Resin Coated Article Extinction Layer Color Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Resin impregnated papers used in the woodworking industry face issues with unwanted color changes and patchy surface appearances due to phenolic resins, particularly when exposed to heat, which affect the aesthetic properties of laminated boards.

Innovation Solution

A coated article comprising three layers: a base layer, a resin-containing layer, and a reducing agent-containing layer, where the reducing agent is used to selectively eliminate the color of the resin, preventing darkening caused by heat or UV-light, thereby maintaining the aesthetic appearance of patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If phenolic resin is used for impregnation, then bonding strength and firm attachment are improved, but unwanted color change and darkening of the pattern occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidcolor change
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An extinction layer comprising a reducing agent is introduced as an intermediary between the pattern layer and the phenolic resin layer. This reducing agent prevents the oxidation and darkening of the pattern caused by the phenolic resin, thereby maintaining the aesthetic appearance while preserving the bonding strength of the phenolic resin.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The coated article is divided into multiple functional layers: a base layer, a pattern layer, an extinction layer comprising a reducing agent, and a phenolic resin layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, with the extinction layer specifically addressing the color change issue without compromising the bonding function of the phenolic resin layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If ammonium-based salt is added to reduce resol darkening, then color stability is improved, but brittleness and prolonged curing time occur

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedarkeningVSAvoidcuring time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding ammonium-based salts directly to the resin formulation, an extinction layer comprising a reducing agent is introduced as an intermediary. This approach reduces darkening without interfering with the curing process, thereby avoiding prolonged curing time and maintaining mechanical properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The reducing agent is segregated into a separate extinction layer rather than being mixed into the phenolic resin formulation. This segmentation prevents the reducing agent from interfering with the curing process while still providing protection against darkening, thus avoiding the drawbacks of extended curing time and brittleness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If melamine formaldehyde resin is added to improve color stability, then aesthetic properties are improved, but brittleness and impact on mechanical properties occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor stabilityVSAvoidmechanical properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

An extinction layer comprising a reducing agent is introduced as an intermediary to protect the pattern from darkening. This approach improves color stability without compromising the mechanical properties of the phenolic resin, as the reducing agent does not interfere with the resin's structural integrity or bonding strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The reducing agent is placed in a separate extinction layer rather than being incorporated into the phenolic resin formulation. This segmentation ensures that the mechanical properties of the phenolic resin are not compromised while still achieving color stability and preventing darkening of the pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 reducing agent effectively counteracts the darkening of the resin, ensuring a consistent and desired appearance of the pattern, even after exposure to heat, without impacting the printing process or mechanical properties.

Implementation Method 1

The core aspect of the invention is the finding that the reducing agent eliminates at least partially the color of the resin (either the color of the resin itself and/or dyes or pigments contained therein. Therewith the reducing agent is capable of counteracting the darkening of the resin regardless of its cause (e.g. UV-light or heat).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReduction: Reduction

Data Source

PatentEP2816154A1Resin impregnated coated article with improved aesthetic properties
Publication Date: 2014.12.24 SURFACTOR GERMANY
  • EP2816154A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2816154A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2816154A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a coated article comprising a base layer, a coating layer comprising a resin composition, and an extinction layer comprising at least one reducing agent capable of at least partially discoloring the resin composition.