Radiation-Curable Polyurethane Melt for Surface Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing methods for surfaces, such as those used in furniture and flooring, require multiple layers and lengthy curing times, leading to inefficiencies in processing and space requirements due to the use of UV-curing paints and reactive hot melts.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of a radiation-curable melt composition based on moisture-crosslinking polyurethane, which is irradiated to achieve initial strength and full curing through moisture exposure, allowing for a single-layer application that hardens in stages without the need for multiple layers or lengthy curing times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV-curing paints are applied in multiple layers to achieve sufficient thickness, then the desired surface sealing and protection are improved, but the processing time and number of work steps increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The curing process is segmented into two distinct stages: first, UV irradiation provides immediate initial strength and surface sealing; second, moisture-induced cross-linking completes the curing process. This segmentation allows the first layer to be processed quickly while the second layer provides durable protection, resolving the contradiction between speed and quality.
Solution Approach 2:
UV irradiation is applied as a preliminary action to provide immediate initial strength and surface sealing before the object is packaged or further processed. This preliminary curing enables handling and transport immediately, while the complete curing occurs later through moisture exposure, eliminating the need for multiple work steps.
2Speed
If UV-curing systems are used to apply thin layers quickly, then the application speed is improved, but the total space required for multiple work steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of UV-curing (fast initial set) with moisture-curing (complete curing in ambient conditions) into a single hybrid system. This combination eliminates the need for separate facilities for different curing stages, reducing overall space requirements while maintaining high application speed.
Solution Approach 2:
UV irradiation provides preliminary curing that enables immediate handling and transport, eliminating the need for large dedicated curing facilities. The complete curing then occurs passively through moisture exposure during storage or transport, reducing facility space requirements.
3Productivity
If reactive hot melt is applied to achieve full thickness in one layer, then the number of applications is reduced, but the curing time extends to several days
Solution Approach 1:
The curing process is segmented into two distinct stages: first, UV irradiation provides immediate initial strength and surface sealing; second, moisture-induced cross-linking completes the curing process. This segmentation allows the first layer to be processed quickly while the second layer provides durable protection, resolving the contradiction between speed and quality.
Solution Approach 2:
UV irradiation is applied as a preliminary action to provide immediate initial strength and surface sealing before the object is packaged or further processed. This preliminary curing enables handling and transport immediately, while the complete curing occurs later through moisture exposure, eliminating the need for multiple work steps.
4Reliability
If multiple layers of paint are applied to achieve sufficient thickness, then the surface protection is improved, but the mechanical effort and complexity of the process increase
Solution Approach 1:
The curing process is segmented into two distinct stages: first, UV irradiation provides immediate initial strength and surface sealing; second, moisture-induced cross-linking completes the curing process. This segmentation allows the first layer to be processed quickly while the second layer provides durable protection, resolving the contradiction between speed and quality.
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
This approach enables rapid surface sealing with partial strength for immediate treatment and complete curing, reducing processing time and space requirements while maintaining flexibility to prevent brittle cracks.
Implementation Method 1
a) sealing the at least one part by applying a layer of a radiation-curable melt composition based on a moisture-crosslinking polyurethane to at least one part of the object surface; and b) irradiating the melt layer
Implementation Method 2
The irradiation is, for example, electron or UV irradiation. UV irradiation is preferred
Implementation Method 3
a layer of a radiation-curable melt composition based on a moisture-crosslinking polyurethane
Implementation Method 4
the subsequent curing process takes place with UV light or UV lamps
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for sealing at least one part of the surface of an object. Said method consists of the following steps (a) a layer which is made of a radiation-hardened melting mass based on a humidity cross-linked polyurethane is applied to at least one part of the surface of the object; and (b) the melt mass layer is radiated. The invention also relates to sealed surfaces of the object in addition to the use of the above-mentioned melt mass for sealing the surfaces.