Block Copolymer Coating Resolves Shine Versus Dirt Contradiction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cleaning products for stainless steel surfaces often suffer from issues such as streaking, difficulty in spot cleaning, slow drying, attraction to dirt, oil build-up, and inability to effectively remove tough stains, necessitating a need for compositions that provide easy cleaning and oil resistance without using fluorinated materials.

Innovation Solution

A block copolymer with a phosphorous-containing A block and poly(dialkylsiloxane)-bearing B block is used to create a coating that adheres to metal surfaces, offering oil repellency and ease of cleaning, formulated with (meth)acrylate monomers and dissolved in an organic solvent for application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If mineral oil is used to provide a shiny appearance on stainless steel surfaces, then the surface appearance is improved, but the surface attracts dirt and lint easily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface shineVSAvoiddirt and lint attraction

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a block copolymer comprising a polydiorganosiloxane block and a phosphate or phosphonate containing block, creating a composite material that combines the shine-providing properties of siloxane with the dirt-repellent properties of phosphate groups, thereby resolving the contradiction between surface appearance and dirt attraction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The block copolymer creates different functional regions on the surface: the polydiorganosiloxane blocks provide shiny appearance while the phosphate-containing blocks provide dirt and lint resistance, allowing different parts of the coating to perform different functions simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Illumination intensity

If mineral oil is applied to hide fingerprints, then the surface appearance is improved, but the product dries slowly and appearance changes during drying

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface shineVSAvoiddrying time

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the coating by using a block copolymer with specific molecular weight, block length ratios, and functional group compositions, enabling the coating to dry rapidly while maintaining consistent appearance throughout the drying process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Illumination intensity

If mineral oil is used to provide a shiny appearance, then the surface looks good, but the oily layer builds up and becomes difficult to remove

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface shineVSAvoidoil build-up

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The block copolymer coating is self-cleaning and resistant to oil build-up due to the hydrophilic phosphate groups that repel oils and greases, allowing the surface to maintain its shiny appearance without accumulating oily residues that would require difficult removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Illumination intensity

If mineral oil is applied to create a protective layer, then the surface appearance is improved, but it is difficult to spot clean portions of the surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface shineVSAvoidspot cleaning ability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The block copolymer coating allows for localized cleaning because the phosphate-containing blocks provide uniform dirt and oil resistance across the surface, enabling users to clean only the soiled areas without disrupting the overall protective coating or creating appearance mismatches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 block copolymer coating provides a surface that is resistant to oil and grease, easy to clean, and maintains a shiny appearance without the drawbacks of traditional products, as demonstrated by improved contact angles and cleaning performance.

Implementation Method 1

The A block contains multiple monomeric units derived from a first monomer comprising a (meth)acryloyl group and a phosphorous-containing group

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

The B block contains multiple monomer units derived from a second monomer comprising a (meth)acryloyl group and a poly(dialkylsiloxane) group

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentEP4034582B1Block copolymers with a polydiorganosiloxane block and a phosphate or phosphonate containing block

Publication Date: 2023.10.25 SOLVENTUM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

A block copolymer is provided that includes a first block having pendant phosphate and/or phosphonate groups and a second block that contains pendant poly(dialkylsiloxane) groups. Compositions containing the block copolymer as well as articles that include the block copolymer are also provided. The block copolymer can be used to provide a surface that is easy to clean and/or that is resistant to oil and grease without the use of fluorinated materials.