Nanocarbon Film with Surface Fullerenes for Casting Molds

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Solution Overview

Problem

The carbon film with fullerenes on casting molds loses effectiveness in reducing release resistance after a certain number of casting processes, requiring frequent maintenance to restore release effectiveness and prevent sticking.

Innovation Solution

A surface treatment method involving a nanocarbon film formed on the casting mold, with fullerenes applied to the surface of the nanocarbon film to increase fullerene content near the surface, creating a longer-lasting carbon film that reduces release resistance and prevents sticking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a carbon film with fullerenes is applied to the casting mold surface, then release resistance is reduced and sticking is prevented, but the effectiveness is lost after a certain number of casting processes requiring frequent maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease effectivenessVSAvoidduration of release effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies fullerenes to the surface of a nanocarbon film, creating a nested structure where fullerenes are embedded within the nanocarbon film matrix. This nested configuration allows the fullerenes to be retained longer on the mold surface, extending the duration of release effectiveness while maintaining the low release resistance property

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite carbon film structure combining fullerenes with nanocarbon materials (such as carbon nanotubes or graphitic carbon). This composite structure leverages the low friction properties of fullerenes while using the nanocarbon matrix to provide structural stability and extended durability, solving the problem of short effectiveness duration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If fullerenes are applied to the casting mold surface, then release resistance is reduced, but maintenance operations must be performed frequently to restore effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of casting releaseVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies fullerenes to the nanocarbon film surface in advance, creating a pre-conditioned surface that maintains release effectiveness throughout the casting process. This preliminary application ensures that the fullerenes are positioned optimally before casting begins, reducing the need for frequent maintenance operations and minimizing time loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a carbon film is applied to prevent sticking, then product release is improved, but the carbon film requires reapplication after certain casting cycles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-sticking performanceVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a carbon film structure where fullerenes are continuously retained on the mold surface through the nanocarbon film matrix. This continuous presence of fullerenes ensures uninterrupted anti-sticking performance throughout extended casting cycles, maintaining high productivity without requiring downtime for reapplication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 method extends the duration of release effectiveness, reducing maintenance needs and enhancing production efficiency by maintaining low release resistance and preventing sticking for a greater number of casting processes.

Implementation Method 1

the fullerenes fills into spaces or asperities in the nanocarbon film

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP2314399B1Method for treating surface of casting mold and casting mold using same
Publication Date: 2014.10.15 MEC INT CORP TOYOTA
  • EP2314399B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2314399B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2314399B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A surface treatment method includes covering a surface of a casting mold with a carbon film containing at least one type of nanocarbon selected from the group of carbon nanocoils, carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofilaments, and further applying fullerenes to that surface. With this surface treatment method being performed on a surface (a cavity surface, etc. of a casting mold) making contact with a molten casting material such as aluminum, etc., sticking of the molten casting material to the mold is inhibited, release resistance of the product is reduced, and release effectiveness is improved. The release effectiveness lasts longer than in the case of a conventional carbon film.