Crosslinked Polymer Composition for Wet Room Moisture Barrier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current water-resistant membrane systems for wet rooms face challenges in maintaining water tightness, vapor resistance, flexibility, and adhesion, leading to potential moisture penetration and structural issues, which can result in costly repairs and health hazards.

Innovation Solution

A crosslinked polymer composition is developed, combining a polymer functionalized with silane and a filler coated with silane, using styrene-butadiene copolymers and epoxysilanes, which forms a water-resistant film with enhanced properties such as water tightness, tensile strength, and elongation, when applied as a moisture barrier in wet rooms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a polymer coating is applied to provide water resistance, then water tightness is improved, but flexibility and adhesion may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater tightnessVSAvoidflexibility and adhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite polymer composition combining multiple polymer types (polyurethane, acrylic, vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer) with specific filler materials and silane crosslinking agents. This composite approach creates a coating that simultaneously achieves water tightness while maintaining flexibility and adhesion through synergistic material interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the polymer coating by incorporating silane crosslinking agents that form three-dimensional crosslinked networks. This crosslinking changes the molecular structure parameters, enabling the coating to achieve both water resistance and mechanical flexibility through controlled chemical bonding density and network architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If polymer dispersion is used for moisture barrier, then water resistance is improved, but adhesion to underlaying material and tile fastening products may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater resistanceVSAvoidadhesion to underlaying material
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces silane crosslinking agents as intermediary substances that form chemical bridges between the polymer coating and the substrate (underlaying material or tile fastening products). These silane intermediaries provide both water resistance and strong adhesion by creating covalent bonds with both the polymer matrix and the substrate surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the surface chemistry parameters of the coating by incorporating functional groups (carboxylic acid, hydroxyl, amino) that enhance chemical affinity to substrates. This parameter modification improves adhesion strength while maintaining water resistance through controlled chemical composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If commercial polymer coating systems are used, then water barrier function is achieved, but application complexity increases due to multiple primers and accessories

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater barrier functionVSAvoidapplication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops a universal polymer composition that performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides water resistance, ensures adhesion to various substrates (including tiles and underlaying materials), and maintains flexibility. This multi-functional coating eliminates the need for separate primers and accessory treatments, simplifying the application system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple previously separate components (polymer binder, filler, crosslinking agent, adhesion promoters) into a single integrated composition formulation. This merging of functions into one applicably reduces system complexity while maintaining all necessary performance characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 composition demonstrates improved water resistance, reduced water absorption, and increased tensile strength, effectively preventing moisture penetration and ensuring structural integrity in wet room applications.

Implementation Method 1

The polymer composition is a dispersion capable of forming a water resistant film upon drying (or curing), based on polymer, a silane crosslinking agent and a filler coated with a silane crosslinking agent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSilane crosslinking: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

The polymer composition is a dispersion capable of forming a water resistant film upon drying (or curing)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFilm formation: Coagulation

Data Source

PatentEP2873687B1A polymer composition and a method for its preparation
Publication Date: 2018.06.06 GVK COATING TECH
  • EP2873687B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2873687B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a crosslinked polymer composition having a coated filler. The composition is suited for preparing water resistant membranes for e.g. wet rooms.