Insecticide-Coated EPS Particles Abrasion Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for incorporating insecticides into expandable polystyrene (EPS) particles in construction materials lead to undesirable exposure and loss of active ingredients due to abrasion and dust formation during production and use, compromising both efficacy and safety.

Innovation Solution

Coating EPS particles with a combination of insecticides, glycerol esters, and optional binders and additives to enhance abrasion resistance and insecticidal effectiveness, reducing the amount of insecticide needed while maintaining mechanical and insulation properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If insecticides are incorporated into EPS particles by surface coating methods (applying to finished molded part, pre-foamed foam particles, or granules), then insecticidal protection is achieved, but abrasion and dust formation occur during production leading to exposure and loss of active ingredient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsecticidal protectionVSAvoidloss of active ingredient
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by coating the EPS granules with insecticide and binder mixture before the foaming process. This ensures the coating is applied to the dense granule material rather than the finished foam, preventing abrasion and dust formation that would otherwise occur during subsequent handling and installation of the molded parts. The coating is established in advance when the material is in a more manageable, less porous state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing the specific physical state and surface properties of EPS granules before foaming. The granules have a dense, compact structure with controlled porosity that provides better adhesion for the coating. By applying the coating at this intermediate state rather than on finished foam or pre-foamed particles, the coating adheres more effectively and resists abrasion during subsequent processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If higher concentrations of insecticide are used to ensure adequate protection, then insecticidal effectiveness is improved, but exposure and loss of active ingredient during production and use increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsecticidal effectivenessVSAvoidexposure to active ingredient
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By applying the insecticide coating preliminarily to the granules before foaming, the patent achieves more efficient incorporation and distribution of the active ingredient. This preliminary application ensures uniform coverage that is then locked into the foam structure during expansion, maximizing effectiveness while minimizing the total amount of insecticide needed compared to surface application methods on finished products.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent exploits the parameter changes in the EPS material state to optimize insecticide incorporation. The granule structure before foaming provides optimal conditions for coating adhesion and uniform distribution. This results in more efficient use of the active ingredient with better penetration and distribution throughout the final foam product, reducing the need for high concentrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional coating methods are used on EPS particles, then insecticidal protection is provided, but abrasion resistance of the coating is poor leading to dust formation during production and use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsecticidal protectionVSAvoidabrasion resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the coating preliminarily to the granules before the foaming process. This timing is critical because the granule surface provides better mechanical interlocking and adhesion properties. The coating is set into the granule structure before expansion, creating a more robust bond that resists abrasion during handling, installation, and service life of the insulation material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the parameter changes in EPS material state to achieve superior coating adhesion. The unfoamed granules have a dense, compact structure with specific surface characteristics that enhance binder attachment. After foaming, the coating becomes integrated into the foam matrix, providing excellent abrasion resistance that conventional surface coating methods on finished foam cannot achieve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 coated EPS particles demonstrate improved abrasion resistance and enhanced insecticidal effectiveness, reducing the amount of insecticide required and minimizing exposure and loss, resulting in a more economical and ecological coating process without compromising mechanical or insulation properties.

Implementation Method 1

The processes mentioned can lead to undesirable abrasion and dust formation during production

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Implementation Method 2

the compact is hardened by heating to 20 to 100 ° C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

foaming the filled particles in the closed mold by tempering them to 60 to 120 ° C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFoaming: Foam

Data Source

PatentEP2235097B1Insecticide-equipped particles made of expandable polystyrene and insecticide-equipped molded parts which can be obtained therefrom
Publication Date: 2011.11.30 BASF SE
  • EP2235097B1 patent drawing
  • EP2235097B1 patent drawing
  • EP2235097B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Particles, which are equipped with insecticide, made of expandable polystyrene (EPS) coated with: A) one or more insecticides, B) one or more glycerin esters, C) optionally one or more binders, and D) optionally further additives.