Composite material, snow throwing barrel and preparation method, snow clearing machine

Abstract

A composite material, a snow throwing barrel and a preparation method, and a snow clearing machine. The composite material comprises a hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, inorganic particles, carbon nanoparticles, and an organosilicon compound; the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer has pores, the inorganic particles and the carbon nanoparticles are mixed in the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, and the organosilicon compound is disposed in the pores of the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer. Mixing inorganic particles into a hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer enhances the wear resistance of the composite material, and the addition of carbon nanoparticles increases the hardness of the composite material. Disposing an organosilicon compound in pores of the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, when using the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, can synergistically reduce interfacial adhesion of the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, so that slippery and sticky wet snow does not easily accumulate in a snow channel during a snow sweeping process.

Description

Composite material, snow throwing bucket and preparation method, and snow sweeper

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application with application number CN202311275471.9 filed with the Patent Office of China on September 28, 2023, entitled “A composite material, a snow bucket and its preparation method, and a snow sweeper”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to the technical field of snow processing, and in particular to a composite material, a snow throwing bucket and a preparation method thereof, and a snow sweeper. Background Art

[0004] A snowplow is an essential winter snow removal device. It typically consists of a prime mover, transmission, snow collection and throwing mechanism, a travel system, and an operating system. The throwing mechanism includes a snow bucket (i.e., a snow passage) and a snowplow assembly. The snowplow assembly draws snow from the bottom of the snowplow into the snowplow and then throws it out of the bucket's outlet.

[0005] At present, conventional snow throwing buckets are made of Teflon material, but wet snow is prone to sticking to the wall, resulting in blocked snow throwing. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a snow throwing bucket that is not easy to get snow (especially wet snow) on its surface, thereby achieving a smooth snow passage.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a composite material, a snow throwing bucket and its preparation method, and a snow sweeper, aiming to solve the problem in the prior art that wet snow is easy to stick to the wall of the snow throwing bucket, resulting in poor snow throwing.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, the present invention proposes a composite material comprising a hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, inorganic particles, carbon nanoparticles and an organosilicon compound; wherein the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer has pores, the inorganic particles and the carbon nanoparticles are mixed in the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, and the organosilicon compound is disposed in the pores of the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer.

[0009] Thus, in the solution of the present invention, the inorganic particles are mixed into the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, enhancing the composite material's wear resistance. The addition of carbon nanoparticles increases the composite material's hardness, enabling it to support its own weight, for example, preventing collapse when forming components of larger structures like snow buckets, while also making it less susceptible to mechanical wear and tear. Furthermore, the use of a hydrophobic polymer and the inclusion of an organosilicon compound within its pores can synergistically reduce the polymer's interfacial adhesion, thereby preventing slippery, sticky snow from accumulating in the snow passage during snow clearing.

[0010] Optionally, the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer includes at least one of polyurethane, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, and polytetrafluoroethylene. Using the above hydrophobic polymers with thermoplastic properties can make the composite material applicable to the field of 3D additive manufacturing technology.

[0011] Optionally, the inorganic particles include hydrophobic fumed silica particles or hydrophobic titanium dioxide particles. By using a hydrophobic polymer and the inorganic particles mixed in the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer also being made of a hydrophobic material, the wear resistance of the composite material can be improved while ensuring that the composite material has excellent hydrophobic properties.

[0012] Optionally, the organosilicon compound includes at least one of hexamethylsilane, dimethyl silicone oil, and heptamethyltrisiloxane. Selecting a suitable organosilicon compound allows the organosilicon compound to be disposed within the pores of the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer while employing a hydrophobic polymer, thereby synergistically reducing the interfacial adhesion of the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer.

[0013] Optionally, the inorganic particles have a particle size of 40-100 nm; and / or the carbon nanoparticles have a particle size of 10-100 nm. Using appropriate inorganic particle and carbon nanoparticle sizes can effectively enhance the wear resistance and strength of the composite material.

[0014] Optionally, the mass ratio of the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, inorganic particles, and carbon nanoparticles is (80-95): (5-20): (5-20); and / or, the mass proportion of the organosilicon compound in the composite material is 5%-15%. When the mass ratio of the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, inorganic particles, and carbon nanoparticles is within an appropriate range, it can effectively enhance the wear resistance and improve the strength of the composite material while ensuring the hydrophobic properties of the composite material. When the mass proportion of the organosilicon compound in the snow bucket is within an appropriate range, it can reduce the interfacial adhesion of the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer.

[0015] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a snow bucket comprising the composite material of the first aspect.

[0016] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for preparing a snow throwing bucket, the method comprising:

[0017] Adding a hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, inorganic particles, and carbon nanoparticles into a ball mill and mixing them to obtain a mixed powder;

[0018] The mixed powder is used to prepare a snow bucket precursor by 3D printing;

[0019] The organosilicon compound is infiltrated into the pores of the snow throwing bucket precursor to obtain the snow throwing bucket.

[0020] The preparation method provided by the present invention utilizes 3D printing to form a porous structure with a hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer. The ball-milled hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, inorganic particles, and carbon nanoparticles effectively form composite particles. During 3D printing, the inorganic particles and carbon nanoparticles are then embedded within the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer. Finally, an organosilicon compound is infiltrated into the pores of the snow bucket precursor, allowing the organosilicon compound to reside within the pores formed by the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer. This preparation method is simple, effective, and rapid, making it suitable for industrial application.

[0021] Optionally, in the step of preparing the snow bucket precursor using the mixed powder via 3D printing, the 3D printing temperature employed is 120-160°C, the laser energy density is 0.05-0.08 mm, and the scanning speed is 2000-4000 mm / s. By controlling the parameters employed during the 3D printing process within appropriate ranges, a snow bucket having excellent hydrophobicity, strength, and wear resistance can be obtained.

[0022] Optionally, the step of infiltrating the organosilicon compound into the pores of the snow throwing bucket precursor to obtain the snow throwing bucket includes infiltrating the organosilicon compound into the pores of the snow throwing bucket precursor by dropwise addition or coating to obtain the snow throwing bucket. In this manner, the organosilicon compound can be quickly infiltrated into the pores of the snow throwing bucket precursor.

[0023] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a snow sweeper comprising the snow throwing bucket of the second aspect.

[0024] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a snow sweeper comprising a snow throwing bucket prepared according to the preparation method of the third aspect.

[0025] In the sixth aspect, the present invention provides a snowplow with an ultra-slip snow bucket, comprising a connected operating device and a self-moving device capable of driving the operating device to move, wherein the operating device defines a snow-clearing channel, and at least a portion of the surface of the inner wall of the snow-clearing channel is provided with a hydrophobic film layer, and the hydrophobic film layer is prepared from the above-mentioned composite material.

[0026] Therefore, the hydrophobic film layer used in the technical solution of the present invention is at least partially arranged on the inner wall of the snow-clearing channel, which can reduce the interfacial adhesion force of the snow-clearing channel, so that during the snow-clearing process, the snow enters the snow-clearing channel from the snow inlet facing the ground and is then thrown out from the snow outlet. The slippery and sticky wet snow is not easily accumulated in the snow-clearing channel, thereby improving the snow-clearing efficiency.

[0027] Optionally, the operating equipment includes: a main body, which defines a snow inlet cavity and a snow inlet communicating with the snow inlet cavity; and

[0028] A snow throwing bucket is rotatably mounted on the main body, the snow throwing bucket defines a snow discharge channel and a snow outlet communicating with the snow discharge chamber, the snow discharge channel is communicated with the snow inlet chamber to form the snow sweeping channel;

[0029] Wherein, at least a portion of the surface of the inner wall of the snow inlet chamber is provided with a hydrophobic film layer, and / or at least a portion of the surface of the inner wall of the snow throwing bucket is provided with a hydrophobic film layer.

[0030] Therefore, the hydrophobic film layer can be installed on the inner wall of the snow inlet chamber, the inner wall of the snow throwing bucket, or both. Selecting the appropriate installation location can prevent snow from being retained during the process of entering and leaving the snowplow, and prevent wet snow, which is slippery and sticky, from accumulating in the snow passage, thereby improving snow removal efficiency.

[0031] Optionally, the inner wall of the snow inlet chamber has a corner structure, and the hydrophobic membrane layer is arranged at the corner structure of the snow inlet chamber.

[0032] Normally, slippery, sticky and elastic wet snow tends to accumulate at the corners of the snow-clearing channel. Therefore, setting a hydrophobic membrane layer at the corner structure of the snow inlet chamber is beneficial to preventing slippery, sticky and elastic wet snow from accumulating in the snow-clearing channel, thereby improving snow clearing efficiency.

[0033] Optionally, the hydrophobic film layer is arranged on the inner wall of the connection between the snow inlet chamber and the snow throwing bucket.

[0034] The hydrophobic membrane layer is arranged at the connection between the snow inlet chamber and the snow throwing bucket, that is, the hydrophobic membrane layer is arranged at the position where wet snow is easily accumulated in the snow-passing channel, which is beneficial to avoid the accumulation of slippery and sticky wet snow in the snow-passing channel, and can improve the snow clearing efficiency.

[0035] Optionally, the material of the hydrophobic film layer includes polypropylene, hydrophobic fumed silica particles and dimethyl silicone oil.

[0036] The use of a hydrophobic film layer made of suitable material is beneficial to improving the hydrophobic performance of the snow-passing channel, preventing the accumulation of slippery and sticky wet snow in the snow-passing channel, and improving the snow-clearing efficiency.

[0037] Optionally, the hydrophobic fumed silica particles have a particle size of 40-70 nm.

[0038] Hydrophobic fumed silica particles of appropriate particle size are beneficial to improving the wear resistance of the hydrophobic film layer.

[0039] Optionally, the operating equipment further includes a rotating shaft arranged in the main body and a snow-clearing blade fixed on the rotating shaft, the hydrophobic film layer is arranged on the surface of the snow-clearing blade, and / or the hydrophobic film layer is arranged on the surface of the rotating shaft.

[0040] Through the cooperation of the rotating shaft and the snow-clearing blades, the snow-clearing machine can suck in the snow on the ground by the rotation of the snow-clearing blades, and throw the sucked snow out of the snow-throwing bucket.

[0041] Optionally, the operating equipment further includes a first drive assembly for driving the rotating shaft to rotate.

[0042] Optionally, the self-moving device further includes: a walking track for supporting the snowplow so that the snowplow moves on the ground; and a second drive assembly connected to the walking track for driving the walking track to rotate.

[0043] In the technical solution of the present invention, inorganic particles are mixed into the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, enhancing the composite's wear resistance. The addition of carbon nanoparticles increases the composite's hardness, enabling it to support its own weight, for example, preventing collapse when forming components of larger structures like snow buckets, while also making it less susceptible to mechanical wear and tear. Furthermore, the use of a hydrophobic polymer and the inclusion of an organosilicon compound within its pores synergistically reduce its interfacial adhesion, thereby preventing slippery, sticky snow from accumulating in the snow passage during snow clearing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the examples or descriptions of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0045] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a snow sweeper provided by an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0046] The following are the reference numerals: DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. Where specific conditions are not specified in the embodiments, they are carried out according to conventional conditions or the conditions recommended by the manufacturer. Where the reagents or instruments used are not specified by the manufacturer, they are all conventional products that can be purchased commercially. In addition, the meaning of "and / or" appearing in the full text includes three parallel schemes. Taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes scheme A, or scheme B, or schemes that A and B meet at the same time. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but must be based on the ability of ordinary technicians in this field to achieve. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be achieved, it should be considered that the combination of such technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the present invention. Based on the embodiments in the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0048] A snowplow is an important piece of snow removal equipment in winter. It typically includes a prime mover, a transmission device, a snow collection device, a snow throwing device, a travel system, and an operating system. The snow throwing device includes a snow throwing bucket (i.e., a snow passage) and a snow sweeping assembly. The snow on the bottom of the snow throwing bucket is sucked into the snow sweeping assembly and then thrown out of the snow throwing bucket's outlet. Currently, conventional snow throwing buckets are made of Teflon, but wet snow easily sticks to the wall, resulting in poor snow throwing. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a snow throwing bucket that is resistant to snow (especially wet snow) from sticking to its surface, thereby ensuring a smooth snow passage.

[0049] In view of this, the first aspect of the present invention proposes a composite material comprising a hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, inorganic particles, carbon nanoparticles and an organosilicon compound; wherein the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer has pores, the inorganic particles and the carbon nanoparticles are mixed in the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, and the organosilicon compound is disposed in the pores of the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer.

[0050] Thus, in the solution of the present invention, the inorganic particles are mixed into the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, enhancing the composite material's wear resistance. The addition of carbon nanoparticles increases the composite material's hardness, enabling it to support its own weight, for example, preventing collapse when forming components of larger structures like snow buckets, while also making it less susceptible to mechanical wear and tear. Furthermore, the use of a hydrophobic polymer and the inclusion of an organosilicon compound within its pores can synergistically reduce the polymer's interfacial adhesion, thereby preventing slippery, sticky snow from accumulating in the snow passage during snow clearing.

[0051] In some embodiments, the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer includes at least one of polyurethane, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, and polytetrafluoroethylene. Using the above hydrophobic polymers and having thermoplastic properties can make the composite material applicable to the field of 3D additive manufacturing technology.

[0052] In some embodiments, the inorganic particles include hydrophobic fumed silica particles or hydrophobic titanium dioxide particles. By using a hydrophobic polymer and the inorganic particles mixed in the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer also being hydrophobic, the wear resistance of the composite material can be improved while ensuring excellent hydrophobic properties.

[0053] It should be noted that the hydrophobic fumed silica particles can be made of different types of gas-phase or precipitated silica as raw materials, and react with suitable compounds through the silanol group; it is hydrophobic due to the non-hydrolyzed methyl groups connected to the surface. For example, it can be prepared by chemically reacting hydrophilic fumed silica with active silanes (such as chlorosilane or hexamethyldisilazane). Similarly, the hydrophobic titanium dioxide particles are titanium dioxide particles that have been surface-treated, and the surface treatment method can be any one of the treatment methods in the prior art that can make the surface of the titanium dioxide particles hydrophobic, and the present invention does not specifically limit this.

[0054] In some embodiments, the organosilicon compound includes at least one of hexamethylsilane, dimethyl silicone oil, and heptamethyltrisiloxane. Selecting a suitable organosilicon compound allows the organosilicon compound to be incorporated into the pores of the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer while simultaneously being a hydrophobic polymer, thereby synergistically reducing the interfacial adhesion of the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer.

[0055] In some embodiments, the inorganic particles have a particle size of 40-100 nm; and / or the carbon nanoparticles have a particle size of 10-100 nm. Using appropriate inorganic particle and carbon nanoparticle sizes can effectively enhance the wear resistance and strength of the composite material.

[0056] In some embodiments, the mass ratio of the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, the inorganic particles, and the carbon nanoparticles is (80-95):(5-20):(5-20); and the mass proportion of the organosilicon compound in the composite material is 5%-15%. When the mass ratio of the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, the inorganic particles, and the carbon nanoparticles is within a suitable range, the composite material can effectively enhance the wear resistance and improve the strength of the composite material while ensuring the hydrophobic properties of the composite material. When the mass proportion of the organosilicon compound in the snow bucket is within a suitable range, the interfacial adhesion of the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer can be reduced.

[0057] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a snow bucket comprising the composite material of the first aspect.

[0058] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for preparing a snow throwing bucket, the method comprising:

[0059] Adding a hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, inorganic particles, and carbon nanoparticles into a ball mill and mixing them to obtain a mixed powder;

[0060] The mixed powder is used to prepare a snow bucket precursor by 3D printing;

[0061] The organosilicon compound is infiltrated into the pores of the snow throwing bucket precursor to obtain the snow throwing bucket.

[0062] The preparation method provided by the present invention utilizes 3D printing to form a porous structure with a hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer. The ball-milled hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, inorganic particles, and carbon nanoparticles effectively form composite particles. During 3D printing, the inorganic particles and carbon nanoparticles are then embedded within the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer. Finally, an organosilicon compound is infiltrated into the pores of the snow bucket precursor, allowing the organosilicon compound to reside within the pores formed by the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer. This preparation method is simple, effective, and rapid, making it suitable for industrial application.

[0063] In some embodiments, the step of adding the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, the inorganic particles, and the carbon nanoparticles into a ball mill for mixing to obtain a mixed powder can be specifically as follows: adding the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, the inorganic particles, and the carbon nanoparticles into a ball mill and mixing them in a ball mill mixer at a speed of 450-500 rpm for 10-20 minutes.

[0064] In some embodiments, in the step of preparing the snow bucket precursor using the mixed powder via 3D printing, the 3D printing temperature employed is 120-160°C, the laser energy density is 0.05-0.08 mm, and the scanning speed is 2000-4000 mm / s. By controlling the parameters employed during the 3D printing process within appropriate ranges, a snow bucket having excellent hydrophobicity, strength, and wear resistance can be obtained.

[0065] It should be noted that 3D printing in embodiments of the present invention can utilize SLS additive manufacturing technology, an additive manufacturing technique based on layer-by-layer sintering of structural oil powder. The sintering process involves evenly laying unsintered powder into a thin layer within a build cavity. Simultaneously, a heating process is used to preheat the powder at a set temperature to prevent warping of the printed model. The preheating temperature should be below the melting point of the composite powder. During the sintering process, a laser beam is selectively irradiated in the target area through programmable control. Because the laser input energy is insufficient to melt the composite powder, sintered necks form between adjacent powders. After a layer is sintered, the sintered area is lowered, and a new layer of unsintered powder is then laid onto the work area and selectively sintered. During the sintering and remelting process, the powder undergoes a process of partial melting and cooling facilitated by heat conduction. Within the target area, the laser energy input allows the remelted and unsintered powder to connect to the previously sintered component below it. Thus, through this layer-by-layer generation, a support structure is gradually obtained, and the iterative process is repeated until the desired shape is achieved.

[0066] In some embodiments, the step of infiltrating the organosilicon compound into the pores of the snow bucket precursor to obtain the snow bucket includes infiltrating the organosilicon compound into the pores of the snow bucket precursor by dropwise addition or coating to obtain the snow bucket. Thus, the organosilicon compound can be quickly infiltrated into the pores of the snow bucket precursor.

[0067] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a snow sweeper, comprising the above-mentioned snow throwing bucket or the snow throwing bucket prepared according to the above-mentioned preparation method.

[0068] The technical solutions of the present invention are further described in detail below in conjunction with specific embodiments. It should be understood that the following embodiments are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention.

[0069] Example 1

[0070] This embodiment provides a composite material comprising polypropylene, hydrophobic titanium dioxide particles, carbon nanoparticles, and hexamethylsilane. The polypropylene has pores, the hydrophobic titanium dioxide particles and the carbon nanoparticles are mixed within the polypropylene, and the hexamethylsilane is disposed within the pores. The hydrophobic titanium dioxide particles have a particle size of 40 nm, the carbon nanoparticles have a particle size of 50 nm, and the mass ratio of polypropylene, hydrophobic titanium dioxide particles, and carbon nanoparticles is 95:5:5. The mass ratio of hexamethylsilane in the composite material is 5%.

[0071] Example 2

[0072] This embodiment provides a composite material comprising polystyrene, hydrophobic titanium dioxide particles, carbon nanoparticles, and hexamethylsilane. The polystyrene has pores, the hydrophobic titanium dioxide particles and the carbon nanoparticles are mixed within the polystyrene, and the hexamethylsilane is disposed within the pores of the polystyrene. The hydrophobic titanium dioxide particles have a particle size of 40 nm, the carbon nanoparticles have a particle size of 50 nm, and the mass ratio of polystyrene, hydrophobic titanium dioxide particles, and carbon nanoparticles is 95:5:5. The mass ratio of hexamethylsilane in the composite material is 5%.

[0073] Example 3

[0074] This embodiment provides a composite material comprising polyurethane, hydrophobic fumed silica particles, carbon nanoparticles, and dimethyl silicone oil. The polyurethane has pores, the hydrophobic fumed silica particles and carbon nanoparticles are mixed within the polyurethane, and the dimethyl silicone oil is disposed within the pores. The hydrophobic fumed silica particles have a particle size of 40 nm, the carbon nanoparticles have a particle size of 50 nm, and the mass ratio of polyurethane, hydrophobic fumed silica particles, and carbon nanoparticles is 95:5:5. The dimethyl silicone oil accounts for 5% by mass of the composite material.

[0075] Example 4-11

[0076] Similar to Example 1, Examples 4-11 differ from Example 1 in that the allocation ratios of the groups are different, see Table 1 for details.

[0077] Table 1

[0078] The surface wettability test of the composite materials obtained in Examples 1-11 was performed, and the specific test method was as follows:

[0079] The contact angle and rolling angle of water droplets on the surface of the composite material were measured using the KRüSS DSA25S optical contact angle analysis system. For the measurement of the contact angle in a non-moving state, a water droplet (about 10 μL) was first added to the sample surface by a motor-controlled syringe. When the droplet was stable, a side image was captured by a camera, and the software was used for fitting calculation to obtain the static contact angle value of the water droplet on the composite surface. For the rolling angle measurement, a motor-controlled rotatable test platform was used to tilt the sample, and the rotation angle of the platform was realized in real time on a computer connected to the motor. At the beginning of the test, the initial inclination angle of the platform was maintained at 0°. After a water droplet (about 10 μL) was added to the surface of the composite material by a syringe, the motor was controlled to rotate the platform. The rotation stopped at the moment the droplet began to roll on the surface, and the rotation angle displayed on the computer was recorded as the rolling angle. Each sample was measured at three different positions to reduce data errors.

[0080] The measurement results are shown in Table 2

[0081] Table 2 Surface wettability test results of the composite materials obtained in Examples 1-11

[0082] As can be seen from the data in Table 2, the contact angles of the composite materials obtained in Examples 1-11 with respect to water droplets are all greater than 110°, and the rolling angles are all relatively small, about 2°. This indicates that the composite materials obtained in Examples 1-11 have good hydrophobic properties. Therefore, when applied to snowplows, they can synergistically reduce the interfacial adhesion of the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, thereby preventing the accumulation of slippery and viscoelastic wet snow during the snow-clearing process.

[0083] The composite material obtained in Example 1 was selected to perform surface wettability test under low temperature conditions. The test method is as follows:

[0084] The composite material was divided into 9 samples, and the 9 samples were placed in 0℃, -5℃, -10℃, -15℃, -20℃, -25℃, -30℃, -35℃, and -40℃ environments for 10 hours. Then, the surface wettability of the samples was tested. The test method was consistent with the above content. The measurement results are shown in Table 3.

[0085] Table 3 Surface wettability test results of the composite material obtained in Example 1 under low temperature environment

[0086] As can be seen from the data in Table 3, the contact angle and rolling angle of the composite material obtained in Example 1 for water droplets in a low-temperature environment change little, indicating that the composite material obtained in Example 1 also has good hydrophobic properties in a low-temperature environment. Therefore, when it is applied to a snowplow, even in a low-temperature environment, it can synergistically reduce the interfacial adhesion of the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, thereby preventing the accumulation of slippery and viscoelastic wet snow during the snow-clearing process.

[0087] The wear resistance of the composite materials obtained in Examples 1-11 was tested in the following manner:

[0088] The composite material obtained in Examples 1-11 was made into a film and placed horizontally. A piece of 320-grit sandpaper was placed on its surface. The area of ​​the sandpaper was approximately 1 / 3 of the area of ​​the film. A glass plate with an area equivalent to the sandpaper was placed on the back of the sandpaper. The sandpaper and the glass plate were glued together with backing adhesive to prevent relative sliding between the two. Finally, a weight was placed on the glass plate to ensure that the film layer was in contact with the sandpaper surface. The sandpaper was moved at a speed of v = 0.5 mm / s, and the minimum weight corresponding to the scratch depth ≥ 1 μm on the film surface was recorded to measure the wear resistance of the coating. The test data are shown in Table 4.

[0089] Table 4 Wear resistance test results of composite materials obtained in Examples 1-11

[0090] It can be seen from the data in Table 4 that the composite materials obtained in Examples 1-11 have good wear resistance, indicating that the composite materials obtained in Examples 1-11 have high hardness and are not easily broken due to mechanical wear.

[0091] Example 12

[0092] This embodiment provides a method for preparing a snow throwing bucket, the preparation method comprising:

[0093] (1) The hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, inorganic particles, and carbon nanoparticles in Example 1 were added to a ball mill mixer according to the mass ratio in Example 1, and mixed at a speed of 500 rpm for 10 minutes to obtain a mixed powder;

[0094] (2) The mixed powder is used to prepare a snow bucket precursor by 3D printing; the printing temperature used in 3D printing is 120°C, the laser energy density is 0.05mm, and the scanning speed is 4000mm / s.

[0095] (3) The organosilicon compound of Example 1 is infiltrated into the pores of the snow throwing bucket precursor to obtain a snow throwing bucket.

[0096] Examples 13-23

[0097] The preparation methods of Examples 13-23 are similar to those of Example 12, except that the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, inorganic particles, carbon nanoparticles, and organosilicon compound and their proportions are the same as those of Examples 2-11.

[0098] Example 24

[0099] This embodiment provides a snow throwing bucket, which includes the composite material provided in Example 1.

[0100] Example 25

[0101] This embodiment provides a snow sweeper, including a snow throwing bucket, which is prepared using the preparation method in Example 12.

[0102] In the solution of the present invention, inorganic particles are mixed into the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, enhancing the wear resistance of the composite material. The addition of carbon nanoparticles increases the hardness of the composite material, enabling it to support its own weight, for example, preventing collapse when forming components of larger structures such as snow buckets. Furthermore, it is less susceptible to mechanical wear and tear. While using a hydrophobic polymer, the organosilicon compound incorporated into the pores of the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer can synergistically reduce the interfacial adhesion of the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, thereby preventing slippery, viscoelastic snow from accumulating in the snow passage during snow clearing. Compared to conventional snow buckets made of Teflon, slippery, viscoelastic snow is less likely to accumulate in the snow passage.

[0103] Example 26

[0104] This embodiment proposes a snowplow 100 with a super-slip snow bucket. Referring to Figure 1, the snowplow 100 includes a connected working device 1 and a self-moving device 2 that can drive the working device 1 to move. The working device 1 defines a snow-clearing channel 11, and at least a portion of the surface of the inner wall of the snow-clearing channel 11 is provided with a hydrophobic film layer. The hydrophobic film layer is prepared from a composite material, and the composite material can be prepared from any one of the aforementioned embodiments 1-11.

[0105] Therefore, this embodiment adopts a hydrophobic film layer at least partially set in the inner wall of the snow-clearing channel 11, which can reduce the interfacial adhesion force of the snow-clearing channel, so that during the snow-clearing process, the snow enters the snow-clearing channel 11 from the snow inlet 12 facing the ground, and is then thrown out from the snow outlet 12. The slippery and sticky wet snow is not easy to accumulate in the snow-clearing channel, thereby achieving an improvement in snow-clearing efficiency.

[0106] In some embodiments, the operating equipment includes a main body 111 and a snow throwing bucket 112. The main body 111 defines a snow inlet chamber 111a and a snow inlet 12 communicating with the snow inlet chamber 111a; the snow throwing bucket 112 is rotatably mounted on the main body 111, and defines a snow outlet channel and a snow outlet 12 communicating with the snow outlet chamber. The snow outlet channel is connected to the snow inlet chamber 111a to form the snow clearing channel 11; wherein, at least a portion of the inner wall of the snow inlet chamber 111a is provided with a hydrophobic film layer, and / or at least a portion of the inner wall of the snow throwing bucket 112 is provided with a hydrophobic film layer.

[0107] In some embodiments, the hydrophobic film layer is disposed on the inner wall of the snow inlet chamber 111a, or the hydrophobic film layer is disposed on the inner wall of the snow throwing bucket 112, or the hydrophobic film layer is disposed on both the inner wall of the snow inlet chamber 111a and the inner wall of the snow throwing bucket 112. Selecting a suitable location can prevent snow from being retained during the process of entering and leaving the snowplow 100, and prevent wet snow, which is slippery and sticky, from accumulating in the snow passage, thereby improving snow removal efficiency.

[0108] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the snow inlet chamber 111a has a corner structure, and the hydrophobic film layer is disposed at the corner structure of the snow inlet chamber 111a. Typically, slippery, viscoelastic, wet snow easily accumulates at the corners of the snow passage. Therefore, disposing the hydrophobic film layer at the corner structure of the snow inlet chamber 111a helps prevent the accumulation of slippery, viscoelastic, wet snow in the snow passage, thereby improving snow clearing efficiency.

[0109] In some embodiments, the hydrophobic film layer is disposed on the inner wall of the junction between the snow inlet chamber 111a and the snow throwing bucket 112. Disposing the hydrophobic film layer at the junction between the snow inlet chamber 111a and the snow throwing bucket 112, i.e., disposing the hydrophobic film layer at a location in the snow passage where wet snow is likely to accumulate, helps prevent the accumulation of slippery, sticky, and elastic wet snow in the snow passage, thereby improving snow clearing efficiency.

[0110] In some embodiments, the hydrophobic film layer includes polypropylene, hydrophobic fumed silica particles, and dimethyl silicone oil. Using a hydrophobic film layer made of a suitable material can improve the hydrophobicity of the snow passage, preventing the accumulation of slippery, sticky, and elastic snow in the passage, thereby improving snow clearing efficiency.

[0111] In some embodiments, the hydrophobic fumed silica particles have a particle size of 40-70 nm. Hydrophobic fumed silica particles of appropriate particle size are beneficial for improving the wear resistance of the hydrophobic film layer.

[0112] In addition, hydrophobic fumed silica particles are also conventionally used wear-resistant particles in the prior art. They can use different types of gas phase method or precipitation method silica as raw materials, and react with suitable compounds through silanol groups; they are hydrophobic due to the surface connection of non-hydrolyzed methyl groups. Exemplarily, they can be prepared by chemical reaction of hydrophilic fumed silica with active silanes (such as chlorosilane or hexamethyldisilazane). The surface treatment method can be any one of the prior art methods that can make the surface of the fumed silica particles hydrophobic, and the present invention is not specifically limited to this.

[0113] In some embodiments, the operating device 1 further includes a rotating shaft disposed within the main body 111 and a snowplow blade 111b secured to the rotating shaft. The hydrophobic film layer is disposed on the surface of the snowplow blade 111b, or on the surface of the rotating shaft, or on both the surface of the snowplow blade 111b and the surface of the rotating shaft. This helps prevent the accumulation of slippery, sticky, and elastic wet snow in the snow passage, thereby improving snow removal efficiency. Furthermore, through the coordination of the rotating shaft and the snowplow blade 111b, the snowplow 100 utilizes the rotation of the snowplow blade 111b to draw in accumulated snow from the ground and eject the absorbed snow from the snow throwing bucket.

[0114] In some embodiments, the operating equipment 1 further includes a first driving assembly for driving the rotating shaft to rotate.

[0115] In some embodiments, the self-moving device 2 further includes a walking track 21 and a second drive assembly, wherein the walking track 21 is used to support the snowplow so that the snowplow moves on the ground; the second drive assembly is connected to the walking track 21 to drive the walking track 21 to rotate.

[0116] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is susceptible to various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A composite material, characterized in that: It comprises a hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, inorganic particles, carbon nanoparticles and an organosilicon compound; wherein the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer has pores, the inorganic particles and the carbon nanoparticles are mixed in the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, and the organosilicon compound is arranged in the pores of the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer.

2. The composite material according to claim 1, characterized in that The hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer includes at least one of polyurethane, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene and polytetrafluoroethylene.

3. The composite material according to claim 1, characterized in that The inorganic particles include hydrophobic fumed silica particles or hydrophobic titanium dioxide particles.

4. The composite material according to claim 1, characterized in that The organic silicon compound includes at least one of hexamethylsilane, dimethyl silicone oil and heptamethyltrisiloxane.

5. The composite material according to claim 1, characterized in that The particle size of the inorganic particles is 40-100 nm; and / or the particle size of the carbon nanoparticles is 10-100 nm.

6. The composite material according to claim 1, characterized in that The mass ratio of the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, the inorganic particles and the carbon nanoparticles is (80-95): (5-20): (5-20); and / or the mass proportion of the organosilicon compound in the composite material is 5%-15%.

7. A snow throwing bucket, characterized in that: The method comprises the composite material according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A method for preparing a snow throwing bucket, characterized in that: The preparation method comprises: adding a hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer, inorganic particles, and carbon nanoparticles into a ball mill for mixing to obtain a mixed powder; using the mixed powder to prepare a snow bucket precursor by 3D printing; and infiltrating an organosilicon compound into the pores of the snow bucket precursor to obtain a snow bucket.

9. The preparation method according to claim 8, characterized in that: In the step of preparing a snow bucket precursor by 3D printing using the mixed powder: the printing temperature used in 3D printing is 120-160° C., the laser energy density is 0.05-0.08 mm, and the scanning speed is 2000-4000 mm / s.

10. The preparation method according to claim 8, characterized in that: The step of infiltrating the organosilicon compound into the pores of the snow throwing bucket precursor to obtain the snow throwing bucket includes: infiltrating the organosilicon compound into the pores of the snow throwing bucket precursor by dripping or coating to obtain the snow throwing bucket.

11. A snow sweeper, characterized in that: The invention comprises a snow throwing bucket as claimed in claim 7.

12. A snow sweeper, characterized in that: It comprises a snow throwing bucket prepared according to the preparation method according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

13. A snow sweeper with a super-slip snow bucket, characterized in that: It comprises connected working equipment and a self-moving device capable of driving the working equipment to move, wherein the working equipment defines a snow-clearing channel, and at least a portion of the surface of the inner wall of the snow-clearing channel is provided with a hydrophobic film layer, and the hydrophobic film layer is prepared from the composite material described in any one of claims 1-6.

14. The snow sweeper according to claim 13, characterized in that: The operating equipment includes: a main body, wherein a snow inlet cavity and a snow inlet port communicating with the snow inlet cavity are defined therein; and A snow throwing bucket is rotatably mounted on the main body, the snow throwing bucket defines a snow outlet channel and a snow outlet communicating with the snow outlet cavity, the snow outlet channel is communicated with the snow inlet cavity to form the snow sweeping channel; Wherein, at least a portion of the surface of the inner wall of the snow inlet chamber is provided with a hydrophobic film layer, and / or at least a portion of the surface of the inner wall of the snow throwing bucket is provided with a hydrophobic film layer.

15. The snowplow according to claim 14, characterized in that: The inner wall of the snow inlet cavity has a corner structure, and the hydrophobic film layer is arranged at the corner structure of the snow inlet cavity.

16. The snowplow according to claim 14, characterized in that: The hydrophobic film layer is arranged on the inner wall of the connection between the snow inlet cavity and the snow throwing bucket.

17. The snow sweeper according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that: The operating equipment also includes a rotating shaft arranged in the main body and a snow-clearing blade fixed on the rotating shaft, the hydrophobic film layer is arranged on the surface of the snow-clearing blade, and / or the hydrophobic film layer is arranged on the surface of the rotating shaft.

18. The snowplow according to claim 17, characterized in that: The operating equipment also includes a first driving component for driving the rotating shaft to rotate; the snow throwing bucket is manufactured by 3D printing.

19. The snowplow according to claim 13, characterized in that: The self-mobile device comprises: Walking tracks, used to support the snowplow so that the snowplow can move on the ground; The second driving assembly is connected to the walking crawler belt and is used to drive the walking crawler belt to rotate.

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