Self-reinforced polymer textile adhesion via surface energy modification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Self-reinforced polymer composites (SRP) pose challenges in securely adhering different components together due to their low surface free energy, particularly when trying to attach fabrics or textiles, as traditional adhesives and methods like sewing or using hook and loop systems fail to provide a secure and lightweight bond.

Innovation Solution

Surface treatment of SRP materials to increase their surface energy, combined with the use of adhesive films that match the chemical characteristics of the SRP materials, such as polyamide, polyethylene, or polypropylene-based films, to form a strong and secure bond with textiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional adhesives are used to attach fabrics to SRP materials, then the bonding process is simple, but the adherence is insufficient due to low surface free energy

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadherenceVSAvoidbonding process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies surface treatment to modify the surface free energy parameter of SRP materials, transforming it from a low energy state to a high energy state. This parameter change enables traditional adhesives to achieve reliable bonding with SRP surfaces, resolving the contradiction between adherence reliability and manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an adhesive film as an intermediary substance that bridges the gap between SRP materials and textiles. This adhesive film, applied after surface treatment, acts as a mediator that transfers the modified surface properties to create a secure bond, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving adherence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If sewing methods are used to attach fabrics to SRP materials, then the bond strength can be sufficient, but the weight increases and the process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebond strengthVSAvoidcomponent weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical sewing system with a chemical bonding system using adhesive films. This substitution eliminates the need for needles, threads, and mechanical fastening, thereby reducing component weight while maintaining or improving bond strength through chemical adhesion enhanced by surface treatment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the surface free energy parameter through surface treatment, the patent enables chemical bonding to achieve the bond strength previously only attainable through mechanical sewing. This parameter change allows the adhesive film to create a secure bond without the weight penalty of sewing hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If hook and loop systems are used to attach fabrics to SRP materials, then the attachment is simple, but the bond is not secure enough for demanding applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment process simplicityVSAvoidbond security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the surface free energy parameter of SRP materials through surface treatment, creating a high energy surface that enables strong chemical bonding with adhesive films. This parameter change transforms the bonding mechanism from simple mechanical interlocking (hook and loop) to secure chemical adhesion, maintaining simplicity while dramatically improving bond security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite bonding system combining surface-treated SRP material with adhesive film and textile. This composite structure leverages the enhanced surface properties to achieve secure bonding that exceeds the capabilities of simple hook and loop systems, while maintaining ease of manufacture through the integrated nature of the components.

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 surface treatment and adhesive film approach enhances the adherence of textiles to SRP materials, ensuring a secure and lightweight bond that maintains the integrity of both the SRP and textile components, overcoming the limitations of traditional adhesives and sewing methods.

Implementation Method 1

Surface treatment of SRP materials to increase their surface energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface energy modification:

Implementation Method 2

use of adhesive films that match the chemical characteristics of the SRP materials to form a strong and secure bond with textiles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS20220388273A1Self-reinforced polymer structures

Publication Date: 2022.12.08 WILLIAMS GRAHAM

AI summary

A self-reinforced polymer adhered to a textile.