Self-Sealing Waterproofing Membrane with Porous Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for self-sealing articles that provide nail sealability according to Modified Test 1, 2, or 3 of ASTM D-1970/D-1970M-13 and offer acceptable water vapor permeability performance, while also providing robust adhesion to various surfaces, including wet substrates.

Innovation Solution

A self-sealing article comprising a porous layer partially impregnated with a polymeric material, where the major surface is covered with a polyoxyalkylene polymer having alkoxy silane end groups, and featuring a pressure-sensitive adhesive that is discontinuously disposed on the surface, ensuring both nail sealability and water vapor transmission rates meet ASTM standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a waterproofing sheet with pressure sensitive adhesive layer is used to seal openings, then waterproofing performance is improved, but moisture permeability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproofing performanceVSAvoidmoisture permeability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a microporous membrane as the base layer that provides both waterproofing and moisture vapor permeability. The porous structure allows water vapor molecules to pass through while blocking liquid water, resolving the contradiction between waterproofing performance and moisture permeability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite waterproofing sheet by combining a microporous membrane with a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The microporous membrane provides moisture vapor permeability while the adhesive layer provides waterproofing and sealing capability, achieving both requirements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If mechanical fasteners are used to affix waterproofing sheet, then installation ease is improved, but moisture sealability worsens due to nail holes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidmoisture sealability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer automatically seals around nail heads and fasteners upon application, providing self-sealing capability. This eliminates the need for additional sealing operations and ensures moisture sealability at penetration points without compromising installation ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If conventional adhesives are used on air barrier articles, then adhesion strength is improved, but adhesion to wet substrates deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidadhesion to wet substrates
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the pressure-sensitive adhesive formulation to include specific additives and adjust chemical composition parameters that enable effective adhesion to wet substrates. This allows the adhesive to maintain bonding strength even when applied to surfaces with moisture present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively achieves nail sealability and water vapor permeability, maintaining adhesion to wet surfaces, thereby enhancing the performance of air and water barrier systems in building applications.

Implementation Method 1

A self-sealing article comprising a porous layer partially impregnated with a polymeric material, where a first major surface of the porous layer is covered with a polymeric material... featuring a pressure-sensitive adhesive that is discontinuously disposed on the surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

The nonwoven fabric thus obtained has an appropriate pore size. It blocks water, but allows water vapor to pass therethrough

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP3107712B1Self sealing articles
Publication Date: 2023.09.20 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
  • EP3107712B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2
  • EP3107712B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3107712B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

There are provided self sealing articles having a porous layer at least partially impregnated with a polymeric material where a first major surface of the porous layer is covered with the polymeric material and where the article passes Modified Test 1 of ASTM D-1970/D-1970M-13, Modified Test 2 of ASTM D-1970/D-1970M-13, or Modified Test 3 of ASTM D-1970/D-1970M-13 and is water vapor permeable and an air and water barrier. A self sealing article having a major surface of a porous layer that is coated with a polymeric material, where the porous layer comprises a microporous membrane, and where the article passes Modified Test 1 of ASTM D-1970/D-1970M-13, Modified Test 2 of ASTM D-1970/D-1970M-13, or Modified Test 3 of ASTM D-1970/D-1970M-13 and is water vapor permeable and an air and water barrier.