Coated Polymeric Articles Using SIS and ALD for UV Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Degradable polymers face challenges in UV resistance due to sensitivity, and existing solutions like UV stabilizers introduce environmental concerns, while methods like sol-gel synthesis face challenges in precursor solubility and layer uniformity.

Innovation Solution

A method involving embedding metal oxide particles in a polymeric substrate using Sequential Infiltration Synthesis (SIS) and coating with a metal oxide layer using Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) to enhance UV resistance, specifically using ZnO and TiO2 for their UV-absorbing properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If UV stabilizers or protective additives are included in the formulation of degradable polymers, then UV resistance is enhanced, but environmental persistence and recyclability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUV resistanceVSAvoidenvironmental persistence

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts harmful UV stabilizer chemicals from the polymer formulation and replaces them with metal oxide nanoparticles (ZnO, TiO2) that provide UV protection without environmental persistence issues. The metal oxide particles are incorporated during polymerization to achieve UV resistance without compromising biodegradability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the protective mechanism from chemical UV stabilizers to physical UV blocking via metal oxide nanoparticles. This parameter change in the protection mechanism allows achieving UV resistance through a different physical-chemical approach that does not involve persistent synthetic chemicals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If sol-gel approach is used to create organic-inorganic hybrid materials, then UV protection is achieved, but precursor solubility and chemical incompatibility issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUV protectionVSAvoidprecursor solubility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the sol-gel chemical processing method with a free-radical polymerization approach where metal oxide nanoparticles are incorporated into the polymer matrix during polymerization. This substitution of the manufacturing mechanism avoids solubility and chemical incompatibility issues associated with sol-gel precursors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If non-degradable coatings and laminates are applied to degradable polymers, then UV resistance is improved, but the overall degradability of the polymeric article is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUV resistanceVSAvoiddegradability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the UV protection function and the degradable polymer matrix into a single integrated system where metal oxide nanoparticles are incorporated within the degradable polymer itself. This combination ensures that both the polymer matrix and the UV protective particles degrade together, maintaining overall biodegradability while providing UV resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If layer-by-layer assembly methods are used to coat polymeric substrates, then UV protection can be achieved, but layer uniformity and adhesion remain challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUV protectionVSAvoidlayer uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by incorporating metal oxide nanoparticles into the polymer matrix during the polymerization process itself, before any coating or lamination steps. This preliminary incorporation ensures uniform distribution of UV protective particles throughout the material, achieving both UV protection and manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 combined SIS and ALD process significantly enhances UV resistance in polymers, achieving a tenfold growth rate increase in ZnO, providing superior hybridization control and uniformity, suitable for both degradable and non-degradable polymers.

Implementation Method 1

the metal oxide is characterized by at least one of, a UV-absorbing property and a UV-protective property

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

depositing a metal oxide layer on the passivated polymeric substrate, wherein depositing is performed by atomic layer deposition (ALD)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical vapor deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Data Source

PatentUS20250283216A1Coated polymeric article and method of making same

Publication Date: 2025.09.11 TECHNION RES & DEV FOUND LTD

AI summary

A coated polymeric article is disclosed. The article comprises: a polymeric substrate; metal oxide particles embedded in the polymeric substrate; and a metal oxide layer coating the polymeric substrate. The polymeric substrate may be a non-fibrous polymeric substrate.