Bitumen Waterproofing Membrane Using Hollow Glass Microspheres

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing waterproofing membranes for the construction industry are heavy, making them difficult to handle manually and transport, while also lacking in flexibility to adapt to uneven surfaces, despite efforts to reduce weight without compromising strength and performance.

Innovation Solution

Replacing conventional mineral fillers like calcium carbonate with hollow glass microspheres of low density (0.10-0.14 g/cm³ and less than 120 µm in size) in bituminous formulations, which results in lighter, more flexible membranes with improved performance and handling capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If conventional mineral fillers (calcium carbonate) are used in bituminous formulations, then the membranes have sufficient strength and performance, but the membranes become heavy and difficult to handle manually

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of waterproofing membraneVSAvoidease of manual handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the density parameter of the mineral filler from conventional high-density materials like calcium carbonate to low-density hollow glass microspheres with density between 0.10 and 0.14 g/cm³. This parameter change reduces the specific gravity of the bituminous formulation while maintaining the reinforcing and waterproofing functions, making the final membrane lighter and easier to handle manually without compromising performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite materials by combining bitumen, thermoplastic polymers, and hollow glass microspheres in a specific formulation. The hollow glass microspheres act as a lightweight aggregate that provides both structural support and weight reduction, creating a composite formulation that optimizes the balance between strength and weight for manual handling applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If the weight of waterproofing membranes is reduced, then the ease of manual handling improves, but the strength and performance of the membrane may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manual handlingVSAvoidstrength of waterproofing membrane

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the density parameter of the mineral filler from conventional high-density materials like calcium carbonate to low-density hollow glass microspheres with density between 0.10 and 0.14 g/cm³. This parameter change reduces the specific gravity of the bituminous formulation while maintaining the reinforcing and waterproofing functions, making the final membrane lighter and easier to handle manually without compromising performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The hollow glass microspheres provide localized reinforcement within the bituminous matrix. Their spherical shape and hollow structure create a cellular architecture that maintains structural integrity while reducing weight, allowing the membrane to retain sufficient strength for waterproofing applications despite the reduced overall density

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional formulations are used, then the membranes have adequate performance, but they lack flexibility to adapt to uneven surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility to adapt to surfacesVSAvoidwaterproofing performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the density parameter of the mineral filler from conventional high-density materials like calcium carbonate to low-density hollow glass microspheres with density between 0.10 and 0.14 g/cm³. This parameter change reduces the specific gravity of the bituminous formulation while maintaining the reinforcing and waterproofing functions, making the final membrane lighter and easier to handle manually without compromising performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2264094B1Waterproofing membrane based on bitumen modified with polymers containing hollow glass microspheres.

Publication Date: 2012.10.24 POLYGLASS

AI summary

Disclosed are waterproofing membranes consisting of a backing impregnated with a bituminous formulation comprising industrial bitumen, a mineral filler, a thermoplastic polymer or a mixture of thermoplastic polymers, characterised in that the mineral filler consists of hollow glass microspheres with a density of between 0.10 and 0.14 g/cm3 and a size of less than 120 µm.