High-Solid Cellulosic Nanomaterial Screen Printing for Even Films
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing film and coating manufacturing techniques for cellulosic nanomaterials face challenges with high viscosity and require dilute suspensions, leading to complications in dewatering and drying, and result in non-homogeneous films or coatings.
Innovation Solution
A screen printing process using a high solid content and high viscosity suspension, facilitated by a screen printing press, allows for the production of films and coatings with improved homogeneity and even surfaces, utilizing methods like post-healing and post-leveling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If dilute suspensions of cellulosic nanomaterial are used, then the viscosity is low and easy to process, but the dewatering and drying requires considerable energy input and is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of suspension concentration from dilute to high solid content (≥2 wt-% dry content). By using high solid content suspensions with viscosity between 150-200,000 mPas, the process eliminates the need for energy-intensive dewatering and drying operations while maintaining processability through the screen printing technique.
2Ease of manufacture
If highly dilute suspensions are used to avoid nozzle clogging, then the suspension can be applied easily, but the dewatering or drying of the film is complicated and requires considerable energy input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts screen printing as an alternative manufacturing technique that copies the successful application method of dilute suspensions while using high solid content material. The screen printing process allows high solid content suspensions to be applied easily without nozzle clogging issues, eliminating the need for energy-intensive drying operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional film manufacturing techniques are used, then the process is established, but the films are non-homogeneous and have uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs post-healing and post-leveling processes that allow the high solid content suspension to self-adjust and level itself during the screen printing process. This self-service mechanism ensures homogeneous film formation with even surfaces without requiring complex additional processing steps.
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 process enables the production of films and coatings with high cellulosic nanomaterial content, achieving a more homogeneous and even surface, while reducing energy consumption and avoiding nozzle clogging.
Implementation Method 1
using the suspension of step a) to print a coating or film using a screen printing press
Implementation Method 2
a Brookfield viscosity of from 150 mPas to 200000 mPas
Implementation Method 3
optionally dewatering and/or drying the coating or film prepared in step b)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a process for manufacturing a film or coating comprising high amounts of cellulosic nanomaterial. According to the present invention, a screen printing press, such as a rotary screen press, is used to create a film or coating comprising cellulosic nanomaterial. One benefit of the present process is that the suspension used in the printing process has a high dry content and high viscosity, thereby facilitating the process for manufacturing a film or coating comprising high amounts of cellulosic nanomaterial.