Carbon Composite Interlayer for Polymer Coating Adhesion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Polymer coatings on metallic substrates often delaminate under challenging conditions due to weak van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding, leading to reduced lifetime and reliability.

Innovation Solution

An intermediate carbon composite layer with an inorganic binder is used between the polymer coating and the metallic or ceramic substrate, forming strong chemical bonds to enhance adhesion and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If polymer coatings are applied directly to metallic substrates using conventional methods, then the coating can be easily applied, but the adhesion strength is weak due to reliance on van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of coating applicationVSAvoidadhesion strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

A carbon-containing intermediate layer is introduced between the polymer coating and metallic substrate. This intermediate layer forms strong chemical bonds (covalent and/or ionic) with the metal substrate while also bonding with the polymer coating, thereby mediating the adhesion interface and significantly improving bond strength compared to direct polymer-to-metal bonding

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a simple polymer-coating structure to a composite structure consisting of metal substrate + carbon-containing intermediate layer + polymer coating. The carbon-containing layer acts as a composite interface that combines the benefits of strong metal bonding and polymer compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If polymer coatings are applied directly to metallic substrates, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the coating reliability and lifetime are reduced due to delamination under challenging conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcoating reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The carbon-containing intermediate layer serves as a mediator that prevents direct polymer-to-metal bonding failures. It forms stable chemical bonds with the metal substrate that resist delamination under challenging conditions such as thermal cycling, mechanical stress, and chemical exposure, thereby significantly improving coating reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The carbon-containing intermediate layer is applied to the metal substrate before the polymer coating is deposited. This preliminary action creates a pre-prepared bonding surface that ensures strong adhesion and prevents future delamination issues

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 carbon composite layer improves the reliability and long-term performance of polymer coatings by establishing strong chemical bonds, preventing delamination and increasing the coatings' resistance to corrosion and abrasion.

Implementation Method 1

The inorganic binder in the carbon composite facilitates the binding of the intermediate layer to the substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

the carbon in the carbon composite facilitates the binding of the intermediate layer to the polymer coating through strong chemical bonds such as covalent bonds

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3221063B1Polymer coatings on metallic substrates and method of forming thereof
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 BAKER HUGHES CO
  • EP3221063B1 patent drawingFigure 1(A)~1(D)
  • EP3221063B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

An article comprises a substrate; a polymer coating; and an intermediate layer disposed between the substrate and the polymer coating, the intermediate layer comprising a carbon composite, wherein the carbon composite comprises carbon and a binder containing one or more of the following: SiO2; Si; B; B2O3; a metal; or an alloy of the metal; and wherein the metal comprises one or more of the following: aluminum; copper; titanium; nickel; tungsten; chromium; iron; manganese; zirconium; hafnium; vanadium; niobium; molybdenum; tin; bismuth; antimony; lead; cadmium; or selenium.