Insulation Coating Rheology via Silica Granule Sizing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermal insulation coatings face issues with storage stability and surface smoothness, leading to poor flow properties and aesthetics, which affect both functional and decorative aspects.

Innovation Solution

A curable composition comprising spray-dried pyrogenic silicon dioxide granules and a second component such as microsilica or silica aerogels, with specific physical-chemical characteristics, is used to create coatings with improved rheology and surface appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If granular silica-based materials are used for thermal insulation coatings, then thermal insulation properties are improved, but viscosity increases during storage leading to poor flow properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidflow properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the particle size parameter of the granular silica-based material to a specific range (0.1-1.0 mm, preferably 0.2-0.5 mm) and controls the particle size distribution to resolve the contradiction between thermal insulation performance and flow properties during storage and application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If granular silica-based materials are used for thermal insulation coatings, then thermal insulation properties are improved, but surface smoothness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidsurface smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the particle size parameter (0.1-1.0 mm) and particle size distribution of the granular silica-based material to achieve a balance between thermal insulation performance and surface smoothness, preventing excessive surface roughness while maintaining insulation effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If irregular shaped granules are used, then thermal insulation properties are improved, but coating uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidcoating uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls the particle size parameter and size distribution of the granular silica-based material to ensure uniform coating application and consistent insulation performance across the coated surface

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 composition exhibits enhanced storage stability and a smooth, uniform surface, achieving better thermal insulation and maintaining application properties over time.

Implementation Method 1

Porous thermal insulation materials such as aerogels or fumed or precipitated silicas exhibit low thermal conductivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

A heat-reflecting coating is typically used to prevent heat generated by radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

curable composition for producing coatings for thermal, electrical and/or acoustic insulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Implementation Method 4

curable composition for producing coatings for thermal, electrical and/or acoustic insulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP4372059A1Curable composition for the preparation of coatings for thermal, electrical and/or acoustic insulation
Publication Date: 2024.05.22 EVONIK OPERATIONS GMBH
  • EP4372059A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4372059A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4372059A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a curable composition for the production of coatings for thermal, electrical and/or acoustic insulation, comprising at least one aqueous binder, wherein it has a first component based on spray-dried pyrogenic silicon dioxide granules and at least one second component selected from the group consisting of silicon dioxides, preferably microsilica, granules based on pyrogenic silicon dioxide, silica aerogels, silicate glass (foam glass / expanded glass), hollow silicon dioxide particles (hollow glass spheres), or granules selected from the group consisting of perlites, preferably expanded perlites, from the group consisting of vermiculites and from the group consisting of polymers, preferably expanded polystyrene granules, as well as mixtures thereof.