Silicone Emulsion Release Coating for Food and Optoelectronics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing curable silicone compositions for forming release coatings on substrates face challenges such as high viscosity, misting during processing, and surface defects, particularly at high production speeds. Additionally, the use of fluorinated and chromium-containing compounds raises environmental and health concerns, especially in food packaging applications.

Innovation Solution

A silicone release coating emulsion comprising an aliphatically unsaturated polyorganosiloxane composition with hexenyl-functional groups, a polyorganohydrogensiloxane, a hydrosilylation reaction catalyst, an inhibitor, water, a buffer, and optionally a surfactant and polyvinyl alcohol, which can be cured to form a thin, effective release coating on various substrates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fluorinated compounds are used to provide non-stick properties, then oil, fat and water repellence is improved, but environmental and health concerns arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenon-stick propertiesVSAvoidenvironmental and health concerns
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces persistent fluorinated compounds with a curable silicone composition that forms a durable coating, eliminating the need for continuous application of harmful substances while maintaining the non-stick function

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

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters by using silicone-based compounds with specific functional groups (vinyl, alkoxysilyl) that cure to form a crosslinked network, achieving the desired performance without fluorinated compounds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If chromium-containing compounds are used for treatment, then oleophobicity is improved, but environmental and health concerns arise

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveoleophobicityVSAvoidenvironmental and health concerns
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces heavy metal chromium compounds with organic silicone-based compounds that provide the same oleophobic function without toxicological concerns, using a curable composition that forms a permanent coating

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

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite silicone composition containing multiple functional components (polyorganosiloxane with vinyl groups, polyorganohydrogensiloxane, crosslinking agents) that work together to achieve oleophobicity without harmful metals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If high amounts of material are used to confer oleophobicity, then effectiveness is improved, but coating thickness increases which deteriorates mechanical properties

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveoleophobicityVSAvoidmechanical properties
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the concentration and molecular weight parameters of the silicone compounds to achieve effective oleophobicity at low coating thickness, with the curable composition forming a dense crosslinked network that provides both function and mechanical integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a synergistic composite of multiple silicone compounds with different functions (surface activity, crosslinking, structural integrity) that achieve effective protection at low material loading while maintaining paper strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Reliability

If thick coating is formed on paper, then oleophobicity is improved, but durability upon creasing or folding deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveoleophobicityVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the coating thickness parameter and molecular structure of the silicone compounds to form a thin, flexible coating that can accommodate paper deformation without cracking, while maintaining the oleophobic function through the curable crosslinked network

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a thin, flexible silicone coating film that conforms to the substrate and can bend with the paper during creasing and folding, preventing coating failure while maintaining protective properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 emulsion enables the formation of a release coating with improved anchorage, reduced water uptake, and lower extractables, addressing the challenges of dust formation, surface defects, and environmental concerns. It allows for thinner, more controlled coatings with enhanced performance and reduced production costs.

Implementation Method 1

a hydrosilylation reaction catalyst

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrosilylation reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP4298171B1Silicone emulsion and methods for the preparation and use thereof
Publication Date: 2025.01.29 DOW SILICONES CORP

AI summary

A silicone release coating emulsion can be dried and cured to form a silicone release coating on both paper and plastic substrates. The coated substrates are useful in various end use applications, including both (opto)electronic device fabrication and food contact applications.