Polyether Silane Surface Treatment for Low Fingerprint Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surface treating layers formed from existing silane compounds either have low visibility of adhered fingerprints or high friction durability, but not both simultaneously, leading to issues with fingerprint visibility and durability in applications requiring transparency and light permeability.
Innovation Solution
A polyether group containing silane compound with specific molecular structures, such as formula (A1) or (A2), is used to form a surface-treating agent that provides low visibility of fingerprints and high friction durability by incorporating multiple Si groups with hydrolyzable groups for binding to base materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a perfluoropolyether group containing silane compound is used to achieve excellent water-repellency and oil-repellency, then fingerprint adhesion is reduced, but adhered sebum scatters light due to high contact angle, making fingerprints noticeable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a surface layer with specific polyether groups that have different properties from the bulk material. The surface is modified to have low contact angle with sebum while maintaining water and oil repellency, achieving localized property differentiation that resolves the contradiction between fingerprint adhesion and light scattering
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by introducing specific polyether groups with controlled molecular weight and structure. By adjusting the polyether chain length and composition, the contact angle with sebum is optimized to prevent light scattering while maintaining the water and oil repellent properties
2Illumination intensity
If a polyether group containing silane compound with high lipophilicity is used to make adhered sebum invisible, then fingerprint visibility is reduced, but friction durability becomes low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining silane compounds with specific polyether groups that provide both the desired optical properties (low fingerprint visibility) and improved durability. The composite structure integrates the lipophilic polyether chains with the silane backbone, achieving a balance between fingerprint invisibility and friction durability that neither component could provide alone
3Illumination intensity
If existing silane compounds are used to achieve low visibility of fingerprints or high friction durability, then one property is improved, but the other property cannot be simultaneously optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a multifunctional silane compound that simultaneously provides low fingerprint visibility and high friction durability. The molecular structure incorporates multiple functional groups that work together to deliver both optical performance and mechanical durability, making the coating applicable to various substrates including optical members and touch panels
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-treating agent forms a layer with low visibility of adhered fingerprints and high friction durability, making it suitable for applications like optical members and touch panels where transparency and durability are essential.
Implementation Method 1
a perfluoropolyether group containing silane compound having a hydrolyzable group bonding to a Si atom in its molecular terminal or terminal portion
Implementation Method 2
WO 2013/089043 relates to a method for manufacturing an organopolysiloxane-polyoxyalkylene block copolymer by condensation reaction
Implementation Method 3
having a hydrolyzable group bonding to a Si atom in its molecular terminal or terminal portion
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a compound represented by general formula (A1) or (A2): R1-(PE1-Y)n-PE2-X-(SiRakRblRcm)α ... (A1) (RcmRblRakSi)α-X-(PE1-Y)n-PE2-X-(SiRakRblRcm)α ...(A2) wherein each of symbols is as defined in the description.