Household Article Comprising A Sol-Gel Non-Stick Coating With A Finish Layer Free Of Silica And Of Colloidal Metal Oxide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sol-gel non-stick coatings deteriorate over time due to the addition of colloidal silica, leading to a decrease in non-stick properties and mechanical durability, especially when exposed to boiling water.

Innovation Solution

A finish layer for sol-gel non-stick coatings is developed without silica or colloidal metal oxide, maintaining non-stick characteristics and mechanical properties through the use of a sol-gel composition with specific metal alkoxide precursors and catalysts, ensuring optical transparency and abrasion resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If colloidal silica is added to sol-gel coating formulations to obtain high mechanical resistance and crack-free coating, then mechanical strength is improved, but non-stick durability deteriorates due to hydrolysis of sol-gel network when exposed to boiling water

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical resistanceVSAvoidnon-stick durability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes colloidal silica from the finish layer formulation while maintaining it in the base layer. This extraction from the critical finish layer prevents hydrolysis-induced non-stick property degradation during boiling water exposure, while the base layer still provides mechanical support and crack resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The coating is divided into two distinct layers with different compositions: a base layer containing colloidal silica for mechanical strength, and a finish layer without colloidal silica for non-stick durability. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Duration of action of stationary object

If colloidal silica is added to achieve coating thickness of several microns without cracks, then mechanical durability is improved, but non-stick properties decrease over time especially after prolonged contact with boiling water

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating durabilityVSAvoidnon-stick properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coating system is segmented into a thick base layer (several microns) containing colloidal silica that provides crack resistance and durability, and a thin finish layer without colloidal silica that maintains non-stick properties. The base layer's durability prevents cracks from propagating through the coating, while the finish layer's silica-free composition prevents hydrolysis and non-stick degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Colloidal silica is extracted from the finish layer formulation to eliminate the source of hydrolysis that causes non-stick property deterioration during boiling water exposure, while the base layer retains colloidal silica for structural integrity and long-term durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If silicone oil is added to compensate for decrease in non-stick properties, then non-stick performance is temporarily improved, but overall durability remains limited and unsatisfactory

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenon-stick performanceVSAvoidoverall durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention takes out colloidal silica from the finish layer to eliminate the root cause of non-stick property deterioration (hydrolysis), providing long-term durability without relying on temporary silicone oil additions. This addresses both non-stick performance and overall durability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The finish layer is formulated without colloidal silica from the beginning to prevent hydrolysis and non-stick property degradation before it occurs, rather than attempting to compensate for deterioration after it happens with silicone oil additions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 coating retains superior non-stick properties and mechanical durability, extending the lifespan of household articles and providing enhanced user satisfaction with improved resistance to abrasion and thermal stress.

Implementation Method 1

the addition of colloidal or micronic silica is unfavorable for the durability of the non-stick coating, in particular after prolonged contact with boiling water of the household article, by promoting the hydrolysis of part of the sol-gel network

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS20260069078A1Household Article Comprising A Sol-Gel Non-Stick Coating With A Finish Layer Free Of Silica And Of Colloidal Metal Oxide
Publication Date: 2026.03.12 SEB SA

AI summary

The present invention therefore relates to a sol-gel finish layer of a non-stick coating of a household article, said layer forming a cooking surface and being free of silica and of colloidal metal oxide.