Dual-Cure Gloss Control Layers for Scratch Resistance and Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional decorative materials fail to achieve high scratch resistance and long-lasting stable release properties while maintaining visual effects through the lamination of an upper gloss control layer on a lower gloss control layer.

Innovation Solution

A decorative material is developed with dual curing of resin compositions combining ionizing radiation-curable resin with urethane-based resin, incorporating a hydrophilic inorganic gloss control agent and a silicone-based release agent with reactive terminal groups in both gloss control layers to enhance scratch resistance and release properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If conventional gloss control layers are laminated to provide visual effects, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but scratch resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual effectVSAvoidscratch resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite resin compositions combining ionizing radiation-curable resin and urethane-based resin in the gloss control layers. This composite material approach provides both the visual effects needed (through gloss control agents) and the scratch resistance (through the dual-resin system that cures to form a durable, flexible coating resistant to mechanical damage).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the resin system by incorporating specific ratios of ionizing radiation-curable resin to urethane-based resin, and by selecting specific gloss control agents and release agents with particular properties. These parameter changes enable the gloss control layers to simultaneously achieve visual effects and high scratch resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If conventional release agents are used in gloss control layers, then release properties are improved, but long-lasting stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease propertiesVSAvoidlong-lasting stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the release agent by selecting silicone-based compounds with specific molecular weights and functional groups (such as hydroxyl groups or reactive terminals). These parameter changes enable the release agent to provide both easy release properties and long-term stability within the cured resin matrix.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite system where the silicone-based release agent is integrated within the dual-resin matrix (ionizing radiation-curable resin + urethane-based resin). This composite structure allows the release agent to maintain its functionality while being stabilized by the crosslinked resin network, preventing migration or degradation over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If dual curing is applied to resin compositions, then scratch resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescratch resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two curing mechanisms (ionizing radiation curing and urethane-based chemical curing) into a single dual-cure system. This allows the gloss control layers to be applied and then cured through a combination of processes that can be integrated into existing manufacturing lines, achieving high scratch resistance without requiring entirely new equipment or complex multi-step procedures.

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 solution provides a decorative material with high scratch resistance and long-lasting stable release properties, while imparting visual effects by varying the glossiness between the layers, effectively addressing the limitations of conventional materials.

Implementation Method 1

ionizing radiation-curable resin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonizing radiation curing: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

urethane-based resin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUrethane crosslinking: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

gloss control agent comprised of a hydrophilic inorganic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 4

silicone-based release agent having a reactive terminal group

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface energy modification: Surface Tension

Data Source

PatentEP3653377B1Decorative material
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 TOPPAN HOLDINGS INC
  • EP3653377B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

There is provided a decorative material aiming to satisfy both of high release properties and scratch resistance. A decorative material (1) according to a mode of the present invention includes a first gloss control layer (5) provided to a front surface and a second gloss control layer (6) provided on part of the first gloss control layer (5). The first gloss control layer (5) contains a gloss control agent comprised of a hydrophilic inorganic material and a silicone-based release agent having a reactive terminal group. The reactive terminal group of the silicone-based release agent preferably has at least one of a hydroxyl group and an amino group. The second gloss control layer (6) contains a silicone-based release agent having a reactive terminal group, and the reactive terminal group of the silicone-based release agent has at least one of an acryloyl group and a methacryloyl group.