Radiation-Curing Binders with Crystalline Esters for Low-Temperature Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radiation-curing powder coatings have poor storage stability and require high melting temperatures for flow, which can damage temperature-sensitive substrates like plastics and wood.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating crystalline maleic and/or fumaric acid esters with amorphous or partially crystalline resins that react with ethylenically unsaturated compounds under actinic radiation, along with auxiliary substances, to achieve a glass transition temperature range of 30 to 90°C, allowing for improved grindability and storage stability at lower melting temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If high melting temperatures are used to achieve good flow properties, then flowability is improved, but substrate damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow propertiesVSAvoidsubstrate damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the binder by incorporating specific crystalline components (maleic and/or fumaric acid esters) with controlled melting points between 40-140°C. This parameter change enables the binder to achieve adequate flow properties at lower temperatures (≤120°C), preventing substrate damage while maintaining coating quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite binder system combining amorphous or partially crystalline resins with crystalline maleic and/or fumaric acid esters. This composite material leverages the low melting point characteristics of the crystalline esters to reduce the overall melting temperature of the binder system, enabling flow at lower temperatures without sacrificing coating performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional radiation-curing binders are used, then coating properties are achieved, but storage stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating propertiesVSAvoidstorage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the binder's physical parameters by incorporating crystalline components with specific melting points (40-140°C) and controlling the glass transition temperature to 30-90°C. These parameter changes prevent cake formation during storage while maintaining coating performance, as the controlled crystallinity and melting characteristics prevent premature aggregation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If low melting temperatures are used to protect substrates, then substrate integrity is maintained, but flow properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubstrate integrityVSAvoidflow properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops a composite binder system where crystalline maleic and/or fumaric acid esters (melting point 40-140°C) are combined with amorphous or partially crystalline resins. This composite structure enables the binder to melt at low temperatures (≤120°C) while maintaining adequate flow properties, as the crystalline esters provide controlled melting behavior that facilitates flow without requiring excessive temperature.

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 solution enables storage-resistant powder coatings with good flow properties at ≤120°C, maintaining substrate integrity and achieving high-quality coatings on temperature-sensitive materials.

Implementation Method 1

one or more amorphous or partially crystalline resins containing at least one group that reacts with ethylenically unsaturated compounds under the action of actinic radiation to form a polymer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotopolymerisation: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

The melting point of the maleic or fumaric acid ester is within the range of 40 to 140° C., preferably 80 to 135° C.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 3

binder compositions having a glass transition temperature (Tg) within the range of from 30 to 90° C. inclusive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGlass transition:

Data Source

PatentUS7381764B2Radiation-curing binders containing carboxylic acid esters
Publication Date: 2008.06.03 ALLNEX NETHERLANDS BV

AI summary

The present invention relates to novel radiation-curing powder coating binders containing maleic and/or fumaric acid esters and one or more amorphous or partially crystalline resins containing at least one group that reacts with ethylenically unsaturated compounds under the action of actinic radiation to form a polymer. The binders have a glass transition temperature ranging from 30 to 90° C. The binders can be used as a constituent in coating compositions.