Flexible Nano Coating Using Hydrogen-Bonded Conductive Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing conductive coatings lack enhanced electrical, thermal, and semiconducting properties, are complex to prepare, and expensive, with issues such as component agglomeration and inflexibility.

Innovation Solution

Development of conductive coating compositions comprising a fluid capable of hydrogen bonding and functionalized nanomaterials, such as carbon or boron nanomaterials, which form electrostatic attractions, resulting in improved electrical and thermal conductivity, flexibility, and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional conductive coating materials are used, then basic conductivity is achieved, but electrical and thermal properties are not significantly enhanced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical and thermal propertiesVSAvoidcoating composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials by combining conductive carbon nanomaterials (such as carbon nanotubes or graphene) with a polymer matrix forming a flexible coating. This composite structure achieves significantly enhanced electrical and thermal conductivity while maintaining flexibility and avoiding the complexity of multiple layered structures. The nanomaterials disperse within the polymer to create a homogeneous composite that provides superior conductive properties compared to conventional conductive coatings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If complex layered materials are used to achieve conductivity, then electrical properties are improved, but preparation complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidpreparation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the conductive function and flexible coating function into a single integrated layer rather than using multiple separate layers. The conductive carbon nanomaterials are incorporated directly into the flexible polymer coating matrix, creating a unified composite material that provides both flexibility and conductivity in one layer. This eliminates the need for complex multi-layer construction and simplifies the preparation process while achieving superior electrical properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional conductive coatings are applied, then basic static charge prevention is achieved, but flexibility and adaptability to various surfaces are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility and surface applicabilityVSAvoidconductive performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by incorporating conductive carbon nanomaterials specifically within the flexible polymer coating matrix where they are needed for charge dissipation. The nanomaterials are distributed throughout the coating to provide localized conductive pathways while the polymer matrix provides flexibility. This allows the coating to adapt to various surfaces and maintain both flexibility and reliable conductive performance for preventing static charge buildup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 conductive coating compositions demonstrate significantly enhanced electrical and thermal conductivity, flexibility, and stability, offering improved performance and cost-effectiveness compared to existing materials.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid capable of hydrogen bonding and functionalized nanomaterials, such as carbon or boron nanomaterials, which form electrostatic attractions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrogen bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

functionalized nanomaterials, such as carbon or boron nanomaterials, which form electrostatic attractions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 3

demonstrate significantly enhanced electrical and thermal conductivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20240425186A1Flexible NANO coating with significantly enhanced electrical, thermal and semiconductor properties
Publication Date: 2024.12.26 SOUTH DAKOTA BOARD OF REGENTS
  • US20240425186A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a conductive coating composition that includes a functionalized carbon nanomaterial and/or boron nanomaterial and a fluid component. The nanomaterial and fluid component forms hydrogen bond network in the disclosed composition. Because of the formed hydrogen bonds, the disclosed coating exhibits enhanced thermal or electrical conductivity. Also disclosed is a method to improve thermal or electrical conductivity of an existing coating composition.