TRANSFER FILM, USE OF A TRANSFER FILM, METHOD FOR PRODUCING A TRANSFER FILM, METHOD FOR DECORATING A PLASTIC ARTICLE, AND PLASTIC ARTICLE

Abstract

A transfer film (1), the use of a transfer film (1), a method for producing a transfer film (1), a method for producing a transfer film (1), a method for decorating a plastic article (10), and a plastic article (10). The transfer film (1), for application to a base body (9), here includes a carrier ply (2) and a transfer ply (3) and a first layer (4), wherein the surface of the first layer (4) can be touched by a person at least in areas after the application to the base body (9), and wherein the first layer (4) contains at least one substance with an antimicrobial action.

Claims

1. A transfer film for application to a base body and comprising a carrier ply and a transfer ply, wherein the transfer film has a first layer the surface of which can be touched by a person at least in areas after the application to the base body, and wherein the first layer contains at least one substance with an antimicrobial action.

2-4. (canceled)

5. The transfer film according to claim 1, wherein the at least one substance with an antimicrobial action is or comprises a heavy metal.

6. The transfer film according to claim 1, wherein the percentage of the at least one substance with an antimicrobial action in the first layer is between 0.01% and 10%.

7. The transfer film according to claim 1, wherein through the at least one substance with an antimicrobial action, a mean log reduction R, of at least 4, is achieved and/or wherein, through the at least one substance with an antimicrobial action, a mean log reduction R.sub.0, of at least 4, is achieved.

8-9. (canceled)

10. The transfer film according to claim 1, wherein the first layer is a protective varnish layer and/or which contains isocyanate groups having hydroxyl groups, melamine resins having hydroxyl groups, polyisocyanates having hydroxyl-containing polymers or melamine resins having hydroxyl-containing polymers.

11. The transfer film according to claim 1, wherein through the at least one substance with an antimicrobial action in the first layer, a color deviation E of less than 3.0, is produced.

12. The transfer film according to claim 1, wherein the transfer ply has a decorative ply.

13. The transfer film according to claim 12, wherein the decorative ply is designed such that a color deviation E of the optical impression of the transfer film brought about by the at least one substance with an antimicrobial action in the first layer is compensated for.

14. The transfer film according to claim 13, wherein during the compensation for the color deviation E of the optical impression of the transfer film brought about by the at least one substance with an antimicrobial action in the first layer, one or more of the following parameters of the decorative ply are varied: layer thickness, pigmentation level, degree of color saturation, material composition, dispersion of the pigments (depending on the fineness of grinding of the pigments), type of dispersing additives, pigment composition, pigment mixture, pigment layer thickness, metal layer thickness, metal type.

15-19. (canceled)

20. A method for producing a transfer film, comprising a carrier ply, a transfer ply and a first layer, wherein the surface of the first layer can be touched by a person at least in areas after the application to a base body, wherein the first layer contains at least one substance with an antimicrobial action, and wherein the method comprises the following steps: providing the carrier ply; applying the first layer to the carrier ply; applying the transfer ply to the carrier ply and/or the first layer.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the method further comprises the following step: mixing the at least one substance with an antimicrobial action into the starting material of the first layer.

22. (canceled)

23. The method according to claim 20, wherein the method further comprises the following step: dispersing the at least one substance with an antimicrobial action.

24. (canceled)

25. The method according to claim 20, wherein the method further comprises the following step: adapting a decorative ply such that the color deviation E of the optical impression of the transfer film brought about by the at least one substance with an antimicrobial action in the first layer is compensated for.

26. (canceled)

27. A method for decorating a plastic article with a base body formed of a plastic injection-molding compound comprising the following steps: providing a transfer film comprising a carrier ply, a transfer ply and a first layer, wherein the surface of the first layer can be touched by a person at least in areas after the application to the base body, and wherein the first layer contains at least one substance with an antimicrobial action; arranging the transfer film in an injection mold; back-injection molding the transfer film arranged in the injection mold with the plastic injection-molding compound such that the base body is formed by the plastic injection-molding compound and the base body joins to the transfer film.

28-29. (canceled)

30. A plastic article comprising a base body formed of a plastic injection-molding compound, and a first layer, wherein the first layer can be touched by a person at least in areas and contains at least one substance with an antimicrobial action.

31. The plastic article according to claim 30, wherein the plastic article further has at least one of the following layers: a decorative ply; a primer layer; an adhesion promoter layer; a carrier ply.

32. (canceled)

Description

[0183] Embodiment examples of the invention are explained below by way of example with the aid of the accompanying figures, which are not true to scale.

[0184] FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b schematically show sectional representations of a transfer film

[0185] FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b schematically show sectional representations of transfer films

[0186] FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b schematically show sectional representations of a transfer film

[0187] FIG. 4a to FIG. 4c schematically show sectional representations of a transfer film

[0188] FIG. 5 schematically shows a sectional representation of a plastic article

[0189] FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b schematically show sectional representations of a transfer film 1. The transfer film 1 shown in FIG. 1a, in particular for application to a base body, comprises a carrier ply 2 and a transfer ply 3, wherein the transfer film has a first layer 4, in particular the surface of which can be touched by a person at least in areas after the application to the base body, and wherein the first layer 4 contains at least one substance with an antimicrobial action.

[0190] The transfer film 1 shown in FIG. 1a thus has a first layer 4 which contains at least one substance with an antimicrobial action. As shown in FIG. 1a, the transfer film 1 comprises a carrier ply 2 and a transfer ply 3, in particular wherein, as shown in FIG. 1a, the transfer ply 3 comprises the first layer 4.

[0191] Preferably, the transfer film 1 is in particular an in-mold decoration film (IMD film) or an insert-molding film (insert film). However, it is also possible for the transfer film to be a hot-stamping film and/or in-mold film, in particular an in-mold labeling film (IML film) and/or a print mold design film. It is particularly advantageous if the transfer film 1 is formable, in particular formable by means of injection molding and/or deep drawing.

[0192] As shown in FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b, the transfer ply 3 is detachable from the carrier ply 2. For this, the transfer film 1 expediently has a detachment layer, not shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, in particular which is arranged between the carrier ply 2 and the detachable transfer ply 3.

[0193] Preferably, the detachment layer has a layer thickness of between 0.01 m and 10 m, preferably between 0.1 m and 5 m, and/or consists of waxes, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), cellulose derivatives and/or poly(organo)siloxanes.

[0194] The carrier ply 2 is preferably formed of ABS (=acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), ABS/PC, PET (=polyethylene terephthalate), PC (=polycarbonate), PMMA (=polymethyl methacrylate), PE (=polyethylene), PP (=polypropylene) and/or PPP (=polyether polycarbonate polyols). The layer thickness of the carrier ply 2 is advantageously between 5 m and 500 m, in particular between 6 m and 100 m. The carrier ply 2 shown in FIG. 1a is for example a carrier ply made of PET with a layer thickness of 50 m.

[0195] The at least one substance with an antimicrobial action preferably is or comprises a heavy metal, preferably silver (Ag), further preferably colloidal silver (Ag(0)) and/or bound silver (Ag.sup.+). The transfer film shown in FIG. 1a contains, for example, bound silver (Ag.sup.+) as the at least one substance with an antimicrobial action in the first layer, in particular wherein Ag.sub.2OCa.sub.Zn.sub.Al.sub.(PO.sub.4).sub.6 was used as bound silver here.

[0196] The percentage of the at least one substance with an antimicrobial action in the first layer 4 is preferably between 0.01% and 10%, preferably between 0.1% and 5%, further preferably between 1% and 2%. In the transfer film 1 shown in FIG. 1a, the percentage of the at least one substance with an antimicrobial action in the first layer 4 is for example 2%.

[0197] It is further preferred if, through the at least one substance with an antimicrobial action in the first layer 4, a color deviation E of less than 3.0, preferably less than 1.0, further preferably less than 0.5, still further preferably less than 0.15, is produced. Thus, for example, through the at least one substance with an antimicrobial action in the first layer 4, in FIG. 1a, a color deviation E of 0.05 is produced.

[0198] With respect to further possible designs of the first layer and/or the at least one substance with an antimicrobial action, reference is made here to the above statements.

[0199] It further advantageous that, through the at least one substance with an antimicrobial action, a mean log reduction R, in particular relative to a reference sample after 24 h, preferably in accordance with the standard ISO 22196, of at least 4, preferably of at least 5, further preferably between 4 and 8, still further preferably between 5 and 7, is achieved and/or that, through the at least one substance with an antimicrobial action, a mean log reduction R.sub.0, in particular relative to a reference sample at the time 0, preferably in accordance with the standard ISO 22196, of at least 4, preferably of at least 6, further preferably between 4 and 7, is achieved. Thus, for example, through the transfer film 1 shown in FIG. 1a, a mean log reduction R of 7.0 and/or a mean log reduction R.sub.0 of 6.3 is achieved.

[0200] With respect to the mean log reductions R and R.sub.0 and the antimicrobial action, reference is also made here to the above statements.

[0201] The first layer 4 is advantageously a protective varnish layer, in particular protects in particular the layers lying underneath the first layer 4, in particular the protective varnish layer 4, seen from the viewpoint of a person, from mechanical, physical and/or chemical environmental influences. The first layer 4 preferably has a layer thickness of between 1 m and 15 m, preferably between 2 m and 8 m. The first layer 4 shown in FIG. 1a is for example a protective varnish layer 4 with a layer thickness of 5 m.

[0202] With respect to further possible designs of the first layer 4 and/or the protective varnish layer 4, reference is made here to the above statements.

[0203] The first layer 4 shown in FIG. 1a is not yet completely cured at least in areas, with the result that the first layer 4 has not been and/or is not completely cured in particular until after the step of back-injection molding. It is therefore expedient that the first layer 4 is radiation-curable, in particular UV-curable. The first layer 4 shown in FIG. 1a is for example curable by means of UV radiation from the wavelength range between 100 nm and 380 nm, preferably between 200 nm and 380 nm, further preferably between 200 nm and 300 nm. The first layer 4 shown in FIG. 1a contains, for example, isocyanate groups and hydroxyl groups and/or melamine resins and hydroxyl groups here.

[0204] With respect to further possible designs of the first layer 4, in particular with regard to embodiments in which the first layer 4 is precurable chemically, thermally or by means of radiation, in particular by means of UV radiation, and, preferably after the step of back-injection molding, is completely curable chemically thermally or by means of radiation, in particular by means of UV radiation, reference is also made here to the above statements.

[0205] As shown in FIG. 1a, the transfer film 1, in particular the transfer ply 3, further comprises a decorative ply 5. The decorative ply 5 preferably has one or more, preferably opaque, translucent or transparent, colored varnish layers, replication varnish layers and/or metal layers.

[0206] It is useful here if the decorative ply 5 is single- or multi-ply. It thus possible, for example, for the decorative ply 5 to comprise one or more colored varnish layers, which are molded such that they form a decorative colored pattern or element when interacting.

[0207] It is further possible for the decorative ply 5 to be molded over the whole surface or in a pattern, for example in the form of alphanumeric characters or motifs. It is further expedient if the decorative ply 5 has further optically variable layers, for example with pigments, holograms, optical diffraction structures, lenses, prisms, thin-film layers or crosslinked liquid crystals. It is thus advantageous if the decorative ply 5 has at least one layer with a decorative effect.

[0208] The layer thickness of the decorative ply 5 is preferably between 0.5 m and 100 m, further preferably between 1 m and 50 m.

[0209] The decorative ply 5 shown in FIG. 1a is for example a single-ply decorative ply 5 with a layer thickness of 5 m, which comprises a colored varnish layer for producing a decorative colored element.

[0210] The transfer ply 3 shown in FIG. 1a has a total layer thickness of 15 m.

[0211] It further makes sense if the decorative ply 5 is designed such that a color deviation E of the optical impression of the transfer film 1 brought about by the at least one substance with an antimicrobial action in the first layer 4 is compensated for, preferably by variation of the decorative ply 5, further preferably of the one or more, preferably opaque, translucent or transparent, colored varnish layers of the decorative ply 5.

[0212] It is preferred here that, during the compensation for the color deviation E of the optical impression of the transfer film 1 brought about by the at least one substance with an antimicrobial action in the first layer 4, one or more of the following parameters of the decorative ply 5, in particular of the one or more, preferably opaque, translucent or transparent, colored varnish layers, replication varnish layers and/or metal layers of the decorative ply 5, are varied: layer thickness, pigmentation level, degree of color saturation, material composition, dispersion of the pigments (depending on the fineness of grinding of the pigments), type of dispersing additives, pigment composition, pigment mixture, pigment layer thickness, metal layer thickness, metal type.

[0213] It is thus preferred that the one or more parameters are varied between 0% and 50%, preferably between 2% and 30%, compared with parameters of a transfer film 1 without the at least one substance with an antimicrobial action in the first layer 4, in particular which achieves the desired the optical impression for the person.

[0214] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1a, the transfer film 1, in particular the transfer ply 3 of the transfer film 1, has a primer layer 6, in particular wherein the primer layer 6 forms the side of the transfer film 1 facing away from a person. It is thus expedient if the primer layer 6 is arranged on the side of the decorative ply 5 facing away from the carrier ply 2.

[0215] It further makes sense if the primer layer 6 is a layer made of polymers and/or copolymers, in particular comprising polyacrylates and/or acrylates, for example PMMA, polyester, PU or PVC. The primer layer 6 expediently has a layer thickness of between 0.1 m and 50 m, preferably between 0.5 m and 7 m, further preferably between 2.5 m and 3.0 m. Thus, the primer layer 6 shown in FIG. 1 is for example a layer made of polymers comprising PMMA with a layer thickness of 7 m.

[0216] The transfer film 1 shown in FIG. 1a and/or the first layer 4 preferably has a haze value of between 20 and 40, preferably between 20 and 30, further preferably between 25 and 30, and further preferably has a milky-cloudy appearance. With respect to the haze value, the determination thereof and further designs of the transfer film relating to this, reference is made to the above statements.

[0217] The transfer film 1 shown in FIG. 1a, comprising a carrier ply 2, a transfer ply 3 and a first layer 4, wherein the surface of the first layer 4 can be touched by a person at least in areas after the application to a base body, and wherein the first layer 4 contains at least one substance with an antimicrobial action, is preferably produced by means of the following method steps: [0218] providing the carrier ply 2; [0219] applying the transfer ply 3 to the carrier ply 2, in particular by means of printing, casting, laminating or stamping, wherein the step of applying the transfer ply 3 to the carrier ply comprises the application of the first layer 4, in particular by means of printing.

[0220] It is further expedient here if the method further comprises the following step, in particular which is carried out between the step of providing the carrier ply 2 and the step of applying the transfer ply 3 to the carrier ply 2: [0221] applying a detachment layer, preferably such that the detachment layer is arranged between the carrier ply 2 and the, in particular detachable, transfer ply 3.

[0222] It is further advantageous here if the step of applying the transfer ply 3 further comprises at least one of the following steps: [0223] applying a decorative ply 5, in particular wherein the decorative ply 5 has one or more, preferably opaque, translucent or transparent, colored varnish layers, replication varnish layers and/or metal layers; [0224] applying an adhesion-promoter layer, in particular such that the adhesion-promoter layer is arranged between the first layer and the decorative ply 5; [0225] applying a primer layer 6, in particular such that the primer layer 6 forms the side of the transfer film 1 facing away from the person.

[0226] With respect to further designs of the method for producing a transfer film 1, reference is made here to the above statements.

[0227] The sectional representation shown in FIG. 1b corresponds to the sectional representation shown in FIG. 1a with the difference that the carrier ply 2 has been removed. With respect to the design of the layers 4, 5 and 6, reference is therefore made here to the above statements.

[0228] FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b schematically show sectional representations of transfer films 1. FIG. 2a thus schematically shows a sectional representation of a transfer film 1.

[0229] As shown in FIG. 2a, the transfer film 1 comprises a first layer 4, a carrier ply 2, a decorative ply 5 and a primer layer 6.

[0230] The transfer film shown in FIG. 2a corresponds to the transfer film 1 shown in FIG. 1a with the difference that the first layer 4, as shown in FIG. 2a, is arranged on the side of the carrier ply 2 facing away from the decorative ply 5, in particular the transfer ply 3. The first layer 4 is thus applied to the side of the carrier ply 2 facing away from the transfer ply 3. Furthermore, the transfer film 1 shown in FIG. 2a preferably does not have a detachment layer, with the result that the transfer ply 3, which comprises the decorative ply 3 and the primer layer 6, cannot be easily detached. However, it is also possible for the transfer film 2 shown in FIG. 2a nevertheless to have a detachment layer, which is preferably arranged between the carrier ply 2 and the transfer ply 3. In the case of the transfer film 1 shown in FIG. 2a, the carrier ply 2 thus has the first layer 4.

[0231] Both in the case of the transfer film shown in FIG. 1a and the one shown in FIG. 2a, in particular after the application of the transfer film 1 to a base body, the first layer 4 thus forms the layer facing a person, and thus the uppermost and/or outermost layer, in particular such that the surface of the first layer 4 can be touched by a person at least in areas. In the case of the transfer film 1 shown in FIG. 1a, this is achieved, as shown in FIG. 1b, by peeling off and/or detaching the carrier ply 2, and in the case of the transfer film 1 shown FIG. 2a, the carrier ply 2 remains with the first layer 4 located on it.

[0232] It further also possible, in the case of the transfer film 1 shown in FIG. 2a, for the carrier ply 2 itself, or additionally, to contain at least one substance with an antimicrobial action.

[0233] With respect to the further design of the layers 2, 4, 5 and 6 shown in FIG. 2a, which the transfer film 1 comprises, reference is made here to the above statements.

[0234] The transfer film 1 shown in FIG. 2b corresponds to the transfer film 1 shown in FIG. 2a with the difference that the transfer film 1 shown in FIG. 2b does not have a primer layer 6. The transfer film 1 shown in FIG. 2b has a carrier ply 2 preferably made of polycarbonate (PC) with a layer thickness of between 750 m and 1000 m. In the case of the transfer film 1 shown in FIG. 2b, it is further also possible for this further to have one or more functional layers, not shown in FIG. 2b. The one or more functional layers are advantageously arranged on the side of the decorative ply 5 facing away from the carrier ply 2. It is thus possible for the one or more functional layers to be arranged on the side of the transfer film 1 facing away from the person. The one or more functional layers are preferably electrical functional layers which further preferably comprises electrical components, such as sensors and/or illuminants.

[0235] In particular in the case of the transfer films 1 shown in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b, the carrier ply 2 is also transferred onto the base body or the carrier ply 2 remains after application to the base body, with the result that the transfer film 1 is used here in the sense of a laminating film. In other words, it is possible for the transfer film 1 shown in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b to be a laminating film.

[0236] FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b schematically show sectional representations of a transfer film 1.

[0237] The transfer film 1 shown in FIG. 3a comprises a carrier ply 2, a first layer 4, an adhesion-promoter layer 7, decorative plies 5 and 5a and a primer layer 6. As shown in FIG. 3a, the layers 4, 7, 5, 5a and 6 here form the transfer ply 3, which, as set out above, is preferably detachable from the carrier ply 2. It is possible here for the transfer film 1 further to have a detachment layer, which is in particular arranged between the carrier ply 2 and the first layer 4.

[0238] As already explained in the context of FIG. 1a, the first layer 4 is a layer the surface of which can be touched by a person at least in areas after the application to a base body and which further contains at least one substance with an antimicrobial action. It is further preferably a protective varnish layer 4. With respect to the design of the first layer 4 and/or the protective varnish layer 4 as well as the mode of action thereof, reference is made here to the above statements.

[0239] The adhesion-promoter layer 7 is, as shown in FIG. 3a, arranged between the first layer 4 and the decorative plies 5 and 5a. The adhesion-promoter layer 7 preferably has a layer thickness of between 0.1 m and 100 m, preferably between 0.5 m and 50 m, further preferably between 1 m and 20 m. It is advantageous here if the adhesion-promoter layer 7 is a layer made of PMMA, PVC, polyester, polyurethanes, acrylates, chlorinated polyolefins, polypropylene, epoxy resins, polyurethane polyols, inorganic fillers, these can be used crosslinked and/or uncrosslinked, wherein isocyanates, melamines, alcohols and aziridines can preferably be used as crosslinker component. The adhesion-promoter layer 7 shown in FIG. 3a is a layer made of acrylate, which has a layer thickness of 3 m.

[0240] As shown in FIG. 3a, decorative ply 5 and 5a is a multi-ply decorative ply. The decorative ply 5 shown in FIG. 3a is for example an opaque colored varnish layer, which is applied in areas and forms a pattern, for example in the form of a symbol. It is also possible for the decorative ply 5 to be, for example, a metal layer molded in areas, for example made of aluminum, which likewise forms a pattern, for example in the form of alphanumeric characters. The decorative ply 5a is likewise a colored varnish layer, which formed for example over the whole surface and forms a background color for the decorative ply 5 formed in areas. However, it also possible for the decorative ply 5 to be transparent, with the result that, in this case too, the decorative ply 5a represents a background color and/or that the decorative ply 5a and the decorative ply 5 generate a mixed color for a person viewing.

[0241] With respect to the design of the further layers 2 and 4, reference is made here to the above statements.

[0242] It is further expedient if the transfer film 1 has an adhesion which has a characteristic value of GT 0 and/or 5B, preferably determined according to DIN EN ISO 2409:2013-06 (BeschichtungsstoffeGitterschnittprfung [Paints and varnishesCross-cut test] (ISO 2409:2013), German version of EN ISO 2409:2013, issue date: 2013 June) and/or according to ASTM D3359-09 (Standard Test Methods for Measuring Adhesion by Tape Test, issue date: 2009), test method B.

[0243] The adhesion of the transfer film 1 was tested for example by means of a cross-cut test according to DIN EN ISO 2409: 2013-06.

[0244] In each case 6 cuts were made vertically and 6 cuts were made horizontally (at an angle of 90 to the vertical cuts) in the coating as far as the substrate with the aid of a blade and preferably with the aid of a template. The width of the cut was dependent on the layer thickness of the coating. In the case of coatings with a layer thickness of less than 60 m, the distance between the cuts is preferably approximately 1 mm.

[0245] A clear adhesive tape or an adhesive crepe tape with an adhesiveness of from 6 N/25 mm to 10 N/25 mm was stuck to the resulting square of cuts (measurement area). This was peeled off in a time of from 0.5 to 1 second at an angle of 60.

[0246] The evaluation was effected in accordance with DIN EN ISO 2409: 2013-06 by visual assessment of the measurement area and classification into cross-cut characteristic values of from 0 (very good adhesion) to 5 (very poor adhesion), abbreviated to GT 0 to GT 5, or in accordance with ASTM D 3359-09, test method B.

[0247] The sectional representation shown in FIG. 3b corresponds to the sectional representation shown in FIG. 3a with the difference that the carrier ply 2 has been removed. With respect to the design of the layers 4, 7, 5, 5a and 6, reference is therefore made here to the above statements.

[0248] FIG. 4a to FIG. 4c schematically show sectional representations of a transfer film 1. FIG. 4a thus schematically shows a sectional representation of a transfer film 1.

[0249] The transfer film 1 shown in FIG. 4a comprises a carrier ply 2, a detachment layer 11, a first layer 4, decorative plies 5b, 5c and 5d and a primer layer 6.

[0250] The transfer film 1 shown in FIG. 4a is an in-mold decoration film (IMD film) or an insert-molding film (insert film). The first layer 4 here contains at least one substance with an antimicrobial action. The first layer 4 further forms the outermost and/or uppermost layer, in particular after the application to a base body. In other words, it is possible for the first layer 4 to form the outside, in particular which is accessible to a person, in an injection-molded article decorated with the transfer film and after the carrier ply 2 has been peeled off.

[0251] As shown in FIG. 4a, the transfer film 1 comprises a carrier ply 2 and a transfer ply 3, wherein the transfer ply, as shown in FIG. 4, comprises the layers 8, 4, 5d, 5c, 5b and 6 here.

[0252] The transfer film 1 shown in FIG. 4a has a carrier ply 2 made of PET (=polyethylene terephthalate) with a layer thickness of 50 m, a detachment layer 3 made of a polyethylene wax (melting range 80 C. to 100 C.) arranged on the carrier ply 2, and a transfer ply 3 arranged on the side of the detachment layer 3 facing away from the carrier ply 2, wherein the transfer ply in particular forms a decorative element for decorating a base body and/or an injection-molded article, and wherein the decorative element has several layers.

[0253] As shown in FIG. 4a, the transfer ply 3 has a first layer 4 adjoining the detachment layer 11. As set out above, the first layer 4 here comprises at least one substance with an antimicrobial action. The first layer 4 shown in FIG. 4 is further a protective varnish layer 4, which has a layer thickness of between 2 m and 5 m. The protective varnish layer 4 here is, for example, a so-called dual-cure system based on a hydroxyl-containing polyacrylic acrylate crosslinked with melamine resin. The protective varnish layer 4 therefore has, for example, the following composition, wherein the numerical values are data in percent by weight relative to the liquid varnish:

TABLE-US-00001 Melamine formaldehyde resin 0.1-1.5 Catalyst 0.1-1.5 Ethanol 15-20 Diacetone alcohol 15-20 Hydroxyl-containing polyacrylic 20-30 acrylate, 60% Polyacrylic acrylate 4-6 Amorphous silica 2-5 Cyclohexanone 10-20 Methyl ethyl ketone 10-12 Photoinitiator 0.1-1

[0254] The first layer 4 and/or the protective varnish layer 4 here contains 0.28% colloidal silver (Ag(0)) as the at least one substance with an antimicrobial action. This value is in particular relative to the solids (FSK), i.e. the dried protective varnish layer. In other words, relative to the solids (FSK) means that the proportion of the at least one substance with an antimicrobial action, thus here in particular colloidal silver (Ag(0)), is only determined when the first layer 4 and/or the protective varnish layer has been dried. For the first layer 4 shown in FIG. 4a and/or the protective varnish layer 4, in particular 0.05 kg of a 50% (colloidal) silver solution was added to 41.12 kg protective varnish, i.e. 0.025 kg of a 100% silver solution was added to 41.12 kg protective varnish. The protective varnish has an FSK of 21.45% for example, with the result that 41.12 kg weighed 8.8 kg after drying. This 8.8 kg contains in particular the above-named 0.025 kg silver and/or colloidal silver (Ag(0)), with the result that the percentage of the at least one substance with an antimicrobial action, here in particular silver and/or colloidal silver (Ag(0)), is consequently 0.28% here, in particular in the FSK. It is further possible to extend this formulation by 0.1% to 0.25% of a 50% (colloidal) silver solution. For the transfer film 1 shown in FIG. 4a, this protective varnish was printed with an application weight of 3-4 g/m.sup.2 and thermally dried.

[0255] As shown in FIG. 4a, the decorative plies 5d, 5c and 5b, which are for example colored varnish layers, are arranged adjoining the protective varnish layer 4 provided with at least one substance with an antimicrobial action on the side of the protective varnish layer 4 provided with the at least one substance with an antimicrobial action facing away from the carrier ply 2. In turn, a primer layer 6 made of PVC copolymers and PMMA (MW 60,000 g/mol) on (PVC=polyvinyl chloride, PMMA=polymethyl methacrylate, MW=molecular weight) is arranged adjoining the decorative plies 5d, 5c and 5b on the side of the decorative plies 5d, 5c and 5b facing away from the carrier ply 2.

[0256] The transfer film 1 shown in FIG. 4a is suitable for use in an IMD method for producing a decorated injection-molded article. It is therefore further advantageous if the transfer film 1 is (thermo-)formable, in particular (thermo-)formable by means of injection molding and/or deep drawing.

[0257] FIG. 4b shows the transfer film 1 shown in FIG. 4a, wherein the carrier ply 2 and the detachment layer 11 have been removed, i.e. FIG. 4b shows the transfer film 1 in particular after the application to a base body, which is not represented in FIG. 4b, however. As shown in FIG. 4b, the protective varnish layer 4 therefore now forms the outermost and/or uppermost layer. In other words, the protective varnish layer 4 forms the outside, which is accessible to a person, in a plastic article decorated with the transfer film and after the carrier ply 2 has been peeled off.

[0258] FIG. 4c shows the transfer film 1 shown FIG. 4b, likewise after the application to a base body, wherein an overprint varnish 8, i.e. an overprintable varnish layer 8, has been applied to the protective varnish layer 4 in a further step. As can be seen in FIG. 4a to FIG. 4c, the overprint varnish 8 is preferably not applied, for example, to the plastic article decorated with the transfer film 1 until after the carrier ply 2 has been peeled off. The overprint varnish 8 is, as shown in FIG. 4c, applied to the protective varnish layer 4 partially or in areas and further arranged on the side facing the person.

[0259] Because the overprint varnish 8 is applied partially, the protective varnish layer 4 can furthermore be touched by a person at least in areas, and can therefore furthermore have an antimicrobial action.

[0260] The overprint varnish 8 is for example applied as a further layer by means of digital printing and/or pad printing. The overprint varnish 8 is advantageously a printed layer, in particular which is designed patterned for the molding of alphanumeric characters, patterns and/or symbols. The patterned overprint varnish 8 can in particular be arranged in register relative to further patterned elements of the decorative plies 5d, 5c and 5b.

[0261] FIG. 5 schematically shows a sectional representation of a plastic article 11.

[0262] The plastic article 10 shown in FIG. 5 comprises a base body 9 formed of a plastic injection-molding compound, and a transfer film 1, wherein the transfer film 1 be designed as set out above. In particular, it is possible here for the transfer film 1 to be designed, for example, in accordance with the transfer film 1 according to one of FIG. 1a, 1b, FIG. 2a, FIG. 2b, FIG. 3a, 3b or of FIG. 4a to FIG. 4c. It further possible for the carrier ply 2, as shown in FIG. 1b, FIG. 3b, FIG. 4b and FIG. 4c, to be peeled off or for the carrier ply 2, as shown in FIG. 1a, FIG. 2a, FIG. 2b, FIG. 3b and FIG. 4a, still to be present and/or not to be peeled off until later.

[0263] The plastic article 10 shown in FIG. 5 thus comprises a base body 9 formed of a plastic injection-molding compound, and a first layer 4, wherein the first layer 4 can be touched by a person at least in areas, in particular after the carrier ply 2 has been peeled off, and contains at least one substance with an antimicrobial action. It is also possible here for the first layer 4 to be a protective varnish layer, as set out above.

[0264] It is furthermore possible for the plastic article 10 further to have at least one of the following layers: [0265] a decorative ply 5, wherein the decorative ply 5 preferably has one or more, preferably opaque, translucent or transparent, colored varnish layers 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, replication varnish layers and/or metal layers and wherein the decorative ply is further preferably arranged between the first layer 4 and the base body 9; [0266] a primer layer 6, in particular wherein the primer layer 6 is arranged between the first layer 4 and the base body 9 and/or between the decorative ply 5 and the base body 9; [0267] an adhesion-promoter layer 7, in particular wherein the adhesion-promoter layer 7 is arranged between the first layer 4 and the decorative ply 5; [0268] a, preferably detachable, carrier ply 2, in particular wherein the carrier ply is arranged on the side of the first layer 4 facing away from the base body 9 or wherein the carrier ply 2 is arranged between first layer 4 and the base body 9.

[0269] With respect to further possible designs of these layers, reference is made here to the above statements.

[0270] Such a plastic article 10 is preferably produced with a method for decorating a plastic article 10, wherein the method comprises the following steps, which are in particular performed in the following order: [0271] providing a transfer film 1 comprising a carrier ply 2, a transfer ply 3 and a first layer 4, wherein the surface of the first layer 4 can be touched by a person at least in areas after the application to the base body 9, and wherein the first layer contains at least one substance with an antimicrobial action; [0272] arranging the transfer film 1 in an injection mold; [0273] back-injection molding the transfer film 1 arranged in the injection mold with the plastic injection-molding compound such that the base body 9 is formed by the plastic injection-molding compound and the base body 9 joins to the transfer film 1; [0274] optionally removing the carrier ply 2 from the decorated plastic article 10; [0275] optionally taking the decorated plastic article 10 out of the injection mold.

[0276] It is further preferred if, in particular the after the step of back-injection molding the transfer film 1 arranged in the injection mold with the plastic injection-molding compound, the following step is further carried out: [0277] peeling the carrier ply 2 off the transfer film 3.

[0278] It is furthermore possible, as set out in connection with FIG. 4a to FIG. 4c, to apply an overprint varnish layer to the first layer 4, in particular after the carrier ply 2 has been peeled off.

[0279] With respect to further possible designs of the plastic article 10 and the method for decorating a plastic article 10, reference is made here to the above statements.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0280] 1 transfer film [0281] 2 carrier ply [0282] 3 transfer ply [0283] 4 first layer, protective varnish layer [0284] 5 decorative ply [0285] 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d colored varnish layers [0286] 6 primer layer [0287] 7 adhesion-promoter layer [0288] 8 overprint varnish [0289] 9 base body [0290] 10 plastic article [0291] 11 detachment layer