Nanoparticle Coating Adhesion via Silane Binders

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for adhering nanoparticles to glass surfaces face issues with adhesion strength, surface irreproducibility, and damage, particularly due to thermal sintering processes that can cause glass deformation and warping, limiting the commercial viability of nanoparticle-modified glass surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of ion exchange processes and specific binder compositions, such as alkali silicate, borate, or phosphate, to create a durable nanoparticulate layer on glass or glass ceramic surfaces, with a binder that matches the coefficient of thermal expansion of the support element, ensuring strong adhesion and durability while minimizing deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If thermal sintering is used to adhere nanoparticles to glass, then adhesion strength is improved, but glass deformation and warping occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidglass deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the bonding mechanism from thermal sintering to chemical bonding using silane-based binders. The silane coupling agent forms covalent bonds between the glass surface (via hydroxyl groups) and the nanoparticle surface, achieving strong adhesion without requiring high temperatures that cause glass deformation and warping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a silane-based coupling agent as an intermediary between the glass surface and nanoparticles. This binder contains reactive groups that bond to both the glass substrate and the nanoparticle surface, creating a stable chemical bridge that provides strong adhesion without thermal processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If chemical modification is used to adhere nanoparticles, then adhesion strength is improved, but surface irreproducibility increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidsurface reproducibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses silane-based binders with controlled hydrolysis and condensation reactions. By controlling the moisture content and pH during the bonding process, the patent achieves reproducible surface properties while maintaining strong adhesion through covalent bonding mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If high sintering temperature is used for larger nanoparticles, then adhesion strength is improved, but energy consumption and process complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidsintering temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal sintering process with a chemical bonding process using silane coupling agents. This substitution eliminates the need for high-temperature processing, significantly reducing energy consumption while achieving equivalent or superior adhesion strength through covalent bond formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach results in a durable, ion-exchangeable nanoparticle-coated surface that withstands commercial use, maintains desired chemical and physical attributes, and provides enhanced properties like anti-fingerprint and anti-reflection capabilities, with improved scratch resistance and durability through the use of a binder that closely matches the thermal expansion of the support element.

Implementation Method 1

a binder that matches the coefficient of thermal expansion of the support element, ensuring strong adhesion and durability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

A method involving the use of ion exchange processes and specific binder compositions, such as alkali silicate, borate, or phosphate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon exchange: Ion Exchange

Data Source

PatentEP2776373B1Method of binding nanoparticles to glass
Publication Date: 2020.08.19 CORNING INC
  • EP2776373B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2776373B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2776373B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Provided herein are nanoparticulate coated structures and methods of making structures. The structures comprise a support element, a nanoparticulate layer, and a binder disposed on the support element, wherein the binder comprises an alkali silicate or borate. In addition, methods of making the structures and uses of the described structures are described herein.