Covalent Biocidal Coating on Substrates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biocidal coatings with nano-sized biocides have poor affinity to surfaces and environments, leading to rapid diffusion and short-lasting biocidal effects, requiring frequent disinfection and causing environmental pollution.

Innovation Solution

A substrate with a biocidal coating featuring a covalently bound berthollide structure comprising non-stoichiometric metal oxides, sulphides, and nitrides, where the top biocidal layer is covalently bonded to the substrate, reducing diffusion and maintaining biocidal properties for an extended period.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If nano-sized biocides are used in coatings, then biocidal effect is achieved, but diffusion into environment occurs rapidly and biocidal properties last short

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiocidal effectVSAvoidduration of biocidal properties
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials by combining biocidal agents with polymer matrices to create a coating system where the biocides are embedded within the polymer structure. This composite approach prevents rapid diffusion while maintaining biocidal activity, as the polymer matrix acts as a barrier that controls the release of biocidal components over extended periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical and chemical properties of the coating system, including adjusting the molecular weight of polymers, changing cross-linking density, and modifying the chemical structure of biocidal compounds. These parameter adjustments optimize the balance between biocidal effectiveness and resistance to diffusion, extending the duration of protective action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If frequent disinfection is performed to maintain biocidal effect, then pathogen spread is prevented, but time and labor are consumed and environmental pollution increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepathogen preventionVSAvoidtime for disinfection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by creating a coating system that automatically provides biocidal protection without requiring external intervention. The coating continuously releases biocidal agents in controlled amounts, maintaining protective effects against pathogens on surfaces such as door handles, shopping cart handles, and payment terminal keypads, thereby eliminating the need for frequent manual disinfection operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuity of useful action by formulating a coating that provides uninterrupted biocidal protection over extended periods. The controlled release mechanism maintains consistent biocidal activity levels, ensuring continuous protection against pathogen accumulation and spread without requiring periodic interruption for manual cleaning or disinfection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If chemicals are applied for disinfection, then biocidal effect is achieved, but environmental pollution occurs due to evaporation and washing away

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiocidal effectVSAvoidenvironmental pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses flexible shells and thin films by applying a polymer-based coating that forms a protective barrier layer on surfaces. This thin film structure encapsulates the biocidal agents, preventing their evaporation and washing away into the environment while still allowing them to remain active against pathogens. The coating acts as a contained reservoir that releases biocides controlledly without environmental release.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary substance, the polymer matrix, that mediates between the biocidal agents and the environment. This intermediary layer controls the interaction between biocides and external conditions, preventing direct contact and diffusion into the environment while maintaining the biocidal functionality. The polymer acts as a buffer that regulates the release of biocidal components.

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 biocidal coating provides long-lasting virucidal and bactericidal effects, reducing the need for frequent disinfection and minimizing environmental impact by maintaining effective biocidal properties for several years without significant diffusion into the environment.

Implementation Method 1

the biocidal coating is covalently bound to the substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCovalent bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP4029969A1A substrate with a biocidal coating and a method for forming a biocidal coating on a substrate
Publication Date: 2022.07.20 SAULE SA
  • EP4029969A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4029969A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4029969A1 patent drawingFigure 6A~6D

AI summary

A substrate with a biocidal coating 10, which is covalently bound to the substrate 2, wherein the biocidal coating 10 has a berthollide structure, and comprises a top biocidal layer (11) comprising non-stoichiometric metal oxides and/or metal sulphides and/or metal nitrides selected from the group consisting of CuOx, TiOx, AlOx, SnOx, ZnOx, CrOx, NiOx, ZrOx, FeOx, CoOx, CuNx, TiNx, AlNx, SnNx, ZnNx, CrNx, NiNx, ZrNx, FeNx, CoNx, CuSx, TiSx, SnSx, ZnSx, CrSx, NiSx, ZrSx, FeSx and CoSx, wherein at least some of the metal atoms are bound to non-metal atoms (O, S, N) by covalent bonds.