Copper-Coated Effect Pigment for Controlled Ion Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current anti-fouling coatings face challenges in effectively inhibiting fouling organisms while minimizing biocide release into the marine environment, as existing biocides like copper can be toxic and have limited long-term efficacy, and previous solutions such as sharkskin nanostructures have shown limited effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
Development of an effect pigment comprising a plate-shaped non-metallic substrate with a copper-containing coating, where the copper content ranges from 3 to 70 wt.%, and a method involving suspension, copper salt deposition, and optional calcining to create a durable, long-lasting barrier against fouling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biocides are continuously released from anti-fouling coatings to prevent fouling organisms, then fouling protection is maintained, but biocide release into the marine environment increases causing environmental damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of copper release by controlling particle size (0.1-5 μm) and coating thickness (0.1-20 wt.-%), transforming copper into a less harmful form through oxidation to copper(I) oxide, and regulating its release rate to maintain fouling protection while reducing environmental toxicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite anti-fouling system combining copper-containing particles with polymer matrices (such as polyurethanes, epoxies, or silicones), where the copper provides biocidal activity against fouling organisms while the polymer matrix controls release kinetics and reduces direct copper dissolution into the marine environment
2Reliability
If copper content in anti-fouling coatings is increased to enhance fouling inhibition, then anti-fouling effectiveness is improved, but environmental toxicity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes copper content parameters to a specific range (0.1-20 wt.-% coating proportion, 0.05-20 wt.-% copper content relative to substrate) and transforms copper into copper(I) oxide, which provides sustained biocidal activity at lower concentrations, thereby maintaining anti-fouling effectiveness while reducing the total copper load and environmental toxicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the porous or surface structure of copper particles and their oxidation products to increase surface area for biocidal action, allowing effective fouling inhibition with lower bulk copper content, thus reducing environmental toxicity while maintaining anti-fouling performance
3Reliability
If biocide release rate is increased to maintain protection against fouling, then fouling inhibition is enhanced, but service life of coating decreases due to faster washout
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the release rate parameter by controlling particle size (smaller particles release faster) and copper form (metallic copper vs. copper(I) oxide), enabling tuning of release kinetics to provide initial high-level protection against fouling while maintaining sustained release over extended periods, thus extending service life
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary oxidation of copper to copper(I) oxide and embeds it in the coating matrix before application, creating a reservoir that releases copper ions gradually over time, providing both immediate fouling inhibition and long-term protection, thereby extending service life
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 copper-containing effect pigment provides a long-lasting, environmentally friendly fouling inhibition with reduced biocide release, maintaining anti-fouling properties and minimizing environmental impact by allowing controlled copper ion release, thus extending the service life of coatings and reducing the need for frequent renewal.
Implementation Method 1
adding a copper salt solution and depositing a copper-containing coating on the plate-shaped non-metallic substrate
Implementation Method 2
allowing controlled copper ion release
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an effect pigment comprising a plate-shaped non-metallic substrate and at least one copper-containing coating, wherein the average particle size D50 of the effect pigment is more than 5 μm and the copper content of the effect pigment is in a range from 3 to 70 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the effect pigment. The invention furthermore relates to a method for producing the latter and use of the effect pigment in anti-fouling coatings.