NIR Spectroscopy Abrasion Resistance Wear Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining the abrasion resistance of wear layers on wood-based panels, particularly those with liquid structures, are time-consuming, costly, and prone to errors due to the difficulty in measuring abrasion-resistant particles after the primer has been applied and dried, and existing technologies like IR radiation and X-ray fluorescence have limitations.

Innovation Solution

A method using Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to determine the abrasion resistance by recording NIR spectra before and after curing of the wear layer, comparing them to reference samples with known abrasion resistance, and employing multivariate data analysis to accurately quantify the amount of abrasion-resistant particles, allowing for both online and offline measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the abrasion resistance is determined by ashing the coating, then the amount of abrasion-resistant particles can be determined, but this method cannot be used for wear layers with liquid structure due to the applied primer containing inorganic pigments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetermination of abrasion-resistant particlesVSAvoidapplicability to different wear layer structures
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical ashing method with NIR spectroscopy, an optical detection method. The NIR detector measures the reflection spectrum of the wear layer, and the amount of abrasion-resistant particles is determined by analyzing the spectrum, particularly the ratio of reflection at specific wavelengths (e.g., 1450 nm and 2100 nm). This substitution allows determination of particle content without destroying the sample or being interfered with by primer pigments.

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

2Reliability

If the standardized test procedure according to DIN EN 13329 is used, then the abrasion resistance can be tested, but the process is very time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabrasion resistance testingVSAvoidtesting speed and cost efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical abrasion test (friction rollers, sandpaper, physical wear) with NIR spectroscopy, an optical measurement method. The NIR detector quickly captures the reflection spectrum, and multivariate analysis algorithms rapidly determine the abrasion resistance class. This reduces testing time from hours to seconds and eliminates the need for expensive consumables like sandpaper.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of performing the actual abrasion test, the patent uses NIR spectroscopy to create a spectral 'copy' or fingerprint of the wear layer that correlates with abrasion resistance. By comparing the measured spectrum against reference spectra from samples with known abrasion classes, the system determines the abrasion resistance without physical wear testing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If the amount of solid particles is calculated from the amount of liquid resin applied, then the abrasion resistance can be estimated, but this value does not necessarily correspond to the actual amount of solid particles in the coating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequick estimation of particle contentVSAvoidaccuracy of particle amount determination
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the indirect calculation method (based on resin application amount) with direct optical measurement using NIR spectroscopy. The NIR detector measures the actual reflection spectrum of the dried coating, and the particle content is determined directly from spectral features, providing both speed and accuracy.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the fact that abrasion-resistant particles have characteristic NIR reflection properties that differ from the resin and primer. By analyzing the reflection spectrum, particularly at specific wavelengths where particles have distinct absorption or reflection characteristics, the system can directly detect and quantify the actual particle content in the coating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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 method provides a rapid, non-destructive, and cost-effective means to assess abrasion resistance with high accuracy, reducing errors and material costs, and enabling continuous monitoring and control of the production process.

Implementation Method 1

Recording at least one NIR spectrum of the wear layer arranged on the at least one carrier plate using at least one NIR detector in a wavelength range between 500 nm and 2500 nm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy: Absorption Spectroscopy

Implementation Method 2

The friction rollers are covered with standardized sandpaper. The clamped samples rotate under the friction wheels.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3470823B1Method for determining the abrasion resistance of at least one wear layer on a support plate
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 FLOORING TECH LTD
  • EP3470823B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3470823B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3470823B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for determining the abrasion resistance of at least one wear layer arranged on a carrier plate, comprising the steps of: recording at least one NIR spectrum of the wear layer arranged on the at least one carrier plate a) before curing the at least one wear layer, b) after curing the at least one wear layer, or c) before and after curing the at least one wear layer with the carrier plate using at least one NIR detector in a wavelength range between 500 nm and 2500 nm, preferably between 700 nm and 2000 nm, particularly preferably between 900 nm and 1700 nm;Determining the abrasion resistance of the at least one wear layer by comparing the NIR spectrum determined for the abrasion resistance of the at least one wear layer to be determined with at least one NIR spectrum determined for at least one reference sample of the at least one wear layer with known abrasion resistance by means of a multivariate data analysis (MDA), wherein the at least one NIR spectrum determined for the at least one reference sample with known abrasion resistance of the at least one wear layer was determined a) after curing of the at least one wear layer, or b) before and after curing using the same NIR detector in a wavelength range between 500 nm and 2500 nm, preferably between 700 nm and 2000 nm, particularly preferably between 900 nm and 1700 nm.