Graphenic Carbon Pigments for Broadband Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Specialty carbon black pigments do not provide optimal electromagnetic radiation absorbing properties across the visible, ultraviolet, and infrared spectra, despite their durability and cost-effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

The use of thermally produced graphenic carbon particles as absorptive pigments, dispersed in a resin film or matrix materials, achieving a minimum absorbance of 80% throughout a wavelength range of 400 to 1,400 nm, offering improved absorption compared to traditional carbon black pigments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If specialty carbon black pigments are used, then durability and cost-effectiveness are improved, but electromagnetic radiation absorbing properties are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic radiation absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the pigment material from conventional carbon black to thermally produced graphenic carbon particles. This parameter change results in superior electromagnetic radiation absorption across UV, visible, and IR spectra while maintaining durability and cost-effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs graphenic carbon particles as a composite material alternative to traditional carbon black. These graphenic particles provide enhanced absorption properties across multiple spectral regions while preserving the durability and economic advantages of conventional pigments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by moving object

If higher pigment loading is used to improve absorption, then absorbance increases, but weight and material usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveabsorbanceVSAvoidpigment loading weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the pigment material parameter to graphenic carbon particles, which achieve superior absorption efficiency at lower loadings. This parameter change allows reaching 80% minimum absorbance across 400-1400 nm wavelength range with reduced pigment content, thereby decreasing weight and material usage.

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

Thermally produced graphenic carbon particles provide enhanced absorption across the visible, UV, and IR spectra, offering better opacity and weight savings at lower loadings, with a neutral visual appearance and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

the absorptive coating has a minimum absorbance of 80 percent throughout a wavelength range of 400 to 1,400 nm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS9938416B2Absorptive pigments comprising graphenic carbon particles

Publication Date: 2018.04.10 PPG INDUSTRIES OHIO INC

AI summary

Thermally produced graphenic carbon particles for use as absorptive pigments are disclosed. The pigments may be used in coatings and bulk articles to provide favorable absorbance characteristics at various wavelengths including visible and infrared regions.