Photocurable Silicone Composition for Ambient-Cure Release Liners

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing silicone release coatings require high temperatures for curing, which can damage thermally sensitive films, and photocurable alternatives are expensive or require complex processing steps and high catalyst concentrations.

Innovation Solution

A photocurable silicone composition comprising vinyl-functional polysiloxane, hydride-functional polysiloxane, a photoactive platinum (IV) cyclopentadienyl catalyst, and acid-anhydride functional polysiloxane, cured using UV light and optional mild heating, enabling rapid curing at ambient conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If thermal curing is used to cure silicone release coatings, then curing speed is improved, but thermally sensitive films are damaged and energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecuring speedVSAvoidthermal damage to films

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal curing system with a photocuring system. Instead of using heat to cure the silicone coating, UV light is used to activate the photocatalyst, which initiates crosslinking of the vinyl-silicone and hydride-silicone polymers. This substitution eliminates the need for high-temperature ovens and prevents thermal damage to thermally sensitive films while maintaining rapid curing speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the curing mechanism from thermal to photchemical by introducing a photocatalyst system. The curing reaction is initiated by UV light absorption by the photocatalyst, which then catalyzes the hydrosilylation reaction between vinyl and hydride groups. This parameter change allows curing to proceed at ambient temperatures with rapid speed, avoiding thermal damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If thermal curing is used to cure silicone release coatings, then curing speed is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecuring speedVSAvoidenergy consumption of curing oven

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the energy-intensive thermal curing system with a low-energy photocuring system. UV light sources are used to activate the photocatalyst, which initiates the crosslinking reaction. This eliminates the need for large heating ovens that consume significant energy, while still achieving rapid curing speeds suitable for industrial production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If photocurable silicone coatings with acrylate groups are used, then curing speed is improved, but processing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecuring speedVSAvoidprocessing steps

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a simple and inexpensive photocatalyst system based on platinum complexes that can be easily incorporated into the silicone coating formulation. This eliminates the need for complex multi-step processing involving multiple catalysts, inert atmosphere maintenance, and specialized equipment, while achieving rapid curing speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Productivity

If high concentrations of photo-active platinum catalyst are used, then curing speed is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecuring speedVSAvoidcatalyst concentration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the photocatalyst concentration to achieve the desired curing speed with minimal platinum content. By carefully controlling the formulation and selecting appropriate photocatalyst compounds, the patent achieves rapid curing at low catalyst concentrations, significantly reducing manufacturing cost compared to conventional approaches that require high platinum loadings.

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 composition allows for high-speed curing of silicone release coatings on various substrates without thermal damage, reducing energy consumption and processing costs while maintaining coating quality.

Implementation Method 1

cured by exposure to UV light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerisation: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

photoactive platinum (IV) cyclopentadienyl catalyst... cured using UV light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoactivation: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 3

vinyl-functional polysiloxane, hydride-functional polysiloxane... crosslinking

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrosilylation: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS12460080B2Photocurable silicone compositions and process for manufacture of release liners

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 MOMENTIVE PERFORMANCE MATERIALS INC

AI summary

A photocurable silicone composition, a method of forming a coating from such compositions, and an article comprising a coating formed from such compositions and/or methods are shown and described herein. The photocurable silicone composition comprises (i) a vinyl functional polysiloxane; (ii) a hydride functional polysiloxane; (iii) a photoactive catalyst; and (iv) an acid-anhydride functional polysiloxane. The composition and method can be employed to process thin coatings onto paper and film substrates followed by exposure to actinic radiation at ambient conditions of temperature and atmosphere for manufacture of release liners.