Plasma-Formed Silane Coating for Durable Water-Repellent Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface-treated articles, such as automotive glass, lack sufficient weather resistance, UV resistance, water-repellency, oil-repellency, lubricity, friction durability, and chemical resistance, especially in outdoor applications.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a substrate treated with a surface-treating agent containing a polyether group-containing silane compound, using atmospheric pressure plasma treatment to form a surface-treating layer, which includes a fluoropolyether group and a silane-containing reactive crosslinking group in an isocyanuric skeleton.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a surface-treating layer is formed using conventional fluorine-containing silane compounds, then water-repellency is improved, but weather resistance and UV resistance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite surface-treating layer comprising both a fluorine-containing silane compound and an isocyanuric compound. The fluorine-containing silane provides water-repellency through fluorinated groups, while the isocyanuric compound forms a crosslinked silane network that enhances weather resistance and UV resistance. This composite approach combines the benefits of both materials to achieve comprehensive performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the surface-treating layer by introducing specific functional groups: fluorinated groups (for water-repellency), isocyanuric rings (for UV resistance and weather stability), and crosslinkable silane groups (for durability). By controlling the ratios and types of these compounds, the invention optimizes the balance between water-repellency and long-term durability.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a surface-treating layer is formed to achieve high UV resistance and weather resistance, then durability is improved, but water-repellency and oil-repellency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-component composite system ensures that the fluorine-containing silane compound provides continuous water and oil repellency even within a crosslinked isocyanuric network. The isocyanuric compound forms a protective matrix that maintains the integrity of fluorinated groups exposed on the surface, preserving their repellency function while providing UV shielding.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface-treating layer exhibits local quality differentiation: the bulk structure consists of crosslinked isocyanuric-silane networks providing UV resistance and mechanical durability, while the surface region contains exposed fluorinated groups providing water and oil repellency. This spatial distribution of different functional groups resolves the contradiction between durability and repellency.
3Reliability
If conventional surface treatment methods are used, then water-repellency is achieved, but friction durability and chemical resistance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the structural parameters of the surface layer by introducing crosslinkable silane groups that form a three-dimensional network. This crosslinked structure significantly improves friction durability by creating a more robust surface layer that resists mechanical wear, while the fluorinated groups embedded in this network maintain chemical resistance and water-repellency.
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 produces an article with excellent weather resistance, UV resistance, water-repellency, oil-repellency, lubricity, friction durability, and chemical resistance, maintaining antifouling properties in various environments, including outdoor conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the substrate is treated with a surface-treating agent containing a polyether group-containing silane compound, using atmospheric pressure plasma treatment to form a surface-treating layer
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention provides a method of producing an article comprising a substrate and a layer a surface-treating agent comprising a polyether group-containing silane compound on a surface of the substrate, wherein the polyether group-containing silane compound is (α) a compound represented by formula (α1) or formula (α2)