Metallized film and decorative articles made therewith

Abstract

A metallized film comprises an opaque, continuous layer of metal on an aliphatic polyurethane substrate. The polyurethane substrate displays a glass transition temperature of about 25° to 110° C. and a melting temperature greater than or equal to 200° C. Decorative articles can be made with the metallized film.

The embodiments for which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:  
     
         1 . A metallized film comprising a continuous, opaque layer of metal in direct contact with an aliphatic polyurethane substrate that has a glass transition temperature of about 25° to 110° C. and a melting temperature greater than or equal to 200° C.  
     
     
         2 . A metallized film according to  claim 1  wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of tin, chromium, nickel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, indium, gold, silver, and alloys thereof.  
     
     
         3 . A metallized film according to  claim 1  wherein the polyurethane substrate is derived from an aqueous urethane dispersion.  
     
     
         4 . A metallized film according to  claim 1  wherein the layer of metal is visible through the polyurethane substrate.  
     
     
         5 . A metallized film according to  claim 1  wherein the polyurethane substrate includes a crosslinking agent therefor.  
     
     
         6 . A metallized film according to  claim 1  further comprising a primer layer on the layer of metal for improving the adhesion of the layer of metal to a subsequent material.  
     
     
         7 . A metallized film according to  claim 1  further comprising a color layer on the polyurethane substrate.  
     
     
         8 . A metallized film according to  claim 7  further comprising a protective clear coat layer on the color layer.  
     
     
         9 . A metallized film according to  claim 8  further comprising a primer layer on the layer of metal for improving the adhesion of the layer of metal to a subsequent surface.  
     
     
         10 . A metallized film according to  claim 9  wherein the layer of metal is visible through the protective clear coat layer, the color layer, and the polyurethane substrate.  
     
     
         11 . A decorative article comprising a metallized film according to  claim 1  secured to a reinforcing layer.  
     
     
         12 . A decorative article according to  claim 11  further comprising a primer layer between the layer of metal and the reinforcing layer.  
     
     
         13 . A decorative article according to  claim 12  further comprising an adhesive on the reinforcing layer for attaching the decorative article to a subsequent surface.  
     
     
         14 . A decorative article according to  claim 11  wherein the decorative article has a highly reflective, highly polished, mirrorlike appearance.  
     
     
         15 . A decorative article according to  claim 11  that shows no appreciable change in appearance after 7 days in a 93° C. oven.  
     
     
         16 . A decorative article according to  claim 11  that shows no appreciable change in appearance after 2000 hours of xenon arc accelerated weathering exposure.