High-Strength Hydroentangled Scrim Sheet for Low-Stretch Abrasive Backings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing abrasive backings face challenges in achieving high tensile strength while maintaining low stretch properties, particularly when using polyester or glass fiber scrims, which are prone to failure under rapid folding and require flexibility in applications with sharp angles.

Innovation Solution

A method involving hydroentangling a scrim sheet with staple fibers from both sides, followed by calendaring, impregnation with a saturant composition, drying, application of a bond coat, and a top coat, to create a high-strength, low-stretch abrasive backing suitable for applications requiring flexibility and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If glass fiber scrims are used to achieve high tensile strength and low stretch properties, then tensile strength is improved, but rapid folding causes glass fibers to break resulting in backing failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensile strengthVSAvoidbacking failure under rapid folding
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a composite structure combining a scrim layer (for strength) with an abrasive backing layer (for flexibility and durability). This composite approach allows the final product to achieve both high tensile strength and resistance to folding failure, as the abrasive backing protects the glass fibers from breakage during rapid folding while the scrim provides the necessary tensile strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If polyester fibers are used to provide flexibility and high strength properties, then flexibility is improved, but stretch characteristics increase causing slippage

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidstretch properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies different properties to different layers: the scrim layer provides high strength and low stretch properties to prevent slippage, while the abrasive backing layer provides flexibility for applications with sharp angles. This local differentiation of material properties allows the overall structure to achieve both low stretch and high flexibility without the trade-off present in single-material solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If cellulose based substrates are used to provide flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but tensile strength properties are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidtensile strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines a scrim layer (made of glass or polyester fibers providing high tensile strength) with an abrasive backing layer (made of cellulose-based or other flexible materials providing adaptability). This composite structure allows the final product to achieve both high tensile strength from the scrim and flexibility/adaptability from the abrasive backing, overcoming the limitation of cellulose-based substrates alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 results in a high-tensile and tear-resistant scrim sheet with a smooth surface for subsequent coatings, suitable for abrasive backings, providing improved strength and flexibility without excessive stretch, suitable for applications with sharp angles.

Implementation Method 1

hydroentangling a scrim sheet having a first layer of staple fibers on a first side of the scrim sheet and a second layer of staple fibers on a second side of the scrim sheet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydroentanglement:

Implementation Method 2

calendaring the hydroentangled scrim sheet to form a calendared hydroentangled scrim sheet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCalendaring:

Implementation Method 3

impregnating the hydroentangled scrim sheet with a saturant composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpregnation: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 4

drying the saturant composition impregnated into the calendared hydroentangled scrim sheet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP3068935B1High strength hydroentangled scrim sheet and methods of producing the same
Publication Date: 2018.01.17 NEENAH PAPER INC
  • EP3068935B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

Methods for forming a hydroentangled scrim sheet are provided. The method can include hydroentangling a scrim sheet having a first layer of staple fibers on a first side of the scrim sheet and a second layer of staple fibers on a second side of the scrim sheet to form a hydroentangled scrim sheet; calendaring the hydroentangled scrim sheet to form a calendared hydroentangled scrim sheet; impregnating the hydroentangled scrim sheet with a saturant composition; drying the saturant composition impregnated into the calendared hydroentangled scrim sheet; applying a bond coat onto a surface of the calendared hydroentangled scrim sheet; and applying a top coat onto the bond coat. The top coat is, in one embodiment, configured to provide a surface for further coatings thereon.