Two-Part Aqueous Coating Rapid Set via Flocculant Crosslinking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Exterior coatings face challenges due to weather conditions during application and drying, leading to coating failure and the need for multiple coats, which increases labor and energy costs. Current technologies do not effectively provide a composition with a polymer derived from (meth)acrylate and acid monomers with a glass-transition temperature of at least -30°C, nor do they achieve the desired tensile strength and rapid setting.

Innovation Solution

A two-part aqueous coating composition comprising a first polymer with a glass-transition temperature of at least -30°C, derived from (meth)acrylate and acid monomers, and a second coating component with a flocculant, applied simultaneously or sequentially to form a rapid set coating with enhanced tensile strength and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the setting time of coatings is extended to ensure proper curing, then coating quality and durability are improved, but the coating is more susceptible to weather damage and requires longer drying time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating qualityVSAvoiddrying time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the coating system by introducing a two-part composition where Component A (polymer emulsion with specific Tg ≥ -30°C) reacts with Component B (crosslinking agent). This chemical modification enables rapid curing through crosslinking reactions, reducing drying time from traditional extended periods to just 1-4 hours while maintaining coating quality and weather resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prepares the coating system in advance by formulating Component A with specific polymer characteristics (Tg ≥ -30°C, functional groups) and Component B (crosslinking agent) separately, allowing them to be stored ready-to-use. When applied, they immediately begin reacting, enabling rapid setting without requiring extended drying time while ensuring proper curing through pre-designed chemical compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple coats are applied to achieve desired film thickness, then coating durability is improved, but labor costs and application time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating durabilityVSAvoidapplication efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the coating system by using a two-part composition with Component A (polymer emulsion containing functional groups) and Component B (crosslinking agent). This enables high solids content (≥40%) and rapid curing in a single coat, achieving desired film thickness and durability without requiring multiple applications, thus improving application efficiency while maintaining coating reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite coating system by combining Component A (polymer emulsion with specific properties) and Component B (crosslinking agent) in a two-part formulation. This composite material achieves high film thickness and durability in a single coat through crosslinking reinforcement, eliminating the need for multiple coats and improving productivity while maintaining coating durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Loss of time

If external drying methods are used to accelerate curing, then setting time is reduced, but energy costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetting timeVSAvoidenergy cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the coating system to self-cure through an exothermic crosslinking reaction between Component A (polymer emulsion with functional groups) and Component B (crosslinking agent). This self-service mechanism generates the necessary heat internally during the curing process, accelerating setting time to 1-4 hours without requiring external energy input such as dryers or heating equipment, thus reducing energy costs while maintaining rapid setting performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Object-affected harmful factors

If aqueous coatings are used for environmental benefits, then VOC emissions are reduced, but film cracking occurs upon curing

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveVOC emissionsVSAvoidcoating integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the aqueous coating system by using Component A (polymer emulsion with Tg ≥ -30°C and functional groups) and Component B (crosslinking agent). This formulation achieves high solids content (≥40%) and proper film formation through crosslinking, preventing film cracking while maintaining the environmental benefits of low VOC emissions associated with aqueous-based coatings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite aqueous coating system by combining Component A (polymer emulsion with specific properties) and Component B (crosslinking agent). This composite formulation maintains the environmental advantages of aqueous coatings (low VOC) while preventing film cracking through crosslinking reinforcement, achieving both environmental sustainability and coating integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 two-part coating composition achieves rapid setting, high tensile strength, and durability, passing mandrel bend tests and maintaining performance after extended weathering, allowing for a single coat application and reducing labor and energy costs.

Implementation Method 1

The second coating component can comprise a flocculant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlocculation: Flocculation

Data Source

PatentEP3131977B1Rapid set aqueous coatings
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 BASF SE
  • EP3131977B1 patent drawing
  • EP3131977B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Two-part aqueous coating compositions as well as methods of using thereof are described. The first coating component can comprise one or more polymers and the second coating component can comprise a flocculant. The first coating component and the second coating component can be provided as separate aqueous compositions. The first coating component and a second coating component that can be co-applied (e.g., simultaneously or sequentially) to a surface form a rapid set coating.