Elastomeric Crosslinked Polymer Coating for Flex-Resistant Articles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in creating durable and aesthetically pleasing coatings for articles such as footwear and sporting equipment that can withstand flexing and bending while maintaining color and durability.
Innovation Solution
A cured coating composed of a matrix of crosslinked polymers, optionally including colorants, that is elastomeric and bonds well to various polymeric and non-polymeric materials, including polyesters, polyethers, polyamides, and carbon fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coating is applied to provide color and durability, then the article gains aesthetic appeal and protection, but the coating may crack or peel under repetitive flexing and bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the coating by using elastomeric polymers with specific glass transition temperatures below ambient temperature, and by controlling the crosslink density to achieve optimal balance between durability and flexibility. The coating composition includes elastomeric polymers at 30-80 wt% and crosslinking agents at 5-30 wt% to achieve the desired parameter range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite coating system combining elastomeric polymers (for flexibility), crosslinking agents (for durability), and colorants (for aesthetics). This multi-component composite structure allows the coating to simultaneously achieve crack resistance under flexing, adhesion to substrates, and color retention, resolving the contradiction between durability and flexibility.
2Strength
If the coating is made more flexible to withstand bending, then the coating resists cracking, but the coating may lose adhesion and peel from the substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the glass transition temperature parameter of the elastomeric polymer to be below ambient temperature (e.g., -50°C to 0°C), which provides sufficient flexibility while maintaining adhesion. The crosslinking density is controlled at 5-30 wt% to ensure the coating remains adherent to the substrate even when highly flexible.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric polymer acts as an intermediary material between the rigid substrate and the environmental stresses. Its unique property of remaining flexible at service temperatures allows it to absorb bending stresses without transferring excessive stress to the substrate interface, thereby maintaining adhesion while providing flexibility.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional coatings are used to provide color, then the coating can be applied easily, but the colorant may not remain trapped effectively under repetitive stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates colorants as a discrete component (1-20 wt%) within the elastomeric polymer matrix that has been optimized for flexibility and adhesion. The crosslinked network structure of the elastomeric coating creates a stable composite that mechanically traps colorant particles, preventing their migration or loss under repetitive stress while maintaining ease of application through conventional coating methods.
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 excellent durability and flexibility, effectively trapping colorants and maintaining appearance even under repetitive stress and exposure to environmental factors, while also offering UV protection and water resistance.
Implementation Method 1
the uncrosslinked polymers are crosslinked to form the matrix of crosslinked polymers
Implementation Method 2
the cured coating can be elastomeric
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.