Polymodal Polyurethane Coating for Spatter-Free Application

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for applying protective films to painted motor vehicle parts suffer from issues such as overspray, spatter, frayed edges, and the need for manual removal, which are inefficient and costly, particularly due to the use of solvents or labor-intensive foil applications.

Innovation Solution

A coating composition comprising an aqueous polyurethane dispersion with specific rheological properties, obtained by polymerizing NCO prepolymers and neutralizing agents, allowing for precise, spatter-free application and easy removal, characterized by a degree of neutralization, solids content, pH, and polymodal particle size distribution, which enables viscoelastic behavior and controlled viscosity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional aqueous dispersions are used for coating, then the coating can be applied to painted surfaces, but the liquid cannot be applied with precise edges and without overspray

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveedge precisionVSAvoidoverspray
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the degree of neutralization (30-70%) and adjusting the pH value (6.5-8.5) of the coating composition. These parameter adjustments modify the rheological properties and surface tension of the liquid, enabling precise application edges and preventing overspray while maintaining complete area coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If multi-jet nozzle is used to achieve overspray-free application, then precise edges can be obtained, but spatter occurs when switching the nozzle on and off

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveedge precisionVSAvoidspatter
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the rheological parameters of the coating composition, specifically optimizing viscosity and shear thinning behavior. This allows the coating to be discharged at controlled speeds from the nozzle, preventing spatter when switching on and off while maintaining precise edge definition during application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If coating material is discharged at high speed to maintain application efficiency, then productivity is improved, but pressure surges cause material to splash back and contaminate the surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication speedVSAvoidspatter
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the viscosity parameters and shear thinning characteristics of the coating composition. This allows the material to be discharged at high speeds for productive application while the controlled rheological behavior prevents pressure surges and splash-back, eliminating spatter contamination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If conventional coatings are applied to achieve complete coverage, then the film can protect the surface, but frayed edges make it difficult to peel off the film

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilm coherenceVSAvoidpeelability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the degree of neutralization (30-70%) and pH value (6.5-8.5), which creates a balanced film structure. This results in frayed-free edges that maintain film coherence for reliable protection while enabling easy peeling off without manual intervention

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 composition allows for efficient, spatter-free application and complete removal of films without the need for follow-up treatments, ensuring uniformity and coherence, reducing labor and material waste.

Implementation Method 1

obtained from the polymerization of NCO prepolymers containing reaction products of aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

The coating composition according to the invention has viscoelastic behavior, with the material functions of the modulus of elasticity G′ and the loss modulus G′′ having a substantially constant slope in the deformation range between γ=0.05 and γ=1

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Implementation Method 3

After the film has dried or hardened

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 4

applying an aqueous dispersion to the painted parts and solidifying the dispersion to form a peelable film

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase Change: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentEP2183293B1Coating composition for producing liquid films
Publication Date: 2015.09.09 MANKIEWICZ GEBR & CO GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2183293B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP2183293B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP2183293B1 patent drawingFigure 2a

AI summary

The invention relates to a coating composition, a method for the production thereof, and the use thereof for producing liquid films, wherein the coating composition can be produced from one or more polyurethane dispersions, which are obtained from the polymerization of NCO prepolymers made of aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates, macrodiols, 2,2-bis-(hydroxymethyl)-monocarboxylic acids and short-chained diols, by adding a neutralizing agent and subsequent slow stirring, wherein at least one polyurethane dispersion has a polymodal particle size distribution having at least one part in the range from 50 to 150 nm, at least one part in the range from 250 to 600 nm and/or at least one part in the range from 1000 to 3000 nm.