Aqueous Silane Coating for Chromium-Free Metal Corrosion Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current corrosion protection systems for metals, particularly galvanized steel, often rely on toxic heavy metal ions like Cr(VI) and Co(II), which are environmentally harmful and require stable, environmentally friendly alternatives that provide durable corrosion protection without the use of these toxic substances.

Innovation Solution

An aqueous, storage-stable silane-based composition enhanced with specific metal salts such as nitrates or acetates of chromium(III), aluminum(III), zinc(II), and cerium(III) is used, offering excellent bare corrosion protection and compatibility with common coating systems, while being free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic heavy metals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If toxic heavy metal ions like Cr(VI) and Co(II) are used in corrosion protection systems, then durable corrosion protection is achieved, but environmental harm increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion protection durabilityVSAvoidenvironmental harm from toxic metal ions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing toxic Cr(VI) and Co(II) ions with non-toxic metal salts (Al³⁺, Zn²⁺, vanadium, cerium) in the aqueous silane system, maintaining corrosion protection functionality while eliminating environmental harm

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of metal ion toxicity into a beneficial outcome by using alternative metal salts that provide comparable or superior corrosion protection without the environmental hazards, turning a harmful approach into a beneficial one

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If aqueous silane-based compositions are used to replace toxic ions, then environmental friendliness improves, but corrosion protection durability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental friendliness (VOC content)VSAvoidcorrosion protection durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite aqueous system combining silane-based compounds with non-toxic metal salts (Al³⁺, Zn²⁺, vanadium, cerium) to achieve both environmental friendliness and durable corrosion protection simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the corrosion protection system by incorporating specific non-toxic metal salts at optimized concentrations, ensuring that the aqueous silane composition achieves both low VOC content and superior corrosion resistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If galvanized surfaces are treated with mineral oil or passivated directly after galvanization, then white rust formation is prevented, but painting quality and surface preparation are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewhite rust formationVSAvoidpainting quality and surface preparation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a preliminary treatment with aqueous silane composition containing non-toxic metal salts to the galvanized surface before painting, which prevents white rust formation while creating an optimized surface that enhances subsequent coating adhesion and quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary aqueous silane-based treatment layer between the galvanized surface and the final coating, which serves as a bridge that prevents white rust while providing excellent adhesion for subsequent painting operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Stability of the object's composition

If storage-stable aqueous compositions are developed, then environmental friendliness and stability improve, but corrosion protection effectiveness must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage stabilityVSAvoidcorrosion protection effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the chemical parameters of the aqueous silane system by selecting specific non-toxic metal salts and their concentrations, ensuring the composition remains stable during storage while maintaining effective corrosion protection when applied

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution provides durable corrosion resistance to metal surfaces, including galvanized steel, with excellent storage stability and adherence to further coatings, reducing white rust formation and environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

aqueous, silane-based composition... incorporating metal salts such as nitrates or acetates of chromium(III), aluminum(III), zinc(II), vanadium(II), and cerium(III)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 2

silane-based composition... provides durable corrosion resistance to metals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 3

The quality of the adhesive bonding depends inter alia on the metal alloy, since the composition of the metal surface determines the Si—O-metal bond

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS8864895B2Aqueous silane systems for bare corrosion protection and corrosion protection of metals
Publication Date: 2014.10.21 EVONIK OPERATIONS GMBH
  • US8864895B2 patent drawing
  • US8864895B2 patent drawing
  • US8864895B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a furnace (12) for melting heated glass using burners (13), wherein the combustion energy is at least partially produced by oxy-fuel combustion, and wherein at least a portion of the oxygen used in the burners (13) is produced by separation, on a ceramic separation membrane (18), from a gaseous mixture including oxygen, the oxygen from the separation being directly channeled into at least one burner (13).