Powder-Coated Substrates for Edge Coverage and Thermal Insulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coatings on substrates, particularly at edges and corners, suffer from low film build and poor adhesion, leading to diminished protective and insulating properties, and difficulty in heat dissipation.

Innovation Solution

A substrate treated with a first material and a curable powder coating composition comprising a film-forming resin, thermally conductive filler, and a crosslinker, which forms a continuous film with improved adhesion and edge coverage, using a catalyst or rheology modifier to enhance the coating's properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If coatings are applied across the entire surface including edges and corners, then coverage is improved, but film build deteriorates due to coating flow over edges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating coverageVSAvoidfilm build
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a first material specifically to edges and corners before applying the powder coating composition. This creates a localized modification at critical areas where coating flow causes problems, enabling the coating to adhere properly to vertical surfaces without sacrificing coverage. The first material acts as a primer or adhesion promoter that is strategically placed where it is most needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If dielectric tapes and coatings are applied to provide insulating properties, then dielectric strength is improved, but adhesion deteriorates and uniform application becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedielectric strengthVSAvoidapplication uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The first material is applied to the substrate before the powder coating composition is applied. This preliminary action prepares the surface by improving adhesion properties and creating a suitable base for the dielectric coating, making the subsequent coating application easier and more uniform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite system consisting of a first material applied to the substrate and a powder coating composition containing film-forming resin, crosslinker, and thermally conductive filler. This composite approach combines the adhesion benefits of the first material with the dielectric and thermal properties of the powder coating, achieving both good adhesion and uniform application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If insulating coatings are applied to battery components, then electrical insulation is improved, but heat dissipation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical insulationVSAvoidheat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The powder coating composition includes thermally conductive filler material combined with film-forming resin and crosslinker. This composite material simultaneously provides electrical insulation through the dielectric properties of the coating while enabling heat dissipation through the thermally conductive filler, resolving the contradiction between insulation and heat management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Reliability

If powder coating composition is applied to substrates, then dielectric strength is improved, but edge coverage deteriorates due to coating pull-away

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedielectric strengthVSAvoidedge coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The first material is specifically applied to edges and corners where coating pull-away occurs. This localized treatment ensures that the powder coating composition adheres properly to vertical surfaces during curing, preventing pull-away and ensuring complete edge coverage while maintaining the dielectric properties of the coating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local 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

The solution provides improved dielectric strength, adhesion, and thermal conductivity, especially at edges and corners, by forming a continuous film with enhanced sag resistance and uniform coverage.

Implementation Method 1

a thermally conductive, electrically insulative filler material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a film-forming resin having functional groups, and optionally a crosslinker that is reactive with the functional groups of the film-forming resin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical crosslinking: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

the first material is (i) a catalyst that catalyzes cure of the powder coating composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS12559635B2Coated substrates and methods of preparing the same
Publication Date: 2026.02.24 PPG INDUSTRIES OHIO INC

AI summary

The present invention relates to a substrate having (a) a first material applied to at least a portion of the substrate, and (b) a coating layer deposited from a powder coating composition including a film-forming resin, and optionally a thermally conductive, electrically insulative filler material and/or a crosslinker that is reactive with the film-forming resin, in direct contact with at least a portion of the substrate to which the first material has been applied. The first material is (i) a catalyst that catalyzes cure of the powder coating composition, (ii) a component reactive with the film-forming resin and/or the crosslinker of the powder coating composition, and/or (iii) a rheology modifier.