As mentioned above, the present invention can be used to particular 
advantage in the production of foamed textured floor coverings. It should 
be understood that it can be used also to produce a variety of other kinds 
of products having a foamed and textured or embossed structure, including, 
for example, wall and ceiling coverings, table top and shelf coverings, 
automotive panels, book covers and decorative containers. 
In summary, it can be said that the present invention provides a practical 
and functionally-effective means for industry to avoid the use of 
problem-causing hydrocarbon liquids by allowing a manufacturer to 
substitute in an industrial operating line, with relatively low capital 
investment, the use of a water-based embossing composition for an 
organic-based embossing composition. In addition, the excellent stability 
of the embossing composition of the present invention, even under poor 
storage conditions such as high humidity, makes the use of aqueous-based 
embossing compositions in transfer printing practical for the first time.