Functionalized Graphitic Materials for Anticorrosive Coatings

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anticorrosive coatings with high concentrations of sacrificial metal particles can compromise coating integrity if not chemically bound to the polymer, and they require significant amounts of metal particles for effectiveness, especially when using carbon nanotube or graphene networks.

Innovation Solution

A method of modifying graphitic materials by binding sacrificial metal particles to specific functional groups on the graphitic material using molecules with tailored spacers and ligands, allowing for ionic conductance and bonding, which reduces the need for high metal particle concentrations while maintaining coating integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high concentrations of sacrificial metal particles are used in anticorrosive coatings, then the coating's corrosion protection effectiveness is improved, but the coating integrity and mechanical strength deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion protection effectivenessVSAvoidcoating integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces graphitic materials (carbon nanotubes, graphene) as intermediary components that form a conductive network to replace sacrificial metal particles. This network mediates the corrosion protection function while maintaining coating integrity, as the graphitic materials can be chemically bound to the polymer matrix through functional groups, preventing the integrity issues associated with high concentrations of unbound metal particles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical and physical parameters of the conductive network by using graphitic materials with specific functional groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino) that can form strong chemical bonds with the polymer matrix. This parameter change allows for effective corrosion protection at lower concentrations compared to traditional metal particles, thereby maintaining coating integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If high concentrations of sacrificial metal particles are used in anticorrosive coatings, then the corrosion protection effectiveness is improved, but the amount of metal particles required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion protection effectivenessVSAvoidamount of sacrificial metal particles
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The graphitic materials serve as an intermediary that enhances the efficiency of sacrificial metal particles when used in combination. The functionalized graphitic network provides a conductive pathway that amplifies the protective effect, allowing for reduced metal particle concentrations while maintaining or improving corrosion protection effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite system combining graphitic materials with sacrificial metal particles. This composite approach leverages the superior electrical conductivity and chemical stability of graphitic materials to enhance the performance of metal particles, reducing the overall quantity of metal required while maintaining protection effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If sacrificial metal particles are not chemically bound to the polymer matrix, then the coating formulation is simpler, but the coating integrity and durability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating formulation simplicityVSAvoidcoating durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The functionalized graphitic materials act as an intermediary that bridges the sacrificial metal particles and the polymer matrix. The functional groups on the graphitic materials (carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino) form chemical bonds with the polymer, creating a stable network that anchors the metal particles and significantly improves coating durability without complicating the formulation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the graphitic materials by introducing functional groups that enable chemical bonding with the polymer matrix. This parameter change transforms the graphitic materials from physically dispersed fillers to chemically integrated components, dramatically improving coating durability and longevity.

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 enhances the electrical and chemical contact between metal particles and the graphitic material, improving the coating's durability and reducing the amount of sacrificial metal required, thereby increasing the coating's effectiveness and longevity.

Implementation Method 1

transferring a cation of said sacrificial metal particle by ionic conductance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonic conductance: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

the graphitic material may be coated with a metal layer... the metal particles may be coated with a thin oxide layer... electrically connected with a coated metal surface through a CNT or graphene network

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP2864426B1Tunable materials
Publication Date: 2022.04.13 TESLA NANOCOATINGS INC
  • EP2864426B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2864426B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2864426B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

One or more techniques are disclosed for a method for functionalized a graphitic material comprising the steps of: 1) providing a graphitic material; 2) providing a first molecule comprising a first group, a spacer, and a second group; 3) providing a second molecule comprising a third group, a spacer, and a fourth group, wherein said third group is a different group from said first group; and 4) bonding the first molecule and the second molecule to the graphitic material. Also disclosed is a tunable material composition comprising the functionalized carbon nanotubes or functionalized graphene prepared by the methods described herein.