Insulating Formulation with Granulated Cork and Thermoplastic Resin

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insulation materials, such as cork, require extensive cutting and waste, slow manufacturing processes, and lack uniform adhesion to surfaces, leading to inefficiencies and non-uniform finishes in thermal and acoustic insulation applications.

Innovation Solution

A two-component formulation comprising thermoplastic resins and additives like cork, plasticizers, mineral fillers, and crosslinking agents, which can be mixed and applied in situ for improved adhesion and uniformity on various substrates, including mortar, metal, and wood.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cork plates are used for insulation, then thermal and acoustic insulation properties are improved, but cutting time and material waste increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation capacityVSAvoidcutting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical state of cork from solid plates to a granulated form that can be mixed with binder and applied as a sprayable or pourable composition. This parameter change eliminates the need for cutting operations while maintaining insulation properties, directly resolving the contradiction between insulation capacity and cutting time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite material system combining granulated cork with binder and optional additives to form an insulating composition. This composite approach allows the material to be applied in various forms (spray, pour, trowel) without requiring pre-cut plates, thereby eliminating cutting time while preserving thermal and acoustic insulation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If cork plates are used for insulation, then thermal and acoustic insulation properties are improved, but material waste increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation capacityVSAvoidmaterial waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Transforming cork from solid plates to granulated composition allows for precise application matching the exact surface area needed. The material can be sprayed or poured to conform precisely to the insulation area, eliminating the material waste that occurs when cutting plates to fit irregular surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The granulated composition can be applied with varying thickness and density according to the specific requirements of different surface areas. This local adaptability ensures material is used efficiently where needed without the waste of cutting and discarding excess material from standardized plates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If projection method is used for applying cork, then adhesion to surfaces is improved, but manufacturing speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesionVSAvoidmanufacturing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention utilizes spray application technology to project the insulating composition onto surfaces. This pneumatic/hydraulic method maintains strong adhesion properties while dramatically increasing application speed compared to manual projection methods, resolving the contradiction between adhesion strength and manufacturing productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

4Ease of operation

If existing projection compositions are used, then application is simplified, but finish uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication simplicityVSAvoidfinish uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The composition is pre-mixed with binder and optional additives in controlled manufacturing conditions to ensure homogeneous distribution of cork granules. This preliminary homogenization action guarantees uniform finish upon application while maintaining the simplicity of spray or pour application methods.

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 formulation achieves efficient thermal and acoustic insulation with enhanced adhesion, stability, and fire resistance, reducing material waste and manufacturing time, while providing a uniform finish and improved chemical resistance.

Implementation Method 1

due to the good adhesion properties it has on most materials (mortar, metal, wood, PVC, expanded polyethylene, etc.)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

Aqueous emulsion with insulating properties... thermal and acoustic insulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

Aqueous emulsion with insulating properties... thermal and acoustic insulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Implementation Method 4

component B comprises at least one thermoplastic resin and at least one crosslinking additive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrosslinking: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP2428538B1Formulation with insulating properties
Publication Date: 2019.09.11 VIPEQ HISPANIA 2008

AI summary

The present invention relates to a formulation characterized by comprising: a) a component A, wherein said component A comprises at least one thermoplastic resin and at least one additive selected from a group consisting of cork, plasticizers, dispersants and mineral fillers, or any combination of the above. b) a component B, wherein said component B comprises at least one thermoplastic resin and at least one crosslinking additive. A method for applying said formulation as well as the use of the formulation as an insulating material are also objects of the invention.