A functional coating material for vehicles, a method for producing a coating for vehicles, and a vehicle

Abstract

This invention discloses a functional coating material for automobiles, a method for preparing a vehicle coating, and a vehicle, relating to the field of vehicle coating technology. The functional coating material may include a topological insulator material Bi2Se3 and a shape memory polymer. After the functional coating material is applied to the surface of the vehicle body or vehicle components to form a coating, the coating reduces wind resistance. The topological insulator material Bi2Se3, in conjunction with the shape memory polymer, utilizes light energy to repair the coating. The Bi2Se3 topological insulator included in this functional coating material effectively optimizes the vehicle coating, not only effectively reducing wind resistance but also enabling the coating to self-heal through the combination of Bi2Se3 and the shape memory polymer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle coating technology, and in particular to a functional coating material for vehicles, a method for preparing vehicle coatings, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] For vehicles, the coating or paint on their surface not only affects wind resistance but also causes scratches that require professional repair at a service shop. Therefore, optimizing the vehicle's coating is crucial. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, embodiments of the present invention provide a functional coating material for automobiles, a method for preparing a vehicle coating, and a vehicle. The functional coating material for automobiles includes a topological insulator material Bi2Se3, which can effectively optimize the coating of the vehicle. It can not only effectively reduce wind resistance, but also enable the coating to achieve self-healing when combined with a shape memory polymer.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, according to embodiments of the present invention, a functional coating material for automobiles is provided, comprising: a topological insulator material Bi2Se3 and a shape memory polymer, wherein, After an automotive functional coating material is applied to the surface of a vehicle body or vehicle components to form a coating, the coating reduces wind resistance. The topological insulator material Bi2Se3 is combined with the shape memory polymer to repair the coating using light energy.

[0005] Optionally, the shape memory polymer is an aliphatic polyurethane acrylic oligomer.

[0006] Optionally, the automotive functional coating material further includes at least one of an active diluent, a photoinitiator, and a catalyst.

[0007] Optionally, the automotive functional coating material further includes fluorinated compounds and stabilizers, enabling the coating to be etched with a hydrophobic nanoscale textured structure.

[0008] Optionally, the automotive functional coating material is applied to at least one area of ​​the removable front fender, door, hood, trunk lid, non-removable rear fender, roof, and the outermost skin of the side panel – the side of the vehicle body frame.

[0009] Optionally, the topological insulator material Bi2Se3 is used in conjunction with the shape memory polymer to repair scratches on the coating with a width of less than 100 nm.

[0010] Optionally, the depth of the scratch repaired by the topological insulator material Bi2Se3 in combination with the shape memory polymer is less than half the thickness of the coating.

[0011] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for preparing a vehicle coating, comprising: Step 1: Mix automotive functional coating materials, including at least the topological insulator material Bi2Se3 and the shape memory polymer, in an ethanol-acetic acid mixture to prepare a precursor solution; Step 2: Spray the precursor solution onto the area to be coated, and then perform curing and annealing treatments in sequence to form a coating.

[0012] Optionally, the automotive functional coating material further includes: fluorinated compounds and stabilizers; The above preparation method also includes: step 3, etching the coating to etch out a hydrophobic nanoscale textured structure.

[0013] Optionally, the molar ratio of Bi atoms to F atoms in the precursor solution is 0.7 to 0.96.

[0014] Optionally, the height of the columnar array included in the nanoscale textured structure is 100nm~500nm.

[0015] Optionally, in the ethanol-acetic acid mixture, the molar ratio of ethanol to acetic acid is 1:0.8 to 1:1.5.

[0016] Optionally, in step 2, the spraying flow rate is 15 μL / min to 25 μL / min, the distance between the spray gun and the area to be coated during the spraying process is 20 cm to 30 cm, the angular deviation between the spray gun and the area to be coated is less than or equal to 15°, and the voltage applied during spraying is 15 kV to 25 kV.

[0017] Optionally, the annealing process in step 2 is carried out in an Ar / H2 mixed atmosphere with a ratio of 90:5 to 97:5, at an annealing temperature of 500°C to 560°C, and the cooling rate after annealing is less than or equal to 10°C / min, in order to eliminate lattice stress.

[0018] Optionally, before step 2, the method further includes: treating the surface of the area to be coated with plasma so that the contact angle between the surface of the area to be coated and water is less than 5°.

[0019] Optionally, prior to step 2, the process further includes coating the surface of the area to be coated with a transition layer and / or a nanoscale magnetic doping layer. Step 2 includes: spraying the precursor solution onto the transition layer.

[0020] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention provide a vehicle comprising: a coating prepared from the automotive functional coating material provided in the first aspect of the embodiments described above.

[0021] One embodiment of the above invention has the following advantages or beneficial effects: The automotive functional coating material provided by the embodiments of the present invention introduces a topological insulator material Bi2Se3 into the automotive functional coating material. This topological insulator material Bi2Se3, through its surface electronic states and crystal structure, can reduce the adhesion resistance between fluids such as wind and rain and the coating containing Bi2Se3, and can effectively suppress turbulence generated by wind on the coating surface. Furthermore, the topological insulator material Bi2Se3 is combined with a shape memory polymer. The topological insulator material Bi2Se3 can absorb light energy and heat up, transferring the heat to the shape memory polymer. The heated shape memory polymer has enhanced mobility, changing from a glassy state to a highly elastic state with higher flexibility. The entropic elastic potential energy stored within the molecular chains drives the network structure of the shape memory polymer to contract, restoring the shape memory polymer to its initial state, thereby repairing scratches on the coating.

[0022] The further effects of the aforementioned unconventional alternative methods will be explained below in conjunction with specific implementation methods. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The accompanying drawings are provided to better understand the invention and are not intended to unduly limit the scope of the invention. Wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Bi2Se3, a topological insulator material, and SMP, a shape memory polymer in a vehicle coating according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the main process of a first method for preparing a vehicle coating according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the main process of a second method for preparing a vehicle coating according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the main process of a third method for preparing a vehicle coating according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the main process of a preferred method for preparing a vehicle coating according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the main process of a preferred method for preparing a vehicle coating according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrates exemplary embodiments of the present invention, including various details to aid understanding. These details should be considered merely exemplary. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Similarly, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and structures are omitted in the following description.

[0025] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments of the present invention and the technical features thereof can be combined with each other.

[0026] This invention provides a functional coating material for automobiles. Specifically, as shown in the embodiments of the present invention... Figure 1 As shown, the automotive functional coating material may include: topological insulator material Bi2Se3 and shape memory polymer SMP, wherein after the automotive functional coating material is applied to the surface of the vehicle body or vehicle parts to form a coating, the coating reduces wind resistance; the topological insulator material Bi2Se3 and the shape memory polymer work together to repair the coating using light energy.

[0027] Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are a class of stimulus-responsive polymers that can recover from a deformed state to their original state (the state of the SMP after it forms a coating on a vehicle) under external stimuli (such as heat or light). The skeleton of the SMP restricts the random movement of the molecular chains, making the network structure relatively stable. When stimulated (such as by heat or light), the molecular chain mobility increases, activating the "memory effect." The entropic elastic potential energy stored within the molecular chains drives the entire network to contract, striving to return to its initial, lower entropy "permanent shape" (i.e., a flat state).

[0028] More specifically, the shape memory polymer (SMP) used in the embodiments of this invention is generally an aliphatic polyurethane-acrylic oligomer. This aliphatic polyurethane-acrylic oligomer generally refers to one with a degree of polymerization of less than 100 and a molecular weight of less than 10,000. This aliphatic polyurethane-acrylic oligomer combines the flexibility, high elasticity, and wear resistance of polyurethane with the rapid curing and easy cross-linking film-forming properties of acrylates, enabling it to form a three-dimensional network structure through cross-linking. Furthermore, the aliphatic segments in this aliphatic polyurethane-acrylic oligomer endow it with excellent resistance to yellowing and weathering, ensuring the reliability and stability of the coating and preventing yellowing.

[0029] In this coating, the topological insulator material Bi2Se3 primarily absorbs light energy and converts it into heat energy, causing localized heating of the shape memory polymer surrounding the Bi2Se3. In other words, Bi2Se3 acts as a "photothermal trigger" in the coating. It efficiently utilizes solar energy to provide the energy needed for the shape memory polymer to repair itself, without participating in the coating repair process. This achieves the self-healing effect of the vehicle coating: "scratches disappear after being exposed to sunlight."

[0030] The wind resistance reduction effect of the coating is mainly influenced by the insulating separation between the surface conductive states and bulk states of the topological insulator material Bi₂Se₃. Specifically, the surface electrons of Bi₂Se₃ form topologically protected quantum states (such as spin-locked states), which form a metal-like conductive layer on the surface. When airflow comes into contact with the vehicle body, the surface state electrons undergo inelastic collisions with air molecules through quantum tunneling, changing the molecular momentum distribution and thus reducing turbulence intensity. Experiments show that, in tests on the substrate before and after coating, the automotive functional coating material provided in this embodiment of the invention, by adding the topological insulator material Bi₂Se₃, can reduce the drag coefficient of the coating by approximately 15% due to this surface state of Bi₂Se₃.

[0031] Furthermore, by inducing a local magnetic field on the vehicle body surface, the surface of the topological insulator material Bi₂Se₃ in the coating will form a quantized Hall conductivity effect. This allows the airflow to form a laminar boundary layer under the quantum Hall effect, suppressing the generation of separation eddies. In particular, this effect is especially significant at high speeds, reducing air resistance by approximately 20% and improving vehicle range. Therefore, this automotive functional coating material can also be combined with a nanoscale magnetic doping layer to introduce a local magnetic field into the topological insulator material Bi₂Se₃ through the nanoscale magnetic doping layer.

[0032] Furthermore, the automotive functional coating material may also include at least one of an reactive diluent, a photoinitiator, and a catalyst. The reactive diluent includes functional acrylate monomers used to adjust the viscosity of the automotive functional coating material and can participate in the crosslinking of the shape memory polymer. The photoinitiator is used during the photocuring process to initiate the polymerization reaction, enabling the shape memory polymer to form a covalently crosslinked network. The catalyst is used to promote the reaction of polyurethane groups in the shape memory polymer. Therefore, the automotive functional coating material provided in this embodiment of the invention, by introducing at least one of an reactive diluent, a photoinitiator, and a catalyst, can effectively improve the film-forming efficiency of the automotive functional coating material.

[0033] In addition, the aforementioned automotive functional coating materials may also include other additives such as pigments.

[0034] Furthermore, the automotive functional coating material provided in this embodiment of the invention may also include: fluorinated compounds and stabilizers. Introducing fluorinated compounds and stabilizers can improve the hydrophobicity of the automotive functional coating material. More specifically, for automotive functional coating materials containing fluorinated compounds and stabilizers, after the coating is formed, the coating can be further etched to create a hydrophobic nanoscale textured structure. The voids in this nanoscale textured structure form an "air cushion layer," ensuring that water droplets can only contact the top of the nanoscale textured structure and easily drip off the coating. This is especially beneficial in winter when ice cannot adhere firmly to the vehicle, causing the ice to detach during vehicle operation.

[0035] In summary, the embodiments of the present invention provide a variety of functional coating materials for automobiles.

[0036] Specifically, the first automotive functional coating material is composed of Bi2Se3, a topological insulator, and a shape memory polymer.

[0037] The second type of automotive functional coating material, based on the first type of automotive functional coating material, further includes at least one of an active diluent, a photoinitiator, and a catalyst. Specifically, the second type of automotive functional coating material includes at least one of an active diluent, a photoinitiator, and a catalyst, a topological insulator material Bi2Se3, and a shape memory polymer.

[0038] The third type of automotive functional coating material, based on the first type of automotive functional coating material, further includes: a fluorinated compound and a stabilizer. Specifically, the third type of automotive functional coating material includes: a topological insulator material Bi2Se3, a shape memory polymer, a fluorinated compound, and a stabilizer. The fluorinated compound can be a fluorinated polysiloxane with a molecular weight of 5000-10000, wherein the fluorine content is 30%-40%. For example, the fluorinated compound can be selected from at least one of perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane, tridecafluorooctyltrimethoxysilane, or a fluorinated polysiloxane. The stabilizer is mainly responsible for particle dispersion stability and enhances the adhesion between the topological insulator material Bi2Se3 and the interface. For example, the stabilizer can be at least one of a silane coupling agent (such as γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, KH550), an organic acid stabilizer (such as citric acid), and a titanate coupling agent (such as tetraisopropyl titanate). For example, the stabilizer can be a composite of titanate (such as tetrabutyl titanate) and silane coupling agent (such as γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane). By combining the stabilizer and fluorinated compound with the topological insulator material Bi2Se3, both the stable dispersion and topological structure retention of the topological insulator material Bi2Se3 are achieved, while the coating is endowed with excellent hydrophobic and wind resistance reduction functions.

[0039] The fourth type of automotive functional coating material, in addition to the second type mentioned above, also includes: fluorinated compounds and stabilizers. Specifically, the fourth type of automotive functional coating material includes: at least one of an active diluent, a photoinitiator, and a catalyst; Bi2Se3, a topological insulator; a shape memory polymer; fluorinated compounds; and stabilizers.

[0040] The mass fraction of Bi2Se3, a topological insulator material, contained in any of the above embodiments of the automotive functional coating material can be 0.1wt% to 2wt%. By controlling the mass fraction of Bi2Se3, a topological insulator material contained in the automotive functional coating material, after the automotive functional coating material is applied to the vehicle to form a coating, it can be effectively ensured that the coating has sufficient photothermal efficiency without affecting the transparency and mechanical properties of the coating.

[0041] Furthermore, the shape memory polymer contained in the automotive functional coating material provided in any of the above embodiments can have a mass fraction of 5wt% to 20wt%. By controlling the mass fraction of this shape memory polymer, it can be uniformly dispersed in the automotive functional coating material. After the automotive functional coating material is applied to a vehicle to form a coating, it satisfies both the self-healing function of the coating and its comprehensive performance indicators (such as leveling, coating appearance, transparency, abrasion resistance, adhesion, weather resistance, and service life). In other words, the amount of shape memory polymer added is obtained by balancing the self-healing function and the comprehensive performance indicators of the coating. Specifically, research has found that, for process feasibility, excessive addition of shape memory polymer leads to increased viscosity, affecting spray application and leveling. Controlling the mass fraction of the shape memory polymer helps ensure good application performance and film appearance of the automotive functional coating material. Furthermore, regarding the transparency of the coating formed by automotive functional coating materials applied to vehicles, since coatings have certain transparency requirements, if the mass fraction of shape memory polymer exceeds 20 wt%, light scattering will occur in the coating. Controlling the mass fraction of shape memory polymer below 20 wt% will not affect the transparency of the coating formed by the automotive functional coating materials applied to vehicles, while also effectively reducing light scattering. Regarding the mechanical properties and self-healing capabilities of automotive functional coating materials, the coating formed by these materials needs to possess sufficient hardness, abrasion resistance, and adhesion. The higher the mass fraction of shape memory polymer in the automotive functional coating material, the lower the hardness of the coating. Exceeding 20 wt% will lead to a significant decrease in coating hardness, affecting the coating's scratch resistance. Since shape memory polymer is the core of the self-healing function, the lower the mass fraction of shape memory polymer, the worse the coating's self-healing ability. Moreover, if the mass fraction of shape memory polymer is below 5 wt%, it will lead to insufficient repair efficiency and low scratch recovery rate. Furthermore, an excessively high mass fraction of shape memory polymer (MMP), exceeding 20%, leads to a diminishing marginal effect in the coating's self-healing capabilities and significantly increases the cost of automotive functional coating materials. Therefore, controlling the MMP mass fraction between 5 wt% and 20 wt% ensures the coating's process feasibility, transparency, hardness, and repair effectiveness, while effectively controlling the cost of automotive functional coating materials. Additionally, MMPs may age under repeated thermal cycling. Maintaining the MMP mass fraction in automotive functional coating materials between 5 wt% and 20 wt% ensures the durability of the coating, guaranteeing its long-term weather resistance and service life.

[0042] The aforementioned automotive functional coating materials, including the topological insulator Bi₂Se₃, exhibit bulk insulation and surface conductivity. The coating surface formed by Bi₂Se₃ possesses Dirac cone surface states protected by topological symmetry (these Dirac cone surface states generally refer to electronic states on the material surface whose energy and framework satisfy a linear dispersion relationship). This gives Bi₂Se₃ highly localized electrons and extremely low chemical activity. When airflow comes into contact with the vehicle body, this characteristic makes the topological insulator Bi₂Se₃... 3的 Surface electrons undergo inelastic collisions with air molecules through quantum tunneling, altering the molecular momentum distribution and thus reducing turbulence intensity and wind resistance. On one hand, the localization of surface electrons makes it difficult for the outer electron cloud of the topological insulator material Bi₂Se₃ to overlap with air molecules (O₂, N₂, water vapor, etc.), significantly reducing the surface free energy (far lower than the 50mN / m~80mN / m of metal surfaces). This makes it difficult for air molecules to adhere to the coating surface containing Bi₂Se₃. On the other hand, the surface conductivity creates a weak "electron repulsion field" in the Bi₂Se₃ coating, which exerts a slight electrostatic repulsion (similar to an "electron lubrication" effect) on neutral air molecules (O₂, N₂, water vapor, etc.), further reducing the probability of collision and adhesion between air molecules and the Bi₂Se₃ coating surface, thereby further reducing the coating's wind resistance.

[0043] Furthermore, the coating containing the topological insulator material Bi2Se3 can achieve atomic-level smoothness, which can prevent "micro-turbulence" caused by surface protrusions during airflow. In addition, air passing through the coating containing the topological insulator material Bi2Se3 can flow over the coating surface in a state closer to "laminar flow", which effectively reduces the frictional drag coefficient between the airflow generated during vehicle operation and the coating containing the topological insulator material Bi2Se3.

[0044] The scratches on the coatings formed by the various automotive functional coating materials provided in the embodiments of the present invention generally refer to the deformation of the molecular chains of the shape memory polymer (SMP). However, these scratches are tiny scratches that do not break the molecular chains. The edges of these scratches are like "wrinkles" formed by the shape memory polymer (SMP) in the coating. When heated, these "wrinkles" move towards a lower entropy state, thus forming a smooth state. That is, after the topological insulator material Bi2Se3 included in the various automotive functional coating materials absorbs sunlight, it can convert light energy into heat energy, causing the local temperature of itself and the surrounding shape memory polymer (SMP) to rise rapidly. In other words, the topological insulator material Bi2Se3 transfers heat to the shape memory polymer (SMP) to stimulate it, thereby enhancing the mobility of the molecular chains of the shape memory polymer (SMP). This causes the coating to change from a rigid glassy state to a flexible, highly elastic state. The entropy elastic potential energy stored in the molecular chains of the shape memory polymer (SMP) drives the entire network to contract, causing the scratched location (i.e., the deformed shape memory polymer (SMP)) to strive to restore its original, lower entropy "permanent shape" (i.e., a smooth state). Macroscopically, shape memory polymers (SMPs) flow towards the scratches, filling them and thus eliminating the scratches or marks. Furthermore, the surface states of the topological insulator material Bi₂Se₃ are protected by topological invariants; even with surface scratches, its quantum states can redistribute through electronic correlation effects. Moreover, Bi₂Se₃ exhibits extremely high spin-orbit coupling strength (e.g., it can reach 0.3 eV). When scratches occur on the surface, the effective interatomic potential difference induced by spin-orbit coupling drives the directional migration of surface atoms to fill the defects.

[0045] It's worth noting that because the shape memory polymer (SMP) forms a smooth coating, it exhibits a "permanent shape" with a lower entropy value. Therefore, for areas without scratches or nicks, the SMP molecular chains have low entropy elastic potential energy, preventing them from deforming into a disordered state. In other words, even with light exposure and heating, the smooth areas of the coating will not deform or flow. The repair time for scratches using the topological insulator Bi₂Se₃ in conjunction with the shape memory polymer typically ranges from a few minutes to tens of minutes, primarily depending on the light intensity and temperature. Stronger light intensity and higher temperature shorten the repair time. It's also worth noting that besides using sunlight, a heat gun can be used to directly heat the scratched area to achieve repair.

[0046] In addition, as described above, the various automotive functional coating materials provided in the embodiments of the present invention can reduce the adhesion resistance between fluids such as wind and rain and the coating, and can effectively suppress turbulence generated by wind on the coating surface.

[0047] In particular, for the third and fourth types of automotive functional coating materials mentioned above, the introduction of fluorine-containing compounds can improve the hydrophobicity of the coating and further reduce the adhesion resistance between rainwater and the coating.

[0048] In addition, the topological insulator material Bi2Se3 in the automotive functional coating material provided in any of the above embodiments can be of any morphology. Preferably, the topological insulator material Bi2Se3 is in the form of a nanosheet structure so that the topological insulator material Bi2Se3 can be uniformly distributed in the automotive functional coating material.

[0049] The automotive functional coating material can be applied to at least one area of ​​the removable front fender, door, hood, trunk lid, non-removable rear fender, roof, and the outermost skin of the side panel / body frame. Preferably, the automotive functional coating material is applied to the removable front fender, door, hood, trunk lid, non-removable rear fender, roof, and the outermost skin of the side panel / body frame to better reduce wind resistance, reduce vehicle energy consumption and wind noise, improve user driving comfort and quietness, and enhance vehicle braking safety.

[0050] More specifically, the topological insulator material Bi2Se3, in combination with shape memory polymers, repairs scratches less than 100 nm wide in the coating. In particular, the depth of scratches repaired by Bi2Se3 in combination with shape memory polymers is less than half the coating thickness. For example, when hard objects such as keys or tree branches scratch the vehicle's coating, the shape memory polymer at the scratch location does not break; it only undergoes reversible plastic deformation due to stretching or compression. In this case, it can automatically repair minute scratches on the vehicle's coating surface without the user noticing, improving the integrity of the vehicle's coating and thus enhancing the vehicle's luxurious appearance.

[0051] Furthermore, for coatings formed from automotive functional coating materials containing fluorinated compounds and stabilizers, a hydrophobic nanoscale textured structure can be etched. More specifically, this nanoscale textured structure is constructed on the coating surface through precise etching processes (such as plasma etching and wet etching). This nanoscale textured structure, in conjunction with the topological insulator material Bi2Se3, achieves a synergistic effect between structural hydrophobicity and material hydrophobicity, further enhancing the hydrophobicity of the coating, ensuring the vehicle surface is resistant to dirt, and further enhancing the luxurious appearance of the vehicle.

[0052] Furthermore, any of the above-mentioned automotive functional coating materials can be used in conjunction with a nanoscale magnetic doping layer. This nanoscale magnetic doping layer can provide a local magnetic field for the coating formed by the automotive functional coating material. This local magnetic field can cause the topological insulator material Bi2Se3 in the coating to generate a quantum Hall effect. Under the quantum Hall effect, the airflow forms a laminar boundary layer, suppressing the generation of separation eddies.

[0053] Furthermore, after any of the aforementioned automotive functional coating materials are formed, a strong coupling effect exists between the photons of electromagnetic / sound waves and the phonons of the topological insulator material Bi₂Se₃. When sound waves (such as wind noise) propagate to the vehicle body, the surface state electrons of the topological insulator material Bi₂Se₃ convert sound energy into photon energy through Raman scattering, achieving active attenuation of sound waves. Tests show that the coating formed by the automotive functional coating material provided in this embodiment of the invention can reduce wind noise by 6 to 8 dB.

[0054] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for preparing a vehicle coating. Specifically, as shown in the figure... Figure 2 As shown, the method for preparing the vehicle coating may include the following steps: Step S201: Mix automotive functional coating materials, including at least the topological insulator material Bi2Se3 and the shape memory polymer, in an ethanol-acetic acid mixture to prepare a precursor solution.

[0055] That is, the automotive functional coating material can be any of the automotive functional coating materials provided in the above embodiments.

[0056] The automotive functional coating material may further include at least one of an reactive diluent, a photoinitiator, and a catalyst. The reactive diluent includes functional acrylate monomers used to adjust the viscosity of the automotive functional coating material and can participate in the crosslinking of the shape memory polymer. The photoinitiator is used during the photocuring process to initiate the polymerization reaction, enabling the shape memory polymer to form a covalently crosslinked network. The catalyst is used to promote the reaction of polyurethane groups in the shape memory polymer. Therefore, the automotive functional coating material provided in this embodiment of the invention, by introducing at least one of an reactive diluent, a photoinitiator, and a catalyst, can effectively improve the film-forming efficiency of the automotive functional coating material.

[0057] In addition, automotive functional coating materials may also include fluorinated compounds and stabilizers. Introducing fluorinated compounds and stabilizers can improve the hydrophobicity of automotive functional coating materials. By introducing fluorinated compounds into the precursor solution, fluorine-doped atoms are introduced into the topological insulator material Bi₂Se₃, enabling the topological insulator material and the coating to better isolate moisture and air.

[0058] The fluorinated compound can be a fluorinated polysiloxane with a molecular weight of 5000-10000, wherein the fluorine content is 30%-40%. For example, the fluorinated compound can be selected from at least one of perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane, tridecafluorooctyltrimethoxysilane, or fluorinated polysiloxane. The mass fraction of the fluorinated compound in the precursor solution can be 2%-8%. For example, the mass fraction of the fluorinated compound in the precursor solution can be 2%, 4%, 5%, 6%, or 8%, etc.

[0059] The stabilizer is primarily responsible for particle dispersion stability and enhances the adhesion between the topological insulator material Bi2Se3 and the interface. For example, the stabilizer can be at least one of a silane coupling agent (such as γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, KH550), an organic acid stabilizer (such as citric acid), and a titanate coupling agent (such as tetraisopropyl titanate). For instance, the stabilizer can be a composite of a titanate (such as tetrabutyl titanate) and a silane coupling agent (such as γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane).

[0060] By combining stabilizers and fluorinated compounds with the topological insulator material Bi2Se3, the stable dispersion and topological structure retention of Bi2Se3 are achieved, while the coating is endowed with excellent hydrophobic and wind resistance reduction functions.

[0061] The precursor solution is typically prepared in an inert atmosphere (such as an N2 glove box) to prevent the hydrolysis of fluorides into HF, which can corrode the equipment. Additionally, the stabilizer (such as acetylacetone) needs to inhibit the hydrolysis of metal ions, and its storage temperature is generally required to be below 5°C.

[0062] Step S202: Spray the precursor solution onto the area to be coated, and then perform curing and annealing treatments in sequence to form a coating.

[0063] The areas to be coated can be at least one of the following: removable front fenders, doors, hoods, trunk lids, non-removable rear fenders, roofs, and side panels—the outermost skins on the sides of the vehicle frame. These structures are typically coated before assembly with the vehicle frame.

[0064] The coating preparation process based on the precursor solution containing the topological insulator material Bi2Se3 simplifies the coating preparation process for vehicles and makes it easy to carry out industrial operations.

[0065] Specifically, for automotive functional coating materials containing fluorine compounds, the molar ratio of Bi atoms to F atoms in the precursor solution is 0.7 to 0.96. For example, the molar ratio of Bi atoms to F atoms in the precursor solution can be 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.86, 0.9, or 0.96, etc. By controlling the molar ratio of Bi atoms to F atoms in the precursor solution, the hydrophobicity of the vehicle surface coating can be effectively improved, thereby effectively enhancing the anti-fouling performance of the vehicle surface coating.

[0066] In the ethanol-acetic acid mixture, the molar ratio of ethanol to acetic acid is 1:0.8 to 1:1.5. For example, the molar ratio of ethanol to acetic acid can be 1:0.8, 1:1, 1:1.2, or 1:1.5, etc., to ensure that the topological insulator material Bi₂Se₃ is uniformly dispersed, thereby guaranteeing that the topological insulator material Bi₂Se₃ formed in the coating can exist uniformly and improving the overall performance of the coating.

[0067] More specifically, in step S202, the spraying flow rate is 15 μL / min to 25 μL / min, the distance between the spray gun and the area to be coated during the spraying process is 20 cm to 30 cm, the angular deviation between the spray gun and the area to be coated is less than or equal to 15°, and the voltage applied during spraying is 15 kV to 25 kV.

[0068] For example, the spraying flow rate in step S202 can be 15 μL / min, 18 μL / min, 20 μL / min, 22 μL / min, or 25 μL / min, etc. By controlling the spraying flow rate, the uniformity of the coating thickness can be ensured. However, if the spraying flow rate in step S202 is too high, the droplets will be too large, resulting in orange peel texture; if it is too low, pinhole defects will occur.

[0069] Furthermore, the distance between the spray gun and the area to be coated during the spraying process can be 20cm, 25cm, 28cm or 30cm, etc. By controlling the distance between the spray gun and the area to be coated, the uniformity of spraying can be further improved.

[0070] In addition, the angle between the spray gun and the area to be coated is generally 90°. Correspondingly, the lower deviation is less than or equal to 15°. That is, the angle between the spray gun and the area to be coated can deviate from 90° by less than or equal to 15° to further improve the uniformity of spraying.

[0071] In this embodiment of the invention, the voltage applied during spraying can be 15kV, 18kV, 20kV, 22kV, or 25kV, etc. By applying voltage, the electric field assists in regulating the microstructure and interfacial interactions of the coating. More specifically, by applying an external electric field, the topological insulator material Bi2Se3 is oriented, its dispersion is homogenized, and its interfacial adhesion is strengthened. In addition, under the action of the external electric field, its topological surface states can be preserved simultaneously, thereby improving the stability and consistency of the coating's core functions such as hydrophobicity, wind resistance reduction, and self-healing. This also allows it to meet the stringent application requirements of vehicle coatings (such as weather resistance, wear resistance, and industrial production efficiency). Too low a voltage can easily lead to insufficient coating adhesion, while too high a voltage can cause corona discharge.

[0072] Furthermore, by applying voltage during spraying, the coating thickness deviation can be reduced to less than 15%, and the distribution uniformity of the topological insulator material Bi2Se3 exceeds 90%. Moreover, by applying voltage during spraying, the topological insulator material Bi2Se3 can form a stable and reliable contact with the surface of the area to be coated on the vehicle, effectively improving coating adhesion and thus enhancing the reliability and stability of the coating.

[0073] More specifically, the annealing treatment in step S202 is carried out in an Ar / H2 mixed atmosphere with a ratio of 90:5 to 97:5, at an annealing temperature of 500°C to 560°C, and with a cooling rate of less than or equal to 10°C / min after annealing, to eliminate lattice stress. For example, the Ar / H2 ratio in the mixed atmosphere can be 90:5, 95:5, or 97:5, etc. The annealing temperature can be 500°C, 520°C, 530°C, 550°C, or 560°C, etc., and the cooling rate after annealing can be 2°C / min, 4°C / min, 5°C / min, 8°C / min, or 10°C / min, etc., which effectively controls the coating hardness, ensures uniform distribution of the material composition of the coating, provides stronger toughness, and prevents cracking.

[0074] In this embodiment of the invention, before step S202, the method further includes: step S201': treating the surface of the area to be coated with plasma to reduce the contact angle between the surface of the area to be coated and water to less than 5°. Plasma treatment of the surface of the area to be coated removes organic contaminants from the surface of the area to be coated, ensuring reliable adhesion of the coating to the surface of the area to be coated.

[0075] In this embodiment of the invention, before step S202, the method further includes: step S201'': coating a transition layer on the surface of the area to be coated. More specifically, a specific implementation of step S202 may include: spraying a precursor solution onto the transition layer, thereby further improving the adhesion of the coating through the interaction between the transition layer and the coating.

[0076] In this embodiment of the invention, before step S202, the method further includes: step S201''': coating a nanoscale magnetic doped layer onto the surface of the area to be coated. Alternatively, step S201''' can also coat a nanoscale magnetic doped layer on top of the transition layer coated in step S201''. By introducing the nanoscale magnetic doped layer, a local magnetic field can be provided to the coating. This local magnetic field causes the topological insulator material Bi2Se3 in the coating to exhibit a quantum Hall effect. Under the quantum Hall effect, the airflow forms a laminar boundary layer, suppressing the generation of separation eddies. This effect is particularly significant at high speeds, reducing air resistance by approximately 20%.

[0077] Furthermore, coatings formed from automotive functional coating materials including fluorinated compounds and stabilizers, such as Figure 2 As shown, the above-mentioned method for preparing the vehicle coating further includes: Step S203: The coating is etched to create a hydrophobic nanoscale textured structure. By combining the coating, which includes the topological insulator material Bi2Se3, with the nanoscale textured structure, the size uniformity of the nanoscale textured structure (such as a nanopillar array) can be improved by 40%, further enhancing the hydrophobicity of the coating.

[0078] Specifically, the height of the columnar array included in the nanoscale textured structure is generally 100nm to 500nm. For example, the height of the columnar array can be 100nm, 150nm, 200nm, 250nm, 300nm, 400nm, or 500nm, etc. Since the size of a water molecule is about 0.3 nanometers, by controlling the height of the columnar array included in the nanoscale textured structure, it can be ensured that the gaps in the columnar array form a reliable air cushion layer. The nanoscale uneven structure formed by the columnar array allows the surface tension of water to be maximized. That is, the columnar array is like installing countless tiny umbrellas on the surface of the material, using the air layer to support the water droplets, so that the water cannot stick to the surface at all. This better supports the water droplets at the top of the columnar array, avoiding the water droplets being confined to the gaps in the columnar array, making it easier for the water droplets to fall. In winter, after the water droplets freeze to form an ice layer, the ice layer will not adhere firmly, and the ice layer will be blown away when a car is driving.

[0079] As can be seen from the above, besides Figure 2 In addition to the first method for preparing the vehicle coating shown, embodiments of the present invention also provide a variety of other preparation methods.

[0080] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, a second method for preparing a vehicle coating may include the following steps: Step S201: Mix the automotive functional coating material provided in any of the above embodiments in an ethanol-acetic acid mixture to prepare a precursor solution.

[0081] Step S201': Treat the surface of the area to be coated with plasma so that the contact angle between the surface of the area to be coated and water is less than 5°.

[0082] Alternatively, the area to be coated can be sandblasted (roughness Ra 2μm-5μm) and etched with hydrofluoric acid (e.g., concentration 10%, time 2 min) to improve coating adhesion.

[0083] There is no strict order of execution between steps S201 and S201'.

[0084] Step S202: Control the spray flow rate to 15μL / min~25μL / min, the distance between the spray gun and the area to be coated to be 20cm~30cm, the angular deviation between the spray gun and the area to be coated to be less than or equal to 15°, the spray applied voltage to be 15kV~25kV, spray the precursor solution onto the area to be coated, and sequentially perform curing and annealing treatment at 500℃~560℃ in an Ar / H2 mixed atmosphere of 90:5~97:5, and cool the coating at a cooling rate of less than or equal to 10℃ / min to form the coating.

[0085] Step S203: Etch the coating to create a hydrophobic nanoscale textured structure.

[0086] In addition, based on the second method for preparing the vehicle coating, after step S202, the method may further include: step S203: etching the coating to etch out a hydrophobic nanoscale textured structure.

[0087] like Figure 4 As shown, a third method for preparing a vehicle coating may include the following steps: Step S201: Mix the topological insulator material Bi2Se3, the fluorinated compound and the stabilizer in an ethanol-acetic acid mixture to prepare a precursor solution.

[0088] Step S201'': Apply a transition layer to the surface of the area to be coated.

[0089] There is no strict execution order between steps S201'' and S201.

[0090] The transition layer can be SiO2 or Al2O3, and its thickness can be 50 nm-100 nm. For example, the thickness of the transition layer can be 50 nm, 80 nm, or 100 nm. The transition layer can alleviate the mismatch of thermal expansion coefficients and reduce the risk of cracking.

[0091] Step S202: On the transition layer, control the spray flow rate to be 15μL / min~25μL / min, the distance between the spray gun and the area to be coated to be 20cm~30cm, the angular deviation between the spray gun and the area to be coated to be less than or equal to 15°, the spraying voltage to be applied to be 15kV~25kV, spray the precursor solution onto the area to be coated, and sequentially perform curing and annealing treatment at 500℃~560℃ in an Ar / H2 mixed atmosphere of 90:5~97:5, and cool the coating at a cooling rate of less than or equal to 10℃ / min to form the coating.

[0092] In addition, based on the fourth method for preparing vehicle coatings, after step S202, step S203 can be further included: etching the coating to etch out a hydrophobic nanoscale textured structure.

[0093] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, a preferred method for preparing a vehicle coating provided in this embodiment of the invention may include the following steps: Step S201: Mix the topological insulator material Bi2Se3, the fluorinated compound and the stabilizer in an ethanol-acetic acid mixture to prepare a precursor solution.

[0094] Step S201': Treat the surface of the area to be coated with plasma so that the contact angle between the surface of the area to be coated and water is less than 5°.

[0095] Step S201'': Apply a transition layer to the surface of the area to be coated.

[0096] Step S202: On the transition layer, control the spray flow rate to be 15μL / min~25μL / min, the distance between the spray gun and the area to be coated to be 20cm~30cm, the angular deviation between the spray gun and the area to be coated to be less than or equal to 15°, the spraying voltage to be applied to be 15kV~25kV, spray the precursor solution onto the area to be coated, and sequentially perform curing and annealing treatment at 500℃~560℃ in an Ar / H2 mixed atmosphere of 90:5~97:5, and cool the coating at a cooling rate of less than or equal to 10℃ / min to form the coating.

[0097] Step S203: Etch the coating to create a hydrophobic nanoscale textured structure.

[0098] In addition, based on any of the above-mentioned preparation methods for vehicle coatings, before step S202, the method may further include: coating the surface of the area to be coated with a nanoscale magnetic doped layer.

[0099] Furthermore, such as Figure 6As shown, a preferred method for preparing a vehicle coating provided in this embodiment of the invention may include the following steps: Step S201: Mix the topological insulator material Bi2Se3, the fluorinated compound and the stabilizer in an ethanol-acetic acid mixture to prepare a precursor solution.

[0100] Step S201': Treat the surface of the area to be coated with plasma so that the contact angle between the surface of the area to be coated and water is less than 5°.

[0101] Step S201'': Apply a transition layer to the surface of the area to be coated.

[0102] Step S201''': Coat the surface of the area to be coated with a nanoscale magnetic doped layer.

[0103] Step S202: On the transition layer, control the spray flow rate to be 15μL / min~25μL / min, the distance between the spray gun and the area to be coated to be 20cm~30cm, the angular deviation between the spray gun and the area to be coated to be less than or equal to 15°, the spraying voltage to be applied to be 15kV~25kV, spray the precursor solution onto the area to be coated, and sequentially perform curing and annealing treatment at 500℃~560℃ in an Ar / H2 mixed atmosphere of 90:5~97:5, and cool the coating at a cooling rate of less than or equal to 10℃ / min to form the coating.

[0104] Step S203: Etch the coating to create a hydrophobic nanoscale textured structure.

[0105] In addition, based on the preparation method provided in any of the above embodiments, the preparation method may further include: using an ion bar to neutralize the charge on the surface of the sprayed coating to prevent electrostatic breakdown of the topological insulator material Bi2Se3 in the coating. The ion bar can be integrated into the spray gun, meaning that the ion bar can be used to neutralize the charge on the coating surface during the coating formation process. Therefore, in the coating prepared by the preparation method provided in this embodiment of the invention, the charge on the coating surface needs to be controlled within the range of -50mV to 50mV, preferably within the range of -30mV to 30mV, to ensure the surface conductivity state of the topological insulator material Bi2Se3. This allows surface electrons to undergo inelastic collisions with air molecules through quantum tunneling, changing the molecular momentum distribution, thereby reducing turbulence intensity while simultaneously insulating the coating surface and ensuring vehicle safety.

[0106] In addition, operators must wear antistatic clothing containing carbon fiber (resistance 1×10⁻⁶) during the coating process. 5 -1×10 7(Ω) and conductive shoes to prevent static electricity buildup from causing an explosion. The mask must be able to protect against chemical splashes, and the ventilation system must have an airflow of ≥100 m³ / h.

[0107] In addition, the nozzles used for spray gun application should be replaced every 50 hours to avoid clogging and flow fluctuations. Pressure sensors should be calibrated regularly (error < ±0.5% FS) to ensure process stability.

[0108] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention provide a vehicle. Specifically, the vehicle may include a coating prepared from the automotive functional coating material provided in the above embodiments. Preferably, the coating of the automotive functional coating material is applied to at least one area of ​​the removable front fender, door, hood, trunk lid, non-removable rear fender, roof, and the outermost skin of the side panel / body frame. Preferably, the coating of the automotive functional coating material is applied to the removable front fender, door, hood, trunk lid, non-removable rear fender, roof, and the outermost skin of the side panel / body frame to better reduce wind resistance, reduce vehicle energy consumption and wind noise, improve user driving comfort and quietness, and enhance vehicle braking safety.

[0109] Furthermore, the Bi2Se3 topological insulator material in the aforementioned coating is conductive on the surface and insulating internally, enabling static electricity elimination and shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI, which refers to electromagnetic waves generated by electronic devices during operation that interfere with other parts of the device or external equipment). This provides a more stable environment for passengers using electronic devices, offering a more private and secure work and entertainment space. Moreover, the coating enhances environmental adaptability; the Bi2Se3 topological insulator material exhibits wide temperature stability (-200℃~400℃), effectively reducing the degradation of the coating's high-temperature / low-temperature performance.

[0110] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can occur depending on design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A functional coating material for automobiles, characterized in that, include: Topological insulator material Bi2Se3 and shape memory polymer, wherein, After an automotive functional coating material is applied to the surface of a vehicle body or vehicle components to form a coating, the coating reduces wind resistance. The topological insulator material Bi2Se3 is combined with the shape memory polymer to repair the coating using light energy.

2. The automotive functional coating material according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shape memory polymer is an aliphatic polyurethane acrylic oligomer. And / or, The automotive functional coating material also includes at least one of the following: an active diluent, a photoinitiator, and a catalyst.

3. The automotive functional coating material according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automotive functional coating material also includes fluorinated compounds and stabilizers, enabling the coating to be etched with a hydrophobic nanoscale textured structure.

4. The automotive functional coating material according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It is applied to at least one area of ​​the removable front fender, door, hood, trunk lid, non-removable rear fender, roof, and side panel - the outermost skin of the side of the body frame.

5. The automotive functional coating material according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The topological insulator material Bi2Se3, in conjunction with the shape memory polymer, repairs scratches on the coating with a width of less than 100 nm.

6. The automotive functional coating material according to claim 5, characterized in that, The depth of the scratch repaired by the topological insulator material Bi2Se3 in combination with the shape memory polymer is less than half the thickness of the coating.

7. A method for preparing a vehicle coating, characterized in that, include: Step 1: Mix automotive functional coating materials, including at least the topological insulator material Bi2Se3 and the shape memory polymer, in an ethanol-acetic acid mixture to prepare a precursor solution; Step 2: Spray the precursor solution onto the area to be coated, and then perform curing and annealing treatments in sequence to form a coating.

8. The preparation method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The automotive functional coating material also includes: fluorinated compounds and stabilizers; The preparation method further includes: step 3, etching the coating to etch out a hydrophobic nanoscale textured structure.

9. The preparation method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The precursor solution contains a Bi atom to F atom molar ratio of 0.7 to 0.

96. And / or, The nanoscale textured structure includes a columnar array with a height of 100nm to 500nm.

10. The preparation method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, In the ethanol-acetic acid mixture, the molar ratio of ethanol to acetic acid is 1:0.8 to 1:1.

5. And / or, In step 2, the spraying flow rate is 15μL / min to 25μL / min, the distance between the spray gun and the area to be coated during the spraying process is 20cm to 30cm, the angular deviation between the spray gun and the area to be coated is less than or equal to 15°, and the voltage applied during spraying is 15kV to 25kV. And / or, The annealing process in step 2 is carried out in an Ar / H2 mixed atmosphere with a ratio of 90:5 to 97:5, at a temperature of 500℃ to 560℃, and the cooling rate after annealing is less than or equal to 10℃ / min to eliminate lattice stress.

11. The preparation method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, Before step 2, the method further includes: treating the surface of the area to be coated with plasma so that the contact angle between the surface of the area to be coated and water is less than 5°; And / or, Before step 2, the method further includes: coating the surface of the area to be coated with a transition layer and / or a nanoscale magnetic doping layer; Step 2 includes: spraying the precursor solution onto the transition layer.

12. A vehicle, characterized in that, include: The coating prepared from the automotive functional coating material according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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