Solventless Ice-Phobic Coatings via Extraction and Intermediaries
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for coating systems that are safer, more environmentally friendly, and less expensive than hydrocarbon and fluorinated solvent-based systems, while maintaining performance requirements, particularly in reducing ice adhesion for aerospace applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of solventless curable coating systems incorporating low surface energy materials, cryoprotectants, and filler particles, which allow for moisture-based curing at room temperature and improved ice-phobic properties without the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydrocarbon solvents are used in polymeric coating systems, then the coating can be applied and cured effectively, but the system becomes flammable and volatile (VOC emissions)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes harmful hydrocarbon solvents from the coating system entirely, extracting the volatile component while retaining the coating's functional properties through alternative solvent-free or water-based formulations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces low surface energy materials as intermediary components that enable effective coating application and performance without requiring volatile hydrocarbon solvents, serving as a mediating substance that provides both application efficacy and safety
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fluorinated solvents are used to replace hydrocarbon solvents, then flammability and volatility issues are addressed, but ozone depletion potential and global warming potential increase along with cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful environmental properties of fluorinated solvents into a benefit by completely eliminating solvent use or using benign alternatives, thereby avoiding both the flammability issues of hydrocarbons and the environmental damage of fluorinated compounds
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs cost-effective, environmentally benign materials that can be disposed of or degraded without harm, replacing expensive fluorinated solvents with affordable, sustainable alternatives that meet performance requirements
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional coating formulations are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but ice adhesion resistance is insufficient for aerospace applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite coating formulations by combining low surface energy materials with conventional coating components, achieving superior ice phobic properties while maintaining cost-effectiveness through the synergistic interaction of different materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies key parameters of the coating formulation, specifically incorporating materials with critically low surface energy values (below 10 mN/m) to fundamentally change the surface properties and achieve ice adhesion resistance without sacrificing manufacturability
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
These systems effectively reduce ice adhesion failure stress and enhance durability and erosion resistance, making them suitable for aerospace applications while being cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Implementation Method 1
ice-phobic coating formulations include low surface energy materials
Implementation Method 2
ice-phobic coating formulations include low surface energy materials, cryoprotectants, and filler particles
Implementation Method 3
moisture-based curing at room temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed in certain embodiments is an ice-phobic coating formulation comprising an elastomer, filler particles, and a cryoprotectant.