Building Panel Coating with TiO2 Barrier Layer Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Building panels with photocatalytic coatings face issues of degrading underlying surfaces and coatings, leading to reduced functionality and visual impact, while existing solutions fail to maintain photocatalytic activity without affecting the underlying layers or visual appearance.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the application of a barrier layer composed of silicium-containing compounds between the photocatalytic particles and the organic binder coating layer, preventing degradation and maintaining photocatalytic activity while ensuring the panel's visual and functional integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If photocatalytic particles are applied directly on the coating layer, then photocatalytic activity is achieved, but the underlying coating layer degrades

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephotocatalytic activityVSAvoidcoating layer integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A barrier layer comprising silicium-containing compounds is introduced between the photocatalytic particles and the organic binder coating layer. This intermediary layer prevents direct contact and chemical interaction, thereby stopping the degradation of the coating layer while allowing the photocatalytic particles to maintain their photocatalytic activity on the surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If barrier components are applied to protect the coating layer, then coating layer stability is improved, but photocatalytic activity may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating layer integrityVSAvoidphotocatalytic activity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier layer is applied as a thin intermediate layer with specific local properties - it provides protection against degradation while maintaining transparency and allowing photocatalytic activity to occur at the surface. The silicium-containing compounds create a localized barrier that does not interfere with the overall photocatalytic function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 effectively enhances VOC reduction, antimicrobial effects, and deodorizing capabilities while maintaining the panel's hydrophilic properties and preventing damage to the underlying coating, ensuring improved cleaning and environmental benefits without compromising the panel's appearance or functionality.

Implementation Method 1

applying barrier components and photocatalytic particles, preferably TiO2, on said at least one coating layer... The barrier components are adapted to prevent the photocatalytic particles from degrading the organic binder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical barrier:

Implementation Method 2

The photocatalytic activity of the photocatalytic particles also provides improved antimicrobial effect and improved deodorizing effect, thereby contributing to an improved indoor environment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotocatalysis:

Implementation Method 3

The surface of the building panel obtains hydrophilic properties due to the applied photocatalytic particles. The hydrophilic surface of the building panel facilitates cleaning by the fact that water applied forms a film instead of contracting droplets

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotocatalytic surface modification:

Data Source

PatentEP2935721B1A method for coating a building panel and a building panel
Publication Date: 2019.07.31 VAELINGE PHOTOCATALYTIC AB
  • EP2935721B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2935721B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2935721B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method for coating a building panel (1, 1'), comprising applying a first coating fluid comprising an organic binder on a surface (11) of the building panel (1,1') to obtain at least one coating layer (13), and applying barrier components and photocatalytic particles, preferably TiO2, on said at least one coating layer (13). The invention also relates to such a building panel (1, 1').