Multilayer Body with Hydrophobic Functional Release Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional embossing foils lack functional integration and result in poor coating outcomes due to the unnecessary removal of the release layer along with the carrier layer, which does not provide additional protective functions.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer body with a hydrophobic, superhydrophobic functional layer that serves both as a release layer and a protective layer, ensuring easy detachment from the carrier layer and providing a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface on the substrate, utilizing pyrogenic and/or precipitated silica or fluorinated compounds to enhance surface roughness and hydrophobicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional release layer is used in embossing foils, then the carrier layer can be easily detached from the functional layers, but the release layer itself is removed together with the carrier layer and provides no additional protective function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the multi-functionality principle by designing the first functional layer to simultaneously serve as both the functional layer (e.g., decorative or protective coating) and the release layer. This layer is arranged between the carrier layer and the substrate, providing release functionality during embossing while also delivering its primary functional purpose (e.g., hydrophobicity, decoration). This eliminates the need for a separate, non-functional release layer that is discarded after use, thereby achieving functional integration and reducing material waste.
2Reliability
If the functional layer is made hydrophobic or superhydrophobic, then it provides protective function against water adhesion, but the adhesion to the carrier layer must be carefully controlled to ensure easy detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the local quality principle by creating different adhesion characteristics in different regions or interfaces of the functional layer. Specifically, the functional layer is designed to have strong adhesion to the substrate (providing reliable protective function) while maintaining controlled, weaker adhesion to the carrier layer (enabling easy detachment during embossing). This spatial differentiation of adhesion properties allows simultaneous achievement of both protection and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the adhesion parameters of the functional layer through hydrophobicity control. By adjusting the hydrophobic character of the functional layer, the adhesion strength to the carrier layer can be optimized for easy detachment, while the adhesion to the substrate remains strong enough to provide reliable protection. The hydrophobicity parameter serves as a control variable that influences both detachment ease and protective function.
3Reliability
If pyrogenic or precipitated silica is added to increase surface roughness, then hydrophobicity is enhanced through micro- or nano-structuring, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the composite materials principle by combining hydrophobic compounds (such as fluorinated compounds or silanes) with pyrogenic or precipitated silica to create a composite functional layer. The silica provides micro- or nano-structuring that enhances hydrophobicity through the lotus effect, while the hydrophobic compounds coat the silica particles and provide the water-repellent chemistry. This composite approach achieves superior hydrophobicity through material composition rather than complex manufacturing processes.
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 multilayer body achieves a high level of functional integration, ensuring a good coating result with enhanced hydrophobic or superhydrophobic properties that protect the substrate from water adhesion and environmental influences, while allowing easy detachment from the carrier layer.
Implementation Method 1
the first functional layer (12), which is hydrophobic, in particular superhydrophobic
Implementation Method 2
The hydrophobicity of the functional layer can be increased by means of such means. This is based on the resulting micro- or nano-structuring of the surface in the manner of the lotus effect.
Implementation Method 3
An adhesive force between the first functional layer and the carrier layer is preferably from 4 cN (or 3 N/m) to 45 cN (or 30 N/m)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a multilayer body with a carrier layer and a first functional layer arranged on the carrier layer, which is hydrophobic, in particular superhydrophobic, and to a method for coating a surface with such a multilayer body.