Unilin Technologies, the IP division of Mohawk Industries, announced it has expanded its portfolio on waterproof edge-coatings for MDF and HDF based boards. An additional United States patent was granted on October 18, 2022, expanding and already substantial US and European patent portfolio.

Unilin’s patent portfolio is the consequence of the early and highly dedicated research and development program that resulted in strong patents with priority dates as of 2015. The newly granted US Patent US 11,473,315, which protects the impregnation of MDF/HDF based boards with different types of coating, is Unilin’s second US patent for waterproof coatings after US 10,655,338. The U.S. patents are following in the footsteps of the European patents that have already been granted.

“We have a strong patent portfolio on waterproof coatings and we see that wood and laminate manufacturers all over the world are interested in making their products more resistant to water," said Floris Koopmans, sales director at Unilin Technologies. "With this new patent we hope to further inform the industry about the existing broad patent portfolio in this area of expertise.”

Unilin licenses out their own waterproof edge-coating solution under the name Unicoat, in partnership with machine supplier Schiele Machinebau GmbH. The technology prevents swelling and ensures a sealed surface that prevents water from penetrating between the joints. Unicoat has proven to prevent leaks, swelling and discoloration of the floors for over a week, even after extensive testing with standing water, Koopmans said.