Articles and methods of making articles including a coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coatings for footwear and sporting equipment fail to provide durable, flexible, and UV-resistant color retention on polymeric materials, especially when subjected to repeated use and exposure to various environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A cured coating comprising a matrix of crosslinked polymers, which includes a crosslinking process of uncrosslinked polymers to form an elastomeric matrix that bonds well to polymeric materials, including polyurethanes, and optionally incorporates colorants to enhance appearance and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing coatings are applied to polymeric materials, then color is provided, but the coating fails to provide durable color retention and flexibility under repeated use and environmental exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical structure of the polymer through crosslinking. The coating composition includes polymers with reactive groups that form crosslinked networks, transforming the physical and chemical properties of the coating to achieve both durability and flexibility. This crosslinking process changes the parameter of polymer network structure from linear to three-dimensional, resolving the contradiction between durability and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining multiple components in the coating formulation: polymers with reactive groups, crosslinking agents, and flexible polymer chains. This creates a composite coating system where different molecular components work together to provide both durable color retention and flexibility under repeated use and environmental exposure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing coatings are applied to provide color, then appearance is achieved, but resistance to UV light and water uptake is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by introducing crosslinking reactions that modify the coating's chemical structure to resist UV degradation and water uptake. The crosslinked network structure changes the physical parameters of the coating, reducing permeability to water and improving UV stability, thereby enhancing both protection and functional durability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses UV and water resistance by incorporating polymers with inherent UV stability and low water absorption characteristics. The crosslinked structure acts as a protective barrier that prevents degradation from environmental factors, extending the functional life of the coating without requiring frequent replacement.
3Ease of manufacture
If uncrosslinked polymers are used in coating, then ease of application is maintained, but bonding durability and flexibility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating reactive groups into the polymer structure before coating application. These pre-installed functional groups are designed to crosslink after application, ensuring both ease of initial application and durable bonding performance. The crosslinking occurs automatically under appropriate conditions, providing strong adhesion without complicating the application process.
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 coating provides long-lasting color retention, flexibility, and resistance to UV light and water uptake, ensuring the article remains aesthetically pleasing and functional over its lifespan, even under repetitive use and varied environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
crosslinking a coating composition comprising uncrosslinked polymers to form an elastomeric matrix of crosslinked polymers
Implementation Method 2
the elastomeric matrix of crosslinked polymers effectively traps the colorants while remaining bonded to the polymeric material
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to articles that include a cured coating that includes a matrix of crosslinked polymers and optionally a colorant (e.g., pigment particles or dye or both). The cured coating can include a matrix of crosslinked polymers. The cured coating is a product of crosslinking a coating composition comprising uncrosslinked polymers (e.g., a dispersion of uncrosslinked polymers in a carrier to form the matrix of crosslinked polymers), wherein the uncrosslinked polymers are crosslinked to form the matrix of crosslinked polymers. The matrix of crosslinked polymers can be elastomeric. The present disclosure is also directed to articles including these bladders, methods of forming these bladders, and methods of making articles including these bladders, where the bladders include the cured coating.