Perfluoropolyether Phosphate Surface Treatment for Substrates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surface treatment agents for substrates, such as those used in optical and display devices, fail to provide sufficient water/oil repellency, fingerprint stain removability, and abrasion resistance, with the latter being particularly compromised upon repeated abrasion.

Innovation Solution

A surface treatment agent containing a perfluoropolyether group-containing phosphate compound, specifically a compound represented by the formula B1—(CmF2mO)n1—A1, where A1 has a monovalent organic group with a phosphoric acid group, B1 is RF1—O—, D1-Q1-O—CH2—, or A2-O—, and RF1 is a C1-6 perfluoroalkyl group, is used to form a surface layer on substrates, enhancing water/oil repellency, fingerprint stain removability, and abrasion resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a phosphate compound having a perfluoroalkyl group is used to form a surface layer, then water/oil repellency is improved, but abrasion resistance deteriorates upon repeated abrasion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater/oil repellencyVSAvoidabrasion resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite molecular structure combining perfluoroalkyl groups (for water/oil repellency) with phosphate groups (for substrate bonding and abrasion resistance). This composite approach allows both functions to coexist in a single surface treatment layer, resolving the contradiction between repellency and durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the molecular parameters of the surface treatment agent by introducing specific perfluoroalkyl chain lengths and phosphate group configurations. These parameter changes optimize both the repellency properties and the bonding strength to the substrate, enabling the surface layer to maintain performance after repeated abrasion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a surface layer is formed to provide water/oil repellency, then fingerprint stain removability is improved, but lubricity becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefingerprint stain removabilityVSAvoidlubricity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the molecular parameters of the surface treatment agent, specifically the length and structure of perfluoroalkyl chains, to optimize both fingerprint removability and lubricity. By controlling the chain length within specific ranges and configuring the molecular architecture, the surface layer achieves a balance between stain resistance and operational smoothness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter 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

The surface treatment agent significantly improves water/oil repellency, fingerprint stain removability, and abrasion resistance, maintaining performance even after repeated abrasion, thereby ensuring the longevity and functionality of substrates in applications like optical and display devices.

Implementation Method 1

a surface treatment agent for a substrate, comprising a perfluoropolyether group-containing phosphate compound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS10239997B2Surface treatment agent for substrate, comprising perfluoropolyether group-containing phosphate compound
Publication Date: 2019.03.26 AGC INC

AI summary

To provide a surface treatment agent capable of imparting excellent water/oil repellency, fingerprint stain removability, abrasion resistance and lubricity to the surface of a substrate.A surface treatment agent for a substrate, comprising a perfluoropolyether group-containing phosphate compound, a coating agent comprising the surface treatment agent and a liquid medium, and a substrate having a surface layer formed from the surface treatment agent or the coating agent.