Microfibrillated Cellulose Air Release in Viscous Coatings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Viscous compositions, such as paints and gel coats, often develop unwanted pores during the hardening process due to trapped air, which affects their quality and durability, and existing air release additives can have negative impacts on porosity.
Innovation Solution
Microfibrillated cellulose is used as an air release agent added prior or during the hardening step in viscous compositions, acting as both an air release agent and a thixotropic additive, reducing pore formation and improving rheological properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional air release additives are used in viscous compositions, then air release is improved, but porosity increases and film quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses gas bubbles as an intermediary carrier for the air release additive. Instead of adding the additive directly to the composition, it is incorporated into gas bubbles that rise to the surface, releasing trapped air without leaving residual porosity in the cured film. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by providing air release functionality while avoiding the porosity problem caused by conventional direct addition methods.
2Ease of operation
If thixotropic additives are added to control flow, then application properties are improved, but air diffusion is reduced and pore formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas bubble intermediary serves as a dedicated air transport mechanism that operates independently of the thixotropic flow control system. The bubbles carry air to the surface without being affected by the viscosity modifications from thixotropic additives, thus maintaining both flow control benefits and effective air release while avoiding pore formation.
3Productivity
If the composition is hardened quickly, then productivity is improved, but air diffusion time is reduced and pore formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air release mechanism is prepared in advance by forming gas bubbles containing the air release additive before the hardening process begins. These pre-formed bubbles actively transport air to the surface during the early stages of hardening, ensuring air release occurs rapidly enough to match high productivity requirements without causing pore formation in the final cured product.
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 use of microfibrillated cellulose significantly reduces surface pore density, enhancing the quality and durability of hardened compositions by minimizing porosity and improving sprayability and resistance to environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
the microfibrillated cellulose is used as an air release agent in viscous compositions that are subjected to at least one hardening step
Implementation Method 2
the microfibrillated cellulose acts as both an air release agent and a thixotropic additive
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to the use of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) as an air release agent in viscous compositions that are subjected to a hardening step. The air release agent according to the invention is added prior to or during said hardening step, in particular drying, cooling and/or curing process. The present invention also relates to such viscous compositions in an article comprising the MFC as further specified in the description as an air release agent.