Epoxy Mortar White Color Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing epoxy and cementitious mortars fail to maintain a stable white coloration over time, suffer from mechanical and chemical resistance issues, and leave residues during cleaning, while also being prone to yellowing due to photochemical activation and exposure to environmental stressors.
Innovation Solution
A two-component epoxy mortar formulation using quartzous silica with specific chemical and physical properties, combined with a sintering process to prevent light refraction and a thixotropic additive for improved application, along with a hardening agent to enhance stability and resistance, ensures a permanent white coloration and resistance to environmental stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If titanium dioxide powder is dispersed into the mass to obtain white coloration, then the white effect is improved, but the material shows photochemical activation and yellowing over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes titanium dioxide from the formulation entirely, replacing it with zinc oxide and calcium carbonate as white pigment alternatives that do not exhibit photochemical yellowing, thereby extracting the harmful photoreactive component while maintaining the desired white appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by substituting titanium dioxide with zinc oxide and calcium carbonate, altering the photochemical properties of the mortar to prevent yellowing while maintaining white coloration through different pigment chemistry
2Reliability
If epoxy resin is used to ensure chemical resistance, then resistance to acid and alkalis is improved, but the material remains partially unsaturated and continues to crosslink over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a surface sealant treatment immediately after mortar application to prevent further photochemical and oxidative reactions, acting in advance to stabilize the partially cured epoxy and prevent future yellowing and degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system combining epoxy mortar with a protective sealant coating, where the sealant layer provides the stable, saturated protective interface that prevents further unwanted crosslinking and photochemical reactions of the underlying epoxy
3Strength
If cementitious or epoxy mortar is used for laying coating materials, then mechanical resistance is improved, but cleaning residues and halos are left on the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the surface energy parameters of the mortar by incorporating specific additives and using precise water-cement ratios to create a less porous, more homogeneous surface that does not absorb cleaning agents or trap residues, enabling complete removal of deflashing without halos
4Illumination intensity
If conventional mortar formulation is used to achieve white color, then initial white appearance is obtained, but photochromism and yellowing increase progressively over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent acknowledges that epoxy resins are inherently prone to yellowing but converts this potential harm into a benefit by using the epoxy's chemical stability while adding UV stabilizers and antioxidants that transform the degradation pathway, ultimately achieving long-term color stability despite the epoxy base
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces UV stabilizers and antioxidants as intermediary substances that absorb harmful radiation and free radicals, protecting the epoxy matrix and white pigments from photochemical degradation and preventing yellowing over time
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 stable, white, and chemically resistant mortar that prevents yellowing, maintains mechanical integrity, and allows for one-stage cleaning without residue, suitable for various environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
such charge must undergo, as far as possible, a complete tarnishing process by means of suitable thermal, mechanical and chemical treatments, in order to prevent the refraction of the incident light
Implementation Method 2
in order to prevent the refraction of the incident light
Data Source
AI summary
A mixture for applying a coating includes at least one epoxy ligand and a corresponding hardener in predefined proportions. Said mixture comprises also at least one solid fraction in particles, having dimensions larger than a predetermined minimum value. Said particles are subjected to sintering and subsequently colouring process and are fit to confer a suitable white colouration and almost time invariant. Said mixture also comprises a rheologic product fit to facilitate the application of the coating through the mixture in the fluid state.