Magnetic composition, covering comprising it and associated methods

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic elastomer compositions used for surface coverings face challenges in achieving both magnetic properties and suitable mechanical properties, such as abrasion and tear resistance, due to the nonreinforcing nature of magnetic fillers and particle size issues, which affect processing viscosity and compatibility.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic composition comprising an elastomer, magnetite as the magnetic filler, and a compatibilizer like silanes or resins, with a weight ratio of 90-300% magnetic filler to elastomer, and particle sizes between 1-200 µm, along with reinforcing fillers, to enhance mechanical and magnetic properties while maintaining flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high concentration of magnetic materials is used to achieve good magnetic properties, then magnetic properties are improved, but mechanical properties deteriorate because magnetic materials are nonreinforcing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic propertiesVSAvoidmechanical properties
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite filler system combining magnetic particles (providing magnetic properties) with reinforcing particles such as silica, carbon black, or metal oxides (providing mechanical strength). This composite approach allows the composition to simultaneously achieve good magnetic properties through the magnetic filler while maintaining appropriate mechanical properties through the reinforcing filler that does not interfere with magnetic characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If nanoparticles with diameter between 1 and 200 nm are used for homogeneous dispersion, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but processing viscosity increases making processing difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehomogeneous dispersionVSAvoidprocessing viscosity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs surface modification of magnetic particles by coating them with compatible materials or applying surface treatments that change their interfacial properties. This reduces particle-particle aggregation and particle-matrix adhesion issues, thereby maintaining homogeneous dispersion at the nanoscale while significantly reducing the viscosity increase during processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If larger particles with diameter between 1 and 200 μm are used, then processing viscosity is reduced, but compatibilization problems occur between magnetic filler and elastomer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing viscosityVSAvoidcompatibilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces compatibilizers or coupling agents that act as intermediaries between the larger magnetic particles and the elastomer matrix. These intermediaries improve the interfacial adhesion and compatibility, ensuring that the larger particles (1-200 μm) are well-integrated into the elastomer without causing aggregation or property degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 achieves high mechanical, abrasion, and tear resistance with excellent flexibility, suitable for flooring and wall coverings, maintaining aesthetic appeal and resistance to corrosion and oxidation.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one magnetic filler is magnetite

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3257891B1Magnetic composition, covering comprising it and associated methods
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 MONDO SPA
  • EP3257891B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

Composition for making magnetic coverings comprising at least one elastomer, at least one magnetic filler, at least one compatibilizer, wherein the at least one magnetic filler is present in the composition in an amount comprised between 90% and 300% by weight, preferably between 100% and 250% by weight based on the weight of the least one elastomer.