Graphenic Carbon Conductive Coatings for Printed Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coatings lack sufficient electrical conductivity, necessitating the introduction of graphenic carbon particles to enhance conductivity properties for applications such as clear coatings, printed electronics, and other conductive materials.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating thermally produced graphenic carbon particles into film-forming resin coatings, which significantly increases electrical conductivity by forming a continuous matrix with the resin, even at low particle loadings, and can be combined with commercially available graphenic carbon particles to achieve desired conductivity levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional coatings are used, then the coating provides basic protective and aesthetic functions, but the electrical conductivity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines graphenic carbon particles with conventional coating materials to create a composite coating system. The graphenic carbon particles serve as conductive fillers within the coating matrix, enabling the coating to provide both protective/aesthetic functions and enhanced electrical conductivity. This composite approach allows the coating to achieve multiple functions simultaneously without requiring a complete redesign of the coating system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the electrical conductivity parameter of the coating by incorporating graphenic carbon particles with specific properties (high aspect ratio, low oxygen content). By changing the compositional parameters of the coating system and selecting particles with optimized characteristics, the coating achieves desired conductivity levels while maintaining ease of manufacture through straightforward formulation adjustments.
2Reliability
If graphenic carbon particles are added to enhance conductivity, then electrical conductivity increases, but the risk of agglomeration and poor dispersion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent emphasizes that graphenic carbon particles should be dispersed locally and uniformly throughout the coating matrix rather than allowing agglomeration. By ensuring even distribution of individual particles or small aggregates throughout the coating volume, the system achieves consistent conductivity properties while avoiding the harmful effects of large agglomerates. This local quality control approach maintains compositional stability and prevents defects.
3Reliability
If high loadings of graphenic carbon particles are used to achieve desired conductivity, then electrical conductivity improves, but the mechanical properties and coating quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes graphenic carbon particles with optimized parameters (high aspect ratio, low oxygen content, specific size distribution) to achieve desired conductivity at lower loadings. By changing the quality parameters of the filler particles rather than simply increasing quantity, the system maintains mechanical properties while achieving target conductivity levels. This parameter optimization allows effective conductivity enhancement without compromising coating quality.
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 coatings exhibit conductivities ranging from 0.001 to 100,000 S/m, with minor additions of graphenic carbon particles, providing enhanced electrical conductivity and mechanical properties, while maintaining low oxygen content and high aspect ratios, promoting effective dispersion and conductive pathways.
Implementation Method 1
electrically conductive coating composition comprising a film-forming resin and thermally produced graphenic carbon particles
Implementation Method 2
thermally produced graphenic carbon particles
Data Source
AI summary
Coating compositions containing graphenic carbon particles are disclosed. The graphenic carbon particles may be thermally produced and dispersed in thermoset and/or thermoset polymeric film coatings. The cured coatings exhibit desirable properties such as increased electrical conductivity.