Unmodified Cellulose Paint Systems Stabilize Settling and Scratch Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing paint systems face challenges in combining soft and natural feel with long-term durability and improved scratch resistance, as additives like waxes and silicones often compromise between these properties, and chemically unmodified cellulose tends to settle and reduce scratch resistance due to insolubility and density differences.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating chemically unmodified cellulose with specific fiber length and aspect ratio, combined with polyolefin, Fischer-Tropsch, or bio-based waxes, to stabilize paint formulations against sedimentation and enhance scratch resistance while maintaining a soft, natural feel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If chemically unmodified cellulose is added to paint systems, then a soft and natural feel is achieved, but settling and reduced scratch resistance occur due to insolubility and density differences

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefeelVSAvoidsettling
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses surface-modified cellulose where the cellulose particles are treated with silane coupling agents or other surface modifications to act as an intermediary between the hydrophilic cellulose and hydrophobic paint matrix, preventing settling while maintaining the soft feel

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of cellulose by controlling particle size (0.1-10 μm), aspect ratio (1:1 to 1:10), and surface chemistry to achieve both soft feel and improved stability against settling in the paint system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If chemically unmodified cellulose is added to paint systems, then a soft and natural feel is achieved, but scratch resistance decreases due to insolubility

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefeelVSAvoidscratch resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite system by combining surface-modified cellulose particles with the paint matrix, where the modified cellulose provides soft feel while the surface treatment ensures compatibility and contributes to scratch resistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes cellulose particle parameters including size (0.1-10 μm), aspect ratio (1:1 to 1:10), and surface chemistry to simultaneously achieve soft feel and improved scratch resistance through better interfacial adhesion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If waxes and silicones are added to improve scratch resistance, then durability is enhanced, but the natural feel is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescratch resistanceVSAvoidnatural feel
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses surface-modified cellulose with optimized particle size (0.1-10 μm) and aspect ratio (1:1 to 1:10) to provide scratch resistance through particle reinforcement rather than through wax/silicone lubrication, thereby maintaining natural feel

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive waxes and silicones with surface-modified cellulose particles that provide similar or superior scratch resistance while maintaining natural feel, offering a more cost-effective and performance-enhancing solution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Stability of the object's composition

If cellulose derivatives are used in paints, then solubility is improved, but the natural feel and environmental benefits of unmodified cellulose are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesolubilityVSAvoidnatural feel
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mild surface modifications to cellulose that improve solubility and dispersion in the paint matrix without altering the fundamental cellulose structure, thereby maintaining the natural feel and environmental benefits of unmodified cellulose

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses surface modifiers as intermediaries that improve the compatibility and solubility of cellulose in the paint system without requiring extensive chemical modification, preserving the natural characteristics of cellulose

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 combination significantly improves scratch resistance and stabilizes paint systems against settling, providing a soft, natural feel and enhanced durability without compromising sliding friction coefficients.

Implementation Method 1

the use of chemically unmodified cellulose in paint systems has led to a reduction in the settling and improved redispersion behaviour of the paint formulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSedimentation: Sedimentation

Implementation Method 2

a significant improvement in scratch resistance and feel... an equally effective protection of the paint surface is achieved by adding certain silicones, which, like waxes, reduce the so-called 'blocking' by reducing the coefficient of sliding friction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2970700B2Cellulose-containing paint systems
Publication Date: 2021.07.07 CLARIANT INT LTD

AI summary

The invention relates to a paint system, containing a) chemically unmodified cellulose and b) optionally polyolefin waxes and/or Fischer-Tropsch waxes and/or amide waxes and/or biologically-based waxes and c) film formers and d) optionally solvents or water and e) optionally pigments and f) optionally volatile and/or nonvolatile additives, wherein the chemically unmodified cellulose has a mean fibre length between 7 µm and 100 µm and a mean aspect ratio of less than 5.