A process for making a release surface coated subtrate

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for an alternative method to create multilayer articles with a release surface using an aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion that does not rely on binders, while ensuring strong adhesion between the fluoropolymer layer and the metal substrate.

Innovation Solution

The method involves forming a silicon compound layer on a metal surface using silicon-containing particles delivered by a fluid jet, followed by coating with an aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion containing partially fluorinated or functionalized fluoropolymers, and sintering to create a strong adhesion without the use of binders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a non-fluorinated heat resistant binder is used to adhere fluoropolymers to metal substrates, then adhesion strength is improved, but the anti-stick properties and release performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidsticking
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a silane coupling agent as an intermediary substance between the metal substrate and fluoropolymer coating. The silane coupling agent contains both inorganic-binding groups that attach to the metal substrate and organic-reactive groups that bond with the fluoropolymer, thereby mediating the adhesion interface and achieving strong bonding without compromising the release properties of the fluoropolymer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite primer layer consisting of silane coupling agent and binder that combines the adhesion benefits of non-fluorinated materials with the anti-stick properties of fluoropolymers. This composite structure allows the system to simultaneously achieve strong substrate bonding and maintain release performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional coating methods with binders and solvents are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidenvironmental impact
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates harmful solvents and excessive binders from the coating formulation, using a water-based or solvent-free dispersion system where fluoropolymer particles are suspended in water without requiring organic solvents for dissolution. This extraction of harmful components maintains ease of manufacture while significantly improving environmental friendliness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the coating system by using aqueous dispersions instead of solvent-based systems, and by controlling particle size, concentration, and surface charge of fluoropolymer particles to enable stable suspension and uniform coating without traditional solvents and binders

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

This approach results in a durable release coating with excellent adhesion to the metal substrate, as demonstrated by the cross hatch test, and eliminates the need for solvents and binders, making the process more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

delivering particles comprising a silicon compound from at least one fluid jet to a metal surface to embed the metal surface with the silicon compound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid jet: Jet

Implementation Method 2

embed the metal surface with the silicon compound to form a silicon compound layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEmbedding:

Implementation Method 3

coating the silicon compound layer with an aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion to form a fluoropolymer layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoating: Coatings

Implementation Method 4

sintering the multilayered article to form the release surface coated substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSintering: Sintering

Data Source

PatentEP3277503B1A process for making a release surface coated subtrate
Publication Date: 2020.02.12 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
  • EP3277503B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

Described herein is multilayer article made by the process comprising: delivering particles comprising a silicon compound from at least one fluid jet to a metal surface to embed the metal surface with the silicon compound to form a silicon compound layer; coating the silicon compound layer with an aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion to form a fluoropolymer layer and thereby forming a multilayered article, wherein the aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion comprises (i) a modifying agent; and (ii) a fluorinated polymer, wherein the fluorinated polymer comprises at least one of (a) a partially fluorinated polymer capable of forming a carbon-carbon double bond, (b) a functionalized fluorinated polymer, and (c) combinations thereof; and sintering the multilayered article to form the release surface coated substrate.