Siloxane-Based Nonskid Coating for Marine Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional nonskid coatings used by the U.S. Navy face issues with manual application processes leading to inconsistent profiles, reduced traction, potential injury from sharp peaks, early corrosion, and degradation due to oxidation and UV radiation, along with high VOC content causing solvent entrapment and cracking.

Innovation Solution

A siloxane-based nonskid coating system comprising an amino-functional polysiloxane and non-aromatic epoxy resin, combined with spherical fillers and abrasive aggregates, allowing for both roll and spray application with enhanced durability and slip resistance, while reducing VOC content and improving resistance to oxidation and UV exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional epoxy/amine nonskid coatings are used, then slip resistance is provided, but they degrade due to oxidation and UV radiation within a few months

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using polysiloxane resins with amino functional groups instead of traditional epoxy/amine systems. This chemical parameter change provides inherent resistance to oxidation and UV radiation, extending service life while maintaining slip resistance through the siloxane backbone structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite coating system combining polysiloxane resin, silane-modified polyepoxy, and silane crosslinking agent. This composite approach integrates the UV and oxidation resistance of siloxane chemistry with the adhesion and mechanical properties of epoxy systems, achieving both durability and extended service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If traditional epoxy/amine coatings are applied manually with rollers, then application is simple, but profile consistency varies and sharp peaks can cause injury

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication easeVSAvoidprofile consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the coating's rheological parameters by incorporating silane crosslinking agents and controlling the crosslink density. This changes the coating's flow characteristics and peak formation behavior during application, reducing the likelihood of sharp peaks while maintaining the necessary profile for slip resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention allows for the use of standard, readily available rolling equipment without requiring specialized application tools. The coating formulation itself provides the profile consistency needed to work with conventional application equipment, eliminating the need for expensive or complex application systems.

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

3Ease of manufacture

If aggregate size is reduced to enable spray application, then sprayability is improved, but coefficient of friction decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray applicabilityVSAvoidcoefficient of friction
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the coating's viscosity and flow parameters through silane crosslinking and controlled aggregate distribution. This allows the coating to be spray-applied with larger aggregates retained, maintaining both sprayability and high coefficient of friction through the preserved aggregate structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The silane crosslinking agent acts as an intermediary that modifies the interaction between the coating matrix and aggregates. This intermediary substance allows aggregates to remain suspended and functional during spray application, preventing them from being compressed or degraded while maintaining sprayability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If high VOC content is used in traditional coatings, then coating formulation is simplified, but solvent entrapment and cracking occur during curing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformulation complexityVSAvoidcuring quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition by using polysiloxane resins and silane crosslinking chemistry that cure through moisture curing or controlled crosslinking mechanisms. This parameter change eliminates or reduces VOC content while providing reliable curing through alternative chemical pathways, preventing solvent entrapment and cracking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the traditional VOC-based solvent evaporation curing mechanism with a chemical crosslinking mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for high VOC content and replaces the physical evaporation process with chemical bond formation, ensuring reliable curing without solvent entrapment issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 siloxane-based coating system provides improved exterior durability, consistent slip resistance, and reduced VOC emissions, extending service life and preventing premature degradation, while allowing for efficient application methods that minimize profile inconsistencies and corrosion.

Implementation Method 1

a amino-functional polysiloxane and non-aromatic epoxy resin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

spherical fillers for lowering viscosity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscosity reduction:

Implementation Method 3

coarse aggregate... providing a skid/slip-resistant surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

resistant to oxidation and ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation resistance: Oxidation

Implementation Method 5

resistant to oxidation and ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUV radiation resistance: Radiation

Implementation Method 6

reducing VOC content and improving resistance to oxidation and UV exposure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVOC reduction:

Data Source

PatentEP3286277B1Exterior durable siloxane-based nonskid/nonslip coating
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
  • EP3286277B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3286277B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3286277B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a nonskid/nonslip composition comprising a mixture or a reaction product of an amino-functional polysiloxane and a non-aromatic epoxy, a polyamide polymer, and an abrasive aggregate. The nonskid/nonslip composition may further comprises an alkoxysilane- or hydroxyl -functional material, a filler, a solvent, a pigment, or a catalyst.