Functionalized Macromolecule Adhesion Promoter for Hydrophobic Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adhesion promoters struggle to achieve permanent coatings on hydrophobic surfaces and fingernails due to weak interactions and instability, requiring harsh and costly activation methods, and often result in premature detachment and poor mechanical properties.
Innovation Solution
A functionalized macromolecule with a polymeric core and photoreactive side chains that forms covalent bonds with substrates upon UV irradiation or heat, providing a stable and long-lasting connection for coatings on difficult surfaces like hydrophobic polymers and fingernails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If physical activation methods (plasma, corona, chemical etching) are used to improve adhesion on hydrophobic surfaces, then adhesion strength is temporarily improved, but the activated surface is unstable and reverts to original state within short period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a silane-based adhesion promoter as an intermediary substance between the hydrophobic substrate and the coating. The silane compound first bonds to the substrate surface, then provides reactive groups for coating attachment, creating a stable intermediate layer that maintains adhesion without requiring continuous surface activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the substrate surface by applying silane compounds that modify the surface chemistry. The silane treatment alters the surface energy and introduces functional groups, transforming the hydrophobic surface into a more adhesive surface without physical activation, and this modified state is stable over time.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If physical activation methods are used to achieve permanent coating on hydrophobic surfaces, then coating permanence is improved, but the methods are harsh and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The silane adhesion promoter serves as a gentle intermediary that chemically bridges the hydrophobic substrate and coating without requiring harsh physical activation. The silane compound naturally adheres to the substrate and provides stable bonding sites, eliminating the need for aggressive plasma or chemical etching treatments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical activation methods (plasma, corona discharge, chemical etching) with a chemical approach using silane compounds. Instead of using high-energy physical fields to activate the surface, the invention uses chemical reactions of silane molecules to create stable bonding, substituting a gentler chemical mechanism for harsh physical methods.
3Strength
If conventional adhesion promoters are used on fingernails, then coating adhesion is attempted, but premature detachment occurs due to mechanical stress and air bubbles
Solution Approach 1:
The silane-based adhesion promoter acts as an intermediary layer between the fingernail and the gel coating. It penetrates and bonds to the nail surface, then provides a stable interface for the coating, preventing air bubble formation and reducing detachment under mechanical stress during nail growth and daily activities.
4Ease of manufacture
If UV curable polymers are used for nail filling gel, then aesthetic and practical properties are improved, but poor adhesion occurs due to intermediate layer of fatty organic compounds
Solution Approach 1:
The silane adhesion promoter is applied as an intermediary layer between the fingernail and the UV curable gel. It first bonds to the nail surface, displacing or stabilizing the fatty organic compound layer, then provides reactive groups for the UV curable polymer to adhere to, ensuring strong adhesion while maintaining the aesthetic and practical properties of the gel coating.
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 solution enables straightforward application and permanent bonding of coatings to hydrophobic surfaces and fingernails, enhancing mechanical properties and durability while avoiding the need for harsh activation methods, ensuring long-lasting adhesion and resistance to mechanical stress.
Implementation Method 1
The at least two functionalized side chains comprise a photoreactive group, wherein said photoreactive group is capable of forming a covalent bond with the substrate upon UV irradiation or heat
Implementation Method 2
The at least two functionalized side chains comprise a photoreactive group, wherein said photoreactive group is capable of forming a covalent bond with the substrate upon UV irradiation or heat
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a functionalized macromolecule and a composition comprising said functionalized macromolecule, which is suitable for use as an adhesion promoter. The functionalized macromolecule comprises a polymeric core, which comprises a natural, semi-synthetic or synthetic polymer, and at least two functionalized side chains, which are linked to the polymeric core by a linker group. The functionalized side chains comprise a photoreactive group.