Roll Cover Filler Segmentation for Abrasion and Roughness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roll covers for calenders face challenges in achieving high abrasion resistance and pressure modulus while maintaining low surface roughness and minimizing brittleness, which is critical for producing smooth and glossy paper products.

Innovation Solution

The use of a combination of at least three fillers with different average grain sizes, specifically nanoscale, submicrometer-scale, and micrometer-scale fillers, integrated into a thermoset resin matrix, such as epoxy, to achieve high abrasion resistance, low surface roughness, and improved mechanical and thermal resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the degree of filling with hard abrasion-resistant fillers is increased to achieve high abrasion resistance and pressure modulus, then abrasion resistance and pressure modulus are improved, but surface roughness increases which negatively affects the smoothness of the paper

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabrasion resistanceVSAvoidsurface smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The filler system is segmented into three distinct size classes (nanoscale 1-100 nm, submicrometer 50-2000 nm, and micrometer 0.5-7 μm) with specific volume ratios. This segmentation allows each size class to fulfill different functions: nanoscale fillers provide high surface area for reinforcement, submicrometer fillers act as bridging elements, and micrometer fillers provide bulk abrasion resistance, collectively achieving low surface roughness while maintaining high abrasion resistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A composite filler system combining three different filler types with different grain sizes is used instead of a single filler type. The composite structure creates a hierarchical architecture where fillers of different scales work synergistically to provide both high abrasion resistance and low surface roughness, overcoming the limitations of conventional single-fillers approaches

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If the filler content is increased above certain limits to achieve high abrasion resistance, then abrasion resistance is improved, but brittleness of the material increases leading to higher risk of massive damage under thermal stresses or selective overloading

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabrasion resistanceVSAvoidbrittleness
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the parameters of the filler system by introducing a multi-size distribution with specific volume ratios (first filler: 2-25%, second filler: 0.5-5%, third filler: 0.5-10%). This parameter optimization allows achieving high abrasion resistance through controlled filler content while maintaining adequate toughness to resist thermal stresses and overloading, preventing excessive brittleness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If nanoscale fillers are used to achieve high pressure modulus and crack resistance, then mechanical properties are improved, but the complexity of the filler system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure modulusVSAvoidfiller system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite filler system combining nanoscale, submicrometer, and micrometer fillers in a hierarchical structure. This composite approach, while introducing some system complexity, achieves superior mechanical properties and abrasion resistance that outweigh the complexity, particularly given the synergistic effects of the multi-scale filler architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP2644773B1Roll cover
Publication Date: 2015.09.23 VOITH PATENT GMBH

AI summary

A roller covering, particularly for use in a device for producing or finishing a fibrous web such as a paper or cardboard web, is formed on a roller core made of metal or fiber-reinforced plastic and has a matrix system in which fillers are provided. At least three fillers are provided, each with different average particle sizes. Furthermore, after a break-in period, the roller covering has an equilibrium surface roughness of less than 0.25 µm Ra.