Building Barrier Membranes With Spray Seals Between Incompatible Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building envelope systems often require installation of chemically incompatible materials that do not form effective barriers when combined.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first membrane and a second membrane with a cured barrier membrane spray film, where the spray film is applied between the membranes to form a watertight seal, using an aerosilizable composition that includes a polymer and propellant to facilitate installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If chemically incompatible materials are installed as building envelope components, then the building envelope can be constructed with diverse materials, but the components do not form effective barriers
Solution Approach 1:
A polymer spray film is applied as an intermediary layer between chemically incompatible membrane materials. This spray film acts as a mediator that bonds to both the first membrane (e.g., TPO, PVC, EPDM) and the second membrane (e.g., liquid-applied polysiloxane, polyurea, or polyurethane), creating a chemically compatible interface that ensures watertight sealing despite the incompatibility of the primary membrane materials.
2Reliability
If a polymer spray film is applied between membranes to create a watertight seal, then barrier performance is enhanced, but the installation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer is delivered via aerosol spray, utilizing pneumatic principles to atomize and deposit the material uniformly between the membranes. This spray application method simplifies the installation process compared to traditional methods, allowing for quick, even coverage that adapts to various overlap geometries and ensures consistent sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer is applied in a sprayable formulation that transitions from a liquid aerosol state to a cured solid film. This parameter change from liquid to solid upon curing provides installation flexibility during application, then creates a rigid, reliable seal once cured, enhancing the watertight barrier without requiring complex installation equipment.
3Reliability
If a thick barrier film is used to ensure effective sealing, then barrier performance improves, but material usage and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a thin film polymer spray coating rather than thick membrane layers. This thin film approach provides effective barrier performance through uniform coverage and proper material selection, while significantly reducing material consumption and installation time compared to traditional thick membrane applications. The spray method enables rapid application of sufficient thickness for sealing without excessive material use.
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 system effectively creates a watertight seal between chemically incompatible materials, enhancing the barrier performance of building structures.
Implementation Method 1
spraying the aerosilizable composition onto at least a portion of the first membrane, so as to form a barrier membrane spray film
Implementation Method 2
curing the barrier membrane spray film, so as to form a seal between the first membrane and the second membrane
Data Source
AI summary
Barrier systems for building structures are provided. A system comprises a building structure, a first membrane, a second membrane, and a cured barrier membrane spray film. The first membrane and the second membrane are located on the building structure, such that the second membrane partially overlaps the first membrane in an overlapping portion. The cured barrier membrane spray film is located between the first membrane and the second membrane in the overlapping portion. Related systems, related aerosilizable compositions, and related methods are provided.