Multilayer Coating Film Wet-on-Wet Application

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for forming multilayer coating films using water-based compositions require a preheat step to prevent layer mixing, which increases energy consumption and environmental impact, while omitting this step often results in defects like sagging and poor film appearance.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a first water-based base coating composition with a hydrophilic associated type viscosity agent and a second water-based base coating composition comprising an acrylic emulsion resin, a water-soluble acrylic resin, and a water-soluble polyester resin, applied without a preheat step, to form a multilayer coating film by simultaneously heating and curing all layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a preheat step is performed to prevent layer mixing, then layer mixing is prevented and film appearance is maintained, but energy consumption increases and environmental impact worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilm appearanceVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the coating compositions, specifically incorporating a polycarbodiimide compound and an aqueous resin with carboxyl groups in controlled ratios. This compositional parameter change enables the system to achieve layer stabilization without requiring thermal energy input from a preheat step, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining film appearance and reducing energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The polycarbodiimide compound acts as a chemical intermediary that mediates the interaction between water-based coating layers. It controls the affinity and bleeding between layers through chemical reactions with the carboxyl-containing resin, preventing layer mixing without requiring thermal energy, thereby eliminating the need for the preheat step while maintaining excellent film appearance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If a preheat step is performed to prevent layer mixing, then layer mixing is prevented, but coating process complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayer mixing preventionVSAvoidcoating process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the preheat step from the coating process by incorporating functional chemical components directly into the coating compositions. The polycarbodiimide compound and carboxyl-containing resin provide inherent layer stabilization, allowing the process to proceed without the separate preheat operation, thus reducing process complexity while maintaining layer mixing prevention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The desired layer stabilization effect is built into the coating compositions themselves through preliminary chemical formulation. The polycarbodiimide compound and carboxyl-containing resin are pre-mixed into the coating layers, so that when applied, they automatically prevent layer mixing without requiring subsequent preheat treatment, thereby simplifying the overall process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If a preheat step is performed to prevent layer mixing, then layer mixing is prevented and film appearance is maintained, but coating time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilm appearanceVSAvoidcoating time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the layer stabilization function into the coating composition formulation itself. By combining the polycarbodiimide compound and carboxyl-containing resin within the coating layers, the stabilization effect is achieved as an inherent property of the coating material, eliminating the need for a separate preheat step and thus reducing total coating time while maintaining excellent film appearance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This approach prevents sagging and layer mixing, achieving excellent film appearance and smoothness without the need for a preheat step, thereby reducing energy consumption and environmental footprint.

Implementation Method 1

the first water-based base coating composition comprises a hydrophilic associated type viscosity agent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophilic association: Hydrophile

Implementation Method 2

simultaneously heating and curing the uncured first water-based base coating film, the uncured second water-based base coating film and the uncured clear coating film

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCuring reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

simultaneously heating and curing the three layers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10214654B2Method for forming multilayer coating film
Publication Date: 2019.02.26 NIPPON PAINT AUTOMOTIVE COATINGS

AI summary

Provided is a method for forming a multilayer coating film, said method being suitably applicable to a wet-on-wet coating process comprising: applying a first water-borne base coating material to form an uncured first water-based base coating; and then applying a second water-based base coating material without preheating the uncured first water-borne base coating. A method for forming a multilayer coating film according to a wet-on-wet coating process which comprises applying a first water-based base coating material to the surface of a substrate to be coated and then applying, without preheating the thus formed coating, a second water-based base coating material, characterized in that: the first water-borne base coating material contains a hydrophilic association-type viscous material; and the composition of the second water-based base coating material is controlled.