Clear Polyester Gelcoat Barrier Layer for Pool Surface Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fibreglass pool surfaces subjected to prolonged submersion in water and chemical sanitizers experience degradation and fading, leading to aesthetic and structural issues, with existing protective measures failing to prevent discolouration and delamination.
Innovation Solution
A surface composition featuring a clear polyester gelcoat barrier layer applied atop a coloured or decorative layer, incorporating UV inhibitors and metal promoters for enhanced durability and interlaminar bonding, which protects the pool surface from chemical and UV-induced degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a coloured or decorative layer is applied to the pool surface to provide aesthetic appearance, then the visual appeal is improved, but the surface becomes susceptible to fading and degradation from water and chemical exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The pool surface is divided into two distinct layers: a coloured or decorative layer for aesthetic appearance and a clear barrier layer for protection. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The clear barrier layer acts as an intermediary between the coloured layer and the harsh pool environment (water, chemicals, UV exposure). This protective intermediary shields the decorative layer from direct contact with degrading elements while allowing the aesthetic properties to remain visible.
2Reliability
If protective measures are applied to prevent degradation, then durability is improved, but delamination and osmotic blistering occur due to poor interlaminar bonding
Solution Approach 1:
Metal promoters are added to the clear barrier layer formulation to change the chemical parameters of the resin system. These promoters enhance the interlaminar bonding strength between the barrier layer and the coloured layer, preventing delamination and osmotic blistering while maintaining the protective function.
3Ease of manufacture
If organic pigments are used to provide vibrant colours, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but stability against fading is reduced due to water solubility and chemical reactivity
Solution Approach 1:
The clear barrier layer serves as a protective intermediary that shields the organic pigment-containing coloured layer from direct exposure to water, chemicals, and UV radiation. This allows vibrant organic pigments to be used without immediate degradation, as the barrier prevents the harmful agents from reaching and reacting with the pigments.
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 solution effectively prevents delamination and osmotic blistering, maintaining the pool's aesthetic and structural integrity by shielding the decorative layer from water and UV exposure, allowing for a wider range of colours and longer-lasting finishes without the need for frequent refurbishment.
Implementation Method 1
the clear barrier layer is in use, disposed atop the colored or decorative layer and in contact with the aqueous liquid whereby the clear barrier layer protects the structure and appearance of the colored or decorative layer
Implementation Method 2
incorporating UV inhibitors and metal promoters for enhanced durability
Implementation Method 3
The surface composition provides strong interlaminar bonding between the barrier layer and the under layer. As such, the surface composition of the invention advantageously minimises delamination and prevents osmotic blistering
Implementation Method 4
the water itself, which is typically of a temperature between 12 to 41°C, is a harsh solvent capable of dissolving any water soluble material (WSM) and hydrolysing any of the water soluble components used in manufacture of the pool
Data Source
AI summary
ABSTRACT There is provided a surface composition for reducing degradation and fading of surfaces subjected to extended periods of submersion in an aqueous liquid. The surface composition comprises at least one clear barrier layer and at least one under layer, wherein the clear barrier layer is in use, disposed atop the under layer and in contact with the aqueous liquid whereby the clear barrier layer protects the structure and appearance of the under layer. The surface composition is particularly useful in applications where the surface is subjected to extended periods of submersion in liquids containing hydrolysing or oxidising agents, exposure to ultra violet radiation, or combinations thereof, whereby the clear barrier layer provides structural protection against degradation from chemical attack and from fading due to UV exposure. There is also provided a method of manufacturing a swimming pool surface composition. There is further provided a use of a surface composition in the manufacture of a swimming pool or spa pool. There is yet further provided a swimming pool or spa pool manufactured from the inventive surface composition.