U.S. patent application number 12/068633 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-11 for composition for matte layer formation, release sheet using the same, and synthetic leather produced using said release sheet.
This patent application is currently assigned to Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Yoshiki Kawagoe, Takeshi Kubota, Koichiro Matsudaira, Kenichiro Suto, Hiroshi Watanabe.
Application Number | 20080305300 12/068633 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32025269 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080305300 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Suto; Kenichiro ; et
al. |
December 11, 2008 |
Composition for matte layer formation, release sheet using the
same, and synthetic leather produced using said release sheet
Abstract
There are provided a composition for matte layer formation
suitable for the production of a matte synthetic leather having a
matte surface with a high level of jet-blackness even without the
practice of embossing, raising, etc., and a release sheet for the
production of a matte synthetic leather by using the composition.
The composition for matte layer formation suitable for the
production of a matte synthetic leather comprises a thermosetting
resin and a matting agent as indispensable components. The matting
agent comprises one or at least two types of organic or/and
inorganic porous fine particles. The porous fine particles have a
mean particle diameter in the range of 0.5 to 20 .mu.m and a
specific surface area in the range of 1 to 1000 m.sup.2/g. The
release sheet is produced by using the composition.
Inventors: |
Suto; Kenichiro; (Tokyo-To,
JP) ; Kawagoe; Yoshiki; (Yokohama-Shi, JP) ;
Watanabe; Hiroshi; (Yokohama-Shi, JP) ; Kubota;
Takeshi; (Tokyo-To, JP) ; Matsudaira; Koichiro;
(Tokyo-To, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OLIFF & BERRIDGE, PLC
P.O. BOX 320850
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22320-4850
US
|
Assignee: |
Dai Nippon Printing Co.,
Ltd.
Tokyo-To
JP
|
Family ID: |
32025269 |
Appl. No.: |
12/068633 |
Filed: |
February 8, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11519805 |
Sep 13, 2006 |
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12068633 |
|
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|
10328188 |
Dec 26, 2002 |
7169457 |
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11519805 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
428/141 ;
428/316.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B32B 27/12 20130101;
Y10T 428/24405 20150115; D06N 3/0097 20130101; Y10T 156/1195
20150115; Y10T 428/24364 20150115; Y10T 428/24438 20150115; Y10T
428/249981 20150401; Y10T 428/24355 20150115; Y10S 428/904
20130101; D21H 27/001 20130101; Y10T 428/24372 20150115; Y10T
156/11 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/141 ;
428/316.6 |
International
Class: |
B32B 3/10 20060101
B32B003/10; B32B 5/16 20060101 B32B005/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 27, 2002 |
JP |
2002-283538 |
Claims
1. A synthetic leather comprising a release sheet comprising: a
matte layer formed by coating a composition for matte layer
formation suitable for the production of a synthetic leather, said
composition comprising a thermosetting resin and a matting agent as
indispensable components, said matting agent comprising one or at
least two types of organic or/and inorganic porous fine particles,
said porous fine particles having a mean particle diameter in the
range of 0.5 to 20 .mu.m and a specific surface area in the range
of 1 to 1000 m.sup.2/g; and a substrate for supporting the matte
layer, said matte layer having a fine concave-convex portion on its
surface, said concave-convex portion having an arithmetical mean
roughness (Ra) of 0.5 to 15 .mu.m
2. The synthetic leather according to claim 1, wherein a skin as
the outermost layer in the synthetic leather is a transparent resin
layer.
3. The synthetic leather according to claim 2, wherein the
transparent resin layer is releasable.
4. The synthetic leather according to claim 1, which has been
produced substantially without embossing or/and raising.
5. A synthetic leather produced by using a release sheet, said
synthetic leather having a surface arithmetical roughness (Ra) of
0.5 to 15 .mu.m and a 85-degree glossiness of 0.5 to 10%.
Description
[0001] This is a Division of application Ser. No. 11/519,805 filed
Sep. 13, 2006, which in turn is a Division of application Ser. No.
10/328,188 filed Dec. 26, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,169,457 issued
Jan. 30, 2007. The entire disclosures of the prior applications are
hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a release sheet for the
production of a matte synthetic leather and a composition for the
formation of the sheet. More particularly, the present invention
relates to a composition for matte layer formation suitable for the
production of a matte synthetic leather, which has a matte surface
with a high level of jet-blackness without the practice of
embossing, raising or the like, and a release sheet for the
production of a matte synthetic leather using the composition.
[0004] 2. Prior Art
[0005] According to one of conventional production processes of
synthetic leathers, a synthetic leather is produced by coating a
composition for a synthetic leather, for example, a urethane resin,
a vinyl chloride resin, a polyamide resin, or an amino acid resin,
on a release sheet, drying or curing the synthetic leather coating,
coating an adhesive onto the dried or cured coating, laminating a
backing fabric, such as a woven fabric, onto the adhesive coating,
and then separating the release sheet from the synthetic leather
composition coating. In this production process of a synthetic
leather, synthetic leathers having various surface shapes can be
produced by regulating the surface form of the release sheet.
Specifically, since the surface shape of the synthetic leather is
formed by transferring the surface form of the release sheet onto
the synthetic leather, the regulation of the surface form of the
release sheet is necessary for the production of a desired
synthetic leather.
[0006] One property required of synthetic leathers, particularly
matte synthetic leathers, is freedom from a faded color and is to
be jet-black, that is, is to be matte.
[0007] For example, the following methods are known for the
production of these matte synthetic leathers. Specifically, in a
conventional method, a release sheet having concaves and convexes
on its surface is produced, for example, by utilizing an emboss
roll as a chill roll in the step of extrusion lamination in the
production of the release sheet or by utilizing an emboss roll as a
chill roll in the step of forming an application film in the case
of the formation of the release sheet by the application of an
existing film, and the concave/convex shape of the surface of the
release sheet is transferred onto a synthetic leather. In another
conventional method, a release sheet with an emboss of concaves and
convexes is prepared by embossing the whole release sheet, and the
concave/convex shape of the surface of the release sheet is
transferred onto a synthetic leather. In a further conventional
method, a synthetic leather having a matte surface is produced by
subjecting a synthetic leather to raising.
[0008] The synthetic leathers produced by these methods are
suitably matte. Since, however, the shape of fine concaves and
convexes cannot be imparted by the embossing and the like,
satisfactory jet-blackness cannot be realized in synthetic leathers
having a deep color, for example, a black color. Further, in the
methods wherein raising or the like is carried out, a step should
be additionally provided. This renders the production process
complicate and incurs increased cost.
[0009] On the other hand, as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open
No. 158249/1985, a method for producing a matte synthetic leather,
i.e., the so-called "synthetic leather with a matte tone," has been
developed wherein a composition for a release sheet with an
inorganic pigment, such as silica or calcium carbonate, or a
matting wax as a matting agent added thereto is coated onto a
substrate to form a release sheet.
[0010] In the release sheet formed by coating the composition with
a matting agent added thereto, however, the addition of a
predetermined amount of an inorganic pigment or the like to the
composition is necessary for attaining satisfactory matte effect.
However, when the amount of this additive added to the composition
is excessively large, the so-called "drop of particles" wherein the
matting agent is dropped from the release sheet takes place.
[0011] Further, increasing the amount of the matting agent added
for improving the matte effect causes aggregation of matting agent
particles, and the matting agent disadvantageously bleeds out on
the surface of the release sheet. Therefore, a release sheet having
desired fine concaves and convexes cannot be formed, and, further,
a synthetic leather, which is matte and is jet-black, cannot be
produced.
[0012] Further, in the composition, for a release sheet, containing
fine particles for matting purposes described in Japanese Patent
Laid-Open No. 158249/1985 noted above, the incorporation of the
fine particles can impart a matte feel to some extent. However, it
is difficult to provide a synthetic leather which is jet-black
without color fading.
[0013] The production of a matte synthetic leather by the
conventional methods involves, besides the above problems, an
additional problem that the addition of fine particles, which
should be used as a matting agent for the production of a matte
synthetic leather, to the composition for a release sheet
deteriorates the fluidity of the composition and thus deteriorates
the coatability of the composition.
[0014] Further, coating of a coating liquid onto a substrate having
low smoothness to form a release sheet poses problems of
deteriorated drying properties and lowered smoothness of the
release sheet due to drying by strong heating.
[0015] When conventional paper is used as the substrate, static
electricity is likely to be generated at the time of the formation
of a release sheet. Further, in the production of a synthetic
leather using this release sheet, since the step of separating the
synthetic leather from the release sheet should be provided, the
generation of static electricity is unavoidable. Thus, the
generation of static electricity, for example, at the time of the
production of a release sheet poses a problem of cracking of the
surface of the release sheet and the synthetic leather.
[0016] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to
provide a composition for matte layer formation suitable for the
production of a matte synthetic leather, which has a matte surface
with a high level of jet-blackness without the practice of
embossing, raising or the like, and a release sheet for the
production of a matte synthetic leather using the composition.
[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
release sheet for the production of a matte synthetic leather,
which release sheet has excellent smoothness and can realize the
production of a good synthetic leather free from defects such as
cracking by virtue of the suppression of the generation of static
electricity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] In order to attain the above objects of the present
invention, according to one aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a composition for matte layer formation, comprising a
thermosetting resin and a matting agent as indispensable
components, said matting agent comprising one or at least two types
of organic or/and inorganic porous fine particles, said porous fine
particles having a mean particle diameter in the range of 0.5 to 20
.mu.m and a specific surface area in the range of 1 to 1,000
m.sup.2/g. The production of a release sheet by using the
composition containing a matting agent comprising such fine
particles can realize the production of a synthetic leather with a
matte tone which is jet-black without color fading.
[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
porous fine particles have been surface treated and have been
homogeneously dispersed in the composition for matte layer
formation. More preferably, when the thermosetting resin is soluble
in water, the surface treatment is inorganic surface treatment,
while, when the thermosetting resin is nonaqueous, the surface
treatment is organic surface treatment. The use of the fine
particles subjected to inorganic or organic surface treatment as
the matting agent can improve the dispersibility of the fine
particles in a coating liquid for matte layer formation. Therefore,
even when the content of the fine particles in the coating liquid
is increased, the coatability of the coating liquid is not
deteriorated. Further, since the fine particles are homogeneously
dispersed in the coating liquid, the coating liquid can form a
matte layer having an even convex-concave surface.
[0020] Further, more preferably, the content of the porous fine
particles in the composition for matte layer formation is 5 to 50%
by weight. When the content of the fine particles is in the
above-defined range, a matte synthetic leather can be produced
which is uniform and has a high level of jet-blackness.
Particularly preferably, the porous fine particles are selected
from silica, calcium carbonate, talc, and a mixture containing at
least one of said materials.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the composition for matte layer
formation according to the present invention further contains a
release agent. The incorporation of the release agent in the
composition for matte layer formation can lower peeling resistance
at the time of the separation of the release sheet from the
synthetic leather. Therefore, the release sheet can be easily
separated from the synthetic leather.
[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a first embodiment of the release sheet for the
production of a synthetic leather according to the present
invention, that is, a release sheet for the production of a
synthetic leather, comprising: a matte layer formed by coating the
above composition for matte layer formation; and a substrate for
supporting the matte layer, said matte layer having a fine
concave-convex portion on its surface, said concave-convex portion
having an arithmetical mean roughness (Ra) of 0.5 to 15 .mu.m. The
use of a release sheet having this surface shape can realize the
production of a matte synthetic leather without the use of means
such as embossing or raising.
[0023] According to still another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a second embodiment of the release sheet for the
production of a synthetic leather according to the present
invention, that is, a release sheet for the production of a
synthetic leather, comprising: a matte layer having fine concaves
and convexes on its surface; and a substrate for supporting the
matte layer, said matte layer comprising a releasable resin layer,
a releasable transparent resin being provided so as to stay on the
bottom of the concaves in the concave-convex portion. The
production of a synthetic leather using this release sheet can more
reliably impart peach skin-like appearance and feel to the surface
of the synthetic leather. Further, even in the repetition of the
production of synthetic leathers with different colors, since the
releasable transparent synthetic resin stays on the bottom of the
concaves in the fine concaves and convexes, the release sheet has
excellent releasability. Therefore, the release sheet can be
repeatedly used.
[0024] Further, in a preferred embodiment, the concave-convex
portion has an arithmetical mean roughness (Ra) of 0.5 to 15 .mu.m,
the mean spacing of profile irregularities (concaves and convexes)
(Sm) in the concave-convex portion is 0.5 to 10 .mu.m, and the mean
inclination (.theta.a) of said concaves and convexes is 45
degrees.ltoreq..theta.a<90 degrees. The matte layer having this
concave-convex surface can be formed by coating the above
composition for matte layer formation.
[0025] In the above first and second embodiments of the release
sheet for the production of a synthetic leather, a smoothing layer
is preferably provided between the matte layer and the substrate.
The provision of the smoothing layer on the substrate can realize
the production of a release sheet having a uniform fine
concave-convex surface without the influence of the surface of the
substrate.
[0026] More preferably, the smoothing layer has been formed using a
composition having the same formulation as the above composition
for matte layer formation except that the porous fine particles are
absent in the composition. The use of this composition as the
composition for smoothing layer formation can form a smoothing
layer which has increased adhesion to the matte layer and thus can
prevent interlaminar peeling. In particular, the incorporation of a
leveling agent in the smoothing layer can further improve the
smoothness.
[0027] According to a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a third embodiment of the release sheet for the
production of a synthetic leather according to the present
invention, that is, a release sheet for the production of a
synthetic leather, said release sheet comprising: a matte layer
formed by coating the above composition for matte layer formation;
and a substrate for supporting the matte layer, wherein said matte
layer is a releasable resin layer having a multilayer structure of
at least two layers, all the releasable resin layers constituting
the multilayered matte layer except for at least the layer in
contact with the surface of the substrate contain a release agent
comprising a silicone-modified resin or a silicone-containing resin
composition, and the content of the release agent is larger as the
releasable resin layer is closer to the surface of the matte layer.
The adoption of a multilayer structure of two or more layers in the
releasable resin layer is advantageous in that, even when the
thickness of the releasable resin layer should be increased due to
low smoothness of the substrate, the thickness of each layer can be
reduced and, at the same time, the layer near the substrate side
can further improve the smoothness. Therefore, a lot of time is not
required for drying the coating liquid. Further, in the layers
other than the layer in contact with the substrate, since the
mixing ratio of the silicone-modified resin or silicone increases
as the layer is closer to the surface of the release sheet, a
release sheet having excellent smoothness can be produced without
sacrificing the adhesion between the layers.
[0028] In the release sheet for the production of a synthetic
leather in each embodiment of the present invention, the surface
resistivity of the substrate is preferably not more than
1.0.times.10.sup.12.OMEGA.. More preferably, the substrate contains
an organic polymeric conductive agent and/or an inorganic
conductive agent, or has, on any one side thereof, a coating of the
organic polymeric conductive agent and/or the inorganic conductive
agent, and the content of the conductive agent is in the range of
0.05 to 3.00 g/m.sup.2 based on the substrate. When the substrate
has the above resistivity, the occurrence of static electricity can
be prevented at the time of the production of a release sheet and
at the time of the production of a synthetic leather using the
release sheet.
[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a synthetic leather using the release sheet.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the synthetic leather of the
present invention has been produced substantially without the
practice of embossing or/and raising.
[0031] According to a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a synthetic leather produced by using a release
sheet, said synthetic leather having a surface arithmetical
roughness (Ra) of 0.5 to 15 .mu.m and a 85-degree glossiness of 0.5
to 10%.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] FIG. 1 is a typical cross-sectional view showing a first
embodiment of the release sheet for the production of a synthetic
leather according to the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 2 is a typical cross-sectional view showing a second
embodiment of the release sheet for the production of a synthetic
leather according to the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 3 is a typical cross-sectional view of a principal part
illustrating a synthetic leather production process using a third
embodiment of the release sheet for the production of a synthetic
leather according to the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 4 is a typical cross-sectional view showing an example
of the third embodiment of the release sheet for the production of
a synthetic leather according to the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 5 is a typical cross-sectional view showing another
example of the third embodiment of the release sheet for the
production of a synthetic leather according to the present
invention;
[0037] FIG. 6 is an electron photomicrograph of the surface of a
release sheet for the production of a synthetic leather prepared in
Example 1; and
[0038] FIG. 7 is an electron photomicrograph of the surface of a
PVC leather 1 prepared in Example 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0039] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in
more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0040] The composition for the formation of a matte layer in a
release sheet according to the present invention will be first
described. The composition for matte layer formation according to
the present invention comprises a thermosetting resin and a matting
agent as indispensable components. The matting agent comprises
inorganic or organic porous fine particles. Inorganic fine
particles include fine particles of calcium carbonate, kaolin,
talc, clay, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, silica, alumina, magnesium
hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide and the like. Organic fine particles
include fine particles of melamine resin, polystyrene,
polypropylene, ethylene tetrafluoride resin, silicone resin,
starch, acrylic resin and the like. Since, however, the release
sheet used in the production of synthetic leathers is in many cases
used under high temperature conditions, the use of inorganic fine
particles is suitable because of their excellent heat resistance.
Among these inorganic fine particles, silica, calcium carbonate,
and talc are preferred because, as described later, the specific
surface area and the particle diameter each can be easily regulated
as desired. Silica is particularly preferred.
[0041] These fine particles should be porous. Specifically, in the
present invention, fine particles having a specific surface area of
1 to 1,000 m.sup.2/g are used. The pore diameter of the porous fine
particles is about 50 to 500 angstroms. Assuming that the particle
diameter of the fine particles is identical, the specific surface
area depends upon the pore diameter and the number of pores. That
is, the specific surface area increases with reducing the pore
diameter and increasing the number of pores. In the porous fine
particles having the above specific surface area, that is, a
specific pore diameter and a specific number of pores, as the
matting agent, light is irregularly reflected from pore portions
formed on the surface of the fine particles. Therefore, a synthetic
leather onto which this surface shape has been transferred is
jet-black and is not seen as a faded color. On the other hand, in
the case of fine particles having a diameter of several .mu.m,
light scattering is mainly Mie scattering. Since, however, the Mie
scattering does not depend upon the wavelength, the object is seen
white. For this reason, in synthetic leathers using a release sheet
containing conventional fine particles, the surface is considered
to be seen as a faded color. By contrast, in the release sheet
according to the present invention, by virtue of the incorporation
of the above porous fine particles in the release sheet, light is
also scattered in the pore portion (pore diameter: several tens of
angstroms to several hundreds of angstroms) of the fine particles.
This scattering is mainly Rayleigh scattering. In the Rayleigh
scattering, the intensity of scattered light depends upon the
wavelength, and the viewer observes both light scattered by
Rayleigh scattering and light scattered by Mie scattering. It is
considered that, for the above reason, synthetic leathers produced
using the release sheet according to the present invention have a
matte surface which is jet-black and does not show faded color.
[0042] The specific surface area is preferably 10 to 500 m.sup.2/g,
more preferably 100 to 200 m.sup.2/g. When the specific surface
area is less than 1 m.sup.2/g, the number of pores present per fine
particle is so small that irregular reflection effect cannot be
expected. On the other hand, when the specific surface area of the
fine particles exceeds 1,000 m.sup.2/g, the pore diameter is so
small that irregular reflection of light does not occur. Further,
when a coating liquid containing porous fine particles having the
above size is used, the ingredients and the solvent component in
the coating liquid are moderately absorbed into the pores of the
fine particles. Therefore, even when fine particles in a desired
amount are incorporated in the coating liquid, the coatability of
the coating liquid is not deteriorated and an even coating can be
formed.
[0043] The fine particles used in the composition for matte layer
formation according to the present invention have a mean particle
diameter in the range of 1 to 6 .mu.m. The use of the fine
particles with particle diameters in the above defined range can
realize a synthetic leather having a matte surface which is best to
the touch. The particle diameter of the fine particles is
preferably 2 to 5 .mu.m, more preferably 2.5 to 3.5 .mu.m. When the
particle diameter is less than 1 .mu.m, it is difficult to perceive
the surface as a matte surface. On the other hand, when the
particle diameter exceeds 6 .mu.m, hitches causative of the drop of
particles are formed on the surface of the matte layer in the
release sheet. Further, since fine particles are precipitated in
the coating liquid for matte layer formation, the stability of the
coating liquid is deteriorated.
[0044] Further, these porous fine particles preferably have been
surface treated. More preferably, when the thermosetting resin is
soluble in water, the surface treatment is inorganic surface
treatment, while, when the thermosetting resin is nonaqueous, the
surface treatment is organic surface treatment. The modification of
the surface of the fine particles with an inorganic or organic
material can improve the compatibility of the fine particles with
the thermosetting resin which will be described later. In this
case, even when the matte layer is formed on the substrate, the
aggregation of the fine particles can be suppressed. When a coating
liquid is prepared using the surface treated fine particles, the
coating liquid has improved fluidity. Therefore, the incorporation
of these fine particles in a desired amount in the coating liquid
does not deteriorate the coatability of the coating liquid.
[0045] Organic materials usable herein include polyethylene waxes,
paraffin waxes, and organosilicon compounds. Among them,
organosilicon compounds are particularly preferred.
[0046] The matting agent comprising the porous fine particles is
preferably contained in an amount of 5 to 50% by weight in the
composition for matte layer formation. When the content of the
matting agent in the composition is less than 5% by weight, the
contemplated matte layer cannot be formed. On the other hand, when
the content of the matting agent in the composition exceeds 50% by
weight, the coatability of the composition onto the substrate is
deteriorated and the formation of an even surface is
disadvantageously difficult. The content of the matting agent in
the composition is preferably 7 to 20% by weight, more preferably
10 to 15% by weight.
[0047] Examples of the thermosetting resin constituting the
composition for matte layer formation according to the present
invention include melamine resins such as alkyd resins, methylol
melamine resins, and methoxymethylol melamine resins. These resins
may be used as a proper mixture thereof. In order to suppress the
so-called "drop of porous fine particles" in the release sheet, the
use of melamine resin is preferred.
[0048] The composition for matte layer formation according to the
present invention preferably comprises a release agent in addition
to the above ingredients. When the composition contains the release
agent, in the production of a synthetic leather using the release
sheet, the release sheet can be easily separated from the synthetic
leather. Further, the formed synthetic leather has a good surface
state. The release agent is not particularly limited, and examples
of release agents usable herein include silicones, alkyd resins,
alkyd-silicone copolymers, or silicone-modified amino alkyd resins
as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 28242/1990, and
mixtures of the above materials. The content of the release agent
is preferably 0 to 60% by weight, more preferably 30 to 60% by
weight. As the content of the release agent is increased, the
synthetic leather can be easily separated from the release sheet. A
release agent content exceeding 60% by weight, however, causes an
excessive lowering in frictional resistance of the surface of the
release sheet which is causative of winding loosing of a release
sheet roll. Further, in the production of a synthetic leather, when
a synthetic leather coating material is coated onto the release
sheet, the coating material is repelled from the release sheet due
to poor wettability of the release sheet by the coating
material.
[0049] Next, the release sheet of the present invention produced
using the above composition for matte layer formation and the
production process thereof will be described.
[0050] FIG. 1 is a typical cross-sectional view showing a first
embodiment of the release sheet for the production of a synthetic
leather according to the present invention. The construction of a
release sheet 10 shown in FIG. 1 is such that a smoothing layer 2
is provided on the upper surface of a substrate 1 and a matte layer
3 is provided on the smoothing layer 2.
[0051] According to this construction, the smoothness of the
substrate can be improved by the smoothing layer. For example, when
a material having a relatively rough surface such as paper or a
nonwoven fabric is used as the substrate, the provision of a
smoothing layer 2 between the substrate 1 and the matte layer 3 is
preferred. When the surface of the substrate is smoothed, a smooth
and even matte layer can be formed. As a result, in the production
of a synthetic leather, it is possible to prevent the pattern
present on the surface of the substrate from appearing as spots on
the surface of the synthetic leather. Further, after the production
of the synthetic leather, the release sheet can be easily separated
from the synthetic leather without increasing the peeling
resistance.
[0052] The smoothing layer can be formed using any composition
without particular limitation. An example of a suitable composition
for smoothing layer formation is a composition having the same
formulation as the composition for matte layer formation except
that the porous fine particles are absent. This composition can
form a smoothing layer which has good adhesion to the matte layer
and excellent peeling resistance. When the matte layer has a
satisfactory thickness, the provision of the smoothing layer is not
always necessary. Since, however, the formation of a thick matte
layer results in deteriorated drying properties, the thickness of
the matte layer is preferably as thin as possible so far as the
thickness does not adversely affect the formation of fine concaves
and convexes 4 on the surface of the matte layer. The formation of
a thin matte layer, however, sometimes causes surface defects such
as spotted dropouts. Therefore, the formation of the smoothing
layer is preferred also from the viewpoint of compensating such
defects.
[0053] When paper is used as the substrate, the smoothing layer may
be a clay coating. In this case, the thickness of the smoothing
layer is preferably about 20 to 40 .mu.m, more preferably 20 to 30
.mu.m. Since the clay coating can smooth the surface of the paper,
a matte layer can be uniformly formed on the paper through the clay
coating.
[0054] The composition for smoothing layer formation may contain a
leveling agent. The incorporation of the leveling agent in the
composition for smoothing layer formation can flatten concaves and
convexes formed on the coated face (the surface of the smoothing
layer formed on the substrate) with the elapse of time. The
incorporation of the leveling agent in the composition for
smoothing layer formation has such an additional effect that the
occurrence of orange peel, wrinkling, pinholes, foaming, raising,
cracking, cratering and the like on the coating surface can be
prevented to smooth the surface.
[0055] The leveling agent is not particularly limited so far as the
leveling agent used does not deteriorate the adhesion of the
smoothing layer to the matte layer formed on the smoothing layer.
Leveling agents usable herein include, for example, silicone
resins, such as silicone oils and silicone-modified resins, and, in
addition, polymeric materials called organic polymeric leveling
agents. For example, when a silicone oil is used as the leveling
agent, the silicone oil gathers on the surface of the coating to
form a kind of a barrier layer. Therefore, the evaporation of the
solvent becomes uniform, and the surface tension of the coating is
lowered, leading to favorable effects. Since, however, the sole use
of the silicone oil deteriorates post-adhesion, the combined use of
the organic polymeric leveling agent and the silicone oil is
preferred from the viewpoint of reducing the amount of the silicone
oil added.
[0056] The organic polymeric leveling agent is not particularly
limited so far as the organic polymeric leveling agent can be
dissolved in the resin solution to lower the surface tension of the
resolution and does not lower the post-adhesion. Examples of
suitable organic polymeric leveling agents usable herein include
polyvinyl butyral and low-molecular weight cellulose. The use of a
mixture of these polymeric materials increases the viscosity of the
coating liquid and suppresses rising of foams derived from dynamic
viscosity and thus results in the formation of a smooth coating
surface. The "post-adhesion" as used herein refers to the adhesion
between the smoothing layer and the matte layer. When this adhesion
is low, in the production of a synthetic leather, upon the
separation of the release sheet from the synthetic leather, the
matte layer, together with the synthetic leather, is
disadvantageously separated from the smoothing layer.
[0057] For example, internally curable silicone resins or
fluorocopolymer resins may also be used as the leveling agents,
although these resins are inferior to the above polymeric leveling
agents in the post-adhesion.
[0058] Internally curable silicone resins include silicone
acrylates, and specific examples thereof include acrylsilanes and
methacrylsilanes, acrylsilicones and methacrylsilicones, and
phenylsilicone acrylate and m-phenylsilicone acrylate. More
specific examples thereof include acrylsilanes such as
acryloxypropylmethyldimethoxysilane and
acryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, and methacrylsilanes such as
methacryloxypropylmethyldimethoxysilane, and
methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane.
[0059] Further, the so-called "surfactant" or the like may be used
as the organic polymeric leveling agent. Since, however, this
function to lower the surface tension, solvents used are limited
and, for example, aqueous coating, such as alcoholic or emulsion
coating, is necessary.
[0060] When organic solvent systems are used, the above-described
polymeric materials, silicone-modified copolymer resins,
fluorocopolymer resins and the like may be used as the organic
polymeric leveling agent. Specific examples thereof include Chaline
Series manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. Further,
for example, Talen, Flowlen, and Polyflow, which are organic
copolymers such as low-molecular weight cellulose, manufactured by
Kyoeisha Chemical Co., Ltd. are also preferred.
[0061] Two or more organic polymeric leveling agents can also be
used in combination. For example, the addition of an internally
curable silicone in addition to a low-molecular weight cellulose
can also provide good results.
[0062] The amount of the organic polymeric leveling agent added is
preferably about 0.01 to 3% by weight based on the composition for
smoothing layer formation. If the amount of the organic polymeric
leveling agent added is less than 0.01% by weight, then the
leveling effect cannot be attained, while if it exceeds 3% by
weight, the post-adhesion is disadvantageously lowered.
[0063] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the release sheet for
the production of a synthetic leather according to the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the matte layer 3 has a multilayer
structure of two or more layers, i.e., releasable resin layers (3a
and 3b), and, among the layers constituting the multilayered matte
layer, each of all the releasable resin layers 3a except for at
least the layer 3b in contact with the surface of the substrate
contains a release agent comprising a silicone-modified resin or a
silicone-containing resin composition. In this case, as the layer
is closer to the surface of the matte layer, the content of the
release agent is increased.
[0064] When the formation of a matte layer having high smoothness
by coating the resin with a silicone resin or the like added
thereto and drying the coating is contemplated, the resin should be
coated to a large thickness. Coating of the resin to a large
thickness, however, deteriorates the drying properties of the
coating. Acceleration of the drying by strong heating or the like
for solving this problem deteriorates the smoothness of the matte
layer. A solution to this problem is to form a multilayered matte
layer. When the resin for matte layer formation contains a
silicone-modified resin or a silicone, however, mere stacking of
coatings formed using coating liquids having the same composition
poses a problem that the receptivity or adhesion to later stacked
layers for constituting the matte layer is deteriorated.
[0065] In the release sheet according to the present invention, as
described above, the formation of a matte layer having a multilayer
structure of releasable resin layers is advantageous in that, even
when the formation of a thick matte layer is contemplated due to
unsatisfactory smoothness of the substrate, the thickness of each
of the layers constituting the matte layer can be made small and,
in addition, the lower release layer can improve the smoothness,
whereby a smooth matte layer can be efficiently formed without
sacrificing the drying properties. Further, among the layers
constituting the multilayered matte layer, all the releasable resin
layers except for at least the innermost layer, that is, the outer
releasable resin layers, contain a silicone-modified resin or
silicone, and, in addition, as the releasable resin layer is closer
to the outer surface of the matte layer, the content of the
silicone-modified resin or silicone in the releasable resin layer
is higher. Therefore, the adhesion between the releasable resin
layers is not deteriorated.
[0066] What is required of the innermost layer constituting the
multilayered matte layer is only to function as a smoothness
improving layer, and the releasability is not required of the
innermost layer. Therefore, the addition of the silicone-modified
resin or silicone as the release agent to the innermost releasable
resin layer is not necessary. That is, in the innermost releasable
resin layer, the mixing ratio of the silicone-modified resin or
silicone may be 0 (zero). Since, however, good leveling is
necessary, the silicone-modified resin or silicone may be used as a
leveling agent in a limited minor amount. When the
silicone-modified resin or silicone is used as the leveling agent,
the silicone-modified resin or silicone may be used in combination
with the above leveling agent, or alternatively other leveling
agents may be used instead of the silicone-modified resin or
silicone.
[0067] The third embodiment of the release sheet for the production
of a synthetic leather according to the present invention
comprises: a matte layer having fine concaves and convexes on its
surface; and a substrate for supporting the matte layer, said matte
layer comprising a releasable resin layer, a releasable transparent
resin being provided so as to stay on the bottom of the concaves in
the concave-convex portion. The use of the release sheet having a
matte layer in which a transparent resin stays on the bottom of the
concaves in the concave-convex portion can realize the production
of a synthetic leather which is finer to the touch, that is, has
the so-called "peach skin-like" feel. Further, when the transparent
resin is used, synthetic leathers with different colors or with a
light color can be continuously produced without the influence of
the color of the previously produced synthetic leather and the
release sheet can be repeatedly used with safety.
[0068] FIG. 3 is a typical cross-sectional view of a principal part
illustrating the step of allowing a part of a coated transparent
synthetic resin layer to stay on the bottom of the concaves in the
fine concave-convex portion on the surface of the releasable resin
layer in the release sheet according to the present invention.
[0069] After a matte layer 3 is formed on a substrate 1, a
transparent synthetic resin liquid is coated onto the matte layer 3
to form a coating which is then heat dried to form a transparent
synthetic resin layer 5. The transparent synthetic resin layer 5 is
then separated from the release sheet 10. Thus, a broken
transparent synthetic resin 5' stays on the bottom of the concaves
in the fine concaves and convexes 4 of the matte layer 3.
[0070] More specifically, a transparent synthetic resin liquid is
coated onto the surface of the matte layer 3 in the release sheet
10. In this case, the synthetic resin liquid also enters the
concaves in the fine concaves and convexes. The coating is brought
into a film, for example, by heat drying to form a transparent
synthetic resin layer 5. When the transparent synthetic resin layer
5 is then separated from the release sheet 10, the transparent
synthetic resin layer 5, which has entered the concaves in the fine
concaves and convexes, is broken partway because the peeling
resistance at the time of separation is larger than the breaking
strength. As a result, a transparent synthetic resin 5' remains
unremoved on the bottom of the concaves (see FIG. 4). The broken
face of the transparent synthetic resin 5' remaining unremoved is
in an irregular and fine concave-convex form. Therefore, the whole
surface of the matte layer 2 is in the form of fine concaves and
convexes with different finesses which are suitable for imparting a
peach skin-like feel to the surface of the synthetic leather.
Accordingly, when a synthetic leather is produced using this
release sheet, a peach skin-like feel can be imparted to the
surface of the synthetic leather.
[0071] The resin used is not particularly limited. However, a part
of the resin, which has entered the concaves, should be broken with
proper breaking strength. To this end, for example, a resin
composition having the same formulation as the resin composition
for the formation of a skin layer in a synthetic leather except for
the absence of the colorant can be suitably used. Specific examples
of resin compositions usable herein include a polyurethane
composition in a paste form for a polyurethane leather (hereinafter
referred to simply as "PU leather"), in which additives other than
the colorant may be contained and the solid content is about 20 to
50% by weight, and a polyvinyl chloride composition for a PVC
leather, in which a PVC sol is generally used and, likewise,
additives other than the colorant, for example, a plasticizer and a
stabilizer, may be contained. The above synthetic resin may be
coated by a conventional coating method such as knife coating, roll
coating, or gravure coating. As shown in FIG. 5, the smoothing
layer 2 as described above may also be provided between the matte
layer and the substrate.
[0072] Papers such as kraft papers, wood free papers, and cast
coated papers may be used as the substrate for supporting the
smoothing layer and the matte layer. Other materials usable as the
substrate include: films of plastics, for example, polyesters such
as polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene naphthalate,
polyamides such as various nylons, and polypropylene; synthetic
papers; metal foils; woven fabrics; and nonwoven fabrics. These
materials may be used solely or as a proper laminate of two or more
of them.
[0073] The substrate preferably has a surface resistivity (Q) of
not more than 1.0.times.10.sup.12. In particular, preferably, the
substrate contains an organic polymeric conductive agent and/or an
inorganic conductive agent, or has, on any one side thereof, a
coating of the organic polymeric conductive agent and/or the
inorganic conductive agent, and the content of the conductive agent
is in the range of 0.05 to 3.00 g/m.sup.2 based on the
substrate.
[0074] When the resistivity of the substrate is in the above
defined range, antistatic effect can be attained. That is, at the
time of the formation of the matte layer and at the time of the
production of a synthetic leather using the release sheet, cracking
of the surface of the matte layer or of the synthetic leather by
the occurrence of static electricity can be prevented.
[0075] A possible formulation of main materials for constituting
the substrate is as follows. Regarding a pulp formulation, bleached
kraft pulp of a broad-leaved tree (L-BKP) and bleached kraft pulp
of a needle-leaved tree (N-BKP) are used as main pulp fibers, and
waste stuff or waste paper pulp is properly mixed thereinto.
Further, internal sizing agents, cationized starches, and
antifoaming agents, such as fatty esters and special paraffins, and
the like may be used as additives. In a substrate size press
process, a size press liquid containing a corn starch, a surface
sizing agent, a conductive agent and the like is coated onto a base
paper. In this size press process, the size press liquid is coated
on both sides of the substrate and is also impregnated into the
substrate.
[0076] Conductive agents usable herein are organic polymeric
conductive agents and/or inorganic conductive agents. Organic
polymeric conductive agents include: nonionic polymers such as
polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylamide, and polyethylene glycol; anionic
polar group-containing polymers such as sulfonated styrene resin;
and cationic polymers, for example, quaternary ammonium salts such
as quaternary ammonium chloride. Inorganic conductive agents
include calcium oxide, sodium aluminate, zinc oxide, tin oxide,
calcium chloride, lithium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium
chloride, sodium chloride, and carbon black.
[0077] The content of the conductive agent or the coverage of the
conductive agent on the surface of the substrate may be in the
range of 0.05 to 3.0 g/m.sup.2, preferably in the range of 0.2 to
2.0 g/m.sup.2. When the amount of the conductive agent is less than
0.05 g/m.sup.2, the surface resistivity of the substrate is likely
to exceed 1.0.times.10.sup.12.OMEGA. and, consequently, the
antistatic effect is unsatisfactory. For this reason, at the time
of the formation of the matte layer or at the time of the
production of a synthetic leather using this type of release sheet,
cracking occurs in the matte layer or the synthetic leather due to
the generation of static electricity. On the other hand, when the
amount of the conductive agent exceeds 3.0 g/m.sup.2, a further
improvement in the antistatic effect cannot be expected and,
further, in this case, the material cost is disadvantageously
increased.
[0078] On the other hand, when a plastic film or a metal foil is
used as the substrate, the provision of the smoothing layer is
unnecessary because the surface of the plastic film or metal foil
is generally smooth. In some cases, however, the adhesion to the
matte layer is unsatisfactory. In this case, the surface of the
substrate may be subjected to easy-adhesion treatment such as
corona discharge treatment or ozone treatment, or alternatively a
primer coating or the like may be applied to the surface of the
substrate.
[0079] A smoothing layer and a matte layer are formed on the
substrate. In the formation of the smoothing layer, the composition
for smoothing layer formation is provided as a coating liquid, and
the coating liquid is coated, for example, by a coating method such
as bar coating, air doctor coating, blade coating, squeeze coating,
air knife coating, roll coating, gravure coating, transfer coating,
Komma coating, smoothing coating, microgravure coating, reverse
roll coating, multiroll coating, dip coating, rod coating, kiss
coating, gate roll coating, drop curtain coating, slide coating,
fountain coating, or slit die coating. After the coating liquid is
coated, the coating is dried and solidified to form a smoothing
layer. Next, the composition for matte layer formation is provided
as a coating liquid and may be coated in the same manner as
described above to form a matte layer.
[0080] In the release sheet thus produced, the thickness of the
smoothing layer is preferably 0.5 to 10 g/m.sup.2 in terms of
coverage after drying of the coating. If the thickness of the
smoothing layer is less than 0.5 g/m.sup.2, then the contemplated
effect of the smoothing layer cannot be expected. On the other
hand, a thickness of more than 10 g/m.sup.2 causes a lowering in
drying speed and processing speed and is also disadvantageous from
the viewpoint of cost.
[0081] The thickness of the matte layer is preferably in the range
of 1.0 to 20 g/m.sup.2 in terms of coverage after drying of the
coating. If the thickness of the matte layer is less than 1.0
g/m.sup.2, then the formation of an even coating is difficult.
Coating to a larger thickness is preferred from the viewpoint of
providing a satisfactorily matte surface or from the viewpoint of
releasability. A thickness exceeding 20 g/m.sup.2, however, causes
a lowering in drying speed and processing speed and is also
disadvantageous from the viewpoint of cost.
[0082] In the release sheet thus obtained, a fine concave-convex
portion 4 is formed on the surface of the matte layer, and the
arithmetical mean roughness (Ra) of the matte surface is 0.5 to 15
.mu.m. More preferably, the mean spacing of profile irregularities
(concaves and convexes) (Sm) in the concave-convex portion on the
surface of the matte layer is 0.5 to 10 .mu.m.
[0083] In the release sheet in which a transparent resin is
provided so as to stay in the concaves, preferably, the
concave-convex portion has an arithmetical mean roughness (Ra) of
0.5 to 15 .mu.m, the mean spacing of profile irregularities
(concaves and convexes) (Sm) in the concave-convex portion is 0.5
to 10 .mu.m, and the mean inclination (.theta.a) of the concaves
and convexes is 45 degrees.ltoreq..theta.a<90 degrees. The
arithmetical mean roughness (Ra) of the fine concaves and convexes
and the mean spacing of profile irregularities (concaves and
convexes) (Sm) are values measured based on JIS B 0601-1994
"Surface roughness--Definitions and designation" under the
following measuring conditions.
Measuring Conditions
[0084] Tip radius of stylus: load 5 .mu.m: cut-off value 4 mN:
standard value described in Table 1 is selected.
[0085] Reference length: standard value described in Table 2 is
selected.
[0086] Measuring instrument: surface roughness measuring device
Suftest-201, manufactured by MITUTOYO CORPORATION
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Cut-off value .lamda.c, Evaluation length Ra
range, .mu.m mm Ln, mm 0.006 < Ra .ltoreq. 0.02 0.08 0.4 0.02
< Ra .ltoreq. 0.1 0.25 1.25 0.1 < Ra .ltoreq. 2.0 0.8 4.0 2.0
< Ra .ltoreq. 10.0 2.5 12.5 10.0 < Ra .ltoreq. 80.0 8.0
40.0
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Reference length Evaluation length Sm range,
.mu.m L, mm Ln, mm 0.013 < Sm .ltoreq. 0.04 0.08 0.4 0.04 <
Sm .ltoreq. 0.13 0.25 1.25 0.13 < Sm .ltoreq. 0.4 0.8 4.0 0.4
< Sm .ltoreq. 1.3 2.5 12.5 1.3 < Sm .ltoreq. 4.0 8.0 40.0
[0087] A synthetic leather can be produced using the above release
sheet by conventional paste coating method (vinyl chloride leather
method; hereinafter referred to as "PVC leather method") or dry
method (polyurethane leather method; hereinafter referred to as "PU
leather method").
[0088] Specifically, a synthetic leather with fine concaves and
convexes being formed on the surface thereof can be produced by
coating a resin composition for a skin layer in a synthetic leather
onto the surface of a matte layer in the release sheet, drying the
coating by heating to form a film as the skin layer, then
laminating a backing fabric onto the skin layer with the aid of an
adhesive, drying and aging the assembly, and then separating the
release sheet.
[0089] For example, in the formation of the PVC leather, a PVC
paste, wherein polyvinyl chloride is used as a main component and a
plasticizer, a foaming agent, a stabilizer, a colorant and the like
have been properly added to polyvinyl chloride, may be used as the
resin composition for a skin layer in the synthetic leather. In the
formation of the PU leather, a composition having a solid content
of about 20 to 50% by weight prepared by optionally adding a
colorant and other additives to a polyurethane solution may be
used. The above composition for skin layer formation may be coated
by conventional coating means such as knife coating, roll coating,
reverse roll coating, or gravure coating.
[0090] The synthetic leather produced by the above method is a
matte synthetic leather which has a matte surface with a high level
of jet-blackness without the practice of embossing, raising or the
like. Further, since the surface shape of the release sheet is
transferred onto the surface of the synthetic leather, the surface
of the synthetic leather has an arithmetical roughness (Ra) of 0.5
to 15 .mu.m and a glossiness in the range of 0.5 to 10% as measured
in 85-degree incidence/85-degree reflection.
[0091] Further, the synthetic leather produced using the release
sheet with a transparent resin staying in the concave portion of
the matte layer has on its surface a releasable transparent resin
layer. Therefore, the surface of the synthetic leather has a peach
skin-like feel and, at the same time, is less likely to be soiled
and, even when soiled, can be easily cleaned because the soil can
be easily removed.
[0092] The following examples further illustrate the present
invention but are not intended to limit it. It should be noted that
any technical idea, which has constitution and function and effect
substantially identical to that described in claims of the present
invention, are embraced within the technical scope of the present
invention.
EXAMPLES
Examples 1 to 3
[0093] A cast coated paper having a basis weight of 155 g/m.sup.2
manufactured by Oji Paper Co., Ltd. was provided as a substrate. A
coating liquid for smoothing layer formation having the following
composition was roll coated onto the cast coated face at a coverage
of 5 g/m.sup.2 on a dry basis, and the coating was dried by heating
at 160.degree. C. for one min or longer to form a smoothing layer.
Composition of coating liquid for smoothing layer formation
TABLE-US-00003 Melamine resin (Melan 28, manufactured 220 pts. wt.
by Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.) Alkyd resin (Phthalkyd 133-60, 100
pts. wt. manufactured by Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.) Acid catalyst
(p-toluenesulfonic acid) 8.4 pts. wt. Solvent (toluene/n-butyl
alcohol: 980 pts. wt. weight ratio = 1/1)
[0094] Next, coating liquids for matte layer formation having the
following compositions containing various types of silica shown in
Table 3 were roll coated onto the smoothing layer at a coverage of
10 g/m.sup.2 on a dry basis, and the coatings were dried by heating
at 180.degree. C. for one min or longer to form matte layers. Thus,
release sheets of Examples 1 to 3 were prepared.
TABLE-US-00004 Coating liquid for matte layer formation
Methylolated melamine resin 50 pts. wt. Silicone-modified alkyd
resin 50 pts. wt. Acid catalyst (p-toluenesulfonic 4.2 pts. wt.
acid) Porous fine particles (silica: 10 pts. wt. see Table 2)
Solvent (toluene/n-butyl alcohol: 500 pts. wt. weight ratio =
1/1)
[0095] The coating liquids for matte layer formation, when coated
on the smoothing layer, could be evenly coated without cissing,
and, upon curing by heating, each of the coatings could form a
smoothing layer having good adhesion to the matte layer. FIG. 6
shows an electron photomicrograph of the surface of the release
sheet produced in Example 1.
[0096] For the release sheets of Examples 1 to 3 thus prepared, the
arithmetical mean roughness (Ra) of the surface of the matte layer
is shown in Table 3.
[0097] The following two synthetic leathers, a PVC leather and a PU
leather, were prepared using the release sheets of Examples 1 to 3
thus obtained.
Preparation of Matte PVC Leather
[0098] A PVC composition (paste), for the formation of a skin layer
in a synthetic leather, prepared by mixing 100 parts by weight of a
PVC resin (molecular weight 1,000), 60 parts by weight of a
plasticizer DOP, 5 parts by weight of a foaming agent, 2.5 parts by
weight of a stabilizer, and 15 parts by weight of a colorant
(SEIKASEVEN NET-5794 Black, manufactured by Dainichiseika Color
& Chemicals Manufacturing Co., Ltd.) together was knife coated
onto the surface of the matte layer in the release sheet of Example
1 at a coverage of 150 g/m.sup.2 on a dry basis. The coating was
dried by heating at 190 to 200.degree. C. for 2 min or longer.
Thereafter, a backing fabric was applied onto the dried coating
with the aid of an adhesive, and the laminate was dried and aged.
The release sheet was then separated and removed to prepare a PVC
leather 1.
[0099] The PVC leather 1 thus obtained could be easily separated
from the release sheet without significant peeling resistance and
had a matte surface with a high level of jet-blackness. The
glossiness of the PVC leather thus obtained was measured under
conditions of 85-degree incidence/85-degree reflection. The results
of the measurement of surface glossiness of the PVC leather are
shown in Table 3. FIG. 7 shows an electron photomicrograph of the
surface of the PVC leather 1 prepared in Example 1.
Preparation of Matte PU Leather
[0100] A PU composition (paste), for the formation of a skin layer
in a synthetic leather, prepared by mixing 100 parts by weight of
polyurethane (Resamine NE-8811, manufactured by Dainichiseika Color
& Chemicals Manufacturing Co., Ltd.), 15 parts by weight of a
colorant (SEIKASEVEN NET-5794 Black, manufactured by Dainichiseika
Color & Chemicals Manufacturing Co., Ltd.), 25 parts by weight
of toluene, and 25 parts by weight of isopropyl alcohol together
was knife coated onto the surface of the matte layer in the release
sheet of Example 1 at a coverage of 150 g/m.sup.2 on a dry basis.
The coating was dried by heating at 100 to 120.degree. C. for 2 min
or longer. Thereafter, a backing fabric was applied onto the dried
coating with the aid of an adhesive, and the laminate was dried and
aged. The release sheet was then separated and removed to prepare a
PU leather 1.
[0101] The PU leather 1 thus obtained could be easily separated
from the release sheet without significant peeling resistance and
had a matte surface with a high level of jet-blackness. Even after
the repetition of the preparation of the PU leather 1 three times
or more, the leather had the same matte surface as in the first
preparation of the synthetic leather.
Comparative Examples 1 and 2
[0102] Release sheets were prepared in the same manner as in
Example 1, except that fine particles shown in Table 3 were used
instead of the porous fine particles used in the coating liquid for
matte layer formation in Example 1. Synthetic leathers were
prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the
release sheets prepared just above were used. The arithmetical mean
roughness (Ra) of the release sheets thus obtained and the
glossiness of the PVC leathers produced using the release sheets
were measured, and the results are shown in Table 3.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 3 Release Fine particles (silica) sheet
Particle Specific Surface PVC leather diameter, surface Surface
roughness Glossiness, .mu.m area, m.sup.2/g treatment Ra, .mu.m %
Ex. 1 2.5 150 Organic 2.0 1.2 Ex. 2 1.0 200 Organic 1.0 1.1 Ex. 3
10.0 60 Organic 10.2 1.6 Comp. 2.5 1500 Organic 2.1 17.0 Ex. 1
Comp. 2.5 0.1 Inorganic 1.7 20.0 Ex. 2
Example 4
Preparation of PVC Leather Having Combination of Matte Tone with
Peach Skin Tone
[0103] A release sheet 4 was prepared in quite the same manner as
in Example 1, except that a mixture of 10 parts by weight of
silica, which had been subjected to organic surface treatment and
had a mean particle diameter of 5.2 .mu.m (specific surface area:
340 to 350 m.sup.2/g) (SYLYSIA 456, manufactured by Fuji Silysia
Chemical Ltd.), with 10 parts by weight of silica which had been
subjected to organic surface treatment and had a mean particle
diameter of 2.5 .mu.m (specific surface area: 340 to 350 m.sup.2/g)
(SYLYSIA 436, manufactured by Fuji Silysia Chemical Ltd.) was used
as the porous fine particles. Skin layers for a synthetic leather
were formed on the surface of the matte layer in the release sheet
4 as follows. At the outset, a PVC composition (paste) prepared by
mixing 100 parts by weight of PVC (molecular weight 1,000), 60
parts by weight of a plasticizer (DOP), and 1 (one) part by weight
of a water-dispersed silicone release agent (amino-modified
silicone) together was gravure coated at a coverage of 2 g/m.sup.2
on a dry basis, and the coating was dried. Next, a PVC composition
(paste), for skin layer formation in a synthetic leather, prepared
by mixing 100 parts by weight of a PVC resin (molecular weight
1,000), 60 parts by weight of a plasticizer DOP, 5 parts by weight
of a foaming agent, 2.5 parts by weight of a stabilizer, and 15
parts by weight of a colorant (SEIKASEVEN NET-5794 Black,
manufactured by Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Manufacturing
Co., Ltd.) together was knife coated thereon at a coverage of 150
g/m.sup.2 on a dry basis, and the coating was then dried by heating
at 190 to 200.degree. C. for 2 min or longer. Thereafter, a backing
fabric was applied onto the dried coating with the aid of an
adhesive, and the laminate was dried and aged. The release sheet
was then separated and removed to prepare a PVC leather 4.
[0104] The PVC leather 4 thus obtained had a releasable thin
transparent PVC resin layer on its surface, and the surface thereof
was a fine touch surface having a combination of a matte tone with
a peach skin tone. After the separation of the release sheet, the
PVC transparent resin remained unremoved on the bottom of the
concaves in the fine concave-convex portion on the surface of the
release sheet, and the colored PVC (PVC leather side) resin was not
transferred onto and was absent on the release sheet side.
[0105] The preparation of PVC leather with different colors was
repeated five times using the release sheet in Example 4 in the
same manner as in Example 4. As a result, the release sheet could
be easily separated from the synthetic leather without significant
peeling resistance. Further, since the release sheet could be
continuously used without the transfer of the colored PVC resin in
the leather skin layer onto the release sheet, PVC leathers having
an excellent matte surface could be efficiently produced.
Example 5
Preparation of PU Leather Having Combination of Matte Tone with
Peach Skin Tone
[0106] Skin layers for a synthetic leather were formed on the
surface of the matte layer in the same release sheet as prepared in
Example 4 as follows. At the outset, a coating liquid prepared by
mixing 100 parts by weight of a polyurethane composition (Resamine
NE-8811, manufactured by Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals
Manufacturing Co., Ltd.), 0.5 part by weight of a silicone release
agent (amino-modified silicone), 0.5 part by weight of
epoxy-modified silicone, and 25 parts by weight of toluene and 25
parts by weight of isopropyl alcohol (hereinafter referred to as
"IPA") as solvents together was gravure coated on the surface of
the matte layer at a coverage of 1.5 g/m.sup.2 on a dry basis, and
the coatings were then dried. Next, a PU composition (black colored
paste), for the formation of a skin layer in a synthetic leather,
prepared by mixing 100 parts by weight of polyurethane (Resamine
NE-8811, manufactured by Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals
Manufacturing Co., Ltd.), 15 parts by weight of a colorant
(SEIKASEVEN NET-5794 Black, manufactured by Dainichiseika Color
& Chemicals Manufacturing Co., Ltd.), 25 parts by weight of
toluene, and 25 parts by weight of IPA together was knife coated
thereon at a coverage of 150 g/m.sup.2 on a dry basis, and the
coating was dried by heating at 100 to 120.degree. C. for 2 min or
longer. Thereafter, a backing fabric was applied onto the dried
coating with the aid of an adhesive, and the laminate was dried and
aged. The release sheet was then separated and removed to prepare a
PU leather 5.
[0107] The PU leather 5 thus obtained had a releasable thin
transparent PU resin layer on its surface, and, as with the
synthetic leather prepared in Example 4, the PU leather 5 had a
surface with a combination of a matte tone having a high level of
jet-blackness with a peach skin tone. After the separation of the
release sheet, the PU transparent resin remained unremoved on the
bottom of the concaves in the fine concave-convex portion on the
surface of the release sheet, and the colored PU (PU leather side)
resin was not transferred onto and was absent on the release sheet
side.
[0108] The preparation of PU leather with different colors was
repeated five times using the release sheet in Example 5 in the
same manner as in Example 5. As a result, the release sheet could
be easily separated from the synthetic leather without significant
peeling resistance. Further, since the release sheet could be
continuously used without the transfer of the colored PU resin in
the leather skin layer onto the release sheet, PU leathers having
an excellent matte surface could be efficiently produced.
Example 6
[0109] A release sheet 6 was prepared in quite the same manner as
in Example 1, except that 40 parts by weight of silica, which had
been subjected to organic surface treatment and had a mean particle
diameter of 5.2 .mu.m (specific surface area: 340 to 350 m.sup.2/g)
(SYLYSIA 456, manufactured by Fuji Silysia Chemical Ltd.), was used
as the porous fine particles.
[0110] Fine concaves and convexes formed on the surface of the
matte layer in the release sheet 6 had an arithmetical mean
roughness (Ra) of 0.54 .mu.m, a mean profile irregularity spacing
(Sm) of 9 .mu.m, and a mean inclination (.theta.a) of 47 degrees
and were good as fine concaves and convexes for imparting peach
skin-like appearance and touch to the surface of the synthetic
leather.
[0111] A PU leather with a skin layer having a two-layer structure
of a releasable thin transparent resin layer provided on the
surface side and a colored resin layer provided on the inner layer
side was prepared as follows. At the outset, a coating liquid
prepared by mixing 100 parts by weight of a polyurethane
composition (Resamine NE-8811, manufactured by Dainichiseika Color
& Chemicals Manufacturing Co., Ltd.), 0.5 part by weight of a
silicone release agent (amino-modified silicone), 0.5 part by
weight of epoxy-modified silicone, and 25 parts by weight of
toluene and 25 parts by weight of IPA as solvents together was
gravure coated on the surface of the matte layer in the release
sheet 6 at a coverage of 2.0 g/m.sup.2 on a dry basis, and the
coatings were then dried. Next, a PU composition (red colored
paste), for the formation of a skin layer in a synthetic leather,
prepared by mixing 100 parts by weight of polyurethane (Resamine
NE-8811, manufactured by Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals
Manufacturing Co., Ltd.), 15 parts by weight of a colorant
(SEIKASEVEN NET-5194 Red, manufactured by Dainichiseika Color &
Chemicals Manufacturing Co., Ltd.), 25 parts by weight of toluene,
and 25 parts by weight of IPA together was knife coated thereon at
a coverage of 150 g/m.sup.2 on a dry basis, and the coating was
dried by heating at 100 to 120.degree. C. for 2 min or longer.
Thereafter, a backing fabric was applied onto the dried coating
with the aid of an adhesive, and the laminate was dried and aged.
The release sheet was then separated and removed to prepare a PU
leather 6.
[0112] In the PU leather 6 thus obtained, the skin layer had such a
construction that a releasable thin transparent PU resin layer was
provided on the upper surface of a colored PU resin layer. By
virtue of this construction, the PU leather 6 had unique soft color
impression and had good peach skin-like appearance and feel. After
the separation of the release sheet, the PU transparent resin
remained unremoved on the bottom of the concaves in the fine
concave-convex portion on the surface of the release sheet, and the
colored PU (PU leather side) resin was not transferred onto and was
absent on the release sheet side.
[0113] The preparation of PU leather with different colors was
repeated five times using the release sheet in Example 5 in the
same manner as in Example 5. As a result, the release sheet could
be easily separated from the synthetic leather without significant
peeling resistance. Further, since the release sheet could be
continuously used without the transfer of the colored PU resin in
the leather skin layer onto the release sheet, PU leathers having
an excellent matte surface could be efficiently produced.
* * * * *