PFPE Surface-Treating Layer for Acid-Resistant Friction Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surface-treating layers bonded to base materials via -Si-O-Si- or -C-O-, -C-N-, -C-S- bonds are prone to degradation in acid or alkaline environments, particularly on articles exposed to human sweat, and do not meet the demand for enhanced friction durability.

Innovation Solution

A surface-treating agent comprising a perfluoro(poly)ether group-containing compound with specific molecular structures and bonds, forming a layer through radical reactive groups for improved durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a surface-treating layer bonded by -Si-O-Si- bond is used, then the layer can be formed on base materials, but the bond is broken by hydrolysis in acid or alkaline environment, causing decreased durability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidbond stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical bonding mechanism from hydrolyzable -Si-O-Si- bonds to non-hydrolyzable covalent bonds between fluorinated silane groups and the base material surface. This parameter change in bond type eliminates the hydrolysis vulnerability while maintaining adhesion to base materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite structure combining fluorinated silane groups with perfluoropolyether side chains. The silane portion provides stable covalent bonding to the base material, while the perfluoropolyether side chains provide the desired surface properties and friction durability, creating a multi-functional composite surface treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If a surface-treating layer with -C-O-, -C-N-, or -C-S- bonds is used, then the layer has resistance to acids and alkalis, but the friction durability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefriction durabilityVSAvoidbond strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the surface layer composition to include fluorinated silane groups that form strong covalent bonds with the base material, rather than relying on weaker -C-O-, -C-N-, or -C-S- bonds. This parameter change in bond type and composition simultaneously improves both chemical resistance and friction durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite surface treatment where fluorinated silane groups provide strong covalent anchoring to the base material for friction durability, while perfluoropolyether side chains provide chemical resistance to acids and alkalis, achieving both requirements through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If conventional surface-treating agents are used, then the basic surface treatment function is achieved, but the layer does not meet the demand for enhanced friction durability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefriction durabilityVSAvoidmolecular structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces fluorinated silane groups with specific molecular structures that form exceptionally strong covalent bonds with base materials. This parameter change in molecular structure and bonding mechanism achieves enhanced friction durability without significantly complicating the application process or overall system complexity.

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 agent provides a surface-treating layer with enhanced friction durability, lubricity, water-repellency, oil-repellency, and antifouling properties, suitable for various base materials including glasses, plastics, and metals.

Implementation Method 1

forming a layer through radical reactive groups for improved durability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadical reaction:

Implementation Method 2

provide excellent properties, such as water-repellency, oil-repellency and antifouling property

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 3

enhanced friction durability, lubricity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP3623440B1Surface treatment agent containing perfluoro(POLY)ether group-containing compound
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD

AI summary

A surface-treating agent comprising a perfluoro(poly)ether group-containing compound represented by the formula (A): Rf-(PFPE-Z1-Y-Z2)n-R. In the formula; Rf represents an alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms and optionally substituted by one or more fluorine atoms; PFPE at each occurrence is independently a group represented by formula: - (OC6F12)a-(OC5F10)b-(OC4F8)c-(OC3F6)d-(OC2F4)e-(OCF2)f-; Z1 and Z2 at each occurrence are independently a single bond or a divalent organic group; Y at each occurrence independently represents a group comprising at least one -O-; provided that at least one structure formed of two or more continuous oxygen atoms is present in formula (A); n is an integer of 1 to 400; R is a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, -CF2-Cl, -COF, -COOH, -PFPE-Rf' or Rf'; and Rf' has the same definition as that of Rf.