Patent Description:
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) films have been used widely in a number of promotional and advertising campaigns, such as outdoor graphics applications in the past. Such applications include signs, banners, fleet marketing graphics, architectural and wall covering, consumer product labeling and other pressure sensitive products. In recent years, however, awareness of the environmental and health impacts and effects of using PVC based products has increased significantly. Currently, there is a movement to reduce or even eliminate PVC-based products from the consumer marketing, promotional and advertising product streams.

Traditionally, wide formatting printing, including eco solvent and solvent-based ink printing relied on PVC-based layers due to their pigment fixation, a result of the plasticity of PVC. PVC-based layers also have good anchorage to underlying layers, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, and other non-PVC media. Efforts have been made to replace PVC-based layers by using different topcoat or primer layers.

<CIT> discloses inkjet printing on textile materials, specifically a composition for coating a single, inkjet-receptive layer onto unsubbed textiles such as canvas, polyester, linen and blends thereof, which accepts inkjet printing with dye and pigment inks and which gives strong colors which are water-resistant.

<CIT> discloses a rheology modifier for use in aqueous or alcoholic compositions. The rheology modifier includes an aqueous two-phase polymeric composition of by weight, <NUM>-<NUM>% of (a) a water-soluble polymer having (b) in situ-formed, substantially water-insoluble resinous particles of said polymer substantially uniformly dispersed therein, and (c) <NUM>-<NUM>% of water. <CIT> also discloses an aqueous polymeric composition which forms a clear to translucent film upon application to a substrate which includes, by weight, <NUM>-<NUM>% of (a) a water-soluble polymer having (b) in situ-formed, substantially water-insoluble resinous particles of said polymer substantially uniformly dispersed therein, and (c) <NUM>-<NUM>% of water.

<CIT> discloses a coating composition for forming a toner receptive coating on a substrate containing a polymer comprising: (a) a N-vinyl amide monomer, (b) a vinyl acetate monomer, (c) a substituted or unsubstituted monomer comprising a cyclic ether, and (d) a solvent. The coating compositions may further comprise a (e) non-reactive hydrophobic monomer. The disclosure also provides substrates coated with the toner receptive coatings.

<CIT> discloses an inkjet-receptive article comprising a substrate having a coating thereon comprising a vinyl lactam polymer or copolymer and a polymer resin diluent coated from a solvent. A preferred vinyl lactam copolymer is polyvinylcaprolactam (PVCap)-vinyl acetate (VA). Also disclosed are solvent-based compositions for forming an inkjet-receptive coating on a substrate comprising: (i) a vinyl lactam polymer or copolymer; (ii) a solvent; (iii) optionally, a pigment; and (iv) polymer resin diluent. <CIT> relates to print media products having at least one ink-receiving layer on a substrate. The ink-receiving layer includes a pigment combined with a binder blend comprising polyvinyl alcohol, a poly(vinyl acetate-ethylene) copolymer and a poly(vinyl pyrrolidine-vinyl acetate) copolymer. The ink-receiving layer can also include a dye fixative comprising a cationic emulsion polymer.

The need still exists for a substrate that does not include PVC but which attains acceptable pigment fixation, indoor and outdoor performance, and anchorage to underlying layers or films. The present disclosure includes improved topcoat formulations for printing that include a base polymer, a pigment system and a crosslinking system, which is anchored to underlying non-PVC layers or films.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a coated substrate comprising a substrate having a topcoat on at least one surface of the substrate, wherein the topcoat comprises a base polymer comprising a polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymer and a cationic acrylic resin, wherein the polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymer comprises polyvinylpyrrolidone and vinyl acetate, wherein the topcoat comprises at least <NUM> wt. % cationic acrylic resin, based on the total weight of components other than water in the topcoat a pigment system, wherein the topcoat comprises from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % pigment system, based on the total weight of the components other than water in the topcoat, and optionally a crosslinking system. The topcoat and substrate may be substantially free of polyvinyl chloride. The topcoat may comprise printed or image indicia. The topcoat may comprise from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % base polymer, based on the total weight of the topcoat. The topcoat may comprise from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymer, based on the total weight of the topcoat. The polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymer may comprise polyvinylpyrrolidone and vinyl acetate. The base polymer may comprise from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % cationic acrylic resin, based on the total weight of the topcoat. The cationic acrylic resin may be a high molecular weight cationic stabilized polymer with hydroxyl functionality. The pigment system may comprise a pigment, a filler, and a binding agent. The filler may be a silica. The binding agent may be a metal oxide. The pigment system may comprise from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % pigment, based on the total weight of the pigment system. The pigment system may comprise from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % filler, based on the total weight of the pigment system. The pigment system may comprise from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % metal oxide, based on the total weight of the pigment system. The formulation may comprise from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % pigment system. The crosslinking system may comprise an epoxy crosslinker.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a method of forming a coated substrate, the method comprising: providing a substrate; providing a topcoat formulation comprising a base polymer comprising a polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymer and a cationic resin, a pigment system, optionally a crosslinking system, and water, wherein the polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymer comprises polyvinylpyrrolidone and vinyl acetate and wherein the topcoat comprises at least <NUM> wt. % cationic acrylic resin, based on the total weight of components other than water in the topcoat and wherein the topcoat comprises from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % pigment system, based on the total weight of the components other than water in the topcoat; applying the topcoat formulation onto at least one surface of the substrate; and drying the topcoat formulation on the substrate to form a coated substrate; wherein the topcoat formulation is coated onto the substrate from <NUM> to <NUM> gsm. The topcoat formulation may be gravure coated, knife coated, or mayer bar coated onto the substrate. The topcoat formulation may be corona treated prior to applying the topcoat formulation to the substrate. The topcoat and substrate are substantially free of polyvinyl chloride. The method may further comprise printing text or an image on the topcoat. The formulation may comprise from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % base polymer, based on the total weight of the topcoat formulation, excluding water. The formulation may comprise from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymer, based on the total weight of the topcoat formulation, excluding water. The polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymer comprises polyvinylpyrrolidone and vinyl acetate. The base polymer may comprise from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % cationic acrylic resin, based on the total weight of the topcoat formulation, excluding water. The cationic acrylic resin may be a high molecular weight cationic stabilized polymer with hydroxyl functionality. The pigment system may comprise a pigment, a filler, and a binding agent. The filler may be a silica. The binding agent may be a metal oxide. The pigment system may comprise from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % pigment, based on the total weight of the pigment system. The pigment system may comprise from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % filler, based on the total weight of the pigment system. The pigment system may comprise from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % metal oxide, based on the total weight of the pigment system. The formulation may comprise from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % pigment system, based on the total weight of the topcoat formulation, excluding water. The crosslinking system may comprise an epoxy crosslinker.

The present disclosure now will be described more fully. This disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. As used in the specification, and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," "the," include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure includes a coated substrate. The substrate may be substantially free of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) but that exhibits desirable pigment fixation, indoor and outdoor performance, and anchorage of the topcoat to the underlying non-PVC substrate. The coated substrate is coated with a topcoat on at least one surface of the substrate. The topcoat is also substantially free of PVC according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The topcoat comprises a base polymer, a pigment system, and a crosslinking system. The base polymer comprises a polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymer, such as a polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate (PVP/VA) copolymer. The base polymer also comprises a cationic acrylic resin, e.g., a high molecular weight cationic acrylic resin. Topcoats according to the present disclosure allow for the use of non-PVC substrates because the topcoats have good anchorage to non-PVC substrates while also attaining good pigment fixation. The present disclosure, therefore, also for topcoat formulations that may be coated onto a substrate, e.g., a non-PVC substrate.

As explained herein, the present disclosure is directed to a coated substrate, wherein the substrate is coated with a topcoat. The topcoat formulation used to form the topcoat comprises a base polymer, a pigment system, and optionally a crosslinking system. The topcoat formulation is aqueous, though the weight percentages herein refer the total amount of components excluding water. Water is added to the other components to allow for dispersion of the other components in water, and to allow for even application of the topcoat formulation to the substrate. As described further herein, the topcoat formulation is then dried, removing substantially all water, e.g., less than <NUM> wt. % water remains in the dried topcoat. When preparing the topcoat formulation, water may present from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, based on the total weight of the topcoat formulation. The amount of water added depends on the desired solids percentage, the desired viscosity, the coating method, the desired coat weight, and the drying capabilities of the coated topcoat. For example, if the coating method is roller coating, a greater solids percentage is desired as compared to rod coating.

The present disclosure beneficially uses a base polymer comprising a polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymer and a cationic acrylic resin. In terms of lower limits, the topcoat formulation may comprise at least <NUM> wt. % base polymer, based on the total weight of components other than water in the topcoat formulation, e.g., at least <NUM> wt. %, at least <NUM> wt. %, at least <NUM> wt. %, or at least <NUM> wt. In terms of upper limits, the topcoat formulation may comprise no more than <NUM> wt. % base polymer, based on the total weight of components other than water in the topcoat formulation, e.g., no more than <NUM> wt. %, no more than <NUM> wt. %, no more than <NUM> wt. %, no more than <NUM> wt. %, or no more than <NUM> wt. In terms of ranges, the topcoat formulation may comprise from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % base polymer, based on the total weight of the components other than water of the topcoat formulation, e.g., from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % or from <NUM> to <NUM> wt.

The polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymers for use in the present disclosure comprise polyvinypyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymers (PVP/VA). An exemplary PVP/VA copolymer is LUVITEC® <NUM> P. Additional exemplary copolymers include PVP/VA <NUM>, and PVP/VA <NUM>.

In terms of lower limits, the topcoat formulation may comprise at least <NUM> wt. % polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymer, based on the total weight of components other than water in the topcoat formulation, e.g., at least <NUM> wt. %, at least <NUM> wt. %, at least <NUM> wt. %, or at least <NUM> wt. In terms of upper limits, the topcoat formulation may comprise no more than <NUM> wt. % polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymer, based on the total weight of components other than water in the topcoat formulation, e.g., no more than <NUM> wt. %, no more than <NUM> wt. %, no more than <NUM> wt. %, or no more than <NUM> wt. In terms of ranges, the topcoat formulation may comprise from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymer, based on the total weight of the components other than water of the topcoat formulation, e.g., from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, or from <NUM> to <NUM> wt.

As indicated herein, the base polymer also comprises a cationic acrylic resin. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that by including a cationic resin, the topcoat has improved receptivity to anionic films and has improved adhesion and durability, as compared to topcoats without a cationic resin. The cationic acrylic resin allows for anionic inks to be attracted to the cationic acrylic resin, resulting in improved ink fixation and image formation. In some aspects, the cationic acrylic resin is a high molecular weight stabilized cationic acrylic resin, e.g., a cationic acrylic resin marketed as a high molecular weight cationic acrylic resin. The cationic acrylic resin may have hydroxyl functionality. Exemplary cationic acrylic resins include those sold by Gellner Industries LLC, such as OTTOPOL® KX <NUM> and KX <NUM>. In further embodiments, the cationic acrylic resin need not have hydroxyl functionally and therefore, a crosslinking system is not included. An exemplary cationic acrylic resin that does not have hydroxyl functionality is WORLÉE Print <NUM>, sold by Worlee GmbH.

In terms of lower limits, the topcoat formulation may comprise at least <NUM> wt. % cationic acrylic resin, based on the total weight of components other than water in the topcoat formulation, e.g., at least <NUM> wt. %, or at least <NUM> wt. In terms of upper limits, the topcoat formulation may comprise no more than <NUM> wt. % cationic acrylic resin, based on the total weight of components other than water in the topcoat formulation, e.g., no more than <NUM> wt. %, no more than <NUM> wt. %, no more than <NUM> wt. %, or no more than <NUM> wt. In terms of ranges, the topcoat formulation may comprise from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, or from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % based on the total weight of the components other than water of the topcoat formulation.

As described herein, the topcoat formulation comprises a pigment system. The components of the pigment system may be selected depending on the desired appearance of the topcoat. The pigment system also contributes to the ink receptivity and pigment fixation of the topcoat. In terms of ranges, the topcoat formulation comprises from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % pigment system, based on the total weight of the components other than water of the topcoat formulation.

The pigment system described herein may comprise a pigment, a filler, and a binding agent. One exemplary pigment system comprises kaolin clay, fumed silica, and precipitated silica. The pigment may be any known pigment that imparts the desired color into the final topcoat. In some aspects, the topcoat is desirably opaque. In such aspects, titanium dioxide or a kaolin clay, such as Ansilex <NUM>, may be used as a pigment. Kaolin clay may, in some aspects, be used as the pigment due to its ability to absorb ink and improve pigment fixation. Additionally, kaolin clay may have a relatively fine particle size and may be more easily dispersible than titanium dioxide.

In terms of lower limits, the topcoat formulation may comprise at least <NUM> wt. % pigment, based on the total weight of the pigment system, e.g., at least <NUM> wt. %, at least <NUM> wt. %, at least <NUM> wt. %, or at least <NUM> wt. In terms of upper limits, the topcoat formulation may comprise no more than <NUM> wt. % pigment, based on the total weight of the pigment system, e.g., no more than <NUM> wt. %, no more than <NUM> wt. %, no more than <NUM> wt. %, or no more than <NUM> wt. In terms of ranges, the topcoat formulation may comprise from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % pigment, based on the total weight of the pigment system, e.g., from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, or from <NUM> to <NUM> wt.

As described herein, the pigment system may further comprise a filler. Typically the filler are those that have a surface area of at least <NUM><NUM>/g. In another embodiment, the surface area of the filler is greater than <NUM>, or greater than <NUM>, or greater than <NUM><NUM>/g. In another embodiment, the fillers are those having a surface area of greater than <NUM><NUM>/g. The surface area of the filler is determined by BET (<NPL>). This method is based on the adsorption of gaseous nitrogen.

Representative fillers can include talc, calcium carbonate, organo-clay, glass fibers, marble dust, cement dust, feldspar, silica or glass, fumed silica, silicates, alumina, various phosphorus compounds, ammonium bromide, titanium dioxide, antimony trioxide, antimony trioxide, zinc oxide, zinc borate, barium sulfate, silicones, aluminum silicate, calcium silicate, glass microspheres, chalk, mica, clays, wollastonite, ammonium octamolybdate, intumescent compounds and mixtures of two or more of these materials. The fillers may also carry or contain various surface coatings or treatments, such as silanes and fatty acids. Still other fillers can include flame retardants, such as the halogenated organic compounds. In some aspects, the filler includes inorganic materials and include silica, such as amorphous silica, fumed silica, colloidal silica, precipitated silica and silica gels. Additional fillers include a silica, a clay, an alkaline earth metal sulfate or carbonate, an alkaline earth or transition metal oxide or hydroxide. In one embodiment, the filler is a silica having a surface area of at least about <NUM>, or at least <NUM>, or at least about <NUM><NUM>/g. In another embodiment, the filler is a silica with a surface area of at least <NUM>, or at least about <NUM>, or at least about <NUM><NUM>/g. In some aspects, the filler is a fumed or precipitated silica.

In terms of lower limits, the topcoat formulation may comprise at least <NUM> wt. % filler, based on the total weight of the pigment system, e.g., at least <NUM> wt. %, at least <NUM> wt. %, at least <NUM> wt. %, or at least <NUM> wt. In terms of upper limits, the topcoat formulation may comprise no more than <NUM> wt. % filler, based on the total weight of the pigment system, e.g., no more than <NUM> wt. %, no more than <NUM> wt. %, no more than <NUM> wt. %, or no more than <NUM> wt. In terms of ranges, the topcoat formulation may comprise from <NUM> to <NUM> filler, based on the total weight of the pigment system, e.g., from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, or from <NUM> to <NUM> wt.

The pigment system may further comprise a binding agent. In some aspects, the binding agent and filler may be the same component that fulfills both functions. In other aspects, the binding agent is a different component from the filler, even if there is some overlap in function. The binding agent may be a metal oxide, such as aluminum oxide. The aluminum oxide may be fumed, such as that sold as AEROXIDE® C.

In terms of lower limits, the topcoat formulation may comprise at least <NUM> wt. % binding agent, based on the total weight of the pigment system, e.g., at least <NUM> wt. %, at least <NUM> wt. %, at least <NUM> wt. %, or at least <NUM> wt. In terms of upper limits, the topcoat formulation may comprise no more than <NUM> wt. % binding agent, based on the total weight of the pigment system, e.g., no more than <NUM> wt. %, no more than <NUM> wt. %, no more than <NUM> wt. %, or no more than <NUM> wt. In terms of ranges, the topcoat formulation may comprise from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % binding agent, based on the total weight of the pigment system, e.g., from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, or from <NUM> to <NUM> wt.

The topcoat formulation may also comprise a crosslinking system. The crosslinking system comprises a crosslinker that imparts mechanical strength as well as chemical and weather resistance to the topcoat. The crosslinking system may comprise an epoxy crosslinker, such as a multifunctional epoxy resin made from the etherification of glycidyl. Exemplary crosslinkers include Denacoll 614B and Erisys GE60. In some aspects, the crosslinker is a sorbitol polyglycidyl ether.

In terms of lower limits, the topcoat formulation may comprise at least <NUM> wt. % crosslinker, based on the total weight of the components other than water, e.g., at least <NUM> wt. %, at least <NUM> wt. %, at least <NUM> wt. %, or at least <NUM> wt. In terms of upper limits, the topcoat formulation may comprise no more than <NUM> wt. % crosslinker, based on the total weight of the components other than water, e.g., no more than <NUM> wt. %, no more than <NUM> wt. %, no more than <NUM> wt. %, or no more than <NUM> wt. In terms of ranges, the topcoat formulation may comprise from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % crosslinker, based on the total weight of the pigment system, e.g., from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, or from <NUM> to <NUM> wt.

The ratio of pigment to binder may range from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, e.g., from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM> or from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.

In some aspects, the topcoat formulation may further comprise a wax. The wax may help to improve scratch resistance. In one embodiment, the particles in the wax are less than <NUM> microns in size, e.g., less than <NUM> microns. The melting point of the wax or of the mixture of waxes preferably ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>. In addition, the particles in the microdispersion can contain a small amount of oily or pasty fatty additives, one or more surfactants and one or more common liposoluble active ingredients. The waxes include cationic waxes based on PE/HDPE. The melting point of the wax may be at least <NUM>, e.g., at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, or at least <NUM>. Using waxes with such a melting point may provide improved anti-blocking properties as compared to a wax with a lower melting point. Additionally, using waxes with such a melting point may lead to improved scuff and scratch resistance as compared to a wax with a lower melting point.

In terms of lower limits, the topcoat formulation may comprise at least <NUM> wt. % wax, based on the total weight of components other than water in the topcoat formulation, e.g., at least <NUM> wt. %, at least <NUM> wt. %, at least <NUM> wt. %, or at least <NUM> wt. In terms of upper limits, the topcoat formulation may comprise no more than <NUM> wt. % wax, based on the total weight of components other than water in the topcoat formulation, e.g., no more than <NUM> wt. %, no more than <NUM> wt. %, no more than <NUM> wt. %, or no more than <NUM> wt. In terms of ranges, the topcoat formulation may comprise from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % wax, based on the total weight of the components other than water of the topcoat formulation, e.g., from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, or from <NUM> to <NUM> wt.

The topcoat formulation, once prepared, may then be coated onto a substrate. The substrate may be coated on one side, two sides, or more sides if possible. As described herein, the substrate is preferably a non-PVC containing substrate. Exemplary non-PVC containing substrates include polypropylene and polyethylene substrates. The substrate is not particularly limited in material or thickness, so long as it does not contain PVC. In some aspects, the substrate may be PE, HDPE, PP, BOPP, PET, or other known substrates.

The topcoat formulation may be coated onto the substrate through various coating methods, including gravure coating, mayer bar coating, and/or knife coating. In some aspects, the substrate, such as a film, is corona treated prior to the topcoat formulation being coated onto the film. Such corona treatment may increase the surface energy of the film, leading to improved adhesion of the topcoat onto the film. The topcoat formulation may be coated onto the substrate at a coatweight from <NUM> to <NUM> gsm, e.g., from <NUM> to <NUM> gsm or from <NUM> to <NUM> gsm. The topcoat weight may be determined to maximize printability on the topcoat as well as acceptable drying of the ink based on the solvents present in the ink.

The final topcoat composition is essentially the same as the dry components described above, since the dry components exclude any water added to the topcoat formulation.

As also noted above, the topcoat layer may be receptive to printing of indicia therethrough (e.g., pass-through printing) or thereon (e.g., printed indicia resides on the surface of the topcoat layer or within the topcoat layer). Moreover, certain embodiments may comprise printed indicia. The printed indicia may convey or provide a variety of information in the form of words, numbers, patterns, designs, barcodes or other forms of human or machine readable graphics. The printed indicia may be applied to the first or outermost surface of the first or outermost layer of the label, such as the surface open to the environment. The first or outermost layer of labels according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise the topcoat layer. In this regard, the printed indicia may be applied by any one of a number of different conventional processes, such as flexographic, letterpress, screen, gravure, photographic printing, or other suitable processes. For print-on-demand applications, a thermal transfer process may apply the print, although other methods can be used, such as dot matrix printing or ink jet printing. For pre-print applications, ultraviolet, aqueous or solvent inks may be used if desired. Any suitable chemical composition of the ink or other substance employed to print the information may be used. In some embodiments, the ink or substance should be selected to produce a printed pattern that is compatible the topcoat layer, such as one that adheres sufficiently to the topcoat layer to allow for a reasonable degree of permanency. In some aspects, the printed indicia is applied by eco solvent, solvent, or inkjet printing.

The following embodiments are contemplated.

Embodiment <NUM>: A coated substrate comprising a substrate having a topcoat on at least one surface of the substrate, wherein the topcoat comprises a base polymer comprising a polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymer and a cationic acrylic resin, and a pigment system, wherein the polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymer comprises polyvinylpyrrolidone and vinyl acetate, wherein the topcoat comprises at least <NUM> wt. % cationic acrylic resin, based on the total weight of components other than water in the topcoat, wherein the topcoat comprises from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % pigment system, based on the total weight of the components other than water in the topcoat.

Embodiment <NUM>: An embodiment of embodiment <NUM>, wherein the topcoat and substrate are substantially free of polyvinyl chloride.

Embodiment <NUM>: An embodiment of any of embodiments <NUM>-<NUM>, wherein the topcoat comprises printed or image indicia.

Embodiment <NUM>: An embodiment of any one of the embodiments of embodiments <NUM>-<NUM>, wherein the topcoat comprises from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % base polymer, based on the total weight of the topcoat.

Embodiment <NUM>: An embodiment of any one of the embodiments of embodiments <NUM>-<NUM>, wherein the topcoat comprises from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymer, based on the total weight of the topcoat.

Embodiment <NUM>: An embodiment of any one of the embodiments of embodiments <NUM>-<NUM>, wherein the base polymer comprises from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % cationic acrylic resin, based on the total weight of the topcoat.

Embodiment <NUM>: An embodiment of any one of the embodiments of embodiments <NUM>-<NUM>, wherein the cationic acrylic resin is a high molecular weight cationic stabilized polymer with hydroxyl functionality.

Embodiment <NUM>: An embodiment of any one of the embodiments of embodiments <NUM>-<NUM>, wherein the pigment system comprises a pigment, a filler, and a binding agent.

Embodiment <NUM>: An embodiment of embodiment <NUM>, wherein the filler is a silica.

Embodiment <NUM>: An embodiment of any one of the embodiments of embodiments <NUM>-<NUM>, wherein the binding agent is a metal oxide.

Embodiment <NUM>: An embodiment of any one of the embodiments of embodiments <NUM>-<NUM>, wherein the pigment system comprises from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % pigment, based on the total weight of the pigment system.

Embodiment <NUM>: An embodiment of any one of the embodiments of embodiments <NUM>-<NUM>, wherein the pigment system comprises from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % filler, based on the total weight of the pigment system.

Embodiment <NUM>: An embodiment of any one of the embodiments of embodiments <NUM>-<NUM>, wherein the pigment system comprises from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % metal oxide, based on the total weight of the pigment system.

Embodiment <NUM>: An embodiment of any one of the embodiments of embodiments <NUM>-<NUM>, wherein the formulation comprises from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % pigment system, based on the total weight of the topcoat.

Embodiment <NUM>: An embodiment of any one of the embodiments of embodiments <NUM>-<NUM>, wherein the formulation further comprises a crosslinking system.

Embodiment <NUM>: A method of forming a coated substrate, the method comprising: providing a substrate; providing a topcoat formulation comprising a base polymer comprising a polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymer and a cationic resin, a pigment system, and water, wherein the polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymer comprises polyvinylpyrrolidone and vinyl acetate, wherein the topcoat comprises at least <NUM> wt. % cationic acrylic resin, based on the total weight of components other than water in the topcoat, wherein the topcoat comprises from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % pigment system, based on the total weight of the components other than water in the topcoat; applying the topcoat formulation onto at least one surface of the substrate; and drying the topcoat formulation on the substrate to form a coated substrate; wherein the topcoat formulation is coated onto the substrate from <NUM> to <NUM> gsm.

Embodiment <NUM>: An embodiment of embodiment <NUM>, wherein the topcoat formulation is gravure coated, knife coated, or mayer bar coated onto the substrate.

Embodiment <NUM>: An embodiment of any one of the embodiments of embodiments <NUM>-<NUM>, wherein the topcoat formulation is corona treated prior to applying the topcoat formulation to the substrate.

Embodiment <NUM>: An embodiment of any one of the embodiments of embodiments <NUM>-<NUM>, wherein the topcoat and substrate are substantially free of polyvinyl chloride.

Embodiment <NUM>: An embodiment of any one of the embodiments of embodiments <NUM>-<NUM>, further comprising printing text or an image on the topcoat.

Embodiment <NUM>: An embodiment of any one of the embodiments of embodiments <NUM>-<NUM>, wherein the formulation comprises from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % base polymer, based on the total weight of the topcoat formulation, excluding water.

Embodiment <NUM>: An embodiment of any one of the embodiments of embodiments <NUM>-<NUM>, wherein the formulation comprises from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymer, based on the total weight of the topcoat formulation, excluding water.

Embodiment <NUM>: An embodiment of any one of the embodiments of embodiments <NUM>-<NUM>, wherein the base polymer comprises from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % cationic acrylic resin, based on the total weight of the topcoat formulation, excluding water.

Embodiment <NUM>: An embodiment of any one of the embodiments of embodiments <NUM>-<NUM>, wherein the cationic acrylic resin is a high molecular weight cationic stabilized polymer with hydroxyl functionality.

Embodiment <NUM>: An embodiment of embodiment <NUM>, wherein the filler is a silica.

Embodiment <NUM>: An embodiment of any one of the embodiments of embodiments <NUM>-<NUM>, wherein the formulation comprises from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % pigment system, based on the total weight of the topcoat formulation, excluding water.

Embodiment <NUM>: An embodiment of any one of the embodiments of embodiments <NUM>-<NUM>, wherein the formulation further comprises crosslinking system.

Embodiment <NUM>: A topcoat comprising a base polymer and a pigment system, wherein the base polymer comprises a polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymer and a cationic acrylic resin, wherein the polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymer comprises polyvinylpyrrolidone and vinyl acetate, wherein the topcoat comprises at least <NUM> wt. % cationic acrylic resin, based on the total weight of components other than water in the topcoat, wherein the topcoat comprises from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % pigment system, based on the total weight of the components other than water in the topcoat.

Embodiment <NUM>: of embodiment <NUM>, wherein the topcoat is substantially free of polyvinyl chloride.

Embodiment <NUM>: An embodiment of any one of the embodiments of embodiments <NUM>, wherein the pigment system comprises from <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % metal oxide, based on the total weight of the pigment system.

Embodiment <NUM>: An embodiment of any one of the embodiments of embodiments <NUM>-<NUM> wherein the formulation further comprises a crosslinking system.

Embodiment <NUM>: An embodiment of any one of the embodiments <NUM>-<NUM>, wherein the cationic acrylic resin does not have hydroxyl functionality and wherein a crosslinking system is not included.

The present disclosure will be better understood in view of the following examples.

A topcoat formulation was prepared having the components as shown in Table <NUM>.

The topcoat formulation was coated onto identical polyethylene films and dried. Then, colors CMYK were printed onto separate the topcoat of separate films at three different speeds: <NUM>/min, <NUM>/min and <NUM>/min.

A segment of <NUM> Scotch Magic™ Tape was applied to each topcoat and removed. The topcoats retained the ink and passed the test for each print speed.

The same topcoat formulations were then coated onto three identical polyethylene films. The coated substrates were then aged at <NUM>, <NUM> and -<NUM>, respectively, for one week each. Even after aging, the topcoat on each coated substrate passed the <NUM> Scotch Magic™ Tape test, indicating good ink anchorage of film after aging.

A topcoat formulation was prepared having the following components:.

The following comparative example and examples (samples <NUM>-<NUM>) were prepared.

Each formulation for Example <NUM> and Sample Examples <NUM>-<NUM> was coated onto a film by mayer bar coating and dried in an oven at <NUM> for <NUM> minutes. The dried coat weight for each formulation was <NUM> gsm. The coated samples were then kept for room curing for <NUM> hours. An eco solvent printer was then used to print on each formulation. Various characteristics of the printed topcoat were then evaluated. The results are shown below.

The topcoat formulation of Example <NUM> was coated as described in Example <NUM>. Various print weights were then applied using two different printers. The print performance was then evaluated as shown below. The performance was evaluated on a scale of <NUM> to <NUM>, with <NUM> indicating poor performance, <NUM> indicating mediocre performance, and <NUM> indicating good performance. MDS is shorthand for Machine Directional Streaks.

As shown in Table <NUM>, the only required components are the PVP/VA copolymer, the cationic acrylic polymer, and water. The cationic acrylic polymer did not have hydroxyl functionality and therefore, no crosslinker was included. The topcoat formulation was then coated onto a polyethylene film and aged for one week. Even after aging, the topcoat passed the <NUM> Scotch Magic™ Tape test, indicating good ink anchorage of film after aging.

A topcoat formulation was prepared as in Table <NUM>, except that the PVP/VA copolymer amount was reduced to <NUM> wt. The topcoat formulation was then coated on two different substrates: clear BOPP and white PP. For each coating, the <NUM> Scotch Magic™ Tape test was conducted. Both test results indicated <NUM>% ink peel off, an acceptable result. This relatively lower amount of PVP/VA copolymer in the formulation achieved good ink receptivity and good ink transfer results.

Claim 1:
A topcoat comprising a base polymer and a pigment system, wherein the base polymer comprises a polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymer and a cationic acrylic resin, and wherein the polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymer comprises polyvinylpyrrolidone and vinyl acetate, wherein the topcoat comprises at least <NUM> wt% cationic acrylic resin, based on the total weight of components other than water in the topcoat, wherein the topcoat comprises from <NUM> to <NUM> wt% pigment system, based on the total weight of the components other than water in the topcoat.