Ready-to-Use Tile Joint Composition With Alkyd-Extended Wiping Time

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ready-to-use joint and adhesive compositions form a strong, unsightly film on tile surfaces that is difficult to remove within minutes of application, requiring immediate and precise wiping, and often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a few percent by weight of alkyd resin into the composition extends the 'open' time for wiping the residual film up to 30 minutes without degrading mechanical properties, using a single-component formulation that includes a mixture of alkyd resin and another film-forming polymer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a polymer binder is used in ready-to-use joint composition, then the composition achieves good bonding and filling properties, but the residual film forms quickly and becomes difficult to remove within minutes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of wipingVSAvoidopen time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the binder by introducing alkyd resin with specific molecular weight and oil content ratios. This modifies the drying kinetics and film formation characteristics, extending the open time while maintaining bonding performance. The alkyd resin content is optimized at 1-10% by weight to achieve the desired balance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite binder system combining alkyd resin with other film-forming polymers (acrylic, polyurethane, or vinyl). This composite approach leverages the extended open time properties of alkyd resin while maintaining the good bonding characteristics of modern polymers, achieving both extended wiping time and strong adhesion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Duration of action of moving object

If alkyd resin is added to extend open time, then the residual film can be removed longer, but the composition becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopen timeVSAvoidcomposition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the alkyd resin addition directly into the single-component ready-to-use composition during manufacturing. This integration allows the alkyd resin to function as part of the standard formulation rather than requiring separate application steps, maintaining ease of use while extending open time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If polymer binder is used to ensure strong adhesion, then bonding is effective, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes alkyd resin, which is generally less expensive than high-performance polymer latexes, as the primary binder component. This cost-effective approach maintains adequate bonding strength for tile joint applications while reducing production costs compared to using premium polymers exclusively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 composition allows easy removal of the thin film over a longer period, facilitating larger area application and reducing production costs and VOC content.

Implementation Method 1

the organic polymer binder quickly forms, by drying and coalescence of the latex particles, a polymer film which adheres strongly to the surface of the tiles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDrying: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

the organic polymer binder quickly forms, by drying and coalescence of the latex particles, a polymer film

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoalescence: Coagulation

Implementation Method 3

This could be due to the phenomenon of siccativation of the oily component of the alkyd resin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSiccativation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP4073169B1Ready-to-use seal and/or adhesive composition
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 SAINT-GOBAIN WEBER SA
  • EP4073169B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a ready-to-use pasty joint and/or paste composition, preferably a tile joint composition, comprising (a) a particulate component formed from fillers and/or pigments, (b) an organic binder comprising - a first film-forming polymer that is an alkyd resin, and - a second film-forming polymer that is different from an alkyd resin, (c) water.