Compound for surface protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wood protection coatings lack a non-flammable, non-hazardous biocidal solution that effectively combines fire resistance and protection against mold, fungi, and other wood damage, while also being water-resistant and environmentally friendly.

Innovation Solution

A compound comprising an aqueous silicate solution with potassium silicate, aluminium hydroxide, and carbon black, which provides excellent fire resistance, cytostatic properties, and biocidal effects, while being harmless to ecology and health, and does not release harmful products during exposure to high temperatures or fire.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional wood protection coatings are used, then fire resistance is improved, but biocidal properties and water resistance are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire resistanceVSAvoidbiocidal protection
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple protective functions into a single coating composition that simultaneously provides fire resistance (through aluminium hydroxide and borax), biocidal protection (through zinc borate and copper compounds), and water resistance (through silane-modified polymers). This merging of functions resolves the contradiction by achieving all protective properties in one application rather than requiring separate treatments for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coating uses a composite formulation containing silane-modified polyurethane or acrylic resin as the base, combined with aluminium hydroxide, borax, zinc borate, and copper compounds. This composite material approach allows the coating to exhibit multiple protective properties simultaneously - fire resistance from the aluminium hydroxide and borax, biocidal activity from zinc borate and copper compounds, and water resistance from the silane-modified polymer matrix.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If biocidal coatings are applied, then protection against mold and fungi is improved, but fire resistance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiocidal protectionVSAvoidfire resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges biocidal agents (zinc borate, copper compounds) with fire retardant agents (aluminium hydroxide, borax) into a single coating formulation. The biocidal components protect against mold and fungi while the aluminium hydroxide and borax provide fire resistance, resolving the contradiction by making both functions coexist in the same coating system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The composite coating formulation integrates biocidal zinc borate and copper compounds with fire-retardant aluminium hydroxide and borax particles within a silane-modified polymer matrix. This composite structure allows both biocidal and fire-resistant properties to function simultaneously without compromising either performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If water-resistant coatings are used, then moisture protection is improved, but fire resistance and biocidal properties are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater resistanceVSAvoidfire resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite material system where silane-modified polyurethane or acrylic resin provides the water-resistant matrix, while embedded aluminium hydroxide, borax, zinc borate, and copper compounds provide fire resistance and biocidal properties. The silane modification enhances the polymer's water resistance through hydrophobic interactions while maintaining compatibility with the inorganic fire retardant and biocidal additives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Reliability

If flammable coatings are applied, then biocidal effects are improved, but safety and environmental harm increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiocidal effectsVSAvoidflammability and toxicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the coating by using silane-modified polymers instead of conventional flammable organic coatings. The silane modification introduces water-resistant and fire-retardant properties while maintaining biocidal effectiveness. Additionally, the formulation uses inorganic biocidal agents like zinc borate and copper compounds that are less toxic and more environmentally friendly than traditional organic biocides.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The composite coating combines silane-modified polymer resin with inorganic fire retardants (aluminium hydroxide, borax), inorganic biocides (zinc borate, copper compounds), and carbon black. This composite formulation replaces flammable organic components with fire-resistant inorganic materials while maintaining biocidal protection, thereby improving safety and reducing environmental harm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

5Temperature

If UV absorbers and pigments are added, then radiation protection is improved, but yellowing and browning of wood increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation protectionVSAvoidwood color
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the optical parameters of the coating by using carbon black as a UV absorber instead of conventional organic pigments. Carbon black provides excellent UV absorption and radiation protection while being inherently black and stable, preventing the yellowing and browning that occurs with traditional UV absorbers and pigments. The silane-modified polymer matrix also contributes to color stability through its chemical resistance to UV degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 compound achieves excellent fire resistance, cytostatic properties, and protection against UV radiation and moisture, maintaining the wood's appearance and preventing color changes, with deep penetration and sealing effects, suitable for various materials including wood, paper, textiles, and plastics.

Implementation Method 1

aluminium hydroxide...which provides excellent fire resistance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal decomposition: Pyrolysis

Implementation Method 2

aluminium hydroxide...does not release any harmful gaseous, liquid or solid products during long-term exposure even in the event of fire and high temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEndothermic reaction: Endothermic Reaction

Implementation Method 3

During combustion, they capture the emerging free radicals, which significantly slows down the burning. At the same time, they act as a carbonisation nucleator, trapping the resulting ash and thus accelerating the formation of a continuous carbon crust

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFree radical trapping:

Implementation Method 4

deep penetration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 5

accelerating the formation of a continuous carbon crust, which protects the wood surface from flame and at the same time reduces the content of the developing smoke

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCarbonization: Pyrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS12139636B2Compound for surface protection
Publication Date: 2024.11.12 FIRST POINT AS

AI summary

A surface protection compound, in particular a compound for the non-flammable water-resistant non-hazardous biocidal surface protection of wood, or paper, or textile, or plastic, which contains an aqueous silicate solution which contains 93 to 98 wt % of an aqueous solution of potassium silicate, 1 to 6 wt % of aluminium hydroxide and, 0.5 to 1.5 wt % of stabiliser of the aqueous solution of potassium silicate.