Sprayable Cork-Acrylic Surfacing for Thermal Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surfacing materials lack effective thermal and acoustic insulation, durability, and protection against microorganisms, particularly for indoor and outdoor applications, and do not offer a dual function as both a decorative and insulating element.
Innovation Solution
A sprayable surfacing product composed of an aqueous dispersion with acrylic copolymers, natural cork particles, and a biocidal agent, providing thermal and acoustic insulation, high adherence, and protection against microorganisms, which can be applied to various surfaces using spraying equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional surfacing materials are used, then the surface is protected and decorated, but thermal and acoustic insulation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material system combining acrylic copolymer binder with natural cork particles (0.5-2 mm diameter) to create a surfacing that simultaneously provides protection, decoration, thermal insulation, and acoustic insulation. The cork particles act as insulating fillers within the polymer matrix, resolving the contradiction between protection effectiveness and energy loss.
2Reliability
If conventional surfacing materials are used, then the surface is protected, but protection against microorganisms is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bioprotection function from separate treatment steps and integrates it into the surfacing composition itself through copper-containing compounds (CuO, CuCO3, CuSO4, or basic copper carbonate) incorporated into the acrylic-cork composite. This eliminates the need for additional microbial protection layers while enhancing the base material's protective capabilities.
3Loss of energy
If multiple separate insulation systems are used, then thermal and acoustic insulation is achieved, but manual labor and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, surface protection, and decorative functions into a single sprayable surfacing composition. This eliminates the need for multiple separate insulation systems and application steps, directly reducing manual labor and material costs while maintaining energy efficiency.
4Ease of operation
If sprayable materials are used, then application is simplified, but durability and adherence are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the particle size of cork (0.5-2 mm) and the composition ratios of acrylic copolymer and cork to achieve optimal balance between sprayability and durability. The specific particle size range ensures easy atomization during spraying while maintaining structural integrity and strong adhesion to substrates like concrete, brick, or plaster after application.
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 product offers significant energy savings, improved durability, and dual functionality as both a protective and decorative element, replacing multiple insulation systems while adhering to European building regulations, with reduced manual labor and material costs.
Implementation Method 1
aqueous dispersion with acrylic copolymers, natural cork particles, and a biocidal agent, providing thermal and acoustic insulation, high adherence
Implementation Method 2
natural cork particles... providing thermal and acoustic insulation
Implementation Method 3
Terbutryn with 3-iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate as a protecting agent for protecting the dry film against attack by microorganisms such as algae, fungi, etc.
Implementation Method 4
sprayable surfacing product... which can be applied to various surfaces using spraying equipment
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sprayable, thermal and acoustic insulating surfacing based on cork and applicable on façades and walls or ceilings, both indoors and outdoors, consisting of a binding aqueous dispersion including: acrylic copolymer; polyvinyl alcohol; sodium carboxymethyl cellulose; ultrafine talcum powder; wetting agents and surfactants; preservative; terbutryn with 3-iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate;and water.