Diamond Particle Coating Abrasion Resistance

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Previous abrasion-resistant coatings for flooring surfaces have been inefficient due to excessive use of abrasion-resistant particles like aluminum oxide and a lack of consideration for the size distribution of these particles, leading to suboptimal usage and performance.

Innovation Solution

A curable coating composition with a binder comprising acrylate-functional compounds and diamond particles of specific size distribution (average size between 2 µm and 50 µm with a narrow standard deviation) is applied in multiple layers, allowing for controlled thickness and particle placement to enhance abrasion resistance and gloss retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If large amounts of abrasion resistant particles (aluminum oxide) are used, then abrasion resistance is improved, but material cost and coating complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabrasion resistanceVSAvoidamount of abrasion resistant particles
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the key parameter from particle material type to particle size distribution. By using diamond particles with a narrow size distribution (standard deviation less than 35% of average particle size) in the optimized size range of 2-50 micrometers, the coating achieves superior abrasion resistance with significantly reduced particle loading compared to conventional aluminum oxide coatings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite coating system combining diamond particles of controlled size distribution with a curable coating matrix. This composite structure optimizes the interaction between particles and matrix, allowing efficient particle distribution and reduced particle content while maintaining enhanced abrasion resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If abrasion resistant particles are added without considering size distribution, then coating formulation is simplified, but particle usage efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating formulation simplicityVSAvoidparticle usage efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces precise control over particle size distribution as a critical formulation parameter. By specifying that diamond particles shall have a standard deviation less than 35% of the average particle size within the 2-50 micrometer range, the patent optimizes particle packing and distribution efficiency in the coating matrix.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies uniform particle size characteristics throughout the coating formulation, ensuring consistent particle-matrix interaction and optimal abrasion resistance properties across the entire coating layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple coating layers are applied with controlled thickness ratios, then surface finish and particle embedding are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface finish qualityVSAvoidmulti-layer coating process
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the coating application into multiple layers with specific thickness ratios (0.6:1 to 2:1 between consecutive layers). This segmentation allows progressive particle embedding and surface smoothing, with each layer contributing to the final surface quality and particle distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary partial curing to coating layers before subsequent layer application. This preliminary action stabilizes the underlying layer, preventing particle displacement while maintaining the structured multi-layer architecture for optimal surface finish.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If diamond particles are properly embedded in coating matrix, then abrasion resistance is enhanced, but particle dislodgment risk under shear force increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabrasion resistanceVSAvoidparticle bonding strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the coating matrix thickness relative to particle size (maintaining specific thickness ratios), ensuring adequate matrix coverage and bonding around each diamond particle. This parameter optimization enhances particle embedding depth and bonding strength, preventing dislodgment under shear forces while maintaining abrasion resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution provides superior abrasion resistance and extended lifespan of flooring surfaces while maintaining a desirable surface finish, with diamond particles effectively held in place to prevent premature wear and dislodgment, even under shear forces.

Implementation Method 1

a curable coating composition, such as ultraviolet (UV) or moisture curable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUV curing: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

a curable coating composition, such as ultraviolet (UV) or moisture curable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMoisture curing: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 3

abrasion resistant coating for flooring tiles and panels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion resistance: Abrasion

Implementation Method 4

diamond particles... which particles have the average particle size having a narrow distribution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHardness: Diamond

Data Source

PatentEP3277760B2Scratch resistant coating
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 ARMSTRONG WORLD IND INC
  • EP3277760B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3277760B2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3277760B2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An abrasion resistant flooring covering formed from a UV curable coating composition having binder and diamond particles - the abrasion resistant flooring covering used to overcoat the surface of flooring products or various abrasion heavy surfaces to protect such a products or surfaces from damage by abrasion or scratch.