Fluorinated Stone Stain Repellent Composition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Natural and man-made stone surfaces used in building and outdoor applications are vulnerable to soiling, staining, and weathering, with existing protective coatings being expensive, altering the appearance, and not providing effective stain repellency without increasing slipperiness.

Innovation Solution

A method using a composition comprising a fluorinated compound and a phosphate ester, applied to the stone surfaces, which provides high stain release and repellency properties without altering the appearance and is environmentally friendly, suitable for application at room temperature without curing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a film-forming resin coating is applied to protect hard surfaces, then the substrate is sealed and protected from weathering, but the appearance is altered and moisture escape is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from weatheringVSAvoidappearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the protective function from film-forming resin coatings and isolates it into specific fluorinated compounds and phosphate esters. These extracted components provide protection without the unwanted side effects of complete sealing and appearance alteration, allowing selective protection while maintaining breathability and aesthetic qualities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces expensive, permanent film-forming resin coatings with a more economical composition of fluorinated compounds and phosphate esters. This alternative provides effective protection without requiring thick, appearance-altering layers, and allows for easier maintenance and reapplication if needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If a film-forming resin coating is applied to protect hard surfaces, then protection from weathering is provided, but the coating is expensive and alters appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from weatheringVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a cost-effective formulation using fluorinated compounds and phosphate esters that eliminates the need for expensive film-forming resin coatings. This composition provides equivalent or superior protection at lower material and application costs, making the treatment economically feasible for widespread use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the chemical parameters of the protective treatment by switching from resin-based coatings to a composition of fluorinated compounds and phosphate esters. This parameter change results in both cost reduction and maintained or improved protective performance, addressing the economic constraint while preserving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If existing treatments are applied to provide stain repellency, then some protection is achieved, but high stain release and repellency properties are not obtained without increasing slipperiness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestain repellencyVSAvoidslipperiness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using fluorinated compounds and phosphate esters that provide stain repellency specifically at the molecular level through low surface energy, without creating a uniform slippery film. The treatment modifies surface properties locally to repel stains while maintaining appropriate friction for safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the surface energy parameters through fluorinated compounds and phosphate esters, achieving high stain repellency by lowering surface energy without proportionally reducing friction. This selective parameter modification allows stain release and repellency while controlling slipperiness through the specific chemical properties of the composition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method effectively repels oil- and water-based stains, allowing easy cleaning with tap water and a paper towel, maintaining the surface's appearance and reducing slipperiness, while being economically feasible and environmentally friendly.

Implementation Method 1

penetrate well into the porous surface of the stone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPorosity: Porosity

Implementation Method 2

The composition can be readily manufactured at low cost and can be applied in an easy, convenient and economically feasible way

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

provides high stain release and repellency properties without altering the appearance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobicity: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 4

effectively repels oil- and water-based stains

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface tension: Surface Tension

Data Source

PatentEP2367775B1Method to provide stain release and stain repellency properties to substrates

Publication Date: 2018.12.05 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

The present invention provides a composition for treatment, the composition comprising a fluorinated compound and a phosphate ester having at least one hydrocarbon residue having at least 6 carbon atoms. There is further provided a method of treatment applying the composition to a substrate.