<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><mads xmlns="http://www.loc.gov/mads/" xmlns:mods="http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.loc.gov/mads/
mads.xsd"><authority><topic authority="http://AATesaurus.cultura.gencat.cat/aat/getty_en">balatum</topic></authority><related type="broader"><topic>floor coverings</topic></related><variant type="other"><topic>Balatum</topic></variant><variant type="other"><topic>ballatum</topic></variant> <note xml:lang="en"><![CDATA[ Waterproof floor covering material composed of layers of bitumen-impregnated felt cardboard, and provided with a printed decorative wear-resistant top layer. Sold in rolls, balatum had its greatest popularity in the middle of the 20th century as an alternative to true linoleum, as it was inexpensive and easy to apply. It was eventually replaced by vinyl products. Originally a brand name, it was manufactured beginning in 1924 at the Papeteries de Genval. The term often appears uncapitalized as a common noun to refer to any linoleum-like floor covering. ]]></note></mads>