Antifouling Structure With Microporous Layer And Non-Volatile Liquid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antifouling water-repellent articles have insufficient water repellency and slipperiness due to exposure of the void layer, leading to foreign matter accumulation, as the thin film of water-repellent material is easily broken and does not cover the entire surface effectively.
Innovation Solution
An antifouling structure comprising a microporous structure layer made of silicon oxide-based inorganic material with a non-volatile liquid, such as fluorinated or silicone oil, where the surface and pores are modified with a fluoride functional group, ensuring the non-volatile liquid covers the microporous structure layer, maintaining good antifouling properties and preventing foreign matter accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the amount of water-repellent material exposed on the surface is reduced to a minimum level by impregnating voids, then the water-repellent material usage is optimized and the void layer is supplied with water-repellent material continuously, but the thin film of water-repellent material on the surface is readily broken and foreign matter such as droplets are likely to stay on the exposed void layer
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different properties to different parts of the surface: the microporous structure layer provides a rough surface for liquid retention, while the fluorinated organic compound layer provides low surface energy for water repellency. This local differentiation allows the water-repellent material to be concentrated where it provides maximum benefit (at the surface) rather than being distributed throughout the bulk material.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining an inorganic microporous material (such as silica or titania) with an organic fluorinated compound. The inorganic component provides the microporous structure for liquid retention, while the organic component provides the water-repellent properties. This composite approach allows both functions to work together synergistically.
2Ease of manufacture
If the thin film of water-repellent material on the surface is formed by water-repellent material exuding from the void layer, then the water-repellent material is efficiently distributed, but the thin film is readily broken and the void layer becomes exposed leading to foreign matter accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorinated organic compound is applied to the microporous structure layer in advance, forming a protective layer before the article is put into service. This preliminary coating ensures that the water-repellent surface is established before any potential damage can occur, and the microporous structure underneath is prepared to quickly replenish any minor disruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorinated organic compound forms a thin, flexible film on the microporous structure layer that can accommodate minor stresses and deformations without breaking. This thin film approach maintains the water-repellent properties while allowing the underlying microporous structure to provide mechanical support and material reservoir functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The antifouling structure maintains high antifouling performance and visibility by preventing exposure of the microporous layer, ensuring no foreign matter stays on the surface and maintaining optical clarity and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a microporous structure layer (3) retaining the non-volatile liquid (2)
Implementation Method 2
the surface and the pores of the microporous structure layer are modified with a modifier that contains a compound having a fluoride functional group that is bound to the inorganic material of the microporous structure layer
Data Source
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AI summary
An antifouling structure of the present invention includes: a non-volatile liquid; a microporous structure layer retaining the non-volatile liquid; and a base with the microporous structure layer on a surface of the base. A surface roughness (Rz) of the microporous structure layer and a film thickness (T) of the non-volatile liquid satisfy Rz < T. The automobile part with an antifouling structure of the present invention includes the above-described antifouling structure.