(19)
(11)EP 2 928 663 B1

(12)EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45)Mention of the grant of the patent:
18.03.2020 Bulletin 2020/12

(21)Application number: 13808390.2

(22)Date of filing:  02.12.2013
(51)International Patent Classification (IPC): 
B29C 48/154(2019.01)
B29C 48/88(2019.01)
B29C 48/34(2019.01)
B29C 48/90(2019.01)
B05D 1/26(2006.01)
B29C 48/07(2019.01)
(86)International application number:
PCT/US2013/072546
(87)International publication number:
WO 2014/088924 (12.06.2014 Gazette  2014/24)

(54)

PROCESS AND SYSTEM FOR EXTRUSION COATING OF ELONGATED SUBSTRATES

VERFAHREN UND SYSTEM ZUR EXTRUSIONSBESCHICHTUNG VON LÄNGLICHEN SUBSTRATEN

PROCÉDÉ ET SYSTÈME DE REVÊTEMENT PAR EXTRUSION DE SUBSTRATS ALLONGÉS


(84)Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

(30)Priority: 06.12.2012 US 201213706408

(43)Date of publication of application:
14.10.2015 Bulletin 2015/42

(73)Proprietor: Eastman Chemical Company
Kingsport, TN 37660 (US)

(72)Inventors:
  • HELTON, Tony, Wayne
    Kingsport, TN 37663 (US)
  • STAFFORD, Steven, Lee
    Gray, TN 37615 (US)
  • GRILLS, Aaron
    Kingsport, TN 37663 (US)
  • IYER, Subramanian, Easwaran
    Houston, TX 77079 (US)

(74)Representative: Best, Michael et al
Lederer & Keller Patentanwälte Partnerschaft mbB Unsöldstrasse 2
80538 München
80538 München (DE)


(56)References cited: : 
EP-A1- 0 210 297
JP-A- H07 314 528
US-A- 3 084 662
US-A1- 2010 003 410
EP-A2- 0 132 218
JP-A- S59 155 024
US-A- 3 694 538
  
      
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description

    Field of the Invention



    [0001] This invention relates to processes and systems for coating substrates.

    Background



    [0002] Various methods for applying coatings to a substrate are known in the art. One method of coating a substrate includes extrusion coating a substrate with a thermoplastic coating material. Such extrusion coated articles can be useful in a wide variety of applications, including, for example, as interior and exterior construction materials for homes, buildings, and furniture. According to this coating method, a substrate comprising wood, plastic, metal, or other desirable material, is passed through an extruder and a coating material is applied to at least a portion of the surface of the substrate. Once coated, the article is allowed to cool and the final coated substrate preferably exhibits enhanced aesthetic (e.g., gloss and surface smoothness) characteristics.

    [0003] As the coated substrate exits the coating die and enters the cooling zone, water and other volatile material within the substrate may vaporize, thereby causing undesirable bubbles or blisters in the coating along the surface of the finished product. While at least partially submerging the coated substrate in a quench liquid has been found to help minimize this type of bubbling, quench cooling has also been observed to create a certain surface roughness that degrades the visual acceptability of the final product. Even substrates that show little or no blistering without a quench bath tend to exhibit undesirable surface texture when exposed to a quench liquid cooling bath.

    [0004] EP 210 297 discloses a process and apparatus for extrusion coating of a wood product with a thermoplastic material. EP 132 218 discloses an apparatus for the coating of steel pipes. US 3,084,662 discloses an apparatus for the continuous application of coating to a strip material and US 2010/0003410 discloses a pressurized coating system, method and apparatus. In none of these documents an apparatus with an insulating member affixed to a die outlet wall and having a thermal conductivity less than the thermal conductivity of the die outlet wall is disclosed JP H07314528 A further discloses a coating process and system.

    [0005] Thus, a need exists for an extrusion coating process and system capable of producing coated substrates that exhibit an acceptable surface texture and appearance. It is also desirable that such a process and system could be economically implemented to existing extrusion coating systems, while minimizing process time and maximizing production rate.

    Summary



    [0006] The present invention concerns a process for coating a substrate according to claim 1.

    [0007] The present invention further concerns a system according to claim 9 for applying coating material to a substrate.

    [0008] Yet another embodiment of the present invention concerns a process for coating an elongated substrate. The process comprises the steps of (a) pushing an elongated substrate into an inlet of an extrusion coating die; (b) passing said elongated substrate through said die along a substantially horizontal die axis; (c) introducing a coating material into said die; (d) during at least a portion of said passing, contacting said substrate with said coating material introduced into said die to thereby provide a coated substrate; (e) removing said coated substrate from said die via a die outlet defined within an outlet wall of the die; and (f) cooling said coated substrate removed from said die outlet via contact with a quench liquid to thereby provide a cooled, coated substrate, wherein said cooled coated substrate has an average Rmax surface roughness of not more than 30.

    [0009] Still another embodiment of the present invention concerns a coated article comprising an elongated substrate; and a thermoplastic resin coating extrusion coated onto said substrate. The coated article is a water-quenched article that has not been subjected to a post-quench treatment step and has an average Rmax surface roughness of not more than 30.

    Brief Description of the Drawings



    [0010] Various embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

    FIG. 1 is a process flow diagram of a coating system configured according to one embodiment of the present invention;

    FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a die assembly capable of extrusion coating an elongated substrate according to one embodiment of the present invention;

    FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the die assembly depicted in FIG. 2, particularly illustrating the insulating member affixed to the outlet wall of the die;

    FIG. 4a is a partial rotated exploded view of the die outlet wall and insulating member of the die assembly illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3;

    FIG. 4b is a perspective view of an insulating member affixed to the die outlet wall, particularly illustrating the minimum distance between the insulating member and the die outlet;

    FIG. 5a is an extrusion coated article according to one embodiment of the present invention;

    FIG. 5b is an extrusion coated article according to another embodiment of the present invention;

    FIG. 5c is an extrusion coated article according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

    FIG. 5d is an extrusion coated article according to still another embodiment of the present invention;

    FIG. 6a is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image taken along a portion of the surface of the substrate coated in Example 34 at a magnification of 250 times (250x);

    FIG. 6b is an SEM image taken along a portion of the surface of the substrate coated in Example 35 at a magnification of 250x;

    FIG. 6c is an SEM image taken along a portion of the surface of the substrate coated in Example 37 at a magnification of 250x;

    FIG. 6d is an SEM image taken along a portion of the surface of the substrate coated in Example 39 at a magnification of 250x;

    FIG. 6e is an SEM image taken along a portion of the surface of the substrate coated in Example 41 at a magnification of 250x;

    FIG. 6f is an SEM image taken along a portion of the surface of the substrate coated in Example 36 at a magnification of 250x;

    FIG. 6g is an SEM image taken along a portion of the surface of the substrate coated in Example 38 at a magnification of 250x;

    FIG. 6h is an SEM image taken along a portion of the surface of the substrate coated in Example 40 at a magnification of 250x;

    FIG. 6i is an SEM image taken along a portion of the surface of the substrate coated in Example 42 at a magnification of 250x;

    FIG. 7a is an SEM image taken along a portion of the surface of the substrate coated in Example 43 at a magnification of 250x;

    FIG. 7b is an SEM image taken along a portion of the surface of the substrate coated in Example 44 at a magnification of 250x; and

    FIG. 7c an SEM image taken along a portion of the surface of the substrate coated in Example 45 at a magnification of 250x.


    Detailed Description



    [0011] Processes and systems configured according to embodiments of the present invention may be useful for applying a coating material to at least a portion of a substrate. In some embodiments, processes and systems described herein may be useful for extrusion coating a polymeric material onto an elongated substrate to thereby provide an extrusion-coated substrate having an acceptable visual appearance. In particular, the coated substrate may exhibit a substantially bubble-free and non-textured surface, a combination which has heretofore been difficult to achieve using conventional coating methods. Coated substrates produced according to various embodiments of the present invention can be utilized for a variety of applications. In one embodiment, coated substrates or articles may be selected from the group consisting of interior and exterior construction materials, including, but not limited to, door jambs, window jambs, other door or window parts, flat panel shelving, pultrusion articles, exterior molding, exterior trim, and interior or exterior siding. Additional details regarding embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed in detail, with reference to the drawing figures.

    [0012] Referring initially to FIG. 1, a schematic flow diagram of a coating system 12 configured according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided. Coating system 12 includes a pretreatment zone 14, a drying zone 16, an optional staging area 18, a die 20, a quench zone 22, and an optional post treatment zone 24. As shown in FIG. 1, a substrate can be sequentially passed through pretreatment zone 14, drying zone 16, and optional staging area 18 before being introduced into die 20. Die 20 is configured to facilitate contact between at least a portion of the surface of the substrate and a coating material introduced into die 20 from a coating source 30. The resulting coated article is cooled in quench zone 22 before being optionally treated in a post treatment zone 24. If not further processed in post-treatment in zone 24, the cooled, coated substrate may simply be removed from coating system 12, as indicated by line 26.

    [0013] Coating system 12 can be configured to process any substrate capable of being extrusion coated. In some embodiments, the substrates employed in coating system 12 may be rigid or substantially rigid substrates, and, in the same or other embodiments, may not be a wire, a tube, or a coextruded substrate. The substrates coated in coating system 12 may also be elongated substrates having any suitable dimensions. According to one embodiment, the substrate may have a length, or largest dimension, of at least about 5 feet, at least about 6 feet, at least about 8 feet, at least about 10 feet, at least about 12 feet and/or not more than about 25 feet, not more than about 20 feet, or not more than about 15 feet. In the same or another embodiment, the substrate can have a length in the range of from about 5 feet to about 25 feet, about 8 feet to about 20 feet, or about 10 feet to about 15 feet. The substrate can also have a width, or second largest dimension, of at least about 1 inch, at least about 2 inches, or at least about 4 inches and/or not more than about 10 inches, not more than about 8 inches, or not more than about 6 inches, or in the range of from about 1 to about 10 inches, about 2 to about 8 inches, or about 4 to about 6 inches. The thickness, or shortest dimension, of the substrate being coated in coating system 12 can be at least about 0.10 inches, at least about 0.25 inches, at least about 0.5 inches and/or not more than about 4 inches, not more than about 2 inches, or not more than about 1 inch, or in the range of from about 0.10 to about 4 inches, about 0.25 to about 2 inches, or about 0.5 to about 1 inch.

    [0014] Coated substrates produced using coating system 12 may have a wide variety of shapes and/or sizes and may be made of a variety of materials. In one embodiment, the substrates coated in coating system 12 can comprise a material selected from the group consisting of natural wood, wood composites, plastics including cellularized PVC and other foams, metal, fiberglass, ceramics, cement, and combinations thereof. In the same or other embodiments, the substrate material comprises medium-density fiber board (MDF), particle board, oriented strand board (OSB), and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the substrate can have an average initial moisture content, measured just prior to its introduction into die 20 of coating system 12 of at least about 2 weight percent, at least about 5 weight percent, at least about 8 weight percent and/or not more than about 15 weight percent, not more than about 12 weight percent, or not more than about 10 weight percent, or in the range of from about 2 weight percent to about 15 weight percent, from about 5 weight percent to about 12 weight percent, or about 8 weight percent to about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the substrate. In other embodiments, the initial moisture content of the substrate can be less than about 5 percent, less than about 3 percent, or less than about 2 percent, based on the total weight of the substrate.

    [0015] Any coating material exhibiting sufficient processability and adhesion to the selected substrate may be employed by coating system 12. In one embodiment, the coating material may comprise one or more polymers or resins, such as thermoplastic polymers or resins capable of being applied to the substrate in a molten or melted form under the operating conditions of die 20. In one embodiment, the glass transition temperature of the polymers utilized in the coating material can be at least about 50°C, at least about 60 °C, at least about 65 °C, at least about 70 °C, at least about 75 °C and/or not more than about 170°C, not more than about 160 °C, not more than about 150°C, not more than about 140°C. Examples of polymers or polymer resins suitable for use in coating materials employed with embodiments of the coating system described herein include, but are not limited to, polyesters and copolyesters, such as polyethylene terephthalate or glycol modified polyethylene terephthalate; acid modified polyethylene terephthalate; polycarbonates; acrylics such as poly(methylmethacrylate); poly(acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate); poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene); poly(styreneacrylonitrile); cellulose esters; polyolefins such as polypropylenes and polyethylene; nylons; and polyvinylchloride (PVC).

    [0016] The coating material can also comprise one or more additives selected from the group consisting of color pigment, UV stabilizers, compatiblizers, rubbers, gloss modifiers (e.g., calcium carbonate), opacity modifiers (e.g., titanium dioxide), impact modifiers (e.g., styrene-butadiene-styrene polymers, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polymers, or methacrylate-butadiene-styrene polymers), and other types of stabilizers typically employed to ensure a durable and appealing finish to the coating applied to the substrate. Several suitable coating compositions are described in detail in co-pending U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0015456, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference to the extent not inconsistent with the present disclosure.

    [0017] Referring back to FIG. 1, the substrate can initially be introduced into a pretreatment zone 14, which can comprise one or more stages configured to prepare the substrate for coating. For example, pretreatment zone 14 can include one or more milling stages for forming an initial blank stock substrate into a substrate having a desired shape by milling and/or cutting the substrate to a desired profile and/or length. Exemplary substrates are illustrated in FIGS. 5a-5d, which will be discussed in detail shortly, although other suitable shapes are contemplated.

    [0018] Turning back to FIG. 1, pretreatment zone 14 may also comprise at least one cleaning stage for removing particles of dirt, dust, or other debris from the surface of the substrate before coating. The cleaning stage may comprise a high pressure steam cleaning, a high pressure air cleaning, a solvent cleaning, a water bath cleaning, and/or any other cleaning process appropriate for the particular type of substrate employed in coating system 12. In some embodiments, pretreatment zone 14 may include a stain bath for staining at least a portion of the substrate prior to coating.

    [0019] Following pretreatment, the substrate can then be introduced into drying zone 16. Drying zone 16 can be configured to heat at least a portion of the surface of the substrate to thereby facilitate removal of at least some of the volatile materials within the substrate. Drying zone 16 can also be operable to remove surface moisture from the substrate, thereby facilitating a more precise control of the substrate size by minimizing the effects of moisture swelling. In one embodiment, the substrate can be dried in the drying zone 16 for at least about 5 seconds, at least about 10 seconds, at least about 20 seconds and/or not more than about 15 minutes, not more than about 10 minutes, not more than about 5 minutes, or in the range of from about 5 seconds to about 15 minutes, about 10 seconds to about 10 minutes, or about 20 seconds to about 5 minutes. Drying zone 16 can be maintained at a temperature of at least about 10°C, at least about 20 °C, at least about 30 °C, at least about 35 °C and/or not more than 80 °C, not more than about 70 °C, not more than about 60 °C, not more than about 50 °C, or in the range of from about 10 °C to about 80 °C, about 20 °C to about 70°C, or about 30 °C to about 60 °C.

    [0020] Once removed from drying zone 16, the substrate can pass through optional staging area 18 before being introduced into die 20 via a feed system 28. Feed system 28 can comprise any suitable device or apparatus for pushing the substrate into and at least partially through die 20. In some embodiments, feed system 28 can also be operable to properly align the substrate with an inlet of die 20 (not shown in FIG. 1). Specific configurations of die 20 will be discussed in detail shortly. In some embodiments, feed system 28 can comprise a plurality of rollers, positioned above and below the substrate (not shown), which are configured to engage and push the substrate into die 20. Feed system 28 can be configured to supply individual substrate members into die 20 in a substantially continuous manner, such that, for example, the individual substrate members are fed to the die 20 in a butt-to-butt manner, where contact is maintained between the back end of a first substrate member and the front end of a second substrate member fed behind the first substrate member. In this way, die 20 may be operated in a continuous or semi-continuous manner.

    [0021] As the substrate is introduced into die 20, at least a portion of the surface of the substrate can be contacted with a coating material introduced into die 20 from coating source 30. Coating source 30 can be any suitable system or apparatus for providing a coating, and, in one embodiment, may be an extruder. The temperature in the die 20 during the coating process can be any temperature sufficient to maintain the incoming coating material in a liquid or substantially liquid state. In some embodiments, the temperature in die 20 during coating can be at least about 50°C, at least about 100 °C, at least about 200 °C and/or not more than about 500 °C, not more than about 400 °C, not more than about 300 °C, or in the range of from about 50 °C to about 500 °C, about 200 °C to about 400 °C, or about 200 °C to about 300 °C. The pressure in die 20 during the coating step can be at least about 25 pounds per square inch (psi), at least about 50 psi, at least about 75 psi and/or not more than about 5,000 psi, not more than about 3,500 psi, not more than about 2,000 psi, not more than about 1,500 psi, not more than 1,000 psi, or in the range of from about 25 to about 5,000 psi, from about 50 to about 3,500 psi, or from about 100 to about 2,000 psi.

    [0022] Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 3, one embodiment of a die 120 suitable for use in coating system 12 as described above is provided. Die 120 can be any suitable type of die capable of contacting at least a portion of a substrate 100 with a coating material to thereby provide a coated substrate 102. In one embodiment, die 120 can be a cross-head die configured and operated as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,660,086 and 7,347,795, or co-pending U.S. Pat. App. Publication No. 2011/0223342, the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference to the extent not inconsistent with the present disclosure. In one embodiment, die 120 can be configured to apply a coating material to at least a portion of the surface of substrate 100 in a uniform and controlled manner and can be operated continuously and at an average line speed of at least about 25 feet per minute (ft/min), at least about 50 ft/min, at least about 75 ft/min, at least about 100 ft/min, or at least about 125 ft/min.

    [0023] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, die 120 comprises a die block 112 and a die plate 114 coupled to or proximate the front wall of die block 112. As used herein, the directional terms "front" and "forward," when referring to a die, designate the side or direction at which a substrate would normally exit the die after being coated. Conversely, the directional terms "rear" and "back," as used herein, refer to the side of the die in which the substrate is intended to enter. Thus, as shown in FIG. 2, a substrate 100 would normally pass through die 120 from back to front along a die axis 115, as generally indicated by arrow 182. According to one embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, die axis 115 may be a substantially horizontal die axis such that it is oriented within about 5° of the horizontal.

    [0024] As particularly illustrated in FIG. 3, die 120 comprises an inlet wall 122 defined by die body 112, an outlet wall 124 defined by die plate 114, and a coating chamber 126 disposed at least partially therebetween. Inlet wall 122 defines a die inlet 132 configured to receive a substrate (not shown in FIG. 3) into die 120 and outlet wall 124 defines a die outlet 134 configured to discharge the coated substrate from die 120. In one embodiment, die inlet 132 and die outlet 134 each define respective inner and outer profiles that may correspond, or substantially correspond, to the shape of the lateral cross-sectional profile of the substrate, as will be discussed in detail shortly.

    [0025] According to one embodiment, die 120 can further comprise a first insulating member 150 affixed to at least a portion of outlet wall 124 of die 120. In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 2, die 120 can include an optional second insulating member 152 disposed between die block 112 and die plate 114. Insulating member 150 (and insulating member 152 when present), can be constructed of any suitable insulating material having a thermal conductivity lower than the thermal conductivity of outlet wall 124 of die 120. In one embodiment, insulating member 150 and, if present, insulating member 152 can be formed of a material having a thermal conductivity of at least about 0.01 Watts per-meter Kelvin (W/mK), at least about 0.05 W/mK, at least about 0.1 W/mK and/or not more than about 2 W/mK, not more than about 1 W/mK, not more than about 0.5 W/mK, or in the range of from about 0.01 to about 2 W/mK, from about 0.05 to about 1 W/mK, or about 0.1 to 0.5 W/mK, measured according to ASTM C-177. Examples of suitable insulating materials can include, but are not limited to, mica and calcium silicate. In one embodiment, insulating members 150, 152 can have a thickness, X, as shown in FIG. 3 of at least about 1/8 inch, at least about 1/4 inch, at least about 1/2 inch and/or not more than about 3 inches, not more than about 2 inches, not more than about 1 inch, not more than about 3/4 inches, or in the range of from about 1/8 inch to about 3 inches, from about 1/4 inch to about 2 inches, or about 1/2 inch to about 1 inch.

    [0026] In an alternative embodiment, die 120 may comprise a device or system capable of creating a fluid insulator in place of, or in addition to, insulating member 150. According to this embodiment, a region or "curtain" of air, nitrogen, or other pressurized fluid may be configured proximate die outlet 134 and may perform a similar function as insulating member 150. Similarly to insulating member 150, the temperature of outlet wall 124 may be maintained within a similar temperature range as described in detail below.

    [0027] Turning now to FIG. 4a, an exploded rotated view of die plate 114 and insulating member 150 of die 120 is provided. As shown in FIG. 4a, insulating member 150 comprises a substrate inlet 154, a substrate outlet 156, and a shaped passageway 158 defined therebetween. In addition, one or more metal support plates (not shown) may be positioned on either side of insulating member 150 for further stabilization and support. Insulating member 150 can be affixed to outlet wall 124 of die 120 such that shaped passageway 158 at least partially surrounds die outlet 134, as shown in FIG. 4b, and reduces the surface area of outlet wall 124 exposed to the downstream quench zone (not shown). As a result, the temperature of outlet wall 124 proximate die outlet 134 may be maintained closer to the temperature of the coating melt within die 120, and, in some embodiments, may be no more than about 60 °C, no more than about 50 °C, no more than about 40 °C, not more than about 35 °C, or not more than about 20 °C less than the temperature of the coating material contacted with the substrate in die 120. In other embodiments, the temperature of die outlet wall 124 may be less than 5°C, less than 2°C, or less than 1 °C lower than the temperature of the coating material contacting the substrate within die 120.

    [0028] According to one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4b, a small gap 180 may be formed between the inner edge of substrate inlet 154 (shown as edge 162) and the outer edge of die outlet 134 (shown as edge 164) when insulating member 150 is affixed to outlet wall 124 of die 120 as shown in FIG. 4b. In one embodiment, the smallest gap 180 formed (also known as the minimum distance) between the edge 162 of substrate inlet 154 and the edge 164 of die outlet 134 can be at least 1 mil, at least 2 mils, at least 5 mils and/or not more than about 100 mils, not more than about 85 mils, not more than about 75 mils, not more than about 65 mils, not more than about 50 mils, not more than about 45 mils, not more than about 35 mils, not more than about 25 mils, not more than about 20 mils, or not more than about 10 mils, or from about 1 mil to about 30 mils, about 1 mil to about 25 mils, or about 1 mil to about 20 mils. In one embodiment, the sizes of the cross-sections of shaped passageway 158 and die outlet 134 may be substantially the same, such that the cross-sectional areas of shaped passageway 158 and die outlet 134 can be within no more than about 25 percent, no more than about 20 percent, no more than about 15 percent, no more than about 10 percent, no more than about 5 percent, or no more than about 1 percent of one another.

    [0029] Shaped passageway 158 may be configured to have any suitable cross-sectional shape. Preferably, shaped passageway 158 can have a constant cross-sectional shape and/or size, such that the size and/or shape of shaped passageway 158 remains substantially constant throughout its entire length. In general, the cross-sectional shapes of die outlet 134 and substrate inlet 154 of shaped passageway 158 may be different from one another, while, in some embodiments, the cross-sectional shapes may be substantially the same. For example, in one embodiment, the cross-sectional shapes of die outlet 134 and shaped passageway 158 may be substantially geometrically similar, while, in other embodiments, shaped passageway 158 and die outlet 134 may have congruent cross-sectional shapes. As used herein, the term "geometrically similar" refers to two or more objects having substantially the same shape, while the term "congruent" refers to two objects having the same shape and size. Further, at least one of shaped passageway 158 and die outlet 134 may have a cross-sectional shape geometrically similar to the lateral cross-sectional shape of the coated substrate passing therethrough. Specific examples of lateral cross-sectional shapes of the coated substrate will be discussed in detail shortly.

    [0030] Turning back to FIG. 2, as coated substrate 102 exits outlet 134 of die 120 and passes through insulating member 150, at least a portion of the coating on the substrate can maintain contact with at least a portion of the wall of shaped passageway 158. In one embodiment, the residence time of coated substrate 102 in shaped passageway 158 can be at least about 0.1 seconds, at least about 0.25 seconds, at least about 0.5 second and/or not more than about 2 seconds, not more than about 1.5 seconds, not more than about 1 second, or in the range of from about 0.1 seconds to about 2 seconds, about 0.25 seconds to about 1 second, or about 0.5 seconds to about 1 second, measured from the time a single point on coated substrate 102 exits die outlet 134 until the time the same point exits shaped passageway 158.

    [0031] Referring again to FIG. 1, the coated substrate exiting die 20 enters quench zone 22, wherein it can be at least partially cooled via contact with a quench fluid to thereby provide a cooled, coated substrate. In one embodiment, the temperature of the quench fluid in quench zone 22 can be at least about 2 °C, at least about 4 °C, at least about 8 °C, at least about 10 °C, at least about 15 °C and/or not more than about 65 °C, not more than about 55 °C, not more than about 45°C, not more than about 35°C, or in the range of from about 4°C to about 55 °C, from about 10 °C to about 45 °C, or about 15 °C to about 35°C. Examples of suitable quench fluids can include, but are not limited to, water, air, or nitrogen, or any other liquid or gas suitable for use with the specific type of substrate and coating material being used. In some embodiments, the pressure of quench zone 22 can be less than 250 kPa, less than 175 kPa, less than about 100 kPa, less than about 75 kPa, less than about 50 kPa, or less than about 25 kPa.

    [0032] Quench zone 22 can include any suitable means for contacting the coated substrate with a quench fluid. In one embodiment, quench zone 22 may include a quench bath for at least partially submerging the coated substrate into a quench liquid. In another embodiment, quench zone 22 can include a pressure box configured to maintain a pressurized environment for the coating material to cool on the substrate. When quench zone 22 utilizes a pressure box (not shown), the pressure box can be configured to cool the coated substrate under a pressure of at least about 20 psi, at least about 25 psi, at least about 30 psi and/or not more than about 100 psi, not more than about 80 psi, not more than about 60 psi, or in the range of from about 20 to about 100 psi, from about 25 psi to about 80 psi, or from about 30 psi to about 60 psi. In other embodiments, quench zone 22 may utilize any other suitable cooling system or method, including, for example, cooled rollers (not shown). In some embodiments, coated substrate 102 may simply be allowed to cool at ambient temperature and/or pressure.

    [0033] Once the cooled, coated substrate is removed from quench zone 22, it can then be passed through an optional post treatment zone 24, if desired. Examples of suitable post-treatment processes can include, but are not limited to, abrasion via one or more types of media treatment, gloss enhancements, in-line primer treatments, painting, staining, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the cooled, coated substrate may be removed from coating system 12 with no post-quench treatment, as indicated by line 26.

    [0034] According to one embodiment, the cooled, coated articles produced by systems and processes according to embodiments of the present invention may exhibit a highly desirable surface texture and visual appearance. For example, in one embodiment, the cooled, coated substrate withdrawn from coating system 12 may be substantially bubble-free. As used herein, the term "substantially bubble free" refers to a coated substrate exhibiting less than 10 bubbles per 100 square feet as measured by visual detection. In one embodiment, coated substrates according to embodiments of the present invention can exhibit less than about 10 bubbles per 100 square feet, less than about 5 bubbles per 100 square feet, less than about 2 bubbles per 100 square feet, or less than 1 bubble per 100 square feet.

    [0035] In the same or other embodiments, the water-quenched, extrusion coated substrate exiting quench zone 22 may have a relatively smooth, untextured surface. For example, in one embodiment, at least a portion of the surface of the coated substrate can have an average Rmax surface roughness of no more than about 40, no more than about 30, no more than about 25, no more than about 20, no more than about 15, no more than about 12, or no more than about 10. As used herein, the term "average Rmax surface roughness" refers to the maximum roughness depth measured from the highest point to the lowest point along the measurement length, averaged over all measurements taken. The values for surface roughness parameters, including Rmax, provided herein were measured using a Mitutoyo Surftest SJ-201 P roughness tester with a 5-micron stylus, as described in detail in Examples 34-42 below. In addition to Rmax, several other roughness parameters were measured via profilometry for several coated substrates and values and descriptions for each of these additional parameters are provided below in Examples 34-42. In some embodiments, coated substrates having a surface texture as described above may be obtained even in the absence of post-quench treatment, such as sanding, buffing, or the like. Unlike conventionally-prepared water-quenched articles, extrusion coated articles of the present invention exhibit unexpected surface smoothness while retaining an acceptable visual appearance, including a reduced occurrence of bubbles and surface blisters.

    [0036] Referring now to FIGS. 5a-d, several coated substrates 200a-d configured according to various embodiments of the present invention are illustrated. As shown in each of FIGS. 5a-d, each coated substrate 200a-d comprises an elongated substrate 210a-d and at least one coating layer 220a-d extrusion coated thereon. Although shown as including a single coating layer in FIGS. 5a-d, it is contemplated that coated articles according to some embodiments of the present invention may include two or more coating layers. The average thickness of coating layer (or layers, if applicable) 220a-d may be at least about 2 mils, at least about 4 mils, at least about 6 mils and/or not more than about 40 mils, not more than about 35 mils, not more than about 25 mils, or not more than about 15 mils, as determined based on the amount of coating material consumed during steady state coating of the substrate. For example, average coating thickness can be calculated by dividing the total volume of coating material consumed by the total surface area of substrate coated with that volume of material.

    [0037] The coating layer 220a-d can be affixed to substrates 210a-d such that the coating material can be sufficiently adhered directly to at least a portion of the substrate. Unlike conventional "peel-and-stick" or other similar coatings, coated substrates according to embodiments of the present invention do not include a layer of glue or other adhesive disposed between the surface of the substrate and the coating material. In one embodiment, the coating can have an average adhesion peel force of at least 0.10 pounds (lb), at least about 0.25 lbs, at least about 0.35 lbs, or at least 0.40 lbs and/or not more than about 2 lbs, not more than about 1.5 lbs, not more than about 1 lb, not more than about 0.75 lbs, not more than about 0.65 lbs, or not more than 0.50 lbs, measured with a 90°T-Peel test described in ASTM Method D3330, Method F or in the range of from about 0.10 to about 2 lbs, about 0.35 to about 1.5 lbs, or about 0.40 to about 1 lb.

    [0038] In some embodiments, the coating may be applied to only a portion of the surface of the substrate, as illustrated in FIGS. 5b and 5d, such that at least about 50 percent, at least about 65 percent, at least about 75 percent, at least about 85 percent, or at least about 95 percent of the total surface area of substrate 200 is covered with a coating material. In some embodiments as shown in FIGS. 5b and 5d, one or more sides of an n sided substrate (wherein n is an integer between 3 and 10, inclusive) may be left partially (FIG. 5b) or totally (FIG. 5d) uncoated, such that n-1 sides are completely coated by the material. In other embodiments, the entirety of substrate 210a,c may be coated such that all sides of the substrate are completely encapsulated by the coating material, as particularly illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5c.

    [0039] In addition, as particularly illustrated by the exemplary coated substrates 200a-d in FIGS. 5a-d, coated substrates of the present invention can also have any desired lateral cross-sectional shape. In one embodiment, the substrate may have a symmetric lateral cross-section, while, in other embodiments, the substrate can have a non-symmetric lateral cross-section. As used herein, the term "symmetric" refers to any shape which exhibits symmetry along all lines drawn through the center point of the shape. Similarly, the term "non-symmetric" refers to a shape which exhibits asymmetry along at least one line drawn through its center point. In one embodiment, the substrate may have a symmetric circular (as shown in FIG. 5a), while, in other embodiments, the substrate may have a non-symmetric square (FIG. 5b) or rectangular lateral cross-section (as shown in FIG. 5c). In another embodiment, the substrate may have an irregularly-shaped non-symmetric lateral cross-section that includes at least one curvilinear side having both concave and convex sections, as depicted in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5d.

    [0040] The present invention is further illustrated and described by the following Examples.

    Examples


    Example 1



    [0041] Two samples of natural finger-jointed pine were prepared for coating in a lab scale extrusion coating system. The first sample had a rectangular lateral cross-section measuring approximately 5/8 inch (1.6 cm) by 7/8 inch (2.2 cm) and the second sample had a complex cross-sectional shape similar to the one depicted in FIG. 5d, which is used with many commercially-available types of crown molding. This sample, referred to as the E1 cross-section sample, had lateral cross-sectional dimensions measuring approximately 3.25 inches (8.3 cm) by 5/8 inch (1.6 cm).

    [0042] Each of the samples described above were preheated in an oven to a temperature of about 100°F (38°C) and the heated substrates were placed in a staging area before being individually passed through a die assembly connected to a 2 1/2-inch extruder. A thermoplastic coating material that included glycol-modified poly(ethylene terephthalate), a calcium carbonate gloss modifier, a titanium dioxide opacity modifier, a UV stabilizer, and an impact modifier was extruded into the die assembly and applied to each substrate at a melt temperature of 500 °F (260°C). The pressure in the die assembly was maintained between 300 and 500 psi (2070 and 3450 kPa) during coating and the target coating thickness was between 0.006 and 0.0012 inches (0.015 and 0.030 cm). The substrates passed through the die assembly at a line speed of 25 board feet per minute (7.6 meters per minute).

    [0043] In this Example, no insulating member was employed on the die outlet wall and no water bath was employed. The coated samples exited the die assembly and were allowed to cool in under ambient temperature and pressure. Upon visual inspection of the cooled, coated substrates, it was noted that the samples had an unacceptably high concentration of surface bubbles and blisters.

    Example 2



    [0044] Two wood samples having a rectangular and an E1 cross-section were prepared and coated as described above in Example 1, except the coated samples exiting the die assembly were immediately passed into a water bath to cool. The temperature of the water bath was maintained between 60 °F and 75 °F (16°C and 24°C). The outlet wall of the die assembly was not insulated and was directly contacted by the water bath. The temperature of the die outlet wall was approximately 100°F to 150°F less than the melt temperature. Upon visual inspection, it was noted that the cooled, coated substrates were substantially bubble-free, but exhibited an unacceptable surface texture.

    Example 3



    [0045] Two wood samples having a rectangular and an E1 cross-section were prepared and coated as described above in Example 1. The coated samples exiting the die assembly were immediately passed into a water bath to cool, as described above in Example 2. In addition, a 1/8-inch (0.32 cm) thick mica insulating member with a rectangular opening was affixed to the outlet wall of the die and the coated substrate passed through the insulating member as it exited the die assembly. The rectangular opening was larger than the die opening, so that a portion of the outlet wall of the die was still exposed to quench water. Coated samples exiting the die outlet passed through the insulating member and were cooled in a water bath as described in Example 2. Upon visual inspection, it was noted that the cooled, coated substrates were substantially bubble-free, but exhibited an unacceptable surface texture.

    Example 4



    [0046] A wood sample having a rectangular cross-section was prepared and coated as described above in Example 1. The coated sample exiting the die assembly was passed through an insulating member affixed to the outlet wall of the die as described in Example 3, except the opening of the insulating member was cut to have the same size and shape as the coated substrate. Upon visual inspection, it was noted that the cooled, coated substrate was not only substantially bubble-free, but also exhibited a smooth, non-textured surface.

    Example 5



    [0047] A wood sample having an E1 cross-section was prepared and coated as described above in Example 1. The coated sample exiting the die assembly was passed through an insulating member affixed to the outlet wall of the die having the same size and shape as the coated substrate, similar to the procedure described in Example 4. Upon visual inspection, it was noted that the cooled, coated E1 substrate was not only substantially bubble-free, but also exhibited a smooth, non-textured surface.

    Examples 6-18



    [0048] Several samples of finger-jointed pine having an E1 cross-section were prepared and coated as described in Example 1. Similar to Example 5, each coated sample was passed through a 1/8-inch thick mica insulator affixed to the die outlet wall and cut to have an opening the same size and shape as the coated substrate. The melt temperature of the coating was maintained at 475°F (246°C), but the water bath temperature, the substrate preheat temperature, and the die outlet wall temperature were varied. Each of the cooled, coated substrates removed from the quench water bath was visually evaluated and the surface appearance was noted. The operating conditions and visual appearance results for each of Examples 6-18 are summarized in Table 1, below.
    Table 1: Operating Conditions and Results for Samples Coated in Examples 6-18
    ExampleWater Bath Temperature (°F)Preheat Temperature (°F)Die outlet wall Temperature (°F)Surface Appearance
    6 80 110 475 No texture or bubbles
    7 40 70 400 No texture or bubbles
    8 120 150 400 No texture or bubbles
    9 80 110 475 No texture or bubbles
    10 120 70 550 No texture or bubbles
    11 40 150 550 No texture or bubbles
    12 80 110 475 No texture or bubbles
    13 120 70 400 No texture or bubbles
    14 40 150 400 No texture or bubbles
    15 80 110 475 No texture or bubbles
    16 120 150 550 No texture or bubbles
    17 40 70 550 No texture or bubbles
    18 80 110 475 No texture or bubbles

    Examples 19-21



    [0049] Several samples of finger-joint pine having an E1 cross-section were prepared and coated as described in Example 1. Each substrate was coated in a die assembly with a melt temperature of 475 °F (246 °C) and a die outlet wall temperature of 500 °F (260°C), but the thickness of the mica insulating insulator affixed to the outer wall of the die was varied. The opening in the insulating member was cut to match the size and shape of the E1 profile. The water bath temperature was maintained between 65°F and 80 °F (18°C and 27°C). Each of the cooled, coated substrates removed from the quench water bath were visually evaluated and the surface appearance was noted. The insulator thickness and visual appearance results for each of Examples 19-21 are summarized in Table 2, below.
    Table 2: Operating Conditions and Results for Samples Coated in Examples 19-21
    ExampleInsulator Thickness (in)Surface Appearance
    19 475 No texture or bubbles
    20 400 No texture or bubbles
    21 400 No texture or bubbles

    Examples 22-30



    [0050] Several samples of medium-density fiber board (MDF) and finger-joint pine (FJP) each having an E1 cross-sectional shape were prepared and coated as described in Example 1, above. The melt temperature of the coating was 500°F and the samples were passed through the die at a board speed of 15 feet per minute. The sample coated in Example 22 was allowed to cool under ambient conditions, while the samples coated in Examples 24-30 were cooled in a water quench bath maintained at a temperature of about 70°F. No insulating member was used in Examples 22-24. For Examples 25-30, a 1/8-inch thick mica insulator having an inlet of E1 shape, but varying size were used in order to vary the clearance between the inner edge of the insulator inlet and the outer edge of the die outlet. The surface appearance and texture of the cooled, coated substrates for each run were observed. The minimum insulator clearance and the visual appearance results for the samples tested in each of Examples 22-30 are summarized in Table 3, below.
    Table 3: Operating Conditions and Results for Samples Coated in Examples 22-30
    ExampleSubstrateQuench MediumInsulator Clearance, milsSurface Appearance
    22 MDF Air No insulator Smooth and glossy
    23 MDF Water, 70 °F No insulator Very rough/textured
    24 FJP Water, 70 °F No insulator Very rough/textured
    25 MDF Water, 70 °F 200 Very rough/textured
    26 FJP Water, 70 °F 200 Very rough/textured
    27 MDF Water, 70 °F 100 Moderately rough/textured
    28 FJP Water, 70 °F 100 Moderately rough/textured
    29 MDF Water, 70 °F 10 Smooth, matte
    30 FJP Water, 70 °F 10 Smooth, matte

    Examples 31-33



    [0051] Several samples of medium density fiberboard having an E1 cross-section were prepared and coated as described in Example 1. Each substrate was coated in a die assembly with a melt temperature of 500 °F and was passed through a mica insulator having a thickness of 1/8 inch and a clearance of 100 mils, measured from the outer edge of the die outlet to the inner edge of the insulator inlet. The speed at which the substrate passed through the die was varied. The coated substrates were cooled in a water bath having a temperature of 70°F. Each of the cooled, coated substrates removed from the quench water bath were visually evaluated and the surface appearance was noted. The line speed and visual appearance results for each of Examples 31-33 are summarized in Table 4, below.
    Table 4: Operating Conditions and Results for Samples Coated in Examples 31-33
    ExampleLine Speed (feet/min)Surface Appearance
    31 15 Rough/textured
    32 50 Moderately rough
    33 100 Slightly rough

    Examples 34-42



    [0052] Several 8-foot long samples of medium-density fiber board (MDF) and finger-joint Radiata pine (FJP) each having an E1 cross-sectional shape were prepared and coated as described in Example 1, above. The samples were passed through the die at a board speed of 15 feet per minute. The sample coated in Example 34 was allowed to cool under ambient conditions, while the samples coated in Examples 35-42 were cooled in a water quench bath maintained at a temperature of about 60°F. No insulating member was used in Examples 34-36. For Examples 37-42, various 1/4-inch thick mica insulators, each having an E1-shaped inlet of but a different opening size, were used in order to vary the clearance between the inner edge of the insulator inlet and the outer edge of the die outlet. The surface appearance and texture of the cooled, coated substrates were observed for each run. The minimum insulator clearance and the visual appearance results for the samples tested in each of Examples 34-42 are summarized in Table 5a, below.
    Table 5a: Visual Inspection Results for Samples Coated in Examples 34-42
    ExampleSubstrateQuench Medium, TemperatureInsulator Clearance, milsSurface Appearance
    34 MDF Air, ambient No insulator Smooth, no texture
    35 MDF Water, 60 °F No insulator Heavily textured
    36 FJP Water, 60 °F No insulator Heavily textured
    37 MDF Water, 60 °F 200 mil Heavily textured
    38 FJP Water, 60 °F 200 mil Heavily textured
    39 MDF Water, 60 °F 100 mil Lightly textured
    40 FJP Water, 60 °F 100 mil Lightly textured
    41 MDF Water, 60°F 20 mil Smooth, no texture
    42 FJP Water, 60°F 20 mil Smooth, no texture


    [0053] After cooling, the samples were cut into 3-foot segments and surface roughness measurements were taken at two randomly-selected locations on the back (flat) side of the sample. The surface roughness of each sample was measured using a Mitutoyo SJ-210 having a 2 micron stylus with a 60 degree radius. The measurements were taken in accordance with the procedure described in the roughness tester manual over a sample length of 1 inch. The results of the surface roughness measurements for each of the samples in Examples 34-42 are summarized in Table 5b, below.

    [0054] In addition to Rmax, which as discussed above, is the maximum roughness depth measured from the highest point to the lowest point along the measurement length, the following surface roughness parameters were also measured for each sample in Examples 34-42: Ra, Rq, Rz, Rv, Rp, and Rpm. Ra is the arithmetic average surface roughness, calculated over the entire measured array, while Rq is the root-mean-square average between the height deviations and the mean line or surface calculated over the entire measured array. Rz is an average of the ten greatest peak-to-valley separations in the sample, while Rmax is the maximum roughness depth measured from the highest peak to the lowest value along a measurement length. Rv is the maximum profile valley depth or the height difference between the mean (average) height line and the lowest point over the entire measurement length, while Rp is the maximum profile peak height or the height difference between the mean height line and the highest point over the entire measurement length. Rpm is the average maximum profile peak height, measured as the average of successive Rp values over the measurement length. Values for each of these roughness parameters, taken for each coated substrate in Examples 34-42 are provided in Table 5b, below.

    [0055] Additionally, several scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were taken of each of the coated substrates in Examples 34-42 at an SEM HV of 5.0 kV (Examples 34 and 35) or 3.0 kV (Examples 36-42) and a magnification of 250x. The resulting images for coated MDF substrates are presented as FIGS. 6a-6e (Examples 34, 35, 37, 39, and 41), while the coated FJP substrates are provided as FIGS. 6f-6i (Examples 36, 38, 40, and 42).
    Table 5b: Surface Roughness by Profilometry for Examples 34-42
    ExampleMeasurementRmaxRpmRaRqRzRpRv
    34 #1 9.723 4.605 1.378 1.718 7.917 6.031 5.146
    #2 9.277 4.168 1.269 1.613 7.415 4.908 5.793
    Average 9.50 4.39 1.32 1.67 7.67 5.47 5.47
    35 #1 108.77 50.192 16.522 20.693 90.266 67.791 57.965
    #2 100.76 47.123 14.328 18.816 78.695 60.456 40.305
    Average 104.77 48.66 15.43 19.75 84.48 64.12 49.14
    36 #1 99.729 44.638 13.298 16.968 77.073 56.278 43.501
    #2 96.309 35.371 11.924 15.582 62.132 52.951 43.357
    Average 98.02 40.00 12.61 16.28 69.60 54.61 43.43
    37 #1 53.11 22.24 7.914 9.936 44.103 26.983 28.822
    #2 64.643 29.671 8.379 10.692 50.643 36.243 29.068
    Average 58.88 25.96 8.15 10.31 47.37 31.61 28.95
    38 #1 55.861 16.167 6.02 8.08 30.776 33.064 22.797
    #2 53.53 21.787 8.372 10.638 45.464 26.678 33.494
    Average 54.70 18.98 7.20 9.36 38.12 29.87 28.15
    39 #1 35.99 18.045 6.351 7.849 33.911 21.917 20.74
    #2 45.161 18.771 6.163 7.901 39.761 22.143 28.486
    Average 40.58 18.41 6.26 7.88 36.84 22.03 24.61
    40 #1 35.307 13.883 6.229 7.549 31.805 15.914 19.393
    #2 62.23 17.512 6.737 8.671 37.489 21.601 40.628
    Average 48.77 15.70 6.48 8.11 34.65 18.76 30.01
    41 #1 13.313 5.266 1.826 2.35 9.744 6.835 6.694
    #2 13.76 6.426 2.102 2.583 11.475 7.7 6.674
    Average 13.54 5.85 1.96 2.47 10.61 7.27 6.68
    42 #1 12.926 5.289 1.154 1.484 8.735 9.395 5.317
    #2 9.013 4.688 1.186 1.495 8.266 5.403 4.542
    Average 10.97 4.99 1.17 1.49 8.50 7.40 4.93

    Examples 43-45



    [0056] Several samples of medium density fiberboard having an E1 cross-section were prepared and coated as described in Example 1. Upon exiting the die outlet, each substrate was passed through a mica insulator having a thickness of 1/4 inch and a clearance of 100 mils, measured from the outer edge of the die outlet to the inner edge of the insulator inlet. The speed at which the substrate passed through the die and insulator was varied. The coated substrates were cooled in a water bath having a temperature of 60 °F. Each of the cooled, coated substrates removed from the quench water bath were visually evaluated and the surface appearance was noted. Additionally, the surface roughness of each of the cooled substrates was measured using a Mitutoyo SJ-210 having a 2 micron stylus with a 60 degree radius, as described in Examples 34-42 above. The line speed and visual appearance results for each of Examples 43-45 are summarized in Table 6a, below, while the surface roughness measurements are provided in Table 6b. Additionally, several scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were taken of each of the coated substrates in Examples 43-45 at an SEM HV of 3.0 kV and a magnification of 250x. The resulting images are provided in FIGS. 7a-7c.
    Table 6a: Operating Conditions and Visual Results for Samples Coated in Examples 43-45
    ExampleLine Speed (feet/min)Surface Appearance
    43 15 Lightly textured
    44 50 Less textured
    45 100 Smooth, no texture
    Table 6b: Surface Roughness by Profilometry for Examples 43-45
    ExampleMeasurementRmaxRpmRaRqRzRpRv
    43 #1 30.544 15.799 4.833 6.043 28.146 16.387 14.973
    #2 31.667 13.52 4.509 5.72 28.174 14.31 17.681
    Average 31.11 14.66 4.67 5.88 28.16 15.35 16.33
    44 #1 17.064 6.804 2.155 2.734 13.897 8.241 8.823
    #2 15.669 6.672 2.305 2.881 13.916 8.154 8.837
    Average 16.37 6.74 2.23 2.81 13.91 8.2 8.83
    45 #1 18.796 7.72 2.437 3.06 15.642 8.383 11.169
    #2 22.156 8.54 2.586 3.307 17.916 12.019 10.689
    Average 20.48 8.13 2.51 3.18 16.78 10.2 10.93



    Claims

    1. A process for coating a substrate (100), said process comprising:

    (a) introducing an elongated substrate (100) and a coating material into a die (120);

    (b) contacting said substrate (100) with said coating material in said die (120) to thereby provide a coated substrate;

    (c) removing said coated substrate from said die via a die outlet (134) defined by a die outlet wall (124) of said die (120);

    (d) passing said coated substrate removed from said die outlet through a shaped passageway (158) formed in an insulating member (150) which comprises a substrate inlet (154) and a substrate outlet (156) and is affixed to said die outlet wall (124) and having a thermal conductivity less than the thermal conductivity of said die outlet wall (124); and

    (e) cooling said coated substrate (102) withdrawn from said insulating member via contact with a quench fluid to thereby provide a cooled coated substrate, .

    wherein a gap (180) is formed between the inner edge (162) of the substrate inlet (154) and the outer edge (164) of the die outlet (134) and wherein the gap (180) between the edge (162) of the substrate inlet (154) and the edge (164) of the die outlet (134) is from 0.0254 mm (1 mil) to less than 2.54 mm (100 mils).
     
    2. The process of claim 1, wherein said cooled, coated substrate has an average Rmax surface roughness of less than 30.
     
    3. The process of claim 1, wherein at least one of the cross-sectional shapes of said shaped passageway and said die outlet are geometrically similar to the cross-sectional shape of said substrate (100).
     
    4. The process of claim 1, wherein said introducing of step (a) includes pushing said elongated substrate (100) into a die inlet defined by an inlet wall of said die (112, 114) and wherein said coated substrate is passed through said insulating member (150) along a substantially horizontal axis.
     
    5. The process of claim 1, wherein said insulating member is formed of an insulating material selected from the group consisting of mica and calcium silicate.
     
    6. The process of claim 1, wherein said cooling of step (e) is carried out at a pressure of less than about 100 kPa.
     
    7. The process of claim 1, wherein said coating is selected from the group consisting of polyesters, copolyesters, polycarbonates, acrylics, cellulose esters, polyolefins, nylons, polyvinylchloride, and combinations thereof.
     
    8. The process of claim 1, wherein said elongated substrate (100) comprises natural or composite wood or PVC.
     
    9. A system for applying a coating material to an elongated substrate (100), said system comprising:

    a die (120) for contacting an elongated substrate (100) with said coating material to thereby produce a coated substrate, wherein said die (120) comprises an inlet wall, an outlet wall (124), and a coating chamber disposed at least partially therebetween, wherein said inlet wall defines a die inlet for receiving said elongated substrate (100) into said die (120) and said outlet wall (124) defines a die outlet for discharging said coated substrate from said die;

    an insulating member (150) which comprises a substrate inlet (154) and a substrate outlet (156) and is affixed to said outlet wall (124),
    wherein said insulating member (150) has a thermal conductivity less than the thermal conductivity of said outlet wall (124) and defines a shaped passageway (158) configured to at least partially surround said die outlet thereby allowing said coated substrate exiting said die outlet (134) to pass through said insulating member (150); and a quench zone located adjacent said insulating member (150) for cooling said
    coated substrate (102) discharged from said shaped passageway of said insulating member,

    wherein a gap (180) is formed between the inner edge (162) of the substrate inlet (154) and the outer edge (164) of the die outlet (134) and wherein the gap (180) between the edge (162) of the substrate inlet (154) and the edge (164) of the die outlet (134) is from 0.0254 mm (1mil) to less than 2.54 mm (100 mils).


     
    10. The system of claim 9, wherein the cross-sectional shape of said shaped passageway (158) and the cross-sectional shape of said die outlet are geometrically similar.
     
    11. The system of claim 9, wherein said thermal conductivity of said insulating member (150) is at least 0.01 and/or not more than 5 W/mK at 25°C.
     
    12. The system of claim 9, further comprising a second insulating member (150) disposed between said coating chamber and said outlet wall, wherein said second insulating member (152) has a thermal conductivity less than the thermal conductivity of said outlet wall.
     
    13. The process of claim 1, wherein the time between said removing of step (d) and said cooling of step (e) is at least about 0.5 seconds and not more than about 5 seconds.
     
    14. The process of claim 1, further comprising, prior to said cooling and subsequent to said removing, passing said coated substrate through a shaped passageway defined within an insulating member (152) affixed to at least a portion of a die outlet wall defining said die outlet, wherein said insulating member (150) has a thermal conductivity less than the thermal conductivity of said die outlet wall.
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Verfahren zum Beschichten eines Substrats (100), wobei das Verfahren Folgendes umfasst:

    (a) Einbringen eines länglichen Substrats (100) und eines Beschichtungsmaterials in eine Düse (120);

    (b) Kontaktieren des Substrats (100) mit dem Beschichtungsmaterial in der Düse (120) unter Bereitstellung eines beschichteten Substrats;

    (c) Entfernen des beschichteten Substrats aus der Düse über einen Düsenauslass (134), der von einer Düsenauslasswand (124) der Düse (120) definiert wird;

    (d) Leiten des aus dem Düsenauslass entfernten beschichteten Substrats durch einen Formgang (158), der in einem Isolierbauteil (150) ausgebildet ist, das einen Substrateinlass (154) und einen Substratauslass (156) umfasst und an der Düsenauslasswand (124) befestigt ist und eine Wärmleitfähigkeit aufweist, die geringer ist als die Wärmleitfähigkeit der Düsenauslasswand (124); und

    (e) Abkühlen des aus dem Isolierbauteil abgezogenen beschichteten Substrats (102) über den Kontakt mit einem Abschreckfluid unter Bereitstellung eines abgekühlten, beschichteten Substrats,

    wobei ein Spalt (180) zwischen der Innenkante (162) des Substrateinlasses (154) und der Außenkante (164) des Düsenauslasses (134) ausgebildet ist und wobei der Spalt (180) zwischen der Kante (162) des Substrateinlasses (154) und der Kante (164) des Düsenauslasses (134) 0,0254 mm (1 mil) bis weniger als 2,54 mm (100 mil) beträgt.
     
    2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei das abgekühlte, beschichtete Substrat eine durchschnittliche Oberflächenrauigkeit Rmax von weniger als 30 hat.
     
    3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei mindestens eine der Querschnittsformen des Formganges und des Düsenauslasses geometrisch ähnlich der Querschnittsform des Substrats (100) ist.
     
    4. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Einbringen von Schritt (a) das Drücken des länglichen Substrats (100) in einen Düseneinlass umfasst, der von einer Einlasswand der Düse (112, 114) definiert wird, und wobei das beschichtete Substrat entlang einer im Wesentlichen horizontalen Achse durch das Isolierbauteil (150) geleitet wird.
     
    5. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Isolierbauteil aus einem Isoliermaterial gebildet wird, das aus der Gruppe ausgewählt ist, bestehend aus Glimmer und Calciumsilicat.
     
    6. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Abkühlen von Schritt (e) bei einem Druck von weniger als etwa 100 kPa durchgeführt wird.
     
    7. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Beschichtung ausgewählt ist aus der Gruppe, bestehend aus Polyestern, Copolyestern, Polycarbonaten, Acrylverbindungen, Celluloseestern, Polyolefinen, Nylon-Verbindungen, Polyvinylchlorid und Kombinationen davon.
     
    8. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei das längliche Substrat (100) natürliches oder Verbund-Holz oder PVC umfasst.
     
    9. System zum Aufbringen eines Beschichtungsmaterials auf ein längliches Substrat (100), wobei das System Folgendes umfasst:

    eine Düse (120) zum Kontaktieren eines länglichen Substrats (100) mit dem Beschichtungsmaterial unter Erzeugung eines beschichteten Substrats, wobei die Düse (120) eine Einlasswand, eine Auslasswand (124) und eine Beschichtungskammer umfasst, die zumindest teilweise dazwischen angeordnet ist, wobei die Einlasswand einen Düseneinlass zur Aufnahme des länglichen Substrats (100) in die Düse (120) definiert und die Auslasswand (124) einen Düsenauslass zum Entladen des beschichteten Substrats aus der Düse definiert;

    ein Isolierbauteil (150), das einen Substrateinlass (154) und einen Substratauslass (156) umfasst und an der Auslasswand (124) befestigt ist,

    wobei das Isolierbauteil (150) eine Wärmleitfähigkeit aufweist, die geringer ist als die Wärmleitfähigkeit der Auslasswand (124), und einen Formgang (158) definiert, der so ausgebildet ist, dass er den Düsenauslass zumindest teilweise umgibt, wodurch das beschichtete Substrat den Düsenauslass (134) zum Durchqueren des Isolierbauteils (150) verlassen kann;

    und eine Abschreckzone, die sich neben dem Isolierbauteil (150) befindet, zum Abkühlen des aus dem Formgang des Isolierbauteils entladenen beschichteten Substrats (102),

    wobei ein Spalt (180) zwischen der Innenkante (162) des Substrateinlasses (154) und der Außenkante (164) des Düsenauslasses (134) ausgebildet ist und wobei der Spalt (180) zwischen der Kante (162) des Substrateinlasses (154) und der Kante (164) des Düsenauslasses (134) 0,0254 mm (1 mil) bis weniger als 2,54 mm (100 mil) beträgt.
     
    10. System nach Anspruch 9, wobei die Querschnittsform des Formganges (158) und die Querschnittsform des Düsenauslasses geometrisch ähnlich sind.
     
    11. System nach Anspruch 9, wobei die Wärmleitfähigkeit des Isolierbauteils (150) mindestens 0,01 und/oder nicht mehr als 5 W/mK bei 25 °C beträgt.
     
    12. System nach Anspruch 9, ferner umfassend ein zweites Isolierbauteil (150), das zwischen der Beschichtungskammer und der Auslasswand angeordnet ist, wobei das zweite Isolierbauteil (152) eine Wärmleitfähigkeit aufweist, die geringer ist als die Wärmleitfähigkeit der Auslasswand.
     
    13. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Zeit zwischen dem Entfernen von Schritt (d) und dem Abkühlen von Schritt (e) mindestens etwa 0,5 Sekunden und nicht mehr als etwa 5 Sekunden beträgt.
     
    14. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, das vor dem Abkühlen und dem anschließenden Entfernen ferner das Leiten des beschichteten Substrats durch einen Formgang umfasst, der in einem Isolierbauteil (152) ausgebildet ist, das an mindestens einem Abschnitt einer Düsenauslasswand befestigt ist, die den Düsenauslass definiert, wobei das Isolierbauteil (150) eine Wärmleitfähigkeit aufweist, die geringer ist als die Wärmleitfähigkeit der Düsenauslasswand.
     


    Revendications

    1. Procédé de revêtement d'un substrat (100), ledit procédé comprenant les étapes consistant à :

    (a) introduire un substrat allongé (100) et un matériau de revêtement dans une filière

    (b) mettre en contact ledit substrat (100) avec ledit matériau de revêtement dans ladite filière (120) pour fournir ainsi un substrat revêtu ;

    (c) enlever ledit substrat revêtu de ladite filière par l'intermédiaire d'une sortie de filière (134) définie par une paroi de sortie de filière (124) de ladite filière (120) ;

    (d) faire passer ledit substrat revêtu enlevé de ladite sortie de filière à travers un passage profilé (158) formé dans un élément isolant (150) qui comprend une entrée de substrat (154) et une sortie de substrat (156) et est fixée à ladite paroi de sortie de filière (124) et ayant une conductivité thermique inférieure à la conductivité thermique de ladite paroi de sortie de filière (124) ; et

    (e) refroidir ledit substrat revêtu (102) retiré dudit élément isolant par contact avec un fluide de trempe pour fournir ainsi un substrat revêtu refroidi,

    dans lequel un espace (180) est formé entre le bord intérieur (162) de l'entrée de substrat (154) et le bord extérieur (164) de la sortie de filière (134) et
    dans lequel l'espace (180) entre le bord (162) de l'entrée de substrat (154) et le bord (164) de la sortie de filière (134) est de 0,0254 mm (1 mil) à moins de 2,54 mm (100 mils).
     
    2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit substrat revêtu refroidi présente une rugosité de surface Rmax moyenne inférieure à 30.
     
    3. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel au moins une des formes de section transversale dudit passage profilé et de ladite sortie de filière est géométriquement similaire à la forme de section transversale dudit substrat (100).
     
    4. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ladite introduction de l'étape (a) comprend la poussée dudit substrat allongé (100) dans une entrée de filière définie par une paroi d'entrée de ladite filière (112, 114) et dans lequel ledit substrat revêtu est passé à travers ledit élément isolant (150) le long d'un axe sensiblement horizontal.
     
    5. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit élément isolant est formé d'un matériau isolant choisi dans le groupe constitué par le mica et le silicate de calcium.
     
    6. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit refroidissement de l'étape (e) est effectué à une pression inférieure à environ 100 kPa.
     
    7. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit revêtement est choisi dans le groupe constitué par les polyesters, les copolyesters, les polycarbonates, les acryliques, les esters de cellulose, les polyoléfines, les nylons, le chlorure de polyvinyle et leurs combinaisons.
     
    8. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit substrat allongé (100) comprend du bois naturel ou composite ou du PVC.
     
    9. Système pour appliquer un matériau de revêtement sur un substrat allongé (100), ledit système comprenant :

    une filière (120) pour mettre en contact un substrat allongé (100) avec ledit matériau de revêtement pour produire ainsi un substrat revêtu, dans lequel ladite filière (120) comprend une paroi d'entrée, une paroi de sortie (124) et une chambre de revêtement disposée au moins partiellement entre elles, dans lequel ladite paroi d'entrée définit une entrée de filière pour recevoir ledit substrat allongé (100) dans ladite filière (120) et ladite paroi de sortie (124) définit une sortie de filière pour décharger ledit substrat revêtu de ladite filière ;

    un élément isolant (150) qui comprend une entrée de substrat (154) et une sortie de substrat (156) et est fixé à ladite paroi de sortie (124),

    dans lequel ledit élément isolant (150) a une conductivité thermique inférieure à la conductivité thermique de ladite paroi de sortie (124) et définit un passage profilé (158) configuré pour entourer au moins partiellement ladite sortie de filière, permettant ainsi audit substrat revêtu sortant de ladite sortie de filière (134) de passer à travers ledit élément isolant (150) ; et une zone de trempe située à proximité dudit élément isolant (150) pour refroidir ledit substrat revêtu (102) déchargé dudit passage profilé dudit élément isolant,

    dans lequel un espace (180) est formé entre le bord intérieur (162) de l'entrée de substrat (154) et le bord extérieur (164) de la sortie de filière (134) et dans lequel l'espace (180) entre le bord (162) de l'entrée de substrat (154) et le bord (164) de la sortie de filière (134) est de 0,0254 mm (1 mil) à moins de 2,54 mm (100 mils).


     
    10. Système selon la revendication 9, dans lequel la forme de section transversale dudit passage profilé (158) et la forme de section transversale de ladite sortie de filière sont géométriquement similaires.
     
    11. Système selon la revendication 9, dans lequel ladite conductivité thermique dudit élément isolant (150) est d'au moins 0,01 et/ou de pas plus de 5 W/mK à 25°C.
     
    12. Système selon la revendication 9, comprenant en outre un second élément isolant (150) disposé entre ladite chambre de revêtement et ladite paroi de sortie, dans lequel ledit second élément isolant (152) a une conductivité thermique inférieure à la conductivité thermique de ladite paroi de sortie.
     
    13. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le temps entre ledit enlèvement de l'étape (d) et ledit refroidissement de l'étape (e) est d'au moins environ 0,5 seconde et de pas plus d'environ 5 secondes.
     
    14. Procédé selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre, avant ledit refroidissement et après ledit enlèvement, le passage dudit substrat revêtu à travers un passage profilé défini dans un élément isolant (152) fixé à au moins une partie d'une paroi de sortie de filière définissant ladite sortie de filière, dans lequel ledit élément isolant (150) a une conductivité thermique inférieure à la conductivité thermique de ladite paroi de sortie de filière.
     




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    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



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    Patent documents cited in the description