Polyfunctional Monomer Mediator for Durable Hydrophilic Coatings

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a demand for improving the antifouling properties and durability of hydrophilicity on inorganic substrates, such as crockery, to enhance cleaning efficiency and prevent mineral deposits.

Innovation Solution

A surface treatment agent comprising a pretreatment agent with a silane compound and a polyfunctional monomer, and a hydrophilizing treatment agent, where the polyfunctional monomer has reactive groups that react with both the silane compound and the hydrophilizing agent, forming crosslinking points to improve hydrophilicity and antifouling properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a silane coupling agent and hydrophilic compound are applied sequentially (conventional method), then hydrophilicity is improved, but durability and antifouling property are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedurability of hydrophilicityVSAvoidsurface treatment structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a polyfunctional monomer as an intermediary between the silane coupling agent and hydrophilic compound. This monomer has multiple reactive groups that enable it to bridge both components, forming a more stable and durable surface treatment layer with enhanced antifouling properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite surface treatment structure consisting of silane coupling agent, polyfunctional monomer, and hydrophilic compound working together. This composite approach combines the adhesion benefits of silane with the hydrophilicity of the compound, mediated by the polyfunctional monomer, to achieve superior durability and antifouling performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional surface treatment is applied to inorganic substrates, then hydrophilicity is improved, but antifouling property is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantifouling propertyVSAvoidsurface treatment process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The polyfunctional monomer serves as a mediator that simultaneously reacts with the silane coupling agent and hydrophilic compound, creating a integrated surface treatment system that provides both hydrophilicity and antifouling properties in a single application process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The polyfunctional monomer performs multiple functions: it acts as a bridge between silane and hydrophilic compound, provides additional crosslinking points for enhanced durability, and contributes to antifouling properties. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall treatment process while achieving multiple performance goals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution effectively imparts superior antifouling properties and durable hydrophilicity to inorganic substrates, maintaining hydrophilicity even with commercial detergents and preventing mineral deposits, thereby improving cleaning efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a silane compound having a reactive silyl group and an organic functional group

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSilane coupling: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

the polyfunctional monomer has one or more first reactive groups that react with the organic functional group

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymerization reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

the polyfunctional monomer has one or more second reactive groups that react with the hydrophilizing treatment agent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophilization: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS20240067579A1Surface treatment agent, hydrophilized inorganic substrate, and method for producing same
Publication Date: 2024.02.29 LIXIL CORP

AI summary

Provided is a surface treatment agent capable of imparting superior antifouling property as well as good and durable hydrophilicity to an inorganic substrate. The surface treatment agent is one comprising a pretreatment agent and a hydrophilizing treatment agent and being to be sequentially applied to an inorganic substrate, wherein the pretreatment agent comprises a silane compound having a reactive silyl group and an organic functional group and a polyfunctional monomer, and the polyfunctional monomer has one or more first reactive groups that react with the organic functional group and one or more second reactive groups that react with the hydrophilizing treatment agent.