IT202200024585A1 - MULTILAYER FILM, ITS PRODUCTION METHOD AND DECORATIVE ARTICLE - Google Patents

Description

Description of the invention entitled:

?MULTILAYER FILM, ITS PRODUCTION METHOD AND DECORATIVE ARTICLE?

SCOPE OF APPLICATION

The present invention relates to a multilayer film based on polyolefin material. More specifically, the present invention relates to a multilayer film based on polyolefin material for applications on floors, in particular applications on laminate floors, or applications on furnishing elements.

STATE OF THE TECHNOLOGY

In the laminate flooring industry, a pressed wood substrate, such as medium density fibreboard (MDF) or high density fibreboard (HDF), has long been used, to which a sheet of paper printed with wood patterns is glued and an ultraviolet-curing varnish is applied to provide wear resistance.

One problem with this type of conventional product is that it has no resistance to humidity and cannot be used in kitchen or bathroom floor applications, where water is present in large proportions.

Well-known laminate floors introduced into the market have a base layer with a printed face and a protective layer applied on one surface of the base layer. The printed face is, for example, intended to give the laminate floor a wood-like appearance. Both layers are made of PVC-type plastic materials. The advantage of this type of product over wood is its resistance to moisture.

One disadvantage of known laminate floors is that some of the plasticizers used in their production are considered harmful to humans. Another disadvantage, as far as aesthetics are concerned, is that known laminate floors reproduce the appearance of wood, but do not reproduce the uneven surface of natural wood and provide a completely flat and smooth surface, which does not allow the sensation of touching wood.

Some solutions have been proposed to solve this last problem.

For example, EP-A-3 865300 describes a transparent film for protecting an image layer on one side of a substrate, which comprises a surface protective layer and a transparent resin layer. The film has a pattern of protrusions and depressions on one surface of the side of the protective layer.

EP-A-3957477 describes a transparent film to be laminated onto a surface comprising an image layer, the transparent film having a configuration of protrusions and depressions on a side opposite to the side to be laminated, the film is laminated by thermal lamination, using an embossing roller to laminate and produce the embossing on the side in contact with the hot roller. This is a typical PVC process for lamination and embossing.

EP-B-2 130991 is similar to the prior art document above, and describes a laminate film where a printed paper is thermo-laminated with a thermoplastic film that is embossed at the same time.

EP-A-3950326 describes a multilayer transparent anti-wear film, comprising two materials having different melting temperatures and including a flame retardant.

However, these well-known films have some disadvantages, in particular that of having an embossed layer that is embossed on both sides, which requires the use of large quantities of adhesive to obtain correct adhesion on the other layers of the film.

There is therefore a need to perfect a laminate floor that can overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art.

To do this, it is necessary to solve the technical problem of making a laminate floor that is highly wear-resistant, water-resistant, not harmful to human health and that requires smaller quantities of adhesive to achieve correct adhesion of the embossed layer.

In particular, an object of the present invention is to produce a multilayer film for floor applications, having an embossed layer that requires smaller quantities of adhesive than films of the prior art.

A further aim of the present invention is to produce a multilayer film, to be applied on flooring materials, with high resistance to wear and humidity and which is free of PVC.

A further aim of the present invention is to create a multilayer film that can provide a more wood-like appearance and a more wood-like feel.

To overcome the drawbacks of the known art and to obtain these and further purposes and advantages, the Applicant has studied, tested and created the present invention.

EXHIBITION OF THE FINDING

The present invention is expressed and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims set forth other characteristics of the present invention or variants of the main solution idea.

In accordance with the above-mentioned purposes and to solve the above-mentioned technical problem in a new and original way, also obtaining significant advantages with respect to the prior art, a multilayer film according to the present invention, to be applied on floor articles or furnishing articles, comprises a base layer comprising an oriented opaque polyolefin film and a protective layer associated with one face of the base layer and comprising a transparent polyolefin film and an embossed layer. Preferably, the base layer is constituted by the oriented opaque polyolefin film, and/or the protective layer is constituted by the transparent polyolefin film and the embossed layer. More preferably, the transparent polyolefin film is an oriented transparent polyolefin film. The polyolefin film and the embossed layer are made to adhere to each other.

Advantageously, the embossed layer is provided in the form of a coating on the transparent polyolefin layer. In particular, it is applied to the transparent polyolefin film by extrusion coating. The embossed layer has an embossed face and, advantageously, a smooth face opposite the embossed face. The protective layer has a first embossed face, i.e. having a plurality of reliefs and depressions randomly distributed on the first face. The first face of the protective layer, corresponding to the embossed face of the embossed layer, is advantageously placed towards the outside of the film, i.e. it is the external face of the multilayer film. This first face of the protective layer is not the face directly associated with the base layer. As will be explained in more detail in the following description, the embossed face of the protective layer is obtained by adding, on the transparent polyolefin film, by extrusion coating, a layer of molten polyolefin, so that the molten layer is applied directly thereon, without the use of adhesives. This extruded molten layer is cooled over an embossed cooling roller, which generates the embossed surface as the extruded polyolefin layer cools.

The protective layer also has a second face, opposite to the first, which is smooth. This second face, which corresponds to a face of the transparent polyolefin film, is intended to be adhered to the base layer.

The embossed face therefore allows the external surface of the multilayer film to be given a particular appearance and consistency that can recall those of a natural material, such as wood. This embossed surface is designed to be oriented towards the outside when the multilayer film is applied to an article, in particular a flooring article. The second smooth face of the protective layer allows the latter to adhere correctly to the base layer, using smaller quantities of adhesive compared to state-of-the-art films.

In particular, the base layer is opaque, meaning it is not transparent, i.e. it is pigmented or has a print on one side. In accordance with embodiments, the protective layer is fixed directly to one side of the base layer, preferably by gluing. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the multilayer film also comprises an adhesive layer between the base layer and the protective layer. Preferably, the adhesive is acrylic, a solvent-based PU adhesive or a solvent-free PU adhesive, more preferably a solvent-free PU adhesive.

In accordance with embodiments, the adhesive has a weight, or grammage, of less than 20 g/m<2>, preferably less than 10 g/m<2>, more preferably less than 5 g/m<2>.

It is therefore advantageous to provide that the first face of the base layer is smooth, so that the second face of the protective layer, also smooth, can be applied, or glued, to the base layer easily and efficiently.

In accordance with embodiments, the base layer is a biaxially oriented opaque polyolefin film, e.g. selected from polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) or their copolymers. The base layer is preferably a biaxially oriented polypropylene film (BOPP). Such a base layer may be printed using techniques such as standard flexographic, offset, gravure or digital printing.

In accordance with embodiments, at least one of the faces of the base layer is treated in order to increase the surface tension, in particular by corona, flame or plasma treatment. Preferably, both faces of the base layer are treated by corona, flame or plasma treatment. More preferably, the surface tension of one or both faces of the base layer is at least 38 dyne/cm.

According to embodiments, the transparent polyolefin film is a biaxially oriented transparent polyolefin film, e.g. selected from polypropylene homopolymer, polypropylene copolymer, or polyethylene. According to embodiments, the embossed layer is a polyolefin film, e.g. made from polypropylene.

In accordance with embodiments, the protective layer comprises a UV protection agent. Preferably, the UV protection agent is a UV stabilizer. More preferably, the UV protection agent is a Hindered-Amine Light Stabilizer (HALS). The UV protection agent is advantageously incorporated into the composition of the layer.

In accordance with embodiments, the base layer comprises a UV protection agent. Preferably, the UV protection agent is a UV stabilizer. More preferably, the UV protection agent is a hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS). The UV protection agent is advantageously incorporated into the composition of the layer.

It is possible to provide that only one of the protective layer and the base layer is UV-stabilised, or that both the protective layer and the base layer are UV-stabilised.

In accordance with embodiments, the protective layer further comprises a polymerizable paint, i.e. a paint that can be polymerized to improve the wear resistance of the layer. In particular, the first face of the protective layer has a coating made from the polymerizable paint. The paint is an ultraviolet (UV)-curing paint or an electron beam (EB)-curing paint. The paint may be an acrylic paint, a polyurethane (PU) paint, or a mixture of both. The paint may also be mattified, by suitable treatment, in particular by exposure to a UV excimer lamp.

According to embodiments, the base layer has a thickness of between 25 ?m and 100 ?m, preferably between 30 ?m and 70 ?m.

According to embodiments, the protective layer has a thickness of between 75 ?m and 220 ?m, preferably between 85 ?m and 210 ?m, more preferably between 100 ?m and 200 ?m.

According to embodiments, the multilayer film has a total thickness of between 100 μm and 320 μm, preferably between 115 μm and 240 μm, more preferably between 125 μm and 210 μm.

The multilayer film of the present invention is suitable for application on floor items for any type of use, even in kitchens and bathrooms, where water is present.

The multilayer film of the invention can be applied on wooden panels, for example MDF or HDF wooden panels, obtaining a flooring laminate having a high resistance to humidity and water and an excellent resistance to wear.

The multilayer film of the invention can also be applied on plastic panels, such as polyolefins with fillers, obtaining a flooring laminate with better water resistance than flooring laminates with wooden panels and the multilayer film of the invention.

According to one aspect of the invention, a method for producing a multilayer film to be applied to a floor item or a furnishing item includes a step of laminating a base layer, comprising an oriented opaque polyolefin film, with a protective layer containing a transparent polyolefin film and an embossed layer and comprising a first face facing outwards which has an embossment. In doing so, the protective layer comprises a first embossed face, i.e. having a plurality of reliefs and depressions randomly distributed on the first face.

In accordance with embodiments, prior to the aforementioned lamination step, the method includes a step of extruding and orienting a transparent polyolefin film, followed by a subsequent step of extrusion coating of a second molten layer of transparent polyolefin polymer.

The method advantageously includes an embossing step of the second layer of transparent polyolefin polymer. Preferably, the embossing is carried out by cooling the second layer over an embossed cooling roller, so as to generate a protective layer with an embossed surface. In this way, the protective layer has a second face, opposite to the first embossed face, which is smooth. This second smooth face adheres more easily to the base layer and requires smaller quantities of adhesive. The second layer of transparent polyolefin polymer becomes the embossed layer of the multilayer film.

In accordance with embodiments, between the extrusion step of the transparent polyolefin film and the co-extrusion step of the transparent polyolefin film with the embossed layer, an orientation step of the transparent polyolefin film is provided. The orientation step preferably comprises a biaxial orientation of the transparent polyolefin film.

In particular, the base layer is opaque, meaning that it is not transparent, that is, it is pigmented or printed, especially printed on one side.

In accordance with embodiments, the base layer and the protective layer are laminated with an adhesive layer.

Preferably, the adhesive is an acrylic, solvent-based PU adhesive or solvent-free PU adhesive, most preferably a solvent-free PU adhesive.

In accordance with embodiments, the adhesive has a weight, or grammage, of less than 20 g/m<2>, preferably less than 10 g/m<2>, more preferably less than 5 g/m<2>.

It is therefore advantageous to provide that the faces of the base layer are smooth, so that they can be glued, or more generally applied, to another surface. It is also advantageous that the second face of the protective layer, opposite the first face, is also smooth so that it can be applied, or glued, to one face of the base layer.

In accordance with embodiments, the base layer is a biaxially oriented polyolefin film, e.g. selected from polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) or their copolymers. The base layer is preferably a biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film. Such a base layer may be printed using techniques such as standard flexographic, offset, rotogravure or digital printing.

According to embodiments, the transparent polyolefin film is a biaxially oriented transparent polyolefin film, e.g., chosen from polypropylene homopolymer, polypropylene copolymer, or polyethylene.

In accordance with embodiments, the embossed layer is a polyolefin film, e.g. made of polypropylene. The embossed layer is non-oriented.

According to embodiments, the protective layer and/or the base layer comprise a UV protection agent. Preferably, the UV protection agent is a UV stabilizer. More preferably, the UV protection agent is a hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS). The UV protection agent is advantageously incorporated into the composition of the layer.

In accordance with embodiments, the protective layer further comprises a polymerizable varnish, i.e. a varnish that can be polymerized to improve the wear resistance of the layer. The varnish can be an acrylic varnish, a polyurethane (PU) varnish or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the varnish is polymerized by UV or EB radiation. The varnish can also be mattified, by suitable treatment, in particular with an excimer UV lamp. Some particles such as quartz, topaz or corundum, can be added to improve the wear resistance.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a decorative article is provided which comprises a floor article or a furnishing article, on a surface of which is applied a multilayer film composed of a base layer comprising an oriented opaque polyolefin film and a protective layer associated with one face of the base layer and comprising a transparent polyolefin film and an embossed layer, wherein the protective layer has a first embossed face and a second face, opposite to the first face, which is smooth. The polyolefin film and the embossed layer are made to adhere to each other, in particular without adhesives.

Advantageously, the multilayer film is as defined above. According to embodiments, the decorative article comprises a wooden panel as a floor article, for example an MDF or HDF wooden panel. Alternatively, the decorative article may comprise a plastic panel, for example made of a SPC (Stories Polymer Composite) polyolefin.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for making a decorative article involves laminating, on a floor article or a furnishing article, a multilayer film composed of a base layer comprising an oriented opaque polyolefin film and a protective layer associated with one face of the base layer and comprising a transparent polyolefin film and an embossed layer, wherein the protective layer has a first embossed face and a second face, opposite to the first face, which is smooth.

Advantageously, the multilayer film is as defined above. According to embodiments, the multilayer film is laminated onto the floor covering or furniture item using an adhesive such as PVAC, Acrylic or polyurethane type. Polyurethane is preferred.

According to embodiments, the multilayer film is laminated onto flooring items, preferably a wood panel, such as MDF or HDF wood panel, or a plastic panel, such as a polyolefin-based panel.

ILLUSTRATION OF DRAWINGS

These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear clear from the following description of some embodiments, provided by way of example, not limitation, with reference to the attached drawings in which:

- fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a multilayer film according to the present invention; and

- Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view of a decorative article comprising a laminated flooring article with a multilayer film in accordance with the present invention.

It is specified that in this description the phraseology and terminology used, such as the terms horizontal, vertical, front, rear, high, low, internal and external, with their declinations, have the sole function of better illustrating the present invention with reference to the figures of the attached drawings, and must not be used in any way to limit the scope of the invention itself, or the scope of protection defined in the attached claims.

Furthermore, persons skilled in the art will recognize that certain dimensions or features in the figures may have been enlarged, distorted, or shown in a non-conventional or non-proportional manner to provide a more easily understood version of the present invention. Where dimensions and/or values are specified in the following description, the dimensions and/or values are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention unless such dimensions and/or values are set forth in the appended claims.

For ease of understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the figures. It should be understood that elements and features of one embodiment may be conveniently incorporated into other embodiments without further specification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME FORMS OF

REALIZATION

With reference to fig. 1, a multilayer film 10 according to the present invention, to be applied on floor items or furnishing items, comprises a base layer 11 on which a protective layer 12 is laminated, by means of an adhesive layer 13 placed between the base layer 11 and the protective layer 12.

The base layer 11 is a BOPP film that is printed, and has a first face 14, on which the adhesive layer 13 is directly applied, and a second face 15 suitable for application to a flooring item 21 or a furniture item. Both the first face 14 and the second face 15 of the base layer are smooth, in order to improve adhesion to the protective layer 12 and to the flooring item or furniture item. The smooth faces allow for a reduction in the amount of adhesive material needed to achieve good adhesion of the layers.

The base layer 11 is printed on the first surface 14 using flexo, offset or rotogravure printing. In order to be able to see the print, the adhesive layer 13 and the protective layer 12 are both transparent. The base layer 11 is also corona treated on both sides to improve its adhesion to inks and adhesives. The base layer can be flame or plasma treated.

The protective layer 12 is composed of a transparent oriented polyolefin film 16, in particular a biaxially oriented polypropylene film BOPP 16, and an embossed layer 17 made of polypropylene (fig. 1) and having an embossed face. Some examples of polymeric materials available on the market for the production of the protective layer 12 are PP 044 W3F, PP 064 M1F or PR 255 W1F produced by Repsol.

The protective layer 12 has a first face 18 positioned externally with respect to the multilayer film 10, and which therefore constitutes the external surface of the multilayer film 10, and a second face 19 on which the adhesive layer 13 is directly applied. The second face 19 of the protective layer 12 is also smooth, like the faces 14, 15 of the base layer 11, in order to improve the adhesion of the adhesive layer 13.

The use of a transparent BOPP film 16 in the protective layer 12 is particularly useful as it provides the multilayer film with better mechanical properties, especially with regard to the rigidity of the multilayer film, thus allowing the creation of thinner layers with the same rigidity.

The first face 18 of the protective layer is the embossed face of the embossed layer 17. It provides both an appearance and a texture resembling those of a natural material, for example natural wood. In this case, the printing made on the base layer advantageously reproduces the color and shape of wood. The embossing of the first face 18 contains a plurality of alternating reliefs 18a and depressions 18b distributed in a predetermined manner, so as to reproduce the shape of wood. The reliefs and depressions have the shape of lines, and can be circular, curved or rectilinear, so as to reproduce the grain of wood. The embossing has an average thickness of between 50 and 200 ?m.

The roughness of the embossing was calculated by measuring the total thickness of the multilayer film 10 in the highest areas. The average thickness of the multilayer film 10 is then calculated based on a 100mm x 100mm sample, the weight of which is measured. Knowing the density of the polymers used to make the multilayer film 10, its average thickness is calculated, which allows the average roughness to be calculated based on the difference with the total thickness measured in the highest areas.

To improve the resistance of the film 10 to light radiation, especially solar radiation, the base layer 11 and the protective layer 12 both include HALS as a UV stabilizer. This makes the film 10 particularly resistant to the effect of UV radiation, i.e., to depolymerization over time. In the protective layer 12, HALS is present in both the transparent BOPP film 16 and the embossed layer 17.

To improve the wear resistance of film 10, the first face 18 of protective layer 12 has a coating made of a polymerizable lacquer, such as an acrylic, a polyurethane, or a mixture of both, which can be polymerized by UV radiation or electron beam. The coating covers the entire surface of the first face 18 of protective layer 12. The first face 18 of protective layer 12 also has a matte appearance, due to treatment of the lacquer with an excimer UV lamp, in order to obtain a gloss of less than 10%. The gloss was measured using ASTM D 2457 at 45?C. The matte face gives film 10 the appearance of unsanded wood.

The adhesive layer 13 is a solvent-free PU adhesive layer and is applied at a weight of 1 g/m<2 > to 5 g/m<2>. Due to the smooth faces 14, 15 of the base layer 11, and the second smooth face 17 of the protective layer 12, the base layer 11 and the protective layer 12 have a perfect bond, even with this amount of adhesive. The bond adhesion has been found to be greater than 275 N/m (7 N/inch). The delamination strength was measured using ASTM D882, using one inch wide samples and measuring the bond strength at a 180° angle.

Film 10 was obtained by laminating together base layer 11, adhesive layer 13 and protective layer 12. Base layer 11 and protective layer 12 were previously produced separately.

The base layer 11 was obtained by flat die casting of a polypropylene film, which contains HALS as additives. The polypropylene film was then stretched both in the machine direction and in the cross direction. The obtained BOPP was then treated to increase the surface tension by corona treatment on both faces and, in a separate step, printed on one face by flexo, off-set, rotogravure or digital printing.

The protective layer 12 was obtained by extruding a transparent polypropylene film and orienting it biaxially. The resulting BOPP film was then co-extruded with a molten layer of transparent polypropylene to generate the embossed face. During co-extrusion, a chill roll having an embossed surface is used which is placed in contact with the face of the molten polypropylene layer while it is still molten. This contact with the embossing surface produces embossing on the exposed face of the polypropylene film. The polyolefin used already contained HALS as a UV stabilizer. The embossed surface is corona treated and then coated with the polymerizable varnish and treated with an excimer UV lamp to obtain the matte effect. This process can be performed in a single step if the machine is designed for this purpose, or the varnish coating can be performed in a separate step.

The film 10 thus obtained has a better resistance to humidity than known films to be applied on floor items or furnishing items, which makes it a product with high added value, as it is able to guarantee high resistance to humidity and high resistance to wear.

The wear resistance of the multilayer film 10 was tested according to EN 13696 - EN 14354 using a Taber 5135 apparatus. After 6500 Taber cycles, only 10% of the material was removed. The tests showed that the multilayer film 10 has an abrasion resistance of class AC5, which is the level required for industrial areas.

With reference to fig. 2, a decorative article 20 comprises a flooring article 21 on one face 22 of which the film 10 of fig. 1 is laminated. The flooring article is a compacted wood panel, but it is possible to foresee that the flooring article is also a plastic panel of the SPC (Stories Polymer Composite) type, for example a polyolefin panel with added natural fillers. The film 10 can be applied on this type of panel.

The film 10 is adhered to the surface 22 of the wooden panel 21 by means of an adhesive layer 23, in particular of the PVAC, acrylic or polyurethane type. Polyurethane is the most recommended.

Thanks to the film 10, the decorative article 20 has a high resistance to humidity and water, as well as excellent resistance to wear. The decorative article 20 can be used in places where there is a lot of water, such as kitchens or bathrooms.

It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts or phases can be made to the multilayer film 10, to the method for producing it and to the decorative article 20 described up to now, without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, an expert in the field will be able to create other equivalent forms of multilayer film 10, method for making it and decorative article 20, having the characteristics expressed in the claims and therefore all falling within the scope of protection defined therein.

In the following claims, the references in brackets are for ease of reading only and should not be considered as limiting factors of the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims (16)

1. Multilayer film (10) to be applied on floor articles (21) or furnishing articles, comprising a base layer (11) containing an oriented opaque polyolefin film and a protective layer (12) associated with one face (14) of said base layer (11), characterised in that said base layer (11) is pigmented or printed, and that said protective layer (12) comprises a transparent polyolefin film (16) and an embossed layer (17) which has a first embossed face (18). 2. Multilayer film (10) as in claim 1, characterised in that said protective layer (12) has a second face (19), opposite to said first face (18), which is smooth. 3. Multilayer film (10) as in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said base layer (11) comprises a bi-axially oriented opaque polyolefin film, selected from polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) or their copolymers. 4. Multilayer film (10) as in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said transparent polyolefin film (16) is oriented, preferably bi-axially. 5. Multilayer film (10) as in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it also comprises an adhesive layer (13) between said base layer (11) and said protective layer (12). 6. Multilayer film (10) as in claim 5, characterised in that said adhesive layer (13) comprises an acrylic adhesive, a solvent-based PU or solvent-free PU adhesive, more preferably a solvent-free PU-based adhesive. 7. Multilayer film (10) as in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said base layer (11) comprises a first face (14) and a second face (15), opposite to said first face (14), both faces (14, 15) being smooth. 8. Multilayer film (10) as in claim 7, characterised in that said first face (14) and said second face (15) are treated to increase the surface tension by corona, flame or plasma treatment. 9. Multilayer film (10) as in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said base layer (11) and/or said protective layer (12) contain a UV stabilizer, preferably a HALS hindered amine light stabilizer. 10. Method for making a multilayer film (10) to be applied on floor articles (21) or furnishing articles, as in any of the preceding claims, comprising a step of laminating a base layer (11), containing an oriented opaque polyolefin film, which is pigmented or printed, and a protective layer (12) containing a transparent polyolefin film (16) and an embossed layer (17) and comprising a first face (18) oriented towards the outside which has an embossing (18a, 18b). 11. A method as in claim 10, characterised in that it provides, prior to said lamination step of said base layer (11) with said protective layer (12), a step of extrusion and orientation of a transparent polyolefin film (16) followed by a step of extrusion coating of the transparent polyolefin film (16) with a second molten layer of transparent polyolefin polymer to form said protective layer (12), so that said protective layer (12) has a second face (19), opposite to the first face (18), which is smooth. 12. A method as in claim 11, characterised in that it includes a step of embossing the second layer of transparent polyolefin polymer so as to create the embossed layer (17), during the co-extrusion step while said second layer is melted over said transparent polyolefin film (16). 13. A method as in claim 12, characterised in that the embossing step of the second layer of transparent polyolefin polymer is carried out by cooling said second layer over an embossed cooling roller. 14. Method as in any of claims 10 to 13, characterised in that said base layer (11) and said protective layer (12) are laminated with an adhesive between them, preferably a solvent-free PU-based adhesive. 15. Decorative article (20) comprising a floor article (21) or a furnishing article, and a multilayer film (10) applied to one face of said floor article (21) or furnishing article, characterised in that said multilayer film (10) is as in any of claims 1 to 9. 16. Decorative article (20) as in claim 15, characterised in that it also comprises an adhesive layer (23) between said floor article (21) or furnishing article and the base layer (11) of said multilayer film (10).