One-Pot Omniphobic Polyurethane Coatings Without Fluorine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current omniphobic coatings, such as polyurethane-based and epoxy-based compositions, require complex manufacturing processes and high costs due to their multi-step processes, limiting their efficiency and widespread application in surfaces that need both hydrophobic and oleophobic properties.
Innovation Solution
A thermoset omniphobic composition comprising a crosslinked polymer with specific backbone segments and urethane groups, formed from polyisocyanate, hydroxy-functional hydrophobic polymer, and polyol, which can be manufactured in a one-pot process, providing both hydrophobic and oleophobic properties without fluorine components, thus reducing production costs and time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex multi-step manufacturing processes are used for omniphobic coatings, then hydrophobic and oleophobic properties are achieved, but production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple manufacturing steps into a single one-pot process where all components (polyisocyanate, hydroxy-functional hydrophobic polymer, and polyol) are reacted simultaneously to form the crosslinked polymer network, eliminating the need for separate grafting and curing steps required by prior art
Solution Approach 2:
The composition uses a universal one-pot reaction system that simultaneously achieves crosslinking, hydrophobic modification, and omniphobic property development in a single manufacturing step, making the process applicable to various substrates without process modification
2Reliability
If complex multi-step manufacturing processes are used for omniphobic coatings, then hydrophobic and oleophobic properties are achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple manufacturing steps into a single one-pot process where all components (polyisocyanate, hydroxy-functional hydrophobic polymer, and polyol) are reacted simultaneously to form the crosslinked polymer network, eliminating the need for separate grafting and curing steps required by prior art
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses readily available, inexpensive raw materials (standard polyisocyanates, common polyols, and commercially available hydroxy-functional hydrophobic polymers) that can be procured easily without requiring specialized or expensive reagents, making the manufacturing process cost-effective
3Reliability
If fluorine components are used to achieve omniphobic properties, then hydrophobic and oleophobic performance is improved, but environmental concerns and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent explicitly removes fluorine components from the composition by using only hydrocarbon-based polyisocyanates, polyols, and hydrophobic polymers, eliminating the environmental and health concerns associated with perfluorinated substances while maintaining omniphobic functionality through the hydrophobic polymer segments
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters by substituting fluorinated compounds with non-fluorinated hydrophobic polymers (such as polysiloxanes or polyolefins with Tg ≤ 50°C), achieving the same water and oil repellency through alternative chemical mechanisms that are environmentally benign
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 thermoset omniphobic composition effectively repels water and oils, offering scratch resistance, ink resistance, and optical clarity, making it suitable for various surfaces like screens and windows, while simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
first urethane groups linking first backbone segments and third backbone segments, and second urethane groups linking first backbone segments and second backbone segments; wherein: the first backbone segments have a structure corresponding to at least one of a urethane reaction product at least one polyisocyanate
Implementation Method 2
the second backbone segments have a structure corresponding to a urethane reaction product from at least one hydroxy-functional hydrophobic polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 50° C. (or 70° C.) or less
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a thermoset omniphobic composition, which includes a thermoset polymer with first, second, and third backbone segments, first urethane groups linking the first and third backbone segments, and second urethane groups linking the first and second backbone segments. The first, second, and third backbone segments generally correspond to urethane reaction products of polyisocyanate(s), hydroxy-functional hydrophobic polymer(s), and polyol(s), respectively. The thermoset omniphobic composition has favorable omniphobic properties, for example as characterized by water and/or oil contact and/or sliding angles. The thermoset omniphobic composition can be used as a coating on any of a variety of substrates to provide omniphobic properties to a surface of the substrate. Such omniphobic coatings can be scratch-resistant, ink/paint resistant, dirt-repellent, and optically clear. The thermoset omniphobic composition can be applied by different coating methods including cast, spin, roll, spray and dip coating methods.