HCN Polymer Coating for Universal Substrate Adhesion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surface modification techniques for substrates are limited by the need for specific substrate materials, geometry, and conditions, and often require multi-step processes, oxidative conditions, or are not applicable in both aqueous and non-aqueous solutions, restricting their practicality and applicability across various fields.

Innovation Solution

A method using hydrogen cyanide (HCN) derived coatings, which form a polymeric layer on substrates through controlled reaction conditions, allowing for adherence to a wide range of substrates and geometries, and can be applied in one-step processes under various conditions, including oxidative and non-oxidative environments, aqueous and non-aqueous solutions, and the gaseous phase.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If adsorption method is used for surface modification, then the process is simple, but the coating may desorb under certain conditions limiting reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidcoating stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the coating process by using HCN polymerization under controlled pH and temperature conditions to form covalent bonds between the coating and substrate, transforming the coating mechanism from physical adsorption to chemical bonding, thereby improving reliability while maintaining process simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If covalent surface modification is used to improve adhesion, then coating reliability improves, but chemical specificity between modifiers and substrates is required limiting adaptability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating adhesionVSAvoidsubstrate compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The HCN-derived polymer coating serves multiple functions: it forms covalent bonds with diverse substrates through its reactive groups, provides surface modification, and enables further functionalization. This universal coating can be applied to metals, ceramics, polymers, and biological substrates without requiring substrate-specific chemistry, thereby achieving both reliability and adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If LbL assembly is used for coating, then coating reliability and control over thickness is achieved, but multi-step procedure increases process complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating uniformityVSAvoidprocess steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple coating steps into a single HCN polymerization step. Instead of alternating deposition of different layers as in LbL assembly, the HCN monomer polymerizes in situ to form a uniform coating in one step, achieving coating reliability and thickness control while dramatically reducing process complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If dopamine derived coating is used, then coating can be formed under oxidative conditions, but the process is limited to liquid solution based chemistries reducing versatility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating formationVSAvoidapplication conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter by enabling HCN polymerization in gaseous phase, aqueous solutions, and organic solvents. This versatility in application conditions allows the coating to be formed under different environments including non-oxidative conditions, expanding the range of applicable substrates and processing conditions while maintaining reliable coating formation

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 HCN-derived coatings provide a stable, adaptable, and broadly applicable polymeric layer that can modify surface properties effectively, suitable for biocompatible coatings, biosensors, biofouling-resistant surfaces, and electronic applications, with the ability to be functionalized for enhanced properties.

Implementation Method 1

controlling the reaction conditions, a hydrogen cyanide (or hydrogen cyanic acid) (HCN) derived coating on a surface... polymerisation of the HCMUs to form a polymer that coats at least a portion of the substrate surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymerisation:

Data Source

PatentEP2850143B1Process of coating substrate surface with hydrogen cyanide monomeric units
Publication Date: 2018.07.25 COMMONWEALTH SCI & IND RES ORG
  • EP2850143B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2850143B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2850143B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention provides a process of coating at least a portion of a substrate surface comprising contacting the surface with hydrogen cyanide monomeric units under conditions permitting polymerisation of the hydrogen cyanide monomeric units to form a polymer that coats the surface. Also provided is a substrate coated by a polymer according to the claimed process. Also provided is a method of forming a hydrocyanic acid-based hydrogel, the method comprising co-polymerisation in a solution, the solution comprising hydrogen cyanide monomer units and co-monomers.