Materials having a fire-resistant coating containing a spirophosphonate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flame retardant coatings for materials like textiles are either halogen-containing, which are not suitable for direct user contact, or halogen-free alternatives that lack effectiveness and cause moisture-related issues such as 'frog grip' and high brittleness.

Innovation Solution

A fire protection coating comprising a phosphonate compound, specifically 2,4,8,10-tetraoxa-3,9-diphosphaspiro[5.5]undecane-3,9-dioxide, combined with various film-forming binders and additional flame retardants like melamine or aluminum trihydroxide, which provides improved flame retardancy and prevents moisture-induced stickiness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If halogen-containing flame retardant coatings are used, then flame retardant effectiveness is improved, but the coating becomes unsuitable for direct user contact and causes environmental harm

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflame retardant effectivenessVSAvoidtoxicity and environmental harm
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using phosphonate compounds (specifically 2,4,8,10-tetraoxa-3,9-diphosphaspiro[5.5]undecane-3,9-dioxide) as flame retardants instead of halogen-containing compounds. This substitution maintains flame retardant effectiveness while eliminating the toxicity and environmental harm associated with halogens, thereby resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material formulations combining phosphonate compounds with film-forming binders (such as polyvinyl acetate, acrylic esters, or polyurethanes) and additional flame retardant additives (like aluminum trihydroxide or melamine). This composite approach achieves both effective flame protection and user safety by integrating multiple functional components that work synergistically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If halogen-free flame retardant coatings are used, then user safety is improved, but flame retardant effectiveness and moisture resistance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser safetyVSAvoidflame retardant effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the chemical structure and concentration parameters of phosphonate compounds to achieve effective flame retardancy without halogens. The specific phosphonate compound used (2,4,8,10-tetraoxa-3,9-diphosphaspiro[5.5]undecane-3,9-dioxide) demonstrates both flame retardant effectiveness and resistance to moisture-induced degradation, thereby resolving the contradiction between safety and effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite coating systems that integrate phosphonate compounds with film-forming binders and complementary flame retardant additives. This composite structure enhances both flame retardant effectiveness and moisture resistance while maintaining halogen-free composition, thus achieving user safety without compromising performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If halogen-free flame retardant coatings are used, then user safety is improved, but coating brittleness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser safetyVSAvoidcoating flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent formulates composite coatings that combine phosphonate compounds with flexible film-forming binders such as polyvinyl acetate, acrylic esters, or polyurethanes. These binder materials provide flexibility and adhesion that counteract the brittleness that might otherwise result from halogen-free flame retardant additives, thereby maintaining both user safety and coating flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adjusts the concentration ratios and molecular weight parameters of the binder and flame retardant components to optimize coating flexibility. By carefully controlling these parameters, the coating maintains adequate elongation and adhesion properties while incorporating effective halogen-free flame retardant phosphonate compounds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If high quantities of flame retardant are used, then flame retardant effectiveness is improved, but coating brittleness and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflame retardant effectivenessVSAvoidcoating flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes phosphonate compounds that exhibit high flame retardant efficiency at lower concentrations compared to conventional halogen-free additives. This reduces the quantity of flame retardant required in the coating formulation, thereby minimizing brittleness and associated manufacturing challenges while maintaining effective flame protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite formulations that leverage synergistic interactions between phosphonate compounds, film-forming binders, and complementary additives. This synergy allows for reduced overall flame retardant loading while achieving the required flame retardant effectiveness, thereby preserving coating flexibility and reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

5Reliability

If high quantities of flame retardant are used, then flame retardant effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflame retardant effectivenessVSAvoidmaterial cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs phosphonate compounds with high flame retardant efficiency per unit mass, allowing effective flame protection to be achieved at lower concentrations. This reduces the quantity of expensive flame retardant materials required, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining or improving flame retardant effectiveness compared to conventional formulations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes composite material systems where phosphonate compounds work synergistically with film-forming binders and additional flame retardant additives. This synergistic effect allows for reduced overall material quantities while achieving the required flame retardant performance, thereby reducing manufacturing costs associated with material procurement and application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 coating achieves enhanced fire protection with reduced moisture sensitivity and brittleness, allowing for thin, transparent applications while maintaining effectiveness in compliance with fire safety standards.

Implementation Method 1

a flame retardant, characterized in that the flame retardant is a phosphonate compound of the formula (I)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlame retardancy:

Implementation Method 2

containing at least one film-forming binder and a flame retardant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFilm formation:

Data Source

PatentEP3374441B1Materials having a fire-resistant coating containing a spirophosphonate
Publication Date: 2022.02.23 THOR GMBH
  • EP3374441B1 patent drawing
  • EP3374441B1 patent drawing
  • EP3374441B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a fire-resistant coating for materials, particularly fibre materials, containing at least one film-forming binder and a flame retardant, and characterised in that it contains as said flame retardant a compound of the following formula (I). The invention also relates to the use of the claimed fire-resistant coating for producing flame-resistant materials.