Floor Finish Composition Using Silicone Polyether Surfactants
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor finish compositions that do not include fluorosurfactants struggle to achieve the same level of wetting and leveling as compositions containing fluorosurfactants, leading to uneven application and surface defects.
Innovation Solution
A floor finish composition that uses a combination of a polyether modified polysiloxane polymer, a non-ionic surfactant such as capryl pyrrolidone or polyethylene glycol monoundecyl ether, and an alkaline soluble resin, such as a styrene-acrylic oligomer, to provide wetting and leveling aids without fluorosurfactants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If fluorosurfactants are used in floor finish compositions, then wetting and leveling performance is improved, but environmental concerns and public perception deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing fluorosurfactants with alternative surfactant systems (silicone polyether surfactants combined with nonionic surfactants) that achieve comparable wetting and leveling performance without the environmental harm associated with fluorinated chemicals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite surfactant systems combining silicone polyether surfactants with nonionic surfactants to achieve the wetting and leveling performance previously provided by fluorosurfactants, creating a composite solution that eliminates harmful components while maintaining functionality
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-fluorinated surfactants are used as replacements, then environmental safety is improved, but wetting and leveling performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges silicone polyether surfactants with nonionic surfactants in a combined system that achieves superior wetting and leveling performance, overcoming the limitations of individual non-fluorinated surfactant types used separately
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional surfactant system where silicone polyether surfactants provide primary wetting and leveling functions while nonionic surfactants enhance spreading and reduce surface tension, together delivering comprehensive performance that matches or exceeds fluorosurfactant capabilities
3Stability of the object's composition
If floor finish composition changes from hydrophilic liquid to hydrophobic solid during drying, then film formation is improved, but self-leveling ability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates surfactants that maintain their wetting and leveling functions throughout the drying process, preventing premature phase separation or surface tension changes that would lock in surface defects before the finish can self-level
Solution Approach 2:
The patent carefully controls the composition and concentration of surfactants and solvents to manage the hydrophilic-to-hydrophobic transition during drying, ensuring that self-leveling occurs during the wet phase before the composition transitions to the solid film state
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 composition achieves self-leveling and maintains a smooth finish, comparable to compositions with fluorosurfactants, while being free of fluorinated chemicals, thus addressing market flexibility and public perception concerns.
Implementation Method 1
Fluorosurfactants are effective at lowering surface tension and do so at very low concentrations... There are no drop-in replacements that can match the performance provided by this class of chemical
Implementation Method 2
Fluorosurfactants are primarily used to generate wetting and leveling effects... The composition achieves self-leveling and maintains a smooth finish
Implementation Method 3
During the drying process, self-levelling issues compound as a result of the floor polish or coating changing from a largely hydrophilic liquid state into a hydrophobic solid state
Data Source
AI summary
A composition for a floor finish is disclosed that includes at least one silicone polyether surfactant, at least one nonionic surfactant, and at least one resin. In certain embodiments the composition is free or substantially free of fluorochemicals.