Multilayer Polyurethane Adhesion via Segmented Bonding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processes for adhering polyurethane layers to supports of different chemical natures are complex, inflexible, and costly, limiting their application to articles of specific dimensions and shapes.

Innovation Solution

A multilayer material comprising a first compact polyurethane layer and a second adhesive layer, which can be easily and economically produced without a vulcanization step, allowing polyurethane to adhere to supports of varying chemical nature and dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If direct vulcanisation of polyurethane on the support is used, then adhesion to supports of various chemical nature is achieved, but the process becomes complex, inflexible and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the single-step vulcanisation process into two separate steps: (1) bonding the polyurethane layer to the support using a bonding agent at lower temperatures, and (2) subsequently vulcanising the polyurethane. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently, reducing overall process complexity while maintaining adhesion reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a bonding agent as an intermediary substance between the polyurethane layer and the support. This bonding agent facilitates adhesion at lower temperatures without requiring direct high-temperature vulcanisation of the polyurethane on the support, thereby simplifying the process and expanding compatibility with different support materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If direct vulcanisation of polyurethane on the support is used, then adhesion is achieved, but the process is inflexible for articles of different dimensions and shapes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidapplicability to different dimensions and shapes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the bonding and vulcanisation steps, the invention enables flexible processing of articles with varying dimensions and shapes. The bonding step can be performed on articles of any size or configuration, and the subsequent vulcanisation can be adjusted according to specific article requirements, greatly enhancing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the processing parameters by using lower bonding temperatures followed by controlled vulcanisation. This parameter change allows the process to accommodate articles of different dimensions and shapes that would be unsuitable for direct high-temperature vulcanisation, improving versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If direct vulcanisation of polyurethane on the support is used, then adhesion is achieved, but the process is costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented process allows bonding to be performed at lower temperatures using cost-effective bonding agents, avoiding the high energy costs and specialized equipment requirements of direct vulcanisation. This reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining adhesion strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bonding agent acts as an intermediary that enables adhesion at lower temperatures, reducing energy consumption and eliminating the need for expensive high-temperature vulcanisation equipment. This intermediary approach significantly reduces manufacturing costs while achieving reliable adhesion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 multilayer material effectively adheres to diverse supports, enabling the creation of durable articles that resist detachment, and can be applied to various shapes and forms without the limitations of traditional vulcanization processes.

Implementation Method 1

a second adhesive layer different from the first polyurethane layer and arranged adjacent to the first polyurethane layer with the adhesive layer in contact with the support so as to adhere the polyurethane layer to the support

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3964359B1Multilayer material comprising a first polyurethane layer, corresponding manufacturing method and article comprising the multilayer material
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 MASPES SRL

AI summary

A multilayer material is described comprising: a first layer of compact thermosetting polyurethane, having a continuous network and having a density between 0.90 and 1.5 and hardnesses between 40 shore A and 75 shore D, a second layer made of an adhesive material on both faces, a primer interposed between said first layer and said second layer, said primer comprising at least one substance selected from the group consisting of acrylates, isocyanates, silanates, epoxides or polyurethanes.