Multicolor Paint Composition Using Hydrophilic Polyurethane Gel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multicolor paints face issues with stability due to ionic interactions that harm acrylic polymer binders, require complex application methods, and have poor water resistance, limiting their use and applicability.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising a colorant, a hydrophilic polyurethane prepolymer gel, and a continuous phase, which is compatible with various binders, providing improved water resistance and ease of application, allowing for use with both spray and non-spray methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If ionic interactions with cross-linkers (calcium, aluminum, zinc, boron ions) are used to create multicolor paint, then cross-linking and coating performance are improved, but the stability of acrylic polymer binders is harmed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoating performanceVSAvoidbinder stability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a compatibilizer as an intermediary substance that mediates between the inorganic cross-linker and the acrylic polymer binder. The compatibilizer has both hydrophilic regions that interact with the cross-linker and hydrophobic regions that are compatible with the polymer binder, thereby enabling cross-linking while maintaining binder stability and preventing flocculation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If natural polysaccharides or derivatives (cellulose, guar gum, alginate) are used as functional hydrocolloids, then hydrogel formation is achieved, but dissolving takes significant time and heating is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogel formationVSAvoiddissolving time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces natural polysaccharides with synthetic or semi-synthetic hydrocolloids that dissolve rapidly at room temperature without requiring heating or extended dissolution time. These alternative hydrocolloids achieve the same hydrogel formation and protective colloid functions but with significantly reduced processing time and energy input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Strength

If natural polysaccharides with cross-linkers (Ca2+, Mg2+, borate ions) are used, then cross-linking of polysaccharide chains occurs, but compatibility with latex binders is lost and flocculation results

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolysaccharide cross-linkingVSAvoidlatex binder compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The compatibilizer acts as a bridge between the cross-linking system and the latex binder. It allows the cross-linker to interact with the hydrocolloid while the compatibilizer's polymer-compatible regions maintain steric or electrostatic stabilization of the latex particles, preventing flocculation while enabling cross-linking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If spray application is used for multicolor paint, then application is achieved, but special application instruments are required and versatility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication capabilityVSAvoidapplication method flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the rheological parameters of the paint formulation by adjusting the hydrocolloid concentration, molecular weight distribution, and cross-linking density to achieve optimal viscosity and shear-thinning behavior. This allows the paint to be applied with simple tools like brushes or trowels while maintaining colorant granule integrity and decorative effect, eliminating the need for specialized spray equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

5Stability of the object's composition

If prior art multicolor paint materials are used, then multicolor coating is achieved, but water resistance is poor and multilayer coating is necessary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulticolor coatingVSAvoidwater resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite coating system where inorganic cross-linked hydrocolloid gel particles are embedded in an organic polymer binder matrix. This composite structure provides both the water resistance of the organic binder and the decorative multicolor effect of the gel particles, achieving superior water resistance in a single layer without requiring multiple coats.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 offers enhanced water resistance and ease of application, enabling the use of multicolor paints with various binders, improving their performance and versatility.

Implementation Method 1

a first hydrophilic polyurethane prepolymer gel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophilic interaction: Hydrophile

Implementation Method 2

the composition comprises: a colorant, a first hydrophilic polyurethane prepolymer gel, a second gel, and a continuous phase

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGel network barrier: Gel

Data Source

PatentUS12258489B2Composition useful for preparing multicolor paint

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A composition comprising a first, synthetic gel and a second gel is useful for the preparation of waterborne multicolor paints.