Hydrophobin Coating for Mineral Surface Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods lack effective solutions for treating the surfaces of hardened mineral building materials, natural stone, and ceramics to achieve dirt-repellent, hydrophobic, and preserving effects.
Innovation Solution
The use of hydrophobins, either isolated from natural sources or synthesized, is applied to these surfaces, often in combination with solvents, to create a coating that enhances their hydrophobicity and dirt-repellency, even with small amounts of hydrophobins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional coatings are applied to achieve dirt-repellent and hydrophobic effects, then surface protection is improved, but the complexity of the coating process and material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and utilizes only the essential hydrophobin protein component from complex coating formulations. By applying pure hydrophobin proteins directly to the surface, the patent achieves effective dirt-repellent and hydrophobic properties without requiring additional solvents, resins, or complex coating additives, thereby simplifying the overall coating process while maintaining reliable surface protection
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of coating composition by using protein-based hydrophobins instead of traditional polymer-based coatings. This parameter change enables the coating to be applied in simpler forms with fewer components, reducing process complexity while achieving the desired surface protection effects through the inherent properties of hydrophobin proteins
2Duration of action of stationary object
If permanent coatings are applied to achieve preserving effects, then surface durability is improved, but the ease of application and simplicity of the treatment process deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophobin proteins exhibit self-assembling properties that enable them to automatically organize into functional coatings on mineral surfaces. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex application procedures, specialized equipment, or multiple processing steps, allowing the coating to form effectively through simple application methods while still achieving durable, long-lasting surface protection
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophobin proteins act as intermediary substances that bridge the mineral surface and the desired hydrophobic function. These proteins can be applied in simple aqueous solutions and spontaneously form the protective layer, serving as a mediator that simplifies the application process while ensuring durable attachment and long-term surface protection
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 hydrophobin treatment effectively increases the contact angle of water on these surfaces, providing a significant dirt-repellent and hydrophobic effect, making the surfaces easier to clean and maintain, especially in applications like bathrooms.
Implementation Method 1
the hydrophobin treatment effectively increases the contact angle of water on these surfaces, providing a significant dirt-repellent and hydrophobic effect
Implementation Method 2
Hydrophobins have a pronounced affinity for interfaces and are therefore suitable for coating surfaces
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to the use of hydrophobins for treating the surfaces of hardened mineral building materials, natural stone, artificial stone or ceramic. The invention also relates to a method for treating such surfaces, and to surfaces of hardened mineral building materials, natural stone, artificial stone or ceramic provided with a coating containing hydrophobins.