Contact Layer Solid Filler Waterproofing Bonding

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Solution Overview

Problem

State-of-the-art waterproofing membranes in the construction industry face challenges such as poor bonding properties of polymer-based barrier layers, complex adhesive requirements, and increased production costs due to the use of adhesives, as well as difficulties in detecting leaks and ensuring watertightness after infiltration.

Innovation Solution

A contact layer comprising a solid filler component and a thermoplastic polymer component, where the solid filler component constitutes at least 10.0 wt.-% of the total weight, enabling adhesive-free bonding with thermoplastic layers and cementitious compositions, and allowing for heat welding of membrane sheets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If polymer-based barrier layers are used to provide watertightness, then waterproofing performance is improved, but bonding strength to adhesives deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovewatertightnessVSAvoidbonding strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproofing membrane is divided into distinct functional layers: a polymer-based barrier layer for watertightness and a separate contact layer for bonding. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The contact layer acts as an intermediary between the polymer barrier layer and the adhesive/concrete, providing a bonding interface that overcomes the poor adhesive properties of polymers while maintaining the barrier layer's watertightness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If adhesives are used to bond contact layer and concrete, then bonding strength is improved, but device complexity and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidmembrane build-up complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive function is extracted from the system by incorporating bonding-capable materials directly into the contact layer composition, eliminating the need for separate adhesive applications and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact layer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing bonding to concrete, enabling heat welding of membrane sheets, and maintaining flexibility during installation, thereby eliminating the need for separate adhesive and welding materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If fleece backing is used as contact layer, then bonding to substrate is improved, but heat welding capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebonding to substrateVSAvoidheat welding capability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The contact layer composition is formulated with thermoplastic polymers and solid fillers in specific proportions to achieve both bonding strength and heat welding capability, changing the material parameters to satisfy both requirements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The contact layer uses a composite material system combining thermoplastic polymers (for heat welding and flexibility) with solid fillers (for bonding and structural integrity), achieving properties that neither material alone could provide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Reliability

If adjacent membrane sheets are joined with adhesive or sealing tape, then watertightness is improved, but installation complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovewatertightnessVSAvoidinstallation process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical bonding system (adhesives and sealing tapes) is replaced with a thermal bonding system that allows direct heat welding of membrane sheets, simplifying the installation process while maintaining watertightness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 contact layer simplifies the membrane build-up process, reduces production costs, and provides reliable watertightness by forming a permanent bond with concrete and other cementitious compositions without adhesives, while enabling heat welding for seamless membrane joining.

Implementation Method 1

enabling adhesive-free bonding with thermoplastic layers and cementitious compositions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

allowing for heat welding of membrane sheets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP3909932A1Contact layer with a solid filler component

Publication Date: 2021.11.17 SIKA TECH AG

AI summary

The invention is directed to a contact layer used in waterproofing and roofing applications. The contact layer comprises a solid filler component F and a thermoplastic polymer component P. The invention is also directed to a method for producing the contact layer, to a method for binding two substrates to each other, to a method for waterproofing a substrate, to a waterproofed structure, to a method for sealing a surface against water penetration, to a sealed construction for sealing a substrate against water penetration and to use of the contact layer as waterproofing membrane.