Nano-Wrinkled Glass-Ceramic Coating for Durable Cooktop Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass-ceramic cooktops face challenges in maintaining mechanical resistance, ease of cleaning, and aesthetic appeal while accommodating various heating methods and decorative needs, with coatings like enamels and paints often compromising these properties.
Innovation Solution
A glass-ceramic article with a nano-pleated layer of less than 5 µm amplitude, applied before ceramization, which forms a satin-like surface with good adhesion and resistance, allowing for easy cleaning and various decorative options without compromising mechanical strength or light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If enamels are applied to the glass-ceramic substrate before ceramization, then the substrate can achieve high-temperature resistance and decorative functionality, but the mechanical resistance is locally reduced and the coating may flake
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the glass-ceramic substrate by incorporating specific oxide combinations (Al2O3: 10-20 wt%, SiO2: 60-70 wt%, B2O3: 5-10 wt%) to achieve both high-temperature resistance and maintained mechanical strength without requiring enamel coatings
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the enamel coating layer entirely, relying instead on the inherently coated glass-ceramic surface that maintains both thermal resistance and mechanical integrity through its optimized composition and controlled crystallization process
2Shape
If multiple coats of enamel are applied to achieve desired colors and decorations, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but the coating becomes more prone to flaking and mechanical resistance is further reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the optical parameters of the glass-ceramic substrate through controlled crystallization and composition adjustments to achieve various colors and aesthetic effects directly in the substrate material, eliminating the need for multiple enamel coating layers
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite glass-ceramic material with embedded crystalline phases that provide both structural strength and aesthetic appearance, replacing the multi-layer enamel coating system with a monolithic coated glass-ceramic structure
3Shape
If traditional coatings are applied to provide decorative functionality, then aesthetic options are expanded, but the ease of cleaning is reduced and maintenance becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the surface energy and chemical composition parameters of the glass-ceramic substrate to create a non-stick, easy-to-clean surface while simultaneously achieving decorative effects through the substrate's inherent optical and structural properties
4Temperature
If enamels are fired at high temperatures to achieve heat resistance, then thermal stability is improved, but unwanted tints appear and the coating may compromise mechanical strength
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the glass-ceramic substrate, specifically controlling the ratios of Al2O3, SiO2, and B2O3, and adjusting crystallization temperature parameters to achieve thermal stability while preventing unwanted color tints during the firing process
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 nano-pleated layer enhances cleaning ease, maintains mechanical resistance, and provides a durable, aesthetically pleasing surface with flexible decoration possibilities, suitable for high-temperature applications like cooktops.
Implementation Method 1
A glass-ceramic is originally a type of glass, called precursor glass, mother glass, or green glass, whose specific chemical composition allows for controlled crystallization through appropriate heat treatments known as ceramization.
Implementation Method 2
The glass substrate (mother glass substrate) is coated, in particular by a process of physical vapour deposition, with at least one layer, in particular a thin layer, the thickness of which does not exceed 20 µm
Data Source
Figure 1a~2c
AI summary
The present invention relates to a glass-ceramic article, intended in particular to be used with at least one light source and/or at least one heating element, said article comprising at least one substrate, such as a plate, made of glass-ceramic, said substrate being at least partially provided, in particular coated, with at least one nano-wrinkled layer. The present invention also relates to a method for obtaining said article.