the incorporation of a vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate / maleic acid terpolymer in the pigment particle containing decorative layer of a floor covering improves the cohesive strength of the pigmented decorative layer and adhesion of the decorative layer to the adjacent layers . the use of this vinyl terpolymer as the binder in the printed or coated decorative layer imparts improved bond strength particularly with platey pigments like pearlescents and metallics or in highly filled decorative layers containing titanium dioxide or other pigments .