Binder Composition for Flexible Composite Laminates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reinforced wooden laminates suffer from limited mechanical strength and brittleness, leading to handling difficulties and dust formation during manufacturing and lamination processes, necessitating the development of more flexible and less brittle nonwoven materials for composite materials used in construction and furniture.

Innovation Solution

A new binder composition comprising a B-stage binder and a thermoplastic emulsion, preferably polyolefin or polyurethane-based, is applied to textile structures, enhancing their flexibility and impact resistance, and reducing brittleness and dust issues during processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional B-stage binder is used for reinforcing nonwoven, then mechanical strength is achieved, but brittleness increases causing handling problems and dust formation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidhandling capability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines B-stage binder with thermoplastic emulsion to create a composite binder system. The B-stage binder provides mechanical strength while the thermoplastic emulsion component reduces brittleness and improves flexibility, allowing the nonwoven to be handled more easily during manufacturing and lamination processes without generating dust

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the binder composition by adding thermoplastic emulsion components and adjusting chemical parameters such as formaldehyde-free formulations and specific resin ratios. These parameter changes transform the binder from a brittle state to a more flexible state that maintains strength while reducing dust formation and handling difficulties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If traditional B-stage binder is used for reinforcing nonwoven, then mechanical strength is achieved, but dust formation occurs during manufacturing and lamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoiddust formation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The composite binder system combines B-stage binder with thermoplastic emulsion, where the thermoplastic component acts as a binder that holds the nonwoven fibers together more effectively. This reduces fiber detachment and dust formation during manufacturing and lamination processes while maintaining the required mechanical strength of the reinforcing nonwoven

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs formaldehyde-free formulations and adjusts chemical composition parameters to reduce dust formation. The modified binder chemistry creates a more stable nonwoven structure that resists generating dust particles during handling and processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If flexiblity is improved by adding thermoplastic emulsion, then handling capability increases, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling capabilityVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the thermoplastic emulsion content and formulation parameters to achieve the desired flexibility balance. By carefully controlling the emulsion concentration and type, the nonwoven gains sufficient flexibility for handling while avoiding excessive softness that would complicate subsequent lamination processing

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 new binder composition significantly improves the mechanical flexibility and impact resistance of laminates, making them more suitable for interior construction, floor coverings, and furniture production by minimizing handling problems and dust formation, while maintaining mechanical stability.

Implementation Method 1

at least one emulsion, preferably a thermoplastic emulsion, in particular the emulsion being based on polyolefin and/or polyurethane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermoplastic behavior:

Implementation Method 2

The binder composition according to the present invention can be processed under B-stage conditions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectB-stage curing:

Data Source

PatentUS11685848B2Binder composition
Publication Date: 2023.06.27 JOHNS MANVILLE CORP

AI summary

The invention relates to a new binder composition which is particularly suitable for the manufacture of composite materials utilizing such new binder composition in the required nonwoven materials. Composite materials using such new binder composition in their nonwoven part are suitable, in particular, for composites materials for interior construction, for linings, floor coverings, and for the manufacture of furniture and similar products.