Conductive Release Layer Adhesion and Conductivity Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conductive release films face issues with low adhesion to film base materials and degradation in conductivity over time, particularly when exposed to air.

Innovation Solution

A coating material comprising a π-conjugated conductive polymer, polyanion, epoxy compound, curable silicone, polyester resin, and organic solvent, with a platinum catalyst, is used to form a conductive release layer that enhances adhesion and maintains conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If an aqueous conductive release agent including addition-curable silicone emulsion and thiophene-based conductive polymer is used, then the conductive release layer can be formed, but the adhesion to the film base material becomes low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion to film base materialVSAvoidpeelability of silicone
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the conductive release layer by incorporating epoxy compounds that can chemically bond to both the silicone matrix and the film base material (such as polyester or polyacrylonitrile). This chemical bonding mechanism transforms the physical adhesion into chemical adhesion, significantly improving strength without compromising the silicone's inherent peelability for release functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite material system combining conductive polymer (thiophene-based), silicone (addition-curable), and epoxy compound in specific proportions. This composite structure allows the epoxy to act as a bridge between the silicone matrix and the film base material, providing strong adhesion while maintaining the conductive and releasing properties of the original materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the conductive release layer is left in the air, then the releasing property is maintained, but the conductivity deteriorates over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductivity stability over timeVSAvoiddeterioration in conductivity due to air exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a protective environment for the conductive polymer by embedding it within the cured silicone-epoxy composite matrix. This matrix acts as a barrier that isolates the conductive polymer from harmful atmospheric factors such as oxygen and moisture, effectively creating an inert microenvironment that prevents oxidation and degradation, thereby maintaining conductivity stability over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Solution Approach 2:

The composite material system combines the conductive polymer with the cured silicone-epoxy network, where the epoxy compound forms a dense crosslinked structure that provides excellent barrier properties. This composite structure protects the conductive polymer chains from environmental degradation while maintaining their electrical conductivity, solving the stability issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If high peelability silicone is used in the conductive release agent, then the releasing property is good, but the adhesion to the film base material becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion to film base materialVSAvoidreleasing property
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the adhesive function from the release function within the same layer. The epoxy compound provides localized chemical bonding to the film base material for strong adhesion, while the silicone matrix maintains its inherent low surface energy and peelability for release functionality. This spatial and functional differentiation allows both properties to coexist.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The epoxy compound acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between the silicone matrix and the film base material. It forms chemical bonds with both the silicone and the film substrate (polyester or polyacrylonitrile), creating a strong interface without interfering with the silicone's release properties. This intermediary enables strong adhesion while preserving the releasing capability.

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 solution provides a conductive release layer with high adhesion to the film base material and stable conductivity over time, while maintaining sufficient releasing properties.

Implementation Method 1

a conductive composite including a π-conjugated conductive polymer and a polyanion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCharge transfer: Electron Paramagnetic Resonance

Implementation Method 2

the epoxy group of the epoxy compound and an anion group of the polyanion are chemically bonded

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

the curable silicone is an addition-curable silicone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAddition curing: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 4

a platinum catalyst which accelerates curing of the curable silicone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 5

an organic solvent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS10854357B2Coating material for forming conductive release layer, method for producing same, conductive release film, and method for producing same
Publication Date: 2020.12.01 SHIN ETSU POLYMER CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is a coating material for forming a conductive release layer capable of forming a conductive release layer having high adhesion to a film base material, suppressing deterioration in conductivity over time in the air, and having a sufficient releasing property. The coating material for forming a conductive release layer of the present invention contains a conductive composite including a π-conjugated conductive polymer and a polyanion, an epoxy compound having an epoxy group, a curable silicone, a polyester resin, and an organic solvent.