Low Gloss Aqueous Coatings Using Polyethylene Oxide Resins
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coating compositions struggle to reduce gloss without compromising slip resistance, film integrity, and clarity, often using matting agents that can disrupt film properties and lead to undesirable appearances or environmental issues with solvent-based systems.
Innovation Solution
Aqueous coating compositions incorporating water-soluble poly(ethylene oxide) resins and water-insoluble polymer binders, which maintain compatibility and prevent sedimentation, achieving a matte appearance while maintaining burnishing and slip resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If matting agents (inorganic particles, organic particles, or water dispersed acrylic acid dispersants) are added to reduce gloss, then gloss is reduced, but film integrity and key film properties (water resistance, abrasion resistance, slip resistance) are disrupted and lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes matting particles from the coating composition entirely, replacing them with a water-soluble polymer that provides gloss reduction without the harmful effects of particle-based matting agents. This extraction of the problematic component resolves the contradiction between achieving low gloss and maintaining film integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of how gloss is controlled - from particle-based physical disruption to polymer-based chemical interaction with water. The water-soluble polymer absorbs water to form a gel-like structure that reduces gloss while preserving film continuity and integrity, avoiding the discontinuities caused by particles.
2Illumination intensity
If matting particles are used to reduce gloss, then gloss is reduced, but the particles settle out of solution over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts matting particles from the system and replaces them with a water-soluble polymer that dissolves completely, eliminating the settling problem inherent to particulate systems while maintaining gloss reduction functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The water-soluble polymer creates a homogeneous molecular dispersion in water, eliminating the heterogeneity of particle suspensions. This homogeneous solution prevents settling because the polymer molecules are uniformly distributed at the molecular level rather than as discrete particles that can separate under gravity.
3Illumination intensity
If solvent-based systems with gloss reducing agents are used, then gloss is reduced, but volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are present which are undesirable from health, environmental and safety standpoint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes solvent-based chemical systems with an aqueous polymer-based system. The water-soluble polymer provides gloss reduction through water absorption and gel formation rather than through volatile organic solvents, eliminating harmful VOC emissions while achieving the desired optical effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the solvent parameter from organic solvents to water, creating a water-based coating system that eliminates VOCs. The gloss reduction mechanism is maintained through the water-soluble polymer's interaction with water, but the harmful organic solvent component is completely replaced with benign water.
4Illumination intensity
If gloss is reduced to make floors appear less slippery, then perceived slipperiness is reduced, but actual slip resistance must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes matting particles that would compromise film integrity and slip resistance, replacing them with a water-soluble polymer that reduces gloss through a different mechanism - water absorption and gel formation - that does not interfere with the film's protective and friction-providing properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanism of gloss reduction from surface roughening (which would affect slip resistance) to water absorption and gel formation within the film matrix. This parameter change allows gloss reduction while preserving the film's continuous structure and its ability to provide actual slip resistance.
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 compositions achieve low gloss without sacrificing film properties, such as slip resistance and clarity, and are free from sedimentation, offering a sustainable solution by avoiding volatile organic compounds.
Implementation Method 1
The water soluble poly(ethylene oxide) resin may comprise polymerized units derived from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to aqueous coating compositions having low gloss for floor polishes, finishes and sealer, as well as wall and floor paints and sealers. These aqueous coating compositions contain one or more water soluble poly(ethylene oxide) resins having the general formula [—CH2CH2O—]n and one or more polymer binders.