Mercerville, N.J.—Since 2000, Congoleum Corp. has introduced a slew of products whose success was due, in part, to their innovative UltraShield wear surfaces. These technologies were innovative enough to earn the resilient manufacturer the first patent for a floor covering unitizing texture and nanotechnology. As a testament to this technology, the company announced it has been granted a second patent. This broadens the scope of the technological protection for the unique wear surface used in the manufacture of Ultima, DuraStone HPF and DuraCeramic.

“From the onset,” said Roger Marcus, Congoleum’s president and CEO, “we believed our unique wear surface was revolutionary and would take Congoleum to the next level in product aesthetics and performance. The second patent is certainly a strong statement that we’re moving forward and continue to offer retailers superior products manufactured with progressive techniques.” Dennis Jarosz, Congoleum’s senior vice president of sales and marketing, said, in addition to the wear layer and surface glaze, the new patent covers the manufacturing processes of these goods. As for the wear surfaces, Ultima’s is reinforced and strengthened with microsized nylon particles and aluminum oxide.

To achieve this, Congoleum’s patented manufacturing process incorporates nanotechnology—the science of very small particles—to increase the product’s performance; produce a realistic, rugged feel, and ultimately, create a more durable floor. DuraStone’s surface glaze features a satingloss acrylic polymer matrix along with nylon particles which are suspended in the glaze to protect against wear and create realistic textures and natural visual. Finally, DuraCeramic’s surface also features nylon particles and aluminum oxide.

n addition, its unique construction makes it warmer to the touch and faster to install than ordinary ceramic tile. “The products covered by the two patents have changed the face of the floor covering industry and contribute significantly to the momentum Congoleum has gained since the dawn of the new millennia,” Jarosz concluded. “With a third patent in the works, Congoleum will further reinforce its position as an industry leader with a solid, patent-protected portfolio of technologically innovative products.”