Polymer Lubricant Coating for 3D Printed Pipes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies face challenges in creating a slippery surface on three-dimensional shapes, particularly for complex geometries like circular pipes, and existing 3D printing materials mainly focus on two-dimensional surfaces, limiting their application in industries requiring self-cleaning and anti-biofouling properties.

Innovation Solution

A coating composition comprising a blend of polymer resin and lubricating oil, optionally with aerogel, is used to create a slippery surface on both inner and outer surfaces of three-dimensional articles, which can be achieved through a simple process of molding and curing, suitable for 3D printing techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional coating techniques are used on two-dimensional surfaces, then slippery surface properties are achieved, but application to three-dimensional shapes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability to three-dimensional shapesVSAvoidcoating process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical state and composition parameters of the coating material by incorporating lubricating oil and aerogel into the polymer matrix, transforming it from a conventional solid coating to a composite material with lubricating properties that can conform to complex three-dimensional geometries

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite coating material consisting of polymer, lubricating oil, and aerogel components that combine the structural integrity of polymer with the lubricating properties of oil and the lightweight porous characteristics of aerogel, enabling slippery surface formation on three-dimensional objects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If immersion coating is used for circular pipes with small inner diameter, then slippery surface is formed, but uniform coating inside the pipe is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniformity of slippery surfaceVSAvoidcoating process feasibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention modifies the rheological parameters of the coating composition by adjusting the ratio of lubricating oil and aerogel content, enabling the coating material to flow uniformly into small diameter pipes and conform to internal surfaces while maintaining slippery properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If fluorinated compounds are used for water repellence, then super water repellence is achieved, but harmful effects to human body occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater repellence performanceVSAvoidtoxicity to human body

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces harmful fluorinated compounds with a benign combination of lubricating oil and aerogel that provides similar or superior slippery surface properties without toxicity, converting a harmful coating approach into a safe alternative

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters by eliminating fluorinated compounds and using environmentally friendly lubricating oil and aerogel materials, maintaining the desired slippery surface performance while removing harmful substances

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 solution enables the production of articles with both inner and outer slippery surfaces, effectively addressing issues like ice removal, biofouling, and self-cleaning, and can be applied in various industries, including aerospace and medicine, with improved mechanical properties and long-lasting antibacterial properties.

Implementation Method 1

a lubricating layer on the surface... which exerts the self-cleaning ability that easily rolls down even at a small sliding angle of droplets due to the presence of a lubricating layer on the surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Implementation Method 2

containing a polymer and aerogel particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS11655430B2Coating composition for producing article

Publication Date: 2023.05.23 INDUSTRY UNIVERSITY COOPERATION FOUNDATION HANYANG UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A coating composition for producing an article is disclosed. The coating composition includes a blend of a polymer resin and a lubricating oil, wherein the coating composition is in a liquid-phase By using the coating composition, it is possible to produce the article which can be used in various industries, only with a simple process of molding and curing a polymer resin by the technique of the prior art.