Silyl Cellulose Thickener for Silane Runoff
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrophobic silane compositions used for construction materials have low viscosity, making them difficult to apply effectively on vertical surfaces and hazardous to use, with known thickening methods offering limited solutions that can interfere with performance or be incompatible with hydrolyzable silanes.
Innovation Solution
A composition of hydrolyzable organosilanes thickened with alkylsilyl group-containing cellulose, such as trimethylsilyl cellulose, which provides a suitable viscosity for single-pass application on construction materials like concrete, forming a water-resistant film without runoff and being stable in the presence of water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydrolyzable organosilanes are used as hydrophobicizing agents, then water resistance is improved, but viscosity remains low causing runoff and application difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the viscosity parameter of the silane composition by adding a viscosity modifier, transforming it from a low-viscosity liquid that runs off surfaces to a higher-viscosity composition that remains on vertical surfaces for effective penetration and application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a viscosity modifier as an intermediary substance that mediates between the hydrolyzable organosilane and the application process, enabling proper flow characteristics and surface retention without interfering with the silane's hydrophobicizing function.
2Ease of operation
If known thickening methods are used, then viscosity is improved, but performance interference or incompatibility with hydrolyzable silanes occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully selects and adjusts the type and concentration of viscosity modifier to achieve the desired viscosity range while maintaining compatibility with hydrolyzable silanes and avoiding interference with their chemical reactivity and hydrophobicizing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The viscosity modifier acts as a compatible intermediary that provides thickening functionality without disrupting the chemical properties or reactivity of the hydrolyzable organosilane, unlike previous thickening agents that caused performance issues.
3Reliability
If multiple treatments are applied on sequential days, then water resistance is improved, but time consumption and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the viscosity parameter to enable single-pass application with complete surface coverage and penetration, eliminating the need for multiple sequential treatments and thereby significantly improving application efficiency and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The viscosity modifier is pre-added to the silane composition to ensure proper flow and surface retention characteristics before application, allowing complete effective coating in a single pass without requiring follow-up treatments.
4Productivity
If low viscosity silanes are spray applied, then application speed is improved, but safety hazards increase requiring protective equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent increases the viscosity parameter of the silane composition to a range that reduces spray drift and airborne mist formation, thereby maintaining application speed while significantly reducing safety hazards and the need for extensive protective equipment.
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 composition allows for efficient, single-pass application of hydrophobic treatments on construction materials, enhancing water resistance and stability, with minimal runoff and interference, while being compatible with existing construction processes.
Implementation Method 1
hydrolyzable organosilane compositions thickened with a cellulosic polymer
Implementation Method 2
hydrophobic nature of the silane provides desirable water resistance
Implementation Method 3
the alkoxy functionality therein to bind to an inorganic material
Implementation Method 4
their low viscosity makes their application in the field difficult... after runoff an insufficient amount of the material remains on the surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides thickened hydrolyzable organosilane, such as alkoxyalkyl silane compositions that comprise an alkylsilyl group-containing cellulose thickener having a weight average molecular weight of from 60 to 5000 kDa, such as a trialkylsilyl cellulose. The compositions may comprise neat hydrolyzable organosilanes and from 0.1 to 5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition, of the alkylsilyl group-containing cellulose. The compositions having a viscosity resembling paint or coating compositions and are suitable for use as treating or coating compositions that confer water resistance to cementititious substrates.