Fluoroether Coating for Abrasion and Light Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The surface layers formed using fluoroether compounds with multiple hydrolyzable silyl groups or compounds with hydrolyzable silyl groups at both terminals are insufficient in light resistance due to the decomposition of fluoroether compounds when exposed to sunlight, leading to a reduction in water/oil repellency.
Innovation Solution
A fluoroether composition comprising specific compounds represented by formulas (1) and (2), with controlled molecular weights and hydrolyzable silyl group distributions, is used to form a surface layer that enhances water/oil repellency, fingerprint stain removability, lubricity, abrasion resistance, and light resistance by optimizing the number of poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chains per unit surface area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a fluoroether compound having multiple hydrolyzable silyl groups at one terminal or hydrolyzable silyl groups at both terminals is used to improve abrasion resistance, then the surface layer can be bonded to the substrate at multiple sites enhancing abrasion resistance, but the number of poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chains per unit surface area becomes smaller leading to insufficient light resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using two different types of fluoroether compounds with distinct functions: Compound (1) with one hydrolyzable silyl group provides poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chains for light resistance, while Compound (2) with multiple hydrolyzable silyl groups provides strong bonding for abrasion resistance. Each compound type is optimized for its specific local function within the overall surface layer system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining two different fluoroether compounds (Compound (1) and Compound (2)) in a specific composition ratio (1:4 to 4:1). This composite approach allows the surface layer to simultaneously achieve both high abrasion resistance (from Compound (2) with multiple silyl groups) and high light resistance (from Compound (1) with more poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chains), resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
2Reliability
If a fluoroether compound with one hydrolyzable silyl group at one terminal is used to maintain a high number of poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chains per unit surface area, then light resistance is improved, but the surface layer can be bonded to the substrate at only one site resulting in insufficient abrasion resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two different fluoroether compounds into a single surface layer system. Compound (1) contributes poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chains for light resistance, while Compound (2) contributes multiple bonding sites for abrasion resistance. By combining these compounds in a specific ratio, the surface layer achieves both high light resistance and high abrasion resistance simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between these properties.
3Reliability
If the surface layer is exposed to sunlight for a long period, then the fluoroether compound decomposes and the poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chain is released leading to lowered water/oil repellency, but increasing the number of poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chains per unit surface area requires larger bonding space which reduces abrasion resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the composition ratio of Compound (1) to Compound (2) within the range of 1:4 to 4:1. This parameter optimization ensures that there are enough poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chains from Compound (1) to maintain light resistance, while Compound (2) provides sufficient bonding sites for abrasion resistance. The balanced composition resolves the contradiction between maintaining high chain density and ensuring strong substrate bonding.
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 effectively forms a surface layer with improved abrasion resistance and light resistance while maintaining water/oil repellency and fingerprint stain removability, ensuring the durability and performance of the surface treatment.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrolyzable silyl group is introduced to a terminal of the fluoroether compound. The fluoroether compound having a hydrolyzable silyl group can be bonded to the surface of a substrate by a silanol group formed by decomposition of the hydrolyzable silyl group.
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a fluoroether composition and a coating fluid that are able to form a surface layer having water/oil repellency, fingerprint stain removability and lubricity, and being excellent in abrasion resistance and light resistance, and an article having such a surface layer. A fluoroether composition, comprising: a specific compound (1) having a hydrolyzable silyl group at one terminal of a poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chain and a specific compound (2) having a plurality of hydrolyzable silyl groups at one terminal of a poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chain, wherein, in the fluoroether composition, the content of the compound (1) is from 10 to 90 mol %, to the total content of the compound (1) and the compound (2).