Fluorochemical Urethane-Silane Coatings for Abrasion-Resistant Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluorinated compositions for treating hard surfaces like ceramics and glass are inadequate in providing durable, water-repellent, oil-repellent, and easy-to-clean coatings with improved abrasion resistance and reduced detergent and water usage, while being environmentally friendly and compatible with existing manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
Development of fluorochemical urethane compounds that undergo condensation reactions to form siloxane layers on substrates, combining fluorine-containing groups with polyisocyanate and nucleophilic ethylenically unsaturated compounds, and subsequent free-radical addition reactions with thiosilanes and water-solubilizing compounds to create coatings with enhanced hydrophilicity and oleophobicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fluorinated compositions are used to treat hard surfaces, then oil and water repellency is achieved, but durability and abrasion resistance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining fluorinated compounds with silane compounds to create a dual-functional coating system. The fluorinated component provides oil and water repellency while the silane component forms a durable, abrasion-resistant layer through condensation reactions with substrate hydroxyl groups and crosslinking. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating two material systems with complementary properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the chemical structure of the coating through controlled condensation reactions and crosslinking density. By adjusting the ratio of fluorinated to silane components and controlling the curing conditions, the coating achieves optimal balance between durability, abrasion resistance, and repellency properties.
2Ease of operation
If traditional coating methods are used to achieve water repellency, then hydrophobicity is improved, but ease of cleaning and reduced detergent usage are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by creating a coating that provides self-cleaning functionality through its inherent oleophobic and hydrophilic properties. The coating surface automatically repels oil-based contaminants and allows water to spread and roll off, carrying away dirt particles without requiring additional detergents or intensive manual cleaning efforts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by modifying the surface energy characteristics of the substrate through the fluorinated-silane coating. The coating creates a surface with low oil affinity and high water affinity, fundamentally changing how contaminants interact with the surface and enabling easy cleaning with minimal substances.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If fluorinated compositions are applied to hard surfaces, then oil and water repellency is achieved, but environmental impact increases due to detergent and water consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces environmental impact by enabling self-cleaning functionality that minimizes the need for water and detergent consumption. The coating's inherent properties allow surfaces to clean themselves with minimal external resources, thereby reducing the environmental footprint of cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of frequent cleaning with detergents and water into a benefit by creating a durable coating that reduces the frequency and intensity of cleaning required. The coating transforms the cleaning process from a resource-intensive operation to a minimal-intervention maintenance task.
4Reliability
If new coating compositions are developed to improve durability and ease of cleaning, then coating performance is enhanced, but compatibility with existing manufacturing processes may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by developing a coating composition that can be applied through existing manufacturing processes while delivering enhanced performance. The fluorinated-silane system is designed to be compatible with various application methods and substrate types, allowing integration into current production lines without requiring entirely new manufacturing equipment or procedures.
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 resulting coatings exhibit improved durability, ease of cleaning, and reduced contamination resistance, allowing for efficient water repellency and oil resistance with lower environmental impact and compatibility with existing manufacturing methods.
Implementation Method 1
compounds of the formula I are believed to undergo a condensation reaction with the substrate surface to form a siloxane layer via hydrolysis or displacement of the hydrolysable 'Y' groups of Formula II
Implementation Method 2
compounds of the formula I are believed to undergo a condensation reaction with the substrate surface to form a siloxane layer via hydrolysis or displacement of the hydrolysable 'Y' groups
Implementation Method 3
The composition may further be crosslinked as result of siloxane bonds formed between the urethane compounds
Implementation Method 4
render them water-repellent (hydrophobic), oil-repellent (oleophobic), and easy to clean
Implementation Method 5
render them hydrophilic, oleophobic, and easy to clean
Data Source
AI summary
Fluorochemical urethane compounds and coating compositions derived therefrom are described. The compounds and composition may be used in treating substrates, in particular substrates having a hard surfaces such as ceramics or glass, to render them hydrophilic, oleophobic and easy to clean.