The aim of the research project is a temperature-connective polyurethane (PU) coating made of specially developed thermoplastic polyurethanes with thermally switchable crosslinking functions as end groups (cooperative TPUs).

Such a temperature-connective PU coating enables an efficient renovation of resilient floor coverings: on the one hand, it is possible to renew them completely or partially, and on the other hand, it can be structured by means of embossing moulds. By means of embossing, properties relevant to floor coverings (e.g. optical appearance, slip resistance, soiling behaviour) can be adjusted during manufacture and maintained during the service life by restructuring.

The temperature-connective PU coating shows a reversible change of its cross-linking state as a function of temperature, whereby it wets the floor covering homogeneously under application conditions (low-viscosity state), enables effective structuring in the embossing process (high-viscosity state) and exhibits high mechanical stability under conditions of use (solid state).

High adhesion during use is achieved by temperature-connective wear layers of elastic floor coverings, which form reversible bonds to the temperature-connective PU coating. The project results provide an innovative coating for elastic floor coverings to the predominantly small and medium-sized cleaning service providers and the manufacturers of elastic floor coverings.

Due to the efficient renovation of floor coverings with such a coating, the costly use of renewable maintenance films can be dispensed with, resulting in economic advantages for cleaning service providers. Manufacturers of resilient floor coverings can further expand their market share or open up new sales markets.