Fluorinated Copolymer Emulsions That Prevent Pad Roller Build-Up
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current partially fluorinated copolymers used for oil and water repellency on fibrous substrates face issues such as roller build-up and foaming, while attempts to address these problems often compromise oil and water repellency or stain release performance.
Innovation Solution
An aqueous emulsion composition comprising a partially fluorinated copolymer formed from specific monomers, co-solvents like fatty acids and esters, and surfactants, which provides water and oil repellency and stain resistance without excess roller build-up, achieved through a combination of monomers (I), (II), (III), and (IV) with a co-solvent and surfactants, optionally including vinylidene chloride, applied to fibrous substrates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If shorter fluorinated monomers are used to reduce costs, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but roller build-up and foaming occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite copolymer system combining four different monomer types (fluorinated monomer, hydrophobic monomer, hydrophilic monomer, and optional vinylidene chloride monomer) to achieve cost-effective shorter fluorinated chains while preventing roller build-up through the synergistic interaction of multiple polymer components with different functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for each monomer component (fluorinated monomer 40-80 wt%, hydrophobic monomer 10-30 wt%, hydrophilic monomer 5-20 wt%) to optimize the balance between cost reduction through shorter fluorinated chains and prevention of roller build-up through controlled polymer composition and properties
2Ease of manufacture
If shorter fluorinated monomers are used to reduce costs, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but foaming conditions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-component copolymer system with hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomers creates a balanced emulsion composition that reduces surface tension and prevents foaming while maintaining cost-effectiveness through shorter fluorinated monomer chains
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls foaming by optimizing the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance through specific monomer ratios and incorporating defoaming agents, allowing cost reduction via shorter fluorinated chains without compromising process stability
3Object-generated harmful factors
If attempts are made to eliminate roller build-up and foaming, then roller build-up and foaming are reduced, but oil and water repellency and stain release performance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains excellent oil and water repellency by incorporating sufficient fluorinated monomer (40-80 wt%) that provides the necessary hydrophobicity, while the complementary hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomers prevent roller build-up and foaming through synergistic interaction
Solution Approach 2:
Different monomer components perform specialized functions: fluorinated monomer provides repellency, hydrophobic monomer enhances oil resistance, hydrophilic monomer controls emulsion stability and prevents foaming, creating a locally optimized composite material
4Object-generated harmful factors
If attempts are made to eliminate foaming, then foaming is reduced, but stain release performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The copolymer composition with optimized ratios of hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomers prevents foaming while maintaining stain release performance through controlled emulsion properties and surface characteristics that facilitate stain removal
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 effectively imparts durable oil and water repellency and stain resistance to fibrous substrates without causing roller build-up, maintaining surface cleanliness and extending product life, while being stable across various application conditions.
Implementation Method 1
provide water and oil repellency
Implementation Method 2
provide water and oil repellency
Implementation Method 3
surfactants, which provides water and oil repellency and stain resistance without excess roller build-up
Implementation Method 4
imparts durable oil and water repellency
Data Source
AI summary
An aqueous emulsion composition comprising: i) partially fluorinated copolymer; ii) one or more co-solvents; iii) one or more surfactants; and optionally iv) one or more defoamers; wherein the co-solvent comprises fatty acids, esters of fatty acids, glycerides, glycols, or mixture thereof, and is useful for providing water and oil repellency to fibrous substrates without excessive pad roller build-up during application.