Polyurethane Floor Coating with Hollow Glass Microspheres for Heat Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing polyurethane compositions for marine applications, such as ship decks, fail to effectively mitigate heat discomfort caused by infrared radiation and do not meet the required standards for heat reflective/shielding properties, Shore A, UV resistance, tensile strength, tear strength, and abrasion resistance.

Innovation Solution

A polyurethane composition comprising a polyol component and a hardener component, with the addition of 0.5-8 wt.% of hollow glass microspheres, which provides improved heat shielding and mechanical properties suitable for marine applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional polyurethane compositions are used for marine flooring, then basic mechanical properties are achieved, but heat discomfort from infrared radiation is not reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat discomfort upon touchVSAvoidheat shielding performance
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining polyurethane with hollow glass microspheres to create a new flooring composition that integrates the adhesive and mechanical properties of polyurethane with the thermal insulation properties of hollow glass microspheres, achieving both structural integrity and heat shielding performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes porous materials by incorporating hollow glass microspheres, which contain air-filled cavities that provide thermal insulation. These hollow structures trap air pockets that reduce heat transfer, thereby decreasing heat discomfort upon touch while maintaining the overall structural strength of the flooring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

2Reliability

If hollow glass microspheres are added to polyurethane composition, then heat shielding properties are improved, but mechanical properties may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat shielding performanceVSAvoidmechanical properties
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the concentration of hollow glass microspheres to 0.5-8 wt.% in the polyurethane composition. This specific range ensures sufficient heat shielding performance while maintaining adequate mechanical strength, balancing thermal and structural requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The composite structure of polyurethane matrix with hollow glass microsphere inclusions creates a synergistic effect where the polyurethane provides mechanical strength and adhesion while the hollow microspheres provide thermal insulation, achieving both improved heat shielding and maintained mechanical properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If marine flooring must meet multiple performance requirements, then comprehensive performance is achieved, but formulation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-property performanceVSAvoidformulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using hollow glass microspheres that simultaneously provide multiple functions: thermal insulation to reduce heat discomfort, structural reinforcement to maintain mechanical strength, and potential UV resistance contribution. This multi-functional additive simplifies the overall formulation approach while meeting multiple performance requirements

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

Solution Approach 2:

The polyurethane-hollow glass microsphere composite creates a multi-functional material system that integrates structural, thermal, and protective properties in a single formulation, reducing the need for multiple separate additives and simplifying the overall composition while achieving comprehensive performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 significantly reduces heat discomfort upon touch and enhances mechanical and chemical resistance, while maintaining desirable properties such as Shore A, UV resistance, tensile strength, tear strength, and abrasion resistance.

Implementation Method 1

The polyurethane composition further comprises 0.5-8 wt.-% of hollow glass microspheres... capable of displaying good reduction of the heat discomfort felt upon touch of substrates heated by infrared rays

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation reflection and scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS12234317B2Polyurethane composition for the manufacture of floors, especially for marine applications
Publication Date: 2025.02.25 SIKA TECH AG

AI summary

A polyurethane composition includes a polyol component (A) including at least one polyol, a hardener component (B) including at least one polyisocyanate and glass microspheres along with the other optional additives and fillers. Further a method for applying polyurethane composition to create floors. The polyurethane composition is suitable as a flooring material.