Antimicrobial Coating Composition via Graphene Oxide Dispersion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing antimicrobial coating compositions containing graphene oxide suffer from limited efficacy and duration of antimicrobial action, and there is a need for compositions that are easy, quick, and economical to prepare.

Innovation Solution

A process involving an aqueous dispersion of graphite subjected to oxidation and exfoliation under specific conditions to produce a homogeneous and stable graphene oxide dispersion, which is then mixed with film-forming agents and optional additional antimicrobial agents to create a coating with enhanced biocidal efficacy and prolonged action.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If graphene oxide is used as antimicrobial agent in coating composition, then antimicrobial effect is achieved, but antimicrobial efficacy and duration are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial efficacyVSAvoidduration of antimicrobial action

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines graphene oxide with metal oxides (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, copper oxide) to create composite antimicrobial coatings. This composite approach enhances both the antimicrobial efficacy and duration of action by leveraging the synergistic effects of multiple materials, where the metal oxides provide additional biocidal activity and the graphene oxide maintains structural integrity and prolonged release properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the surface area and concentration parameters of graphene oxide by controlling the exfoliation process and metal oxide loading. By optimizing these parameters, the coating achieves enhanced antimicrobial efficacy while maintaining prolonged duration of action through controlled release mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If graphene oxide is incorporated into coating composition, then antimicrobial properties are obtained, but preparation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial propertiesVSAvoidpreparation process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary oxidation of graphite to graphene oxide and incorporates metal oxides into the coating formulation before application. This preliminary preparation simplifies the overall process by pre-processing the antimicrobial agents, allowing for straightforward mixing with the coating matrix and application to the substrate without complex in-situ synthesis steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If high shear homogenization is applied to graphite dispersion, then homogeneous graphene oxide dispersion is obtained, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehomogeneity of graphene oxide dispersionVSAvoidenergy consumption of homogenization process

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic high shear homogenization cycles rather than continuous processing. By applying shear force in intermittent bursts followed by rest periods, the system achieves sufficient homogenization of graphene oxide dispersion while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous high-shear processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 resulting coating composition exhibits superior antimicrobial efficacy and prolonged action against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, with stability over time and ease of preparation.

Implementation Method 1

subjecting an aqueous dispersion of graphite to oxidation and exfoliation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

subjecting an aqueous dispersion of graphite to oxidation and exfoliation with formation of graphene nanoplates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExfoliation:

Implementation Method 3

high shear homogenization by mixing said dispersion at a mixing speed equal to or greater than 1000 rpm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShear mixing: Shear Stress

Data Source

PatentEP4298167B1Process for preparing an antimicrobial coating composition, antimicrobial coating composition and use thereof to confer antimicrobial properties to the surface of a substrate

Publication Date: 2025.10.01 ENI SPA

AI summary

The present invention relates to a process for preparing an antimicrobial coating composition comprising the following steps: a. providing an aqueous dispersion comprising graphite, at least one oxidizing agent and optionally at least one antimicrobial agent; b. subjecting the aqueous dispersion from step a to high shear homogenization mixing said dispersion at a mixing speed equal to or greater than 1000 rpm, to obtain an antibacterial aqueous dispersion comprising graphene oxide; c. mixing the aqueous antimicrobial dispersion with at least one film-forming agent to obtain the antimicrobial coating composition. The invention further relates to the composition obtainable by the above process and use thereof to impart antimicrobial properties to the surface of a substrate.